Shedding What Doesn't Belong

I recently watched a documentary on yoga.  Even though I do not follow the Dalia Lama's teachings I was struck by something he said.  He was asked by the seeker in the documentary how to find himself.  The reply was simple-let go of everything that is not you.  This resonated with me and I have mulled over it for a few weeks.  I realize that I have many things in my life that are wonderful and nice but do not represent me.  Funny how I learn things that I wish I knew all my life.  I wish I felt free in my twenties to express the things I love instead of trying to fit in.  Perhaps I will be able to instill these lessons in my children and then be wise enough to let them find the things they love even when I may not love those things. 

Wonderful Weekend

April has been a busy month at the Edwards household.  I have been meeting myself coming and going.  This last weekend was a wonderful repreive!  We went to Rogers Scout Reservation and camped with a bunch of Cub Scouts.  There were 517 registered.  Our campground was remote and filled with pine trees.  The wind whispered great secrets through the pines and soothed my racing mind. I turned the cell phone off and enjoyed the canadian geese who made the lake their home.  The girls and I canoed on the lake Saturday morning.  Then I went back to camp and enjoyed the peace while I read a book a dear friend of mine gave me. 

I escaped into the world of The Secret Life of Bees sitting in the sunshine.  Around noon the kids came back and we went on a long hike.  After lunch I went back to my haven and everyone else commenced with the activities.  I finished my book on Saturday.  It was fabulous.  Thanks so much Lori for sharing it with me!  Saturday evening we went to dinner and to campfire activities.  After we arrived back in camp it began to rain softly.  It rained all night.  We slept to the rain dancing on the rainfly encouring us to sleep.  We packed up in the drizzle Sunday morning and broke camp.  I am so thankful to the beautiful creation that gave me rest.  Now to finish April!  Have a great day everyone.

The Help

This book is wonderful!!  The

 characters are genuine.  I feel as

 though I could call them up and

 have a conversation.  I have

 dreamt about these women,

 laughed with them and cried with

 them.  I could not put the book

 down.  I intended to read slowly

and savor it but ended up grieving

 when I had to put it down.  I hope

 you all enjoy it as much as I.  If

have read it I would enjoy your

comments.  I would like to know

what character you think describes

 you the best. 

Mountain View

A couple of weekends ago my daughter and I went to Mountain View to learn about Edible Plants. If I ever run away you may find me in the beautiful Ozark Mountains in Central Arkansas. The White, Red and Buffalo River surround Mountain View and the quaint towns and townspeople were a joy. We ate organic, homemade bread from Serenity Farms in Leslie, Arkansas. They offerered sourdough wheat bread and homemade cheese which we bought for our lunch. Jenelle bought a homemade eclair that was scrumptious.

We hiked at three locations on Friday and identified edible plants. We visited the White, Red and Buffalo River. On Saturday we had classes teaching us how to prepare the edibles that we identified on Friday. Our lunch was a wonderful salad, soup and bread. Our drink was a spearmint soda made with spearmint syrup and sparkling water. Spearmint grows in my flower bed and I will be making this refreshing drink this summer. Saturday afternoon we distilled herbs. This is done to extract essential oil from the herbs.

Jenelle and I had the pleasure to stay at Mountaintop Bed and Breakfast. We had an unbelievable view of the White River and a gracious host. It was a blessing to get away with Jenelle for some Mother/Daughter time. She is a joy. Oh-and to top off the beauty of the weekend we saw a complete rainbow on the way home. Thanks Yahweh!