The Thinking Mother

I know it has been a minute and I am so glad to be back on the world wide web family. So since we last spoke I have had some, lets just say less than thrilling experiences in the wonderful world of what I like to call "Teen Land." My recent experiences put the HOOD in parenthood. It's like a battlefield with my 13 year old son at this moment in time. He has hooked up with the wrong group of kids at school, started talking back to adults, bullying kids in class, and to boot thinks he's a man because sperm comes out of his little peckerwood.   Now, I must admit that I don’t have the answer to out of control teens and if I did, then heck I would have sold it and been a billionaire. I am however saying that sharing is caring. I have accepted the fact that you can give or teach your children all the lessons or tools in the world but if they actively choose to not utilize them, then there's nothing that you can do. Now that doesn’t mean simply give up on them. It does however mean you can't control the will of others and this includes our children. When talking goes in one ear and out the other, when heart to hearts go south, when ass whoopings get you no where but tired, when others attempts fail miserably and when sick and tired only gets you tired of being sick and tired……. then what happens?

What I am finding happens, is that we continue to seek to break all these cycles that were either set in motion before our children came into existence along with other cycles that were created through our own ignorance. The funny thing about all of this is that there are so many different cycles that contribute to the complexities of raising our children, that it's not even funny. I have tried so many things with my son from switching parenting methods, to enlisting help of "professionals", to friends and some family members helping out. The interesting part of all of this is that when you involve so many people and they all end up repeating what you have already said, lets just say you feel less crazy. Nonetheless no matter how many people repeat what I say or agree with me it doesn’t change the behaviors exhibited  by my son. And then what happened or happens??? Well family as for myself I have come to understand that I have a child that is determined to make his own way. Now I may not like his methods nor respect his actions, but I understand the need to do it on your own. I have often times forgot was it was like for me as a  child. The need to find out  everything for myself, the cross between wanting to be cool and pleasing my teachers or parents, not fitting into different clicks, feeling conflicted between wanting to kind of be a "good girl" verses being like some other members of my family. It was  a very trying and confusing time for me. I had so many influences that were both positive and negative.  My parents at the time had tried everything they thought of to reach me and all the while I was thinking all the things but the right ones. In the end they just let go and left me to do just was I was determined to do, which was to find my own way. That way my friends had so many bumps along the path that it wasn’t even funny. Now my son is appearing to come to the same crossroads himself with me. I have given all the knowledge that I can as to provide direction and the tools to reach a proper understanding on the consequences of his choices. Now I can empathize with a young man or any mans need to make his own way so at this point I am leaving him to his own justice. By justice I mean to say that whether  the he gets a reward or is penalized for his actions he is the one who has to go through it without my aide. This may seem harsh to some and not to others. At this point my stance is if you keep jumping off a boat into the ocean and can't swim and I constantly throw over a float then you'll keep jumping because my actions are predictable and you feel safe. Now if I take the same scenario and tell that child where the life jacket is, how to put it on, and give all the instructions on how to use it and then leave. He has to think about his actions with a little more care because he no longer sees me on the deck of the boat. This does not imply a lack of love but an understanding that sometimes degrees of space can accomplish some amazing things. Since however this is reality and everything doesn't always play out in the way  that we anticipate it, I'll keep you posted family. Peace and Love

Beautiful SciAsia Aset Earth

Cornbread

Corn Bread

Ingredients :       

• 1 cup Medium Grind Cornmeal  
• 1 cup Flour  
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt  
• 4 tsp Baking Powder  
• 1 cup of Sugar  (I use sugar in the raw)
• 1 Egg  ( I use ener-g egg replacer)
• 1 cup Milk (I use soy)
• 1/4 cup Butter or Margarine, softened ( I use vegan margarine)

Directions:

Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl.  Add the egg, milk and butter.  Beat until smooth, about 1 minute.  Be careful not to overbeat.

Bake in a greased 8-inch square pan for 20-25 minutes at 425°F.  Serve warm with butter and a beaming smile.

A Simple Lesson Learned

Peace Family,

Please pardon my hold up of the progression of this blog. I have had to take a few steps back to better observe my position and determine the best direction for me at this time. My personal life over the last couple of months has made me ponder virtually every aspect of my 31 years of living. The one thing that stayed in the forefront of my mind was the conditions in which I have created for myself and my children over the years. I have three beautiful children and all of them have some sort of issue, be it overly emotional, entirely too clingy, or completely disconnected. The only one sure thing of it all is that, it is my actions that have bought about their reactions. As parents or just people in general we like to at times blame everything and anything on others. This gives us this really delusional idea that we didn’t screw up so bad because someone else had their hand in the pot. Then we proceed with this fantastic idea that we now feel better due to this fact. I think we often like to hear a bunch of pleasantries about parenting and how things will turn out if we just have patience. We often hear people say, just hold on, get a message or take a break and meditate. The questions becomes what happens when those seemingly minute things do not work in bringing you any type of comfort when parenting suddenly stops being easy and comfortable. Now as we proceed, know one thing.... I am not saying that I have all  the answers or even the correct one. You know how many places I have looked for the answers, how many people I have asked for this answer. In the end only to find that when you stop, take a step back, and honestly evaluate the situation, the answers you find may be the best solutions to your problems. When you think about it and ask yourself who knows you or your children better than you do. It makes you wonder why we depend on a greater deal of information from others verses listening to our spirit as it guides us. As parents we are connected to our children and as they are to us in a way that compares to nothing else. As woman we carry these beautiful beings within our being. We feel them move and grow. They listen to our voices and at a point go to sleep and wake up to the sound of our heartbeats. Do we really understand that connection? Melanin responds to rhythm and our babies wake and sleep to our beating hearts. It’s funny to me now, how much I have listened to others only to one day just get it. Parenting is in no way easy and at times it may be down right unbearable. I have been a single parent for so many years and at times feel so broken, worn, and torn. I have needed a break from the children so badly that at times I would break down into tears. Now realizing I needed a break from a mode of thinking that kept me from really tackling some of the things that really needed to be addressed with my children as a family. I have learned that loving and accepting them is all they really need from me. I say this because I love my children but I had to really ask myself is this what they receive from me through their perception, love. Keeping in mind that your thoughts alter your perception and your perception alters your reality. We will always go through things as parents with our children however if at the end of the day we all know that we have love and a genuine acceptance of each other then we will be alright in the end. Love by definition varies according to the person, however the best definition that I have ever heard is:

Love- is the highest for of understanding between people with a bond so strong that it cannot be broken.

Needless to say that my focus now for my family as simple as it may sound is to focus more on simply loving and accepting each other so that we will have created a bond that is so strong that it cannot be broken. For many this seems a given, but for most, we are products of families that are dysfunctional on many levels and are simply determined to break the cycle.

Chocolate Vegan Pudding

Ingredients:

1 package of silken tofu (I like vanilla)
3/8 cup of Cocoa Power
4 tablespoons of Soy Milk

Instructions:

Place all of the ingredients into a blender cover and puree until smooth. Then place the mixture in a container and refrigerate an hour, then serve.


VARIATIONS: You DO NOT have to adjust the recipe if you want to add any one variation

You can add a Banana, for chocolate banana pudding
You can add 5 Strawberries, for chocolate strawberry pudding
You can add 1/2 cup of Blueberries, for chocolate blueberry pudding

Are You Fantastic Only In Your Own Mind

This month we will look into the word Fantastic.


Fantastic- In the late 14th century it meant existing only in imagination. It derives from old french word fantastique, the late latin word phantasticus meaning imaginary, from the greek word phantastikos meaning able to imagine, and from phantazein meaning to make visible.

So the next time we tell our children that they are doing a fantastic job we really need to rethink what we are actually telling them. When using this term we are essentially highlighting a specific thing, act, or perhaps action. This very act is intended to positively reinforce something that is tangible, so then why do we use a word that in its very nature, means imaginary. Well family that's the purpose of the Jargon section of this blog because when we know better we do better.

A Dedication To Motherhood

Peace and Blessings Family,

As mothers day has come and gone the celebration of motherhood fades into the sunset. So I wanted to bring it back into the forefront. Mothering is a 24/7 365 day event with no breaks which deserves more than one day of recognition from others and even ourselves. We as original woman not only nursed, nurtured and cared for our own babies but those within our communities as well. This has been a major part of what has given us strength as a community and as a people. The time has come to stop reminiscing about back in the day when we had "big momma" (we all had one) who cared for us and what seemed like the whole neighborhood. The time has come for us to reconnect to the beauty in being a woman, a wife, and a mother. Our villages NEED US NOW!! They need us to be strong, regal, wise, loving, nurturing, supportive and divine!! So to all of the mothers, this is dedicated to you.

THE DIVINE
This womb cradled civilizations
Nurturing highly melanated minds creating nations
The stars looked at you with jealousy
Seeking to emulate your melody

La da di dat daa,  La da di dat daa

Sweet sounding rhythms
changing chemical compositions
formulating you so perfectly
From the mind into matter
Where all the bloodlines gather

La da di dat daa, La da di dat daa

The universe holds you close
As the light seeks your face
Being one in this time and this space
Two heartbeats closely synced
Became one even to think

La da di dat daa, La da di dat daa

Peace
Beautiful SciAsia Aset Earth

Our Strength As A Unit Lies In Our Strength As Individuals

Peace and Blessings,

We often hear that a chain is no stronger than its weakest link. Well in the case of sisterhood, the bond is no stronger than the weaker sister. Now that may seem very harsh but it is also very real. Many of us have had what we considered to be strong bonds created with other sisters, destroyed by the littlest of things. We may have asked ourselves all types of questions in the event that this has happened to us. So i wanted to touch on this topic. It is always easier to walk through life with rose colored glasses, but when reality hits it can be more painful due to that particular view. As sisters, what we bring to the bond be it good or bad either strengthens the bond or tears it down. Much like a relationship with a man, we must either deal with the pain of our past and move forward or continue to allow our past to effect our present day situations. Many of us lie to ourselves about the extent of the damage that exists within us to do poor relationships with other girls/women from grade school through high school. Those interactions shape or in some cases dictate how we experience college and then work life in relation to other women. Due to the nature of our own ego's we simply want to push these issues on the back burner as if they can not and will not still burn us. When we choose to open up to a man, we accept that there is a vulnerability that goes along with that. We are willing to work through all types of MESS to deal with that man. Yet, with our sisters we place unrealistic standards on the nature of that union. We no longer tolerate differences and we begin to view our sisters as being dispensable. We have to shift this type of mindset. We are destroying our chances of creating strong communities of women who support, nurture, guide and love each other.


We may not:

• Always get along
• Always disagree peacefully
• Always be there when the other person wants us to be
• Always live up to each others expectations
• Always know what to say
• Always know when to say something
• Always do the right thing
• Always say the right thing

HOWEVER


We need to always:

• Respect each other
• Be understanding of one another
• Love each other
• Be patient with each other
• Leave room for growth as individuals
• Accept your differences
• Promote honest and open communication
• Accept what we view as flaws in our sisters

Sisterhood is not and will not always be easy, but I will say that it is definitely worth the investment. We simply need to remember to be strong and resolute in who we are and be willing to learn and grow. I love you all as I love myself and want for you what I want for myself. So lets get back to promoting communities of women who support one another and promote the continuation of the practice as well.

Peace
Beautiful SciAsia Aset Earth

What do you mean by Nice?

Nice

Definition- Obsolete, Foolish, Stupid, Senseless, Pleasing, Agreeable, Virtuous and Polite

Etymology- O.FR. nice silly or foolish L. nescius ignorant lit. not knowing

When we speak a language the goal is always to understand the language that are vocalizing. In the late 13th century nice held a negative connotation. The turn came about in the latter part of the 14th century when the word began to carry a positive connotation meaning things like polite and virtuous. Now you might be thinking how can it carry meanings that are seemingly on opposite sides of the spectrum. My response is since when did the sky become purple because Sarah said so. The origin of the word itself means foolish or ignorant. This cannot change just because people started carrying a different implication or expression of the word. The major point is if we are going to speak a language, I suggest we master it. This is to ensure that we are prepared in the event that our understanding of the language is tested in any manner that is set out to deceive or confuse us. It will open up a whole new world of understanding through reading and shear conversation.

Peace

Beautiful SciAsia Aset Earth

A Look at Goldenseal and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Goldenseal:

Botanical Name: Hydrastis Canadensis

Parts used: Rhizomes, root

Primary Uses: Common cold, sore throat, Chron’s disease, peptic ulcers, digestive disorders, sinusitis, excessive or painful menstruation, eczema, ear inflammations, vaginal infections, vaginal infections, gum disease and canker soars, parasitic infections, urinary tract infections, recurrent ear infections.

Dosage Options: Capsules 500mg up to four times daily. Tincture, 2-4 ml three times daily. Note: continuous use should not exceed three weeks, with a break of at least two weeks between uses.

Contraindications: Pregnancy and Lactation

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:

1. Avoid refined foods such as sugar, caffeine, alcohol, saturated fats, dairy products, and gluten– containing grains
2. Eat more organic vegetables, legumes, whole grains (non-gluten), and Essential Fatty Acids (found in nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish)
3. Beta carotene– 50,000 IU daily to strengthen immune function
4. Vitamin C– 1,000 mg three to six times daily to increase energy and resistance
5. B complex– 50 to 100 mg daily with additional B6 - (100mg daily) and B5 (100 to 250mg daily) to reduce the effects of stress
6. Magnesium Aspartate- 400 to 1,000 mg daily to support energy production
7. L– Carnitine- 330mg one to three times daily to support energy production in the cells
8. Carrot juice, kelp and bee pollen provide energy if fatigue is due to low blood pressure

Herbs

• Siberian Ginseng– 200mg daily to support adrenal function and increase resistance to stress and disease
• Licorice– 250-500 mg daily for its antiviral properties and adrenal support (Licorice should not be taken by those with high blood pressure)
• Jasmine, Peppermint, and Rosemary– essential oils are calming and restorative and may be used in aromatherapy

Peace
Beautiful SciAsia Aset Earth

How Do We Teach Our Children

The best thing that we as parents can do to really make sure that our children get the most out of this experience is to creatively help them to
learn the material. As a teacher you have to know the different styles of learning to reach a greater number of the children that would be in
your class, well that information will be a helpful tool to you as parents as well. I have enclosed different styles of learning to aide you in observing
your child to see the best way to help them retain the information that their school or you will be teaching them.

What are learning styles?

Learning styles are simply different approaches or ways of learning.

What are the types of learning styles?

1. Visual Learners:
Learn through seeing. These learners need to see the teacher’s body language and facial expression to fully understand the content of a
lesson, They tend to prefer sitting at the front of the classroom to avoid visual obstructions.They may think in pictures and learn from visual

displays including:diagrams, illustrated text, books, overhead transparencies, videos, flipcharts and hand-outs. During a lecture
or classroom discussion, visual learners often prefer to take detailed notes to absorb the information.

2. Auditory Learners: Learn through listening. They learn best through verbal lectures, discussions, talking things through and listening
to what others have to say. Auditory learners interpret the underlying meanings of speech through listening to tone of voice, pitch, speed,
and other nuances. Written information may have little meaning until it is heard. These learners often benefit from reading text aloud and
using a tape recorder.

3. Tactile/Kinesthetic Learner: Learn through moving, doing, and touching. They learn best through hands-on approach, actively exploring
the physical world around them. They may find it hard to sit still for long periods and may become distracted by their need for activity
and exploration.

What is Multiple Intelligence?

They are seven different ways to demonstrate intellectual ability.

What are the types of multiple intelligence?

1. Visual/Spatial Intelligence: Ability to perceive the visual. Theses learners tend to think in pictures and need to create
vivid mental images to retain information. They enjoy looking at maps, charts, pictures, videos, and movies.

2. Verbal/Linguistic Intelligence: Ability to use words and language. These learners have highly developed auditory skills and
are generally elegant speakers. They think in words rather than pictures.

3. Logical/Mathematical Intelligence: Ability to use reason, logic, and numbers. These learners think conceptually in logical and numerical
patterns making connections between pieces of information. Always curious about the world around them while asking lots of questions.

4. Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence: Ability to control body movements and handle objects skillfully. These learners express themselves
through movement. They have a good sense of balance and eye-hand coordination. Through interacting with the space around them,
they are able to remember and process information.

5. Musical/Rhythmic Intelligence: Ability to produce and appreciate music. These musically inclined learners think in sounds, rhythms, and patterns.They immediately respond to music either appreciating or criticizing what they hear. Many of these learners are extremely sensitive
to environmental sounds.

6. Interpersonal Intelligence:Ability to relate and understand others. These learners try to see things from other people’s point of view in order to understand how they feel and think. They often have and uncanny ability to sense feelings, intentions, and motivations. They are great organizers,
although they sometimes resort to manipulation. Generally they try to maintain peace in group settings and encourage co-operation. They
use both verbal and non verbal language to open communication channels with others.

7. Intrapersonal Intelligence: Ability to self-reflect and be aware of one’s inner state of being. These learners try to understand their inner feelings,dreams, relationships with others, and strengths and weaknesses.

Peace

Beautiful SciAsia Aset Earth

Green Machine

Peace Family,

We wanted to share with you some healthy recipes that you can conversely share with your family. It is so important that we break the cycles of unhealthy eating and get back into a diet that promotes life. The Green Machine is an easy recipe that can be eaten alone or with another dish. I will that you enjoy it in love and good health!!

Green Machine

Ingredients: Make sure everything is fresh!!

Asparagus Tips
Broccoli (1 1/2 cup)
Zucchini (1 large)
Green Beans (2 handfuls)
Yellow Squash (1 large) (Not green but very tasty)
Kale (optional)
Garlic (3 Cloves)
Onions (1 medium)
Sea Salt (1 tsp- season to taste)
Rosemary (1 tsp- season to taste)
Thyme (1 tsp- season to taste)
Sage (1 tsp- season to taste)
Olive Oil (2 tsp)
Vegan Margarine (5 tbsp)

Instructions:Listen to some music and dance while you enjoy making a healthy dish for your family

1. Place olive oil in a pan and heat up
2. Cut up your garlic and onions
3. Place the garlic and onions (season lighty with above spices) until they become translucent
4. Place 3 tbsp of margarine in the pan
5. Place all vegetables in the pan
6. Add Sea Salt, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage
7. Rotate food within the pan to ensure it is well coated
8. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of margarine to the pan
9. Cover and cook until desired tenderness (I usually cook for 30min)

Variation:For the KALE option

Ingredients:

Asparagus Tips
Broccoli (1 1/2 cup)
Zucchini (1 large)
Green Beans (2 handfuls)
Yellow Squash (1 large) (Not green but very tasty)
Kale (1 Bunch)
Garlic (3 Cloves)
Onions (1 medium)
Sea Salt (1 tsp- season to taste)
Rosemary (1 tsp- season to taste)
Thyme (1 tsp- season to taste)
Sage (1 tsp- season to taste)
Olive Oil (2 tsp)
Vegan Herb Bouillon Cubes (1 cube)
Water (1/2 cup)

Instructions:

1. Place olive oil in a pan and heat up
2. Cut up your garlic and onions
3. Place the garlic and onions (season lighty with above spices) until they become translucent
4. Place water and bouillon cube in the pan and wisk until cube is dissolved
5. Place all vegetables in the pan
6. Add Sea Salt, Rosemary, Thyme, Sage
7. Rotate food within the pan to ensure it is well coated
8. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of margarine to the pan
9. Cover and cook until desired tenderness (I usually cook for 45min)

Peace

Beautiful SciAsia Aset Earth

Peace & Blessings

Peace Family,
My name is Beautiful SciAsia Aset Earth. I am mommy to a wonderful son and twin girls. Over the last couple of years I have been fortunate enough to be able to be at home with my children. I have learned so much from them and about them. It has truly been an eye opening experience. During that time I also started my own business making handcrafted accessories. I love having the ability to have a vision and create from that vision something that others have appreciated. I guess you could say that these last few years have brought many things into life as well as taken them away. One thing that has remained has been my sisters. I have grown to appreciate the bond that having a sincere, loving, trustworthy, caring, real, etc. woman in my life can bring. I realized that we all need our sisters even when they don't realize that that is who they are to us. We are a communal people and in our history, our sisters taught us, they cared for us, they birthed our children into the world, held our hands in difficult times, and cared for our children as their own. I am looking forward to learning, sharing and growing with all of you
Peace and Love
Beautiful SciAsia Aset Earth