Brenda's Thoughts

My Book: Curiosity Expands Your Mind, Resource Book for Truth Seekers

2010-03-08T10:15:00.001-08:00

My Book: Curiosity Expands Your Mind, Resource Book for Truth Seekers

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Services by Designs by Brenda

2010-03-08T10:14:00.001-08:00

Services by Designs by Brenda & Shy Moon Productions

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Products by Designs by Brenda and Once In A Blue Moon Creations

2010-03-08T10:13:00.003-08:00

Products by Designs by Brenda and Once In A Blue Moon Creations

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Designs by Brenda and Shy Moon Productions

2010-03-08T10:13:00.001-08:00

Designs by Brenda and Shy Moon Productions

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Why should we allow or want industrial hemp to be grown in the USA?

2010-02-10T08:49:00.001-08:00

Industrial hemp, which contains below 0.3% THC, is not the same as the recreational/medicinal cannabis—marijuana. Marijuana contains 6 to 20% or more of THC, which is the psychoactive substance in the cannabis plant. Just to name a few areas of use, industrial hemp is used for paper, clothing/textiles, biodegradable plastics, auto industry, construction, fuel, and in the health food and beauty products industries. Hemp is a sustainable plant that may be used in place of depleting Mother Earth’s forests and other resources. Growing industrial hemp requires none to very few pesticides, and it replenishes the soils with nutrients where is it grown.

Hempseed oil, aka hemp oil, is an edible oil that contains 80% essential fatty acids (EFA) and about 20% of a highly-digestible protein. Its amino acid content is almost complete when compared to sources of protein such as meat, milk, eggs, and soy. We Americans eat way to much soy, this product should not be consumed in the quantities that we do, especially women who have not gone through menopause. Soy is a good source of natural estrogen, which is great for women who have gone through the “change” but not before, as it may raise the levels of estrogen produced by your body, and with the increased levels of estrogen causing painful periods, PMS, etc. Anyway, one tablespoon of hemp oil taken daily easily provides your daily requirement of EFAs. Hemp oil is not suitable for frying nor is olive oil. Hemp oil turns rancid within a short period of time, such as flaxseed oil, if not stored properly. Keep it stored in the refrigerator and use within six months or less within the date of purchase. Also, keep in mind, when you purchase hemp oil/hemp seeds make sure that they are refrigerated (and have been kept refrigerated) at the time of purchase, as they may be spoiled. Hemp oil is also known to improve your memory and to strengthen brain cells.

Hemp seeds are great in salads, sandwiches, smoothies, grown as sprouts, used in baking, in teas, etc. These seeds contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary for daily nutrition. Hemp seeds are also a good source of calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese. Other uses for hemp in your diet are cereals, tofu, flour, and its fresh leaves used in salads. As hemp oil and hemp seeds contain these much-needed nutrients, by consuming hemp this decreases your need to depend on manufactured supplements to get the recommended daily requirements to stay healthy.

During WWII, the US used hemp in the production of military uniforms, ropes, and other items for the war. However, our “War on Drugs,” which isn’t working anyway, caused the end of growing hemp in the US. We need to educate ourselves more about this wonderful plant, industrial hemp, and the great qualities it has and how it will be an asset to our lives as a renewable resource for textiles, biodegradable plastic, paper, fuel, auto body parts, etc., and in improving our health from its many wonderful nutritional benefits. With the Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Agency (DOJ and DEA) micromanaging understanding of the Controlled Substances Act, their interpretation of industrial hemp is indistinguishable from marijuana. This interpretation has the US importing industrial hemp to the tune of $360 Million, or more, each year from countries where its production is legal. Just think if we were allowed to grow this wonderful plant, the benefits—economically and health-wise—would be astounding, so shame on us for not standing up to have outdated laws overturned.

However, with the help of the non-profit advocacy group Vote for Hemp many states have passed or introduced hemp legislation to change this. For more information, check out their website http://www.votehemp.com/.

My Book: Curiosity Expands Your Mind, Resource Book for Truth Seekers

2010-02-04T04:47:00.001-08:00

My Book: Curiosity Expands Your Mind, Resource Book for Truth Seekers

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Candlemas/Imbolc/St. Brigid's Day, Groundhog Day - Feb 2

2010-02-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

Candlemas, February 2, commemorates the ritual purification of Mary, 40 days after the birth of Christ on December 25. Candlemas is one of the four “cross-quarters” of the year, occurring halfway between the first day of Winter (Winter Solstice) and the first day of Spring (Spring Equinox). Traditionally, it was believe that if Candlemas is sunny, the remaining six weeks of Winter would be stormy and cold. But, if it rained or snowed on Candlemas, the rest of the Winter would be mild. In the US, this is known as Groundhog Day. This day is also called “Imbolc” (pronounced “im-olk”), the end of Winter, and the beginning of Spring, a day of newborn calves and lambs, and dormant seeds begin to wake-up within the Earth (Spring has sprung!). With the arrival of these newborns, milk and cheese are once again available for consumption. The promise of the return of light and renewal of life that was made at the Winter Solstice is now starting to show, to come forth and germinate. It is the start of the new planting year, a time for new beginnings.

In the past, it was a custom to bring candles to church to be blessed by the priest on February 2. The candles were then taken home where they served as talismans and protection from all sorts of disasters. This custom was the origin for the name Candles-mass. Originally, this festival was associated with fires that were built in open places. These fires would be lit from the sacred flames (of the previous years’ celebration), in which they would be allowed to burn throughout the year. Then, eventually, the fires were built in church courtyards where people would dance around the flames or jump over them. The people would carry home some of the embers to kindle their own fires from the sacred flames. If the observance of Lent starts as early as February 4, this causes Candlemas customs to become associated with Shrove Tuesday, which is also Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, or Carnival. The fasting season of Lent, a time of purification, begins on Ash Wednesday, the day after Fat Tuesday.

Celebration: The main element of your decorating scheme for this day is, obviously, candles. Beginning at sundown on Candlemas Eve (Feb 1), gather all the candles in your home into one room and light all of them from one central candle, or place a candle in each window of your home and allow them to continue burning until sunrise (but watch them carefully, don’t want any accidents). Or, if you have a fireplace, clean out your hearth, then light a new fire. Have your family and friends sit around the fire or candles to share their hopes for the New Year, like what you hope to accomplish, what your passions are, what you wish to plant in your new garden, etc. Write these ideas down in a journal and/or piece of paper, to make them concrete so that on August 2, the Festival of the First Harvest, Lammas, you can look back to see if, or what progress you have made. Crepes and pancakes are traditional foods for Candlemas because of their round shape and golden color, which are symbols of the sun -- the return of light.

Purification and Renewal: You may give up something frivolous or something serious for 40 days (Dec. 25 to Feb. 2), but it should be something that you will miss or notice. Folklore/wisdom says it takes six weeks to establish a new or better habit, so you may end up with a changed or whole new lifestyle.

Spring-cleaning is another act of purification, and since Candlemas is sometimes considered the beginning of Spring, this is a great time to start. This is a good time to get rid of your old things, change your air-conditioner filters, open your windows to let in fresh air, and do a good house cleaning to banish the gloom of Winter and to create a shiny new setting for Spring. A smudge ceremony in your dwelling or workspace this time of year is also a good idea.

Excerpt from Curiosity Expands Your Mind by Brenda Miller, available through http://www.trafford.com/; http://www.amazon.com/; or http://www.designsbybrenda.net/.

Algerita Berberis, Mahonia

2010-01-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

Algerita Berberis, Mahonia

The algerita is found throughout the State of Texas, but mainly in Central Texas or the Hill Country, as well as many parts of the US. It is an evergreen bush/shrub with thorn covered leaves. In the spring, the bushes are covered with sweet-smelling yellow flowers that later produce small red berries. To avoid the painful thorns when picking the berries, place a cloth on the ground beneath the bush and use a stick to knock the berries off of the branches, which causes the berries to fall onto the cloth. The red berries are great for jellies, pies, drinks/wine, etc.. The woody parts of the algerita bush are bright yellow like the blooms and also have a sweet-smelling scent.

Algerita roots should be gathered during the winter and cut into small pieces to be dried for later use. Other woody parts may be preserved in the same way. The medicinal parts of the plant are the stem, bark, and root. Use the bright yellow wood to make a tincture as a liver purifier and/or to treat jaundice; the small branches can be made into a cold infusion. The flowers, applied to wounds, help prevent infections.

Algerita roots are laxative in action, and in weaker preparations, they are effective in treating diarrhea caused by bacteria, such as food poisoning. The berry may be used for sore throats and acts as a mild local anesthetic. Berberine is the main active ingredient in algerita, which is found in other healing plants such as goldenseal and Oregon grape. The algerita is also used for chronic indigestion; constipation; eye infections; fever; mouth ulcers; and sore throats. This is a wonderful native plant that has no problems with medicinal or food usage.

The algerita and other barberry bushes are used frequently in landscaping. This plant may be bought at your local nurseries specializing in native plants, or they may be grown from cuttings and/or seeds. The algerita makes large full hedges that are colorful during the spring flowering season and again when laden with its berries.

To make a yellow dye from the algerita bush: Use about three parts by weight of the root to one part by weight of cotton or wool. Gather branches and/or roots of the algerita and chop into small pieces. Place the pieces in a piece of cloth (pillowcase) and tie it closed. Soak this bundle several days in water. Soak fabric and/or yarn for several hours in water, then squeeze out the excess water or as much as you possibly can. In a pot, immerse the wet material/wool in the algerita dye solution and, stirring continually, bring this to a boil. Simmer this until it reaches the color or just a little darker then the desired color you are looking for. Rinse the material until the rinse water is clear. In order to not fade your newly dyed material/wool, dry it out of direct sunlight, which may take several days.

The bright yellow woody parts of the algerita may be used around your home/office or in rituals/workings to represent clarity of mind, happiness, power, creative energy, wisdom, and hope. The fragrance is very pleasing, so use it in potpourri. Also, having this wonderful drought-repentant shrub around your home will impart all these useful characteristics listed above, making your home and yard a much brighter place.
Brenda Miller, RM, IAAM
http://www.designsbybrenda.net/
Author of Curiosity Expands Your Mind, a resource book for truth seekers.
Visit http://wwwdesignsbybrenda.net/ or http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
or http://www.amazon.co.uk/ or http://www.trafford.com/ to purchase your copy.

Brenda L Miller is a NAPW 2010 VIP Woman of the Year. The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) is one of the most exclusive and rapidly growing associations of female executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the United States. We span almost every industry, including health and medicine, education, advertising and public relations, manufacturing, publishing, communications, entertainment, law, and more. Visit http://www.napw.com/ for more info.

Charities That I Support.

2010-01-05T19:24:00.000-08:00

My new year’s resolution is to not give consumer products as gifts for birthdays or Christmas. I have chosen instead to donate in honor of the recipient to organizations such as http://www.heifer.org/, http://www.nature.org/, and http://www.ocenconservancy.org/. As I see that most people, including me, do not need another dust collector in their abode, I have decided this is the best way to go. I also think that in lieu of flowers/plants in honor of a deceased loved one/friend, that I will contribute “in honor of” to such charities as these.

I am tired of being a pack rat, a collector or consumer goods, and I am tired of feeling guilty in having to keep the gift so as to not hurt the giver’s feelings. In order to not overburdened the already busting at the seams landfills, I can recycle the gift(s) by sending it to Goodwill/Salvation Army, which are good causes, but eventually they may need to toss such goods as their warehouses/stores become overcrowded with such products.

I also donate to http://www.organicconsumers.org/, http://www.votehemp.com/, http://www.arborday.org/, and http://www.npca.org/. These organizations fight for nature and environmental rights. They keep our government from enacting laws that will be harmful for the environment (Mother Earth), which will eventually be harmful to us, as what happens to our environment happens to us.

Vote Hemp is an organization that is removing barriers or misguided beliefs to industrial hemp farming in the US by educating the public and standing up to the lawmakers/our government. Check out http://www.votehemp.com/ for more info as to what they are doing and why we should support this cause/organization.

Organic Consumers Association informs you of what is going on in the organic world, news about food safety, health issues, genetic engineering, etc. To find out more of what they do, go to http://www.organicconsumers.org/. Sign up for their newsletters to keep yourself informed as what is going on with these issues listed plus much more.

Heifer International, through donations such as mine, will provide families with chicks, lambs, sheep, bees, etc. These animals help the families become sustainable by providing eggs, wool, milk, honey, beeswax, meat, etc. These products not only provide food, clothing, wax, etc. but they provide cash in the selling of the products so the families are able to purchase items that are needed to sustain their way of life or to the betterment of their lives. Check out http://www.heifer.org/ to see what it is all about.

Maybe the next time that you are planning to purchase a gift, you may want to stop and think about buying another dust collector for that special someone. These organizations or those of your choosing are very appreciative in your donations, which they will put to good cause. So there will be no dust colleting going on here or guilty feelings about having to keep said gift, etc., etc.

Brenda Miller

http://www.designsbybrenda.net/
Author of Curiosity Expands Your Mind

Book Review by The Pagan and The Pen

2009-12-20T12:30:00.000-08:00

My book 'Curiosity Expands Your Mind' received a wonderful review from The Pagan and the Pen which is a blog to support Pagan Authors, Artists, Editors, or any Pagan working in the world of Fiction & or Publishing. Please check what they had to say about my book, it is very humbling and so appreciated. Thank you Pagan & Pen!!

http://thepaganandthepen.wordpress.com/2009/12/20/book-review-curiosity-expands-your-mind-by-brenda-miller/

Book Signing

2009-12-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

SOL REFLECTIONS INVITES YOU TO A SPECIAL EVENT
A Booksigning & chat with
BRENDA MILLER, author of CURIOSITY EXPANDS YOUR MIND, a Resource Book for Truth Seekers
This reference book is to guide you on your quest for a more magical and spiritual existence.
SATURDAY – Dec. 19th, 2009 At 2:00 PM

L I V E M U S I C BY THE AMAZING PAT McCANN
Snacks and beverages provided
Join us for a day of learning and inspiration
Storewide Sales
SOL REFLECTIONS The Liberty Center (Between Lakeway Blvd & Debba Rd.)
107 S RR620 #105, Austin Texas
512-263-6990
solreflections@att.net
http://www.solreflections.com/

Book may be purchased at SOL or from http://www.amazon.com/. Need a gift idea, Curiosity Expands Your Mind makes a great gift for your friends, family and you.

It's Not Easy Being Green - article Austin Chronicle - Austin, Texas

2009-12-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

Tire Mound of Mystery
Thousands of city tires lie moldering southeast of town – and the city is claiming ignorance
BY JORDAN SMITH
http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/issue/story?oid=oid%3A924719

Trees for Pease

2009-12-01T06:38:00.000-08:00

Austin's Friends of Pease Park needs our help!

In 1875, a beautiful forest gracing the west flank of Lamar Boulevard in central Austin became the city park that we call Pease Park. General George Custer, Eeyore's Birthday Party, and multitudes since have used the wonderful acreage. Now the Friends of Pease Park warn it is "severely underfunded and overused." The summer of 2009 has further harmed the park with extreme heat, drought, and windstorms.
Whole Earth is dedicated to helping raise the funds needed to plant a new generation of shade trees in Pease and to provide an automated irrigation system to serve them.

If you love Pease Park, like so many of us who have played there over the years, please make a donation to this worthy cause by sending a tax deductible contribution to:

Austin Parks Foundation
816 Congress Avenue, Suite 1680
Austin, Texas 78701.

Please make your checks payable to the Friends of Pease Park.
You can also contribute by shopping at any of the Austin Whole Earth Provision Co. stores. As you check out at the cash register, just mention to your salesperson that you'd love to donate an additional $1, $5, $10 or more. They will make it happen.

Hoping you have a Happy Holiday!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at
Whole Earth Provision Co.
http://wholeearthprovision.com/

New Beginnings! Hair Oil

2009-11-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

New Beginnings! Hair Oil
New hair, new you, new life…WooHoo!
*Stimulates hair growth & re-growth
*Thickens hair
*Conditions scalp
$20 – 1oz/30ml
To Order:
Brenda Miller
info@designsbybrenda.net
http://www.designsbybrenda.net/

Use and Tips:
• Put several drops either directly on your scalp (recommended) or in your hands. Rub/massage hair oil into your scalp; bend over while doing this to get the blood flowing to your scalp.
• Leave overnight. Wash out in the morning. Do not apply if you are planning to spend time in the sun. This is why it is recommended to use at night while sleeping. Do not leave in for more than 8 to 9 hours.
• Do this at least twice a week, but no more than four times a week, for at least two months. Take off from treatment for approx. two or three weeks, and then start back up, if needed.
• It may take two weeks before you see new growth, or longer if completely bald.
• Be careful where you apply the oil, do not let it get on your face because hair will grow or re-grow there. However, if you want hair to grow in that area, i.e. a fuller beard, try it.
• May be used on eyebrows for those of us who have over-plucked or loss due to other reasons.
• Apply to nails to make them nice and strong; they will grow fast, as well.
• Make sure you do not touch your eyes, mouth, or nose after applying. It will burn/sting. If you do get it in our eyes, flush eye(s) with cool water.
Side effects:
• May cause immediate drowsiness, so do not use if you plan to drive or operate machinery. The effects of drowsiness does wear off, it is not a prolonged effect. (See above tip as for best time to apply oil)
• Product thickens hair.
• Promotes calmness, stress reducer, and sleep improvement.
• Memory enhancement or more clarity of mind (chases away the fogginess).
• Conditions your scalp and hair.
• Immunity booster.

Ingredients: Herbal, plants and floral oils
Don’t use if pregnant.

Use with caution if: high blood pressure, blood disorders, or epileptic.

Disclaimer: This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

A Green Cell Phone Co. Offer ends 11/13/09

2009-11-05T17:36:00.001-08:00

Credo a Green Cell Phone Co. this offer ends 11/13/09 http://action.credomobile.com/specialoffers/oct09/oca/oca1a.html

Flogging Molly 2010 Tour

2009-11-04T10:12:00.001-08:00

Flogging Molly 2010 Tour!
http://bit.ly/Pqy8X click link for info. If you have never seen or heard of Flogging Molly, you have been missing out. They are great! You will not be disappointed.

Hooping

2009-11-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

This is Richard and I hooping it up at the Pagan Pride Awareness Day, Zilker Park, Austin Texas - 10/10/09. I had so much fun with hooping at the fest, that I bought me one, called SunSpot, from Cedar of Natural Magick Shop (see link above). After I got SunSopt home, I was hooping everyday, then it starting raining in Austin, which has ended the drought we were in. This is the worst drought since the 1950s. Folks who say there isn't global warming are full of crap. This drought was so bad that the Pedernalas River dried up. You could walk across the riverbed without getting wet. Anyway, back to hooping. These are a few links to hooping in Austin, Texas: Hooping in Austin and Hooping.org, There are Meetup Groups as well, check the internet for meetups in your area. This is great exercise for any age. Gets your blood moving. It's easy on your joints, no more pounding your joints from jogging, high-impact aerobics, etc. Just hooping, moving your body around in a circular motion, feeling your stress fade away, and happiness rushing in to lift your spirit. Any age and sized person can do this, hooping for fun or hooping for a cause. Gets you outside in the fresh air, communing with nature and your fellow folk. Makes you laugh, lightens your spirit, brings joy to your heart, and soul. No monthly gym fees and you don't have to travel from home to do this, which lessons your carbon footstep on Mother Earth. Hooping is good for you, good for your friends and family, and good for the environment. Awesome!

Impressive

2009-11-03T19:36:00.001-08:00

Something positive and loving came out of this event http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/weddings/2009/11/02/2009-11-02_bride_jilted_at_the_alter.html. She is a very forgiving person, not sure I would have been. She's a very impressive person. Way to go Teanne Harris.

Hubble telescope

2009-10-29T10:05:00.001-07:00

This site is new to me, may not be to all, but to me, yes. I do not think about the Universe as being in color, but this website http://hubblesite.org/gallery/wallpaper shows that it is. I download a new picture every week to dress-up my desktop, which is very coo! This site has made me really think about how small my world is. I’ve realized that I’m a little speck on Mother Earth, which is a little speck in the Milky Way Galaxy, which is a little speck in the Universe. Too bad I am not able to see these magnificent colors of the Universe that are displayed in this Hubble site from my point of view here on Mother Earth. But, as I am not able to leave my spot here on Mother Earth to go exploring the Universe, I am happy to have found this wonderful website provided by NASA via the Hubble telescope. This whole site is full of info on the Hubble telescope, NASA, space, which is very fascinating and educational. This is a nice stumble-upon (http://www.stumbleupon.com/) for me. Hope you enjoy this website as much as I do.

Is Anyone Really Reading Your Stuff?

2009-10-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

Is Anyone Really Reading Your Stuff?

Website update: www.designsbybrenda.net

2009-10-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

I've updated my website. Check it out: http://www.designsbybrenda.net/

Review for Curiosity Expands Your Mind, by Brenda Miller

2009-10-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

This book is a resource book that combines information regarding metaphysical, spiritual, magical workings, energy healing, and more into one place. I have many books on subjects such as reiki, gemstones and crystals, magical workings, etc. I have many books. Each time I needed to refer to a subject matter, I would have to hunt down one of my many books, magazine articles, and pieces of paper that I had hurriedly jotted down some notes on, or look up something on the net. I can only carry so much of this stuff around at one time, be it in my head, in my arms or in my book bag. I was running out of space for these multiple on my bookshelves, bedside stands, the floor, the countertop, etc. So, I decided to combine my many years of compiling knowledge on the above mentioned subjects into one spot. I also wanted to show that all religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Paganism, Wiccan, etc. are kind of linked together. All of them, in their own way, promote love and happiness, which I think that we have forgotten as we try to prove that one is better than the other. All of these religions or belief systems have a basic beginning: they have a creation story, a belief in a creator/supreme spirit that they pay homage to, a very basic way of worshiping, and that they respect and honor the different seasons that Mother Earth provides. We are all one, whether we want to admit it or not.

You may use this book as it is; as it is detailed enough to be all that you may or will need on the various subjects contained inside of it. Or, it may be the catalyst that catapults you into mastering any or all of the topics within. Who know where it may take you. Nevertheless, I am also hoping that this book encourages you to never stop seeking, never stop looking, and never stop gathering knowledge on whatever subject inspires you to do so.

This book is available through http://www.amazon.com/; http://www.bn.com/; http://www.amazon.co.uk/; http://www.trafford.com/; and http://www.designsbybrenda.net/ .

What!??

2009-10-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this? This employer asked his employees to change their first names because customers may not be able to pronounce their name. Well, maybe people need to learn how to pronounce the names. Not every one is called: Sue, Bob, Bill, Nancy, etc.

http://www.polls.newsvine.com/_question/2009/10/26/3426237-should-employers-be-allowed-to-change-the-first-names-of-employees-whose-names-are-difficult-to-understand-or-pronounce?GT1=43001

Sterilize your pet/companion

2009-10-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

My kitty Sora was spayed on Thurs 10/19. I took her to Animal Trustees of Austin, Texas (web: http://www.animaltrustees.org/). They are a wonderful place to take your animals for sterilization and for wellness checkups: vaccinations, flea prevention, heartworm prevention, nail trimming, etc. Their office is easy access from I-35, easy in, easy out. You do have to call and make an appointment for sterilization procedures. The Wellness Clinic is walk-in basis and/or you may call to check to see if they are able to work you in that day to see your beloved pet/companion. Their number is 512-451-9355. It’s nice to find an affordable clinic as some of us folks would not be able to afford the costs of sterilization and other wellness check-ups. I highly recommend them, I give them a 5-star rating.

Emancipet in Austin (http://www.emancipet.org/) is another wonderful clinic that provides the same or similar services. Their number is 512-587-7729. I have used them in past as well, and also give them a 5-star rating.

As responsible parents, we should all strive to sterilize our wonderful pets/companions. This process helps them live a longer, healthier, happier life. And your pet/companion has a much better disposition as they are not worked up at all times with the reproductive hormones raging through their system. So be a good parent, do what you are suppose to do, take responsibility of your life, their life and have them sterilized. You and your pet/companion will be in a much happier place by doing so.

Both of these clinics are non-profit (501(c)3 tax-exempt), so your donations are something that you can deduct on your income tax filing, which is always a good thing.

My Fabulous Weekend

2009-10-25T02:46:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I went to a very fun event on Saturday, 10/24, the Austin Teen Book Festival. It was held at Westlake High School, my daughter's High School. Sixteen authors who write teen novels were there: Libba Bray; Heather Brewer; Carrie Jones; Justine Larbalestier; Daniel Waters; Jennifer Ziegler just to name or link to a few. Authors like this didn't exist when I was a teen, well that was a really long time ago, but I wished they had. I read a lot, but most of my friends didn't. Books like these didn't exist back then, or 10-15 years ago. These authors and others like them (J.K. Rowling) have made an impact on encouraging teens, young adults, and older adults to start reading and to continue to read.

So I'm glad that my daughter and other teens have such creative role-models. All of these authors are just wonderful. I have never read any of their books (the ones at this book festival), but look forward to reading all the novels that I purchased at the book festival. Libba Bray was the keynote speaker, very awesome. She is just great, very funny, she makes you want to be her friend. There was big turnout for this event. People came from Houston, San Antonio, Bryan-College Station, etc., so it wasn't just an Austin crowd or event. I'm looking forward to next year's book festival and this time I will be a volunteer and so will my daughter. Then after the book festival, we had a baby shower to attend.

My niece is having her first baby and only baby in December. I'll be a great-aunt again and I'm very excited about this. Looking forward to baby setting, and watching him grow up. And of course, I get to teach him how to torment his parents, wahhaa, haahaa, (maniacal laughter). And tomorrow, I'm going to Wimberley to join in a Reiki Circle. Several of us Reiki Masters are getting together to do Reiki on each other. I am soooooo looking forward to this. I haven't had a Reiki treatment in a long time, performing Reiki on myself just isn't the same. Wow, this sounds very pornographic, but it isn't. Oh well......

Check out these websites for more info on the authors. Libba Bray: http://www.libbabray.com/; Heather Brewer: http://www.heatherbrewer.com/; Carrie Jones: http://www.carriejonesbooks.com/; Justine Larbalestier: http://justinelarbalestier.com/; Daniel Waters: http://watersdan.blogspot.com/; Jennifer Ziegler: http://www.jenniferziegler.net/; J.K. Rowling: http://www.jkrowling.com/accessible/en/; Reiki: http://www.aetw.org/reiki_def.html

My book Curiosity Expands Your Mind

2009-10-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

My book Curiosity Expands Your Mind by Brenda Miller is now available on www.barnesandnoble.com and www.amazon.com and www.amazon.co.uk.com. Very Cool!!!

What a nice birthday present

2009-10-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

I thought this story was very cool. The baby is born on the airplane, his mom and he get free flying for life. What a nice birthday present. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091023/od_afp/malaysiaairasiaairlineoffbeat

Brenda's Thoughts: Legalize pot for medicinal use

2009-10-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

Brenda's Thoughts: Legalize pot for medicinal use

Legalize pot for medicinal use

2009-10-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

Check out this link. Read the comments on why the US should legalize pot for medicinal use. This is very interesting, and sign up to add your comments.
http://www.polls.newsvine.com/_question/2009/10/19/3398841-should-pot-smoking-patients-be-safe-from-federal-prosecution-in-states-that-allow-medical-marijuana?GT1=43001

correct link to Mining for Gold....

2009-10-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

this is the link for the Mining for Gold under the Sea artical:

http://blogs.moneycentral.msn.com/topstocks/archive/2009/10/13/the-smartest-way-to-play-gold-may-be-under-the-sea.aspx

Blog Action Day Oct 15

2009-10-15T18:42:00.000-07:00

Environmental Awareness, Human and Animal rights, etc. http://www.blogactionday.org/

Mining for Gold under the Sea

2009-10-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Playing gold under the sea
Posted Oct 13 2009, 08:46 PM by InvestorPlace
"Why limit ourselves to land," the energy companies asked, "when there is so much wealth under the sea?"
Now, gold companies are asking themselves the same question. And the result is a new industry that sounds like science fiction: Mining for gold at the bottom of the ocean.
Mining the seafloor is in its infancy, but has all the potential that offshore oil and gas drilling held a few decades ago. Start-ups abound, and venture capitalists are racing for a piece of the pie. " http://bit.ly/S9XQE
_________________________________________________________
This is wrong in my opinion. Mining has destroyed the land, now companies want to mine the fragile oceans. Where will we stop? Oh, I guess when there is nothing left and we have completely destroyed Mother Earth. Ugh… Think about. ~ Brenda

My book is now listed on Amazon.com. Yippee!!

2009-10-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Check it out! My book is now listed on Amazon.com! Curiosity Expands Your Mind, by Brenda Miller. I'm bragging, I know, but I've never published a book before. This is very exciting for me. Purchase a copy, you won't be sorry.

My birthday has come and gone....

2009-10-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

Hiya!
      Well, my birthday has come and gone, the ACL Fest has come and gone. I can only say “I’M 50!!” 351 more days. So, I need to make sure that I make good use of what time is left.

        I sold four of my books, Curiosity Expands Your Mind, a resource book for Truth Seekers, at the Pagan Pride Day (http://www.paganpride.org/) in Zilker Park, Austin, Texas this past weekend (Sat. 10/10/09). That was very exciting!! I hope to sell many more.
       At Pagan Pride Day, I bought me a hula-hoop from Cedar Stevens (http://naturalmagickshop.com/). Cedar makes hula-hoops and also teaches hooping classes. She also names the hoops that she makes. My hoop is called “Sun Spot.” Very appropriate, as it brings a lot of happiness into my life, makes me laugh. It brightens up my day. I hoop each morning on my back porch. I’m not ready to join the Austin Hoopers, yet. In Austin (http://www.meetup.com/AustinHoopers/es/), there is hooping every Sunday at Zilker Park, see link. I never thought I would be hooping again. I did it as a child, loads of fun with it back then. Now I’m 50, and I’m doing it again. Yippee!!
        This has been a wonderful year for me. I turned 50; my daughter and I went to England for a holiday; I met a wonderful man, Richard; I published my book Curiosity Expands Your Mind, a resource book for Truth Seekers; I developed a website: http://www.designsbybrenda.net; I blog now: http://brenda-designsbybrenda.blogspot.com, http://brenda201b.livejournal.com, belong to LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/brendamilleraustintx. I’m on Face Book http://www.facebook.com/people/Brenda-Miller/1216463582; I tweet http://twitter.com/Brenda201b. Wow, I feel exhausted just looking at this list of things that I’ve accomplished so far for 2009.
        So 2009 is my year to shine!! I’ve made so many changes. If someone had told me last year all the changes I would be making in 2009, I would have never believed them. I’ve come a long way. I’ve been through a lot and I’ve made it. I’m ready for the future, not sure what is in store for me, but I bet it’s going to be just as wonderful. I’m 50, and I’m glad to be here. I feel very ALIVE!!
         I wonder what 2010 will be like, hmmmmmm……

Ciao!
Brenda

My website

2009-09-30T18:58:00.001-07:00

I have updated my website today. Check out what is new, check out my favorite links, check out my products and services. Buy a copy of my book.... my website: http://www.designsbybrenda.net/ (It's hosted by Yahoo! and hopefully someday Google will pick it up). Oh yeah, I turned 50 today, Thursday, Oct 1. Awesome!

Two days before my 50th b-day

2009-09-29T04:10:00.001-07:00

Well, I had to take a day off from work yesterday. I was in a lot of pain due to the front that was sweeping across Texas. All of my joints were achy. The front made it through Austin around noontime, but didn?t clear my area until around 2 or 3. I have fibromyalgia, so I?m use to pain, but this was different. My hands: palms, joints, wrist, were very achy and felt a little swollen (I make my living using my hands). I finally got enough of my pain meds in me to make the pain subside, or at least my brain was numbed to my body?s screams of pain. Anyway, I feel much better this morning. On the other hand, this could be a side effect of all the pain meds I have running through my body right now, who knows, don?t really care, because I feel much better. The air is cooler, and the front has moved through. Yippee!

Well, only two more days to my 50th B-day. Yea! Only three more days to the ACL Fest, double yea! This year has been a really special one for me. I meet my partner, Richard, in April. We are planning a handfasting for May 1, 2010. I took my daughter and myself to England in June. Played tourist for 12 days, totally loved it. Everyone over there was so nice, loads of fun. We had such fun hanging out with some wonderful friends in Nailsea (outside of Bristol). Visited some other friends in Gosport, and then spent four days in London. Finally finished my book Curiosity Expands Your Mind, a Resource Book for Truth Seekers, sent it to the publishers in August. It is ready and is for sale. I have some of copies at my home to sell, or go to www.trafford.com to purchase it. I?m going to the ACL Fest Oct 2-4 for my 50th birthday (a present to myself). Hanging out with my partner Richard at the Pagan Pride day Oct 17, selling our creations: my book, hair oil that I created, crocheted bags, Richard?s beautifully hand crafted walking sticks, faery doors (see www.designsbybrenda.net for more info on these products). Finally got my website up and running in September. I even have blogs now; join Twitter, MyBlogLog, Live Journal, Blogger, LinkedIn. So, it?s been a really good/great year for me. Never thought I would do any of this, none. But, I did, and I?m really proud of myself.

Oh well, need to get ready for work; fix my lunch, etc. I?m going to start riding the bus again to work. I had to stop due to the really brutal temperature this summer. When I ride the bus, I walk about two miles to my bus stop on my trip home every day, it?s a nice way to end the day, walk out my stress from work. I work in the legal field, it gets very stressful, I?m in a much better mood when I get home as I have walked all that stress and crap right out of my system. I work in a great law firm. I assist four attorneys; all of them are wonderful, co-workers are great, can?t ask for more. Oh yeah, I could be retired. Hmmmm?.that would be nice.

TTFN, I?m off to work. Yea me!
Brenda

Today

2009-09-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Four more days to ACL Fest. I'm very excited about this, as I have never been.

Turning 50 on 10/01, WooHoo!!

2009-09-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

I'm turning 50 this year. My birthday is Thursday, Oct 1. I decided to treat myself with a nice birthday present: ACL Fest 3-day pass. And of course I had to buy Mikayla, my 14-yr old, a pass as well. We plan on hanging out the whole weekend at Zilker Park, listening to some great tunes, seeing some interesting sights, just a totally enjoyable way to celebrate my 50th. Not sure how I feel about this, turning 50, half a century. I've had some great experiences, good and bad. But one thing is for sure, I like myself more now at my half-century mark then I did at my quarter-century mark. I don't take things quite so seriously and don't care what others think so much about me. "I can anything that I want to do, and I don't need anyone's permission." This is a philosophy I try to stick to, although at times that can be hard as I am having to get rid of my old belief patterns to do so, but there is always room for improvement--like Shrek says, "Better out then in." I've lived in Austin for almost 20 years now. I've been divorce for over 2 years now, after a 20 year marriage. I've found a wonderful man, Richard, to share my life with. We are having a handfasting May 1, 2010. May 1 is referred to as Beltane, May Day, and/or First Day of Summer. We are holding the ceremony outdoors in a wonderful park in southeast Travis County amongst beautiful ancient pecan trees and a haunted bridge. Very cool! I do look forward to my birthday this year. I usually don't celebrate it, but thought that this a huge milestone as I don't know how many more I will have and I really try to live each day as if it is my last. My grandmother was 99 when she passed away. I've been told by my guides that I will be here until I'm 93, as long as I'm healthy so to speak, not depending on folks to take care of me, that would be awesome. I had a friend while growing up that was 93 or 95 when she passed. She still drove her car, climbed up on ladders to clean her gutters on her home, didn't like people treating her like she was an old person, she was very feisty and full of life. She lived each day as if it was her last. This is what I want to do, and if I can't, I don't want to be here anymore. Well, here's to me, I turn 50, yippee!!
Brenda
http://www.designsbybrenda.net/