Beth

I detest…anything over-cooked, over-herbed, over-sauced, over elaborate. Nothing can go very far wrong at table as long as there is honest bread, butter, olive oil, a generous spirit,lively appetites and attention to what we are eating.”— Sybille Bedford, English author, b. 1911 We continue to honor the Element of Earth, the Guardian of the North … Read more

Blessings of the New Moon Dark of the MoonNew beginningsDark of the MoonPlant a seed tonightDark of the MoonWhat we envisionWill come to be by the Full Moon’s light. This is the first lunation for 2007, and so there is tremendous opportunity for a new beginning now. As Dan Furst, astrologer and Web wizard tells … Read more

Take a little dash of water cold, and a little leaven of prayer,And a little bit of morning gold dissolved in morning air,Add to your meal some merriment, and a thought of kith and kin;And then, as your prime ingredients, a plenty of work thrown in,But spice it all with the essence of love, and … Read more

© Mara Friedman – Open Heart BarterLife has loveliness to sell,All beautiful and splendid things,Blue waves whitened on a cliff,Soaring fire that sways and sings,And childrens’ faces looking upHolding wonder in a cup. Life has loveliness to sell,Music like a curve of gold,Scent of pine trees in the rain,Eyes that love you, arms that hold,And … Read more

A house that does not have one worn, comfy chair in it is soulless.–– May Sarton Today, as we continue to honor the magic of our homes, let’s consider how the art of Chinese placement, called feng shui, can be used to enhance the energy in our living rooms. Most living rooms need to be … Read more

Thank you, Monsieur Monet! We were honored to have your Normandy collection here in Raleigh. There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us. ‘Tis good to give a stranger a meal, or a night’s lodging. ‘Tis better to be hospitable to his … Read more

The deepest secret in our heart of hearts is that… we love the world, and why not finally carry that secret on with our bodies into the living rooms and porches, backyards and grocery stores? — Natalie Goldberg During this time of Winter, when we focus on the grounded, cozy energy of our homes, I’ve … Read more

Wind speaksconversation of green mornings flower talklong nights in woodsof creeks day glisteningconferring with conifersSilence– the voice of airkissing hisfriend sunlover moon… — Dolores Kozielski, certified Feng Shui consultant Feng shui is the Chinese art of placement, which is used to attract and conduct harmonious Qi. Qi is the life-force energy that runs through all … Read more

The winds are mild,The sun is bright,The water is clear,The trees are lush.— Ancient Chinese Poem, thought to be the firstwritten record of feng shui principlesToday we focus on ways to enhance the bedroom, using the principles of feng shui, to clear the way for loving energy to flow more freely into your life. A … Read more

Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration.— Charles Dickens Our homes can be seen to be a metaphor for who we are, for it is the place where we are most free to be our authentic selves. … Read more