Natural Wonder Fellowship

Some states are re-opening far too soon. The efforts undertaken by most of society to prevent further spread of the disease (covid-19) caused by the virus (CoV-2) are having an effect. The number of new cases each day is not increasing as fast as it was. It's not going down in many places, but at least it's not increasing as fast. Opening too soon may well set us all back to the beginning stages of this pandemic. How dire can the need for a haircut possibly be? Listen to the scientists; stay home. Mrs. Betty Bowers, America's Best Christian, has more on this concept.  In spite of federal claims to the contrary, states do not have test kits, and the supplies and personnel to perform them, and the labs to process them. A shortage in any of these areas means testing cannot be completed. States do not have the data to make intelligent choices regarding proactive measures to prevent spread of any outbreaks that may occur. States do not have data to know when it is actually saf...

While wandering around YouTube, I came across this video  https://youtu.be/m08i8oXpFB0 on making baguettes. I've never been that much on baking (box cake mix, refrigerator tube biscuits, occasionally, cookie dough in a roll). This bread recipe didn't seem too involved, not for the payoff. Who doesn't like fresh baked bread? The recipe calls for 'bread' flour -- I've never heard of such a thing. Swell, research -- what is it, do I need it? Found this video  https://youtu.be/z6FUSo8Lyw4 and decided that the flour I knew was in the cabinet would be fine. Also got another, easier bread recipe from the second video -- a win all around.  Off to the cabinet. Grabbed the yeast package strips that have been in the way of the oatmeal all winter. Oh swell, research again. How long after the 'use by' date is instant yeast good for? Ugh, *that's* not promising (12-18 months). How do you know if instant yeast is still good? Aha! It's still good. It's m...

A bit of self pampering... prepare a serving tray with your beverage of choice and required accompaniments (ice, sugar, whatever) and accoutrements  (spoon, tongs, whatever, cup and saucer or glass)... Put near your comfy chair. Prepare a generous size not too deep pan with goodly warm water a bit of lavender EO, a bit of myrrh EO, a spot of liquid soap -- place on towel on floor in front of comfy chair -- enjoy a foot soak. Watch the birds and cuddle a cat as you listen to music, or read the comics or a good book, or watch video; rub your feet against each other, wriggle, wiggle, and stretch your toes -- sip your tea and relax. Use the pumice stone, freshen your tea, and soak some more. Blot dry especially around your nails and between your toes; feel the texture of the towel on your skin; trim your toe nails and soak again. Dry, especially between and under your toes, and that skin right against your toenails. Finish with massaged-in [scented] lotion. Relax a few more minutes. Aa...

Good day, every day. I don't understand people being bored in their own homes. There is so much you can do that you maybe have never done. Evaluate you -- really think about who and what you are. Start a journal. Write all you imagine, hope, or dream for; all you've done but regretted; all you've accomplished and are proud of; what would you tell your younger self; what do you want to tell your future self. You can say or write anything... this is a private journey for you only. No one will see or judge you. Only you will. This is for your benefit, no one else's. You can shred or burn each page as you've finished if you like. Take time to re-read, think about, evaluate what you've written first though. This thought clearing exercise has helped me for many years.  Watch the sun rise or set, or both. Watch the colors of the sky, the shadows on your surroundings change; sketch, draw, color it; you only need pencil and paper to sketch. I wonder how it looks from...

Facts matter. All the thoughts and prayers in the world is not going to solve this problem. All the dodge and deflect from our elected leaders is not going to solve this. Demand action. Where are the tests and supplies, personnel and PPE to keep workers safe? Why are some people willing to risk everyone's well-being with their selfish desire to attend a [whatever] ball game or religious service? We don't need a cheer leader, we need a true leader. We need a force, not a farce.  And, what of other animals? We've destroyed their habitat, trapped them for entertainment and education; don't we owe it to them to at least feed and care for them?   https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/18/836499991/zoos-look-for-ways-to-offset-an-elephant-sized-plunge-in-revenues  AND   https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2020/04/17/these-apes-monkeys-escaped-poaching-trafficking-now-they-must-battle-pandemic/  Several other links are below the W...