Blessed Balsamic Moon to all!

Happy & Blessed Balsamic Moon to all. (September 12-14) This is the Wishing Moon and a great time to put wishes out there in the air. It is also called and known as the Witches Moon - a time to bring to mind those who need healing. Feelings invoke healing - meaning the deeper we feel, the deeper we heal.... This 'Wishing Moon' with Venus trine Uranus is an opportunity to invoke true love, world peace and creative prosperity. The deeper we feel, the more Moon magic we invoke for the new lunar cycle. This Balsamic Moon is most powerful as it comes before the 7th New Moon of the zodiacal year (when the world is created anew). Shadows before the New Moon can be cleared through deep breathing with paying close attention to the light of the crown. This is the time to invoke the new creation.


~Love and light to all.

Interactive gravestones link to online tales of life.

Imagine visiting a cemetary and seeing QR codes on the gravestone/tombstone? In an instant, you can read some snippets of this person's character, life work or just view a tidbit of what they were like and who they were. Crazy thinking? Not really. 'Keeping the memory alive' is going to have a whole new meaning to it now. Check out the following article below because it's happening:


LONDON (Reuters) - Summing up the life of a dearly departed relative with just a terse description etched in stone may become a thing of the past with the introduction of interactive codes on gravestones. One funeral company in the southern English town of Poole is offering to add quick response (QR) codes to headstones which will link smartphones to online memorials illustrated with pictures, videos and contributions from family and friends.

Chester Pearce funeral directors said QR barcodes enable visitors to learn a lot more about the person buried beneath gravestones than the age, dates of birth and death and the odd biblical passage or literary quote usually written on them. "It's about keeping people's memories alive in different ways," managing director Stephen Nimmo told Reuters. "When you lose somebody, whether it be suddenly or ongoing, you can really struggle with things. Talking about them is very important, keeping their memory going is very important and this is just an add-on to that."

QR codes, a barcode that can be scanned with smartphones or QR scanners, allow users to pull up information on the internet and are frequently used in advertising and marketing campaigns. "It's a new technology, it's something that there will be people who like it, there will be people who don't and that's the same in everything that we do," Nimmo said. He said he has seen demand growing for QR codes as they catch the imagination of the public.

Chester Pearce charge about 300 pounds ($477) to create a code that can also be placed on gravestones, benches, trees or plaques and is linked to a page on their QR Memories website.

Gill Tuttiet, 53, was one of the first customers in Poole to use the technology for her late husband Timothy.
"Tim was quite outward-going and game for anything. I think this is the way forward and Tim would have wanted that, and it's making a process that's hard possibly easier," Tuttiet said.

The website linked to the code shows a profile of the departed, pictures, videos and tributes from family and friends. Close friends and family given a password are also able to add personal messages of their own. "We've all got a story to tell," Nimmo said.

To read the article on the web, click the link below: http://news.yahoo.com/interactive-gravestones-online-tales-life-133458195.html

Things your car is trying to tell you

In all seriousness, your vehicle is more than just a well oiled machine. It holds your life (and others lives) in it's clutches. As with many things in life, if you take care of your vehicle, it will take care of you. If you put it off, ignore certain signs or simply mistreat the vehicle, well....don't be surprised when something happens because it will happen and when you least expect it. Vehicles have a way of communicating and are often trying to tell you something important. To protect your bank balance, your vehicle, and your own body, here is a vehicle-to-human translation guide.


1. A slapping noise that increases tempo with vehicle speed

This is the sound of a tire dying. Its tread is separating from the carcass of the tire. As the tread leaves the tires, it may turn into a giant steel-reinforced Weed Eater. It can cause massive damage to the vehicle’s bodywork as it leaves the tire. So if you hear it, don’t keep driving.

2. The smell of pancake syrup

A sweet scent coming from the vents in your car speaks of the heater coil and if the scent is coming from the engine bay, it probably means the vehicle’s cooling system is having problems. The smell and (we’re told) sweet taste of most automotive antifreeze/coolant comes from its ethelyne glycol, which is very harmful to animals. The source of the leak could be anything from an old, cracked or ruptured radiator hose to a water pump on its last legs. Ignore this smell and you could wind up stranded miles from help with an overheated engine. If you find an green, orange, or yellow puddle under the car, the issue is beyond looking the other way.

3. Puddles in your parking place

A puddle under your car can mean anything from “it’s really humid today” to “you cross-threaded the oil-drain plug and I’m bleeding to death.” When you see fluid under your car, take note of its color and location under the car. Rub a bit between your fingers and smell it. Most often it’ll be water coming from the air-conditioning condenser. If it’s clear and oily, it’s probably power steering fuid, check for leaks around the pump or power steering rack. If it’s darker, slippery, and you’ve recently had your oil changed, it could be a puddle of clean oil resulting from the fact that the mechanic damaged the oil drain plug or improperly installed the oil filter.

4. Other kinds of puddles

Reddish-brown fluid and a lightly oily feel is your automatic transmission telling you that a line running to the trans cooler could have been punctured or the transmission has a seal going bad. If the ATF fluid also has a burnt smell, that transmission probably need an overhaul. If you find an oily fluid on the inside sidewall of a tire, that’s probably leaking brake fluid. Lost brake fluid means a likelihood of air in the brake lines and almost zero braking power, so get it checked out ASAP. If there’s a very dark, heavy, sticky oil under your truck’s rear axle, the seals in your differential could be letting go.

5. Squealing like a pig

A high-pitched whining or squealing that comes from the engine bay and matches engine speed is often an accessory belt in its death throes. Back in the day, we could limp to a service station with a broken water-pump belt or the separate alternator belt. Today’s belts turn myriad devices including power steering, water pump, air conditioning compressor, and alternator. A broken belt will likely leave the car DRT (dead right there).

If you’re greeted with a high-pitch squeal when you tap the brake lightly while at speed, what you’ve got is brake pads or shoes at the end of their life. The squeal comes from a tab of metal built into the pad that becomes exposed as material wears away. If the noise changes or goes away, head to the mechanic today.

6. Grinding noise #1

If you’ve continued ignoring the squealing brakes and they go silent, the next noise you’ll hear from them is a powerful grinding. The last of the pad has ground away and the metal backing plate is now clamping directly onto the brake disc. Braking effectiveness is greatly reduced and the car is now dangerous. Not only that, but your repair bill is going up, too, since the discs will have to be replaced as well.

7. Grinding noise #2

If you hear a grinding, clicking, or rumbling noise during a tight turn in the parking lot, it’s likely a failing constant-velocity joint on a front-wheel-drive car. A CV joint allows the front wheels to both receive power and turn. Ignore this long enough and you’ll have a one-wheel-drive car at best, and likely a paperweight car unless it’s fitted with a limited slip differential.

Other grinding noises could also be anything from a pebble lodged between the brake pad and the rotor to a failing alternator to bearings going dead. Grinding noises are always bad—ignore them at the expense of your pocketbook.

To read article on the website, click on the link below: http://autos.yahoo.com/news/7-things-your-car-is-trying-to-tell-you-.html

Hummingbirds

I have had numerous inquiries about hummingbirds and what information that I can pass on to those who are interested in having them visit their garden landscape.

I am totally a hummingbird lover. What is important to know is that you may not see any the first year that you put out a feeder for them. So you must have patience. When I first moved into my house, I bought a hummingbird feeder. The first year, I would make the liquid they need to feed on, but I didn't see one hummingbird. (Or at least I didn't think I had any visitors). The water level will go down in a feeder, but that is due to the evaporation.

The second year, I had visitors. How exciting that was!

I live on the east coast so I tend to put the hummingbird feeder out in May and take it down in September. Hummingbirds are not from the U.S. so they will tend to go back to where they do come from in the cold weather which equals to a long flight ahead of them.

Feeding instructions: You can buy the dry mix for them and just use according to directions on the box or you can make it yourself. It's pretty easy. The key is one part sugar to four parts water - meaning, if you use one cup of sugar, then be sure to use four cups water. If you use 1/2 cup sugar, then use two cups water. I do tend to heat the water so the sugar is sure to melt and dissolve. Then I let it cool down completely before I put into the bird feeder. I do not fill the feeder up completely, only about half way. Since I do live on the east coast, I get high temperatures plus humidity, which tends to make the feeder water go bad quickly. I use an empty plastic container and make a good amount of food for them. I fill the feeder up half way and refridgerate the rest to use at a later time. In hot temps, I change the water every other day for them. They will come by and feed all hours of the day, meaning morning - noon - and evening. So when I change the feeder, I will change it at night when I am certain there will be no more coming to feed. Then by morning, when they start coming by, the water temperature is perfect and it's fresh.

Mildew will tend to grow in a hummingbird feeder. So be on the lookout for it and expect it to happen. I have found that the best way to clean a feeder is to rinse it out, then let it dry. Once dry, I will pour some raw (uncooked) rice into it. Use about 1/4 uncooked rice. I will put my hand over the spout and shake the feeder up and down and side to side. The dry rice is non abrasive and it's texture will tend to loosen and get the mildew off the inside of the feeder. (It doesn't matter if it's white rice or brown and if you do not have rice, you can try sand or even coarse sea salt. Just be sure to really rinse the feeder out good before you add the liquid food to it again. Salt and sand is not good for hummingbirds).

***Always use sugar. Do not use splenda, sweet n low or any other type of sugar substitute. Hummingbirds need pure sugar. ***

Interesting facts about what your mouth says about you.

Here is a little tidbit of information about your personality - what your mouth shows the world. Seriously, if you think about it, your lips are one of your most expressive aspects and features about you. Your mouth advertises and tells much about you besides just showing the world your bright expressive smile. It can tell people if you are generous, emotional, outspoken.

Ready? Let's explore!

Full lips: If you have full lips (like Angelina Jolie), it tells that you are a caretaker. A full lipped mouth suggests that you are very giving and it also tells of high estrogen levels, which testifies to your feminine, nuturing nature. However, it also speaks of your selflessness-meaning that you tend to sacrifice your own needs way too often and will feel guilty if you have to decline or say no to something. What's important to remember is that you were not put on this earth to make everyone happy so do things that also tend to make you happy. People will get over it if you tell them no once in a while. Do not become too predictable and have others depend on you too much. You have a life too so be sure to live it.

Heart shaped lips: If you have a heart shaped mouth (like Taylor Swift), it tells of your 'people skills.' If you are uncertain if you have a heart shaped mouth look for this aspect-there will be a discernible and very noticable dip in your upper lip. It will look like a bow that you would shoot an arrow from. This tells the world that you don't need 'magic' arrows to hit or make your mark. Due to your people skills, you make friends and aquaintances everywhere you go. As a result of this, you have a pretty huge network of support who is ready to jump in and pitch in to help you succeed in everything you do or try.

Wide lips: If you have wide lips (like Julia Roberts), it tells that you are a friend magnet. You tend to be friendly and you are not a 'loner.' You enjoy getting together with friends or people in general. You just love and adore the connection you have with them - whether it be in person, on the phone or even on a social network like Facebook/Twitter. You love to chat. The funny thing is that you tend to not talk about yourself or your day, but rather would check on how others are doing. You tend to be eloquent to a certain degree and are quite empathetic which helps you to give good, clear and understandable advice.

Thin lips: If you have thin lips (like Princess/Dutchess Kate Middleton), it tells that you thrive on freedom. You totally value your 'alone' time and must have room to pursue your own individual passions. When it comes to the romance dept, you thrive when your partner understands and gives you the space you need and crave. On a professional level, you have no problem taking charge or being in charge, especially when it comes to your own projects. You are a 'get it done' person and people can and could learn a lot by observing and watching you. Besides, if the job needs to be done right the first time, it's better to let you lead.

Upward turning lips: If you have lips that turn up slightly at the corners (like Katie Holmes - the ex Mrs. Tom Cruise), it tells of your confidence. It also shows that you are blessed with a subtle smile that lifts and radiates your whole face. It shows that you have the confidence to power through obstacles and get precisely what you want in life, more so then not, because it mirrors the optimist within....meaning you won't take no for an answer.