Yael Nehama

I love my neighbors, I really do. They are super kind and incredibly helpful folks. If ever I needed anything, they would be right there for me, I know it. In the past they have helped me move furniture, taken me to a laboring momma on shabbat, trimmed my hedges,etc., I could not have asked for kinder neighbors. But when it comes to plants and Earth Care, let's just say their considerations fall short. I went out to cut my lemon balm to perhaps make some tinctures. I had thought maybe they might not be good for medicine because they are close to the road but since my street is not terribly busy and I thinking about personal or family use, I thought it might be okay. When I went to cut them I noticed a terribly noxious smell, like gas type fumes. My neighbors daughter was on her porch and greeted me. I said hello and asked her if she knew what that smell was. She replied with "What smell?" and came off the porch to chat with me. As she got closer she noticed the smell and ...

Today the discussion came up of when school should start next year. The problem to be addressed is do we start at the end of August or after Rosh Hashana. My administrator said, "I think it's important to start in August so that the children can learn about Rosh Hashana." Immediately my gut reacted. I thought to myself, "What are you talking about?! The is a religious Gan! All of these children come from 'frum' families. Of course they will learn about rosh hashana...from their parents!" I felt anger rising up and a lot of frustration. I realized it came from my homeschooler mentality. Let me explain what I mean. As a homeschooler, and yes even though my children are all grown I still think like one, I do not understand this idea that the school needs to teach the children about rosh hashana at all. I expressed my feelings to my administrator, admitting that I am coming from a homeschooling mind set. I explained that I taught my children my beliefs and ...

There is an awful lot of talk since President Obama has passed the healthcare reform legislation. While I don't presume to understand most of it, this little tidbit of information from my hometown thrilled me; the healthcare reform will begin to provide for community based doulas! This is incredibly exciting and truly would begin to really fulfill the vision of a Doula for every woman. Also, I just discovered this provision of the healthcare reform legislation for breastfeeding mothers on Doula-ing Blog . The United States has a long way to go regarding maternal mortality, care for mothers, lowering the c-section and intervention rate, etc., but I am incredibly hopeful and optimistic about these changes. The birth ball is rolling!

I have tried to write my facebook 'status' about ten times today. Seems like the words I wanted to say were too big to fill the small space provided there.I thought is was a good metaphor for Mothers, for who we are, what we do and our potential. I decided to ask myself, "Am I a good Mother?" Go ahead, ask yourself that question. Don't be afraid, because the answer is in your children. Look at them, at your children. Do not look for the so called perfection, look for them and who they really are . Are they authentic, beautiful, and joyous beings? Do they live life honestly? Are they true to their convictions and beliefs? Are they independent thinkers? Are they kind, compassionate people. If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then the answer is "Yes, I am a good mother." Blessings and peace to all mothers! Blessings and peace to every woman who has touched the life of another being in a maternal way, be you wife, lover, aunt, sister, activist, ...

Check this out folks! This is what I will very soon offering in my area, Dancing for Birth classes! Stayed tuned, details to come shortly!

What a super opportunity to learn from one of the finest Wise Woman and herbalists! I am sure Susun has a lot of herbal wisdom to share and help us on this journey, whether we are entering or already full into the journey of Menopause. Be sure to check this out and save your seat for this Free Teleclass: New Menopausal Year with Susun Weed.

One of the highlights of my year is the first Sunday in May in which my daughter and a beloved friend of mine, all make the trek to Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship, Maryland the annual Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. I was on a very fixed budget this year, (hooray for free admission!!) and I really just felt more like be-ing there and not just observing or frantically searching for THE yarn and/or roving. I wanted to really look at the crafts of the local artisans, feel the yarn and enjoy the people. Mind you, I do this every year, but this time I wanted to practice being fully present. I didn't take a lot of pictures this year and the pictures that I did take were of the yarn. I did this in honor of my dear friend's father who I was missing. He passed away about three months ago and used to accompany on these types of treks. He was a photographer, among many other things, and took wonderful pictures of the yarn. For me, one of the highlights of the festival...