Yael Nehama

I hate you. I really do. Could you close your stupid greedy store for one day so people can be home with their families or at least have a day off. It's friggin' Thanksgiving, but the only people in your company who get to give thanks are the people in upper management who I am sure will have the day off but will benefit financially nonetheless from you 24 hour sales. You care nothing for your employees. It is painfully obvious when you make people work on a day they deserve to have off. Yeah, I know all about your holiday pay and I know that is why most them will work on Thanksgiving (not that you give them a whole hell of a lot of choice.) You don't pay fairly to begin with or provide them with decent benefits, but you dangle money in front of them so your employees don't feel like they have a real choice but to work. Most of them are simply trying to make ends meet, pay bills, or save money. So they sacrifice a day in their lives, a day that it should be anathema to...

I just read on Facebook, my cousin Joe died. Helluva way to find out, but the truth is would not have known without the social network. It was how my cousin and I stayed in touch. It wasn't always that way. There was a time when I would go to his father's store (OB"M) and sit and chat with him, alot. He would tell me of his many adventures meeting celebrities. They were all true by the way, as he had the pictures to prove it. He wasn't known as "El Paparazzi" for nothing. He met all kinds of famous folks from pop stars, athletes to Latino celebrities. Joe and Will Smith We talked about G-d. We talked about my mother who has passed when I was an infant. We talked about the day to day. He and I talked about so much, even vegetarianism...I don't recall that he was one but I remember his dad was and I've been a vegetarian for longer that I wasn't one. It was just such a comfort to walk into the store and see his very sweet smile looking up from the...

I love working downtown, SO much! I get use public transportation and see all kinds of interesting folks. I am also noticing an awful lot grows there, which thrills me to no end. I decided I am going to try to take pictures of the green wonders I notice. Here are a few to start off with: Philadelphia Fall Foliage (Loves me some alliteration!) Urban Sprawl or you can't hold a good tree back! Determination! This green being was growing out of a building across from the El.

Part 1 I just got finished reading this post, Herbalism On the Edge by Kiva Rose. Her post proved once again to me, that although I have never had the privilege of actually meeting Kiva in person, (I do harbors hopes of doing so one day) , I count her as a trusted friend and teacher on my path. Her post also has spurred me on to take a look at what is going on in my life, breathe a minute and reach out via this blog again. I think one of the hardest thing regarding the evolution from Philly FarmGirl to Village WiseWoman was the life changes I was undergoing, and that reflected in my posts. No longer were my posts focused of the joy I found in mothering my three children and homeschooling. Now they were about trying to find my none too clear path and focus on who I was becoming. Then when it seemed I was finding my way, the need to earn an income seemed to consume me to the point I no longer had time for the magic of living. Even the names seem to reflect the becoming, from farm girl t...

It's taken me some time, but I am learning to love this city. Well, it'd be nice and might not have taken so long if the inhabitants of the "City of Brotherly" love would try to be a bit more, er... lovable. Inspired by the visitphilly.com billboards all over the city, I decided to create my own. I may even make a few more. If you are having a hard time reading it, just click it and it will magically get bigger. °Ü°

Introduction: I have a tradition in my home, I relate the story of each of my children's birth to them on their birthday and I am quite sure they can give it over themselves quite well by now. Perhaps they can even recall an echo of memory, so often I have told them. Each time I tell it, it is as if I am birthing them again, I feel all the intensity of that love at first sight feeling. I did not intend this tradition, it simply came about, but over the years, I have realized why this was so very important to me to perform this ritual on their birthdays. It is because I do not know my own birth story. My birth mother left the planet when I was 5 months old. Because of this, I don't know much about my infancy or my childhood save for the mythology that has evolved over the years. The anniversary of my own arrival is tomorrow and, perhaps because of the time of my life I am in, I feel very sad that no one will give over my story to me. No one will look into my eyes, tears welling ...

I have been following the Wise Woman all of my life in the many forms she has manifested herself to me. Young girl, nomadic gypsy, devil may care 20something, abused wife, horny teenager, cranky old woman and many more. Each time she has taken me on a new path. Each time, I've been hesitant to go. There is not much light it seems at first. Maybe just a candles worth, simply lighting the step directly in front of me. "That is all that is necessary to move forward." she assures me. Strangely enough, in spite of my fear, I follow her. I must, I believe I have no choice, for to remain where I am is to die a death of the spirit. As I follow her there are times I struggle to keep up. Her knowledge of The Path allows her the agility of an erudite and reassures me. Occasionally I notice fear peeks from behind the trees reminding me that he is there. I linger not at his sight, moving on and marveling at her confidence, praying one day that will be me. Finally, we come to a door. A...

The Passionate Wise Woman for her "In Your Skin Monday" post. It is such a honor to be asked to write for another blog, not to mention a lot of fun. Go over and see what I wrote, and see what this lovely lady has to offer! I think you'll have a great time over there!

The Village Wise Woman The words of Wisdom are on her tongue The law of Kindness flows from her mouth Dressed in her finery, clothed in the past Eyes turned to the future, her heart ever present in the here and now She walks between the worlds. Calico apron draped across her tie dyed skirts Lace handkerchief tucked up her tunic sleeve Her head is wrapped in a cotton crown, leather sandals on her feet Close to the earth, she listens Close to the heavens, she soars! Lavender and dandelion speak of their magic Yarrow and plantain teach her of love Owl and chickadee are her friends Hawk and crow her guides Butterfly her comfort Dancing through hoops, spinning with fire, living beneath the cottonwood trees She weaves her crystal ball through the loom of her life And though she walks in harmony with all Her sword is in it's sheath, her hand upon it's hilt Warrior she is, when it is necessary. By: The Village Wise woman's not so distant manifestation

I have finally begun to enjoy my Pesach/Passover celebrations. Prior to this enjoyment I was an angry, resentful, and none to eager participant in the preparation let alone the celebration. All ofthe preparations and cleaning and turning upside down one's home to search for chometz has been working my nerves for the past couple of years, and even more so this year. Now mind you, we are not near as "in depth" as many people, following a more letter of the law practice than all the extra chumras that some of my Tribe take on, but feeling the time constraints and attention to detail that this holiday demands was, nonetheless, beginning to wear at me. Finally, with the couldn't-been-done-without-her daughter doing cleaning over the week, we finished on Sunday and were actually ready for the holiday the earliest we have ever been. I had decided earlier, since I only have one child at home and wasn't sure who actually would be present, to make plans to celebrate the...

Yesterday my youngest daughter and I went for a long overdue walk into Penny Pak Park. I have now officially seen each season in the park. This past winter was my first snowy sojourn into the park. I realized yesterday though, that it is necessary to my good health to be a much more frequent visitor to the Park, particularly since it is truly the largest natural haven here in my neighborhood. There is so much happening there right now I was slightly overwhelmed by it all. I discovered cottonwood trees with their soft buds poking up. I saw young patches of nettle and violets. There were also many other plants, but sadly I only knew a small handful by name. Those that I could identify, I joyfully shared with my daughter. Another realization I had was, I needed to become the teacher I want. Therefore the bits of knowledge that I do have, I must share or they will become lost. So I showed her the cottonwood buds and invited her to touch and feel their softness. Instructed to stay clear of ...

1. When you wake up, thank the Universe for a new day. The Jewish Prayer of "modeh/ah ani" is a good one to say. מודה אני לפניך מלך חי וקים שהחזרת בי נשמתי בחמלה, רבה אמונתך. Modeh ani lifanekha melekh ḥai v'kayam sheheḥezarta bi nishmahti b'ḥemlah, rabah emunatekha. I offer thanks before you, living and eternal King, for You have mercifully restored my soul within me; Your faithfulness is great. 2. Enjoy a cup of your favorite warm beverage. My choice, coffee. 3. Meet beloved people for more coffee and tea biscuits. (On the way, have an argument on the phone that upsets your tummy and then promise yourself not to do THAT again. Makes the hug greeting of your beloved people even sweeter and remind you of the great day you are having.) 4. Have many REAL conversations with long time friends, family and your children. 5. Dance, ALOT! 6. Hug more friends and your daughter, ALOT! 7. Forgive yourself and the other person involved in above argument. 8. Go shopping with belo...

Well, Philadelphia has been hit with 16" of snow and that means a SNOW DAY for me! Hooray! I happened to start my day off quite pleasantly with three hours of my morning spent talking on the phone with my two sisters and my newly married daughter. How lovely it was to just chat on the phone instead of through text, email or some other electronic medium or network. I haven't done that in quite some time, so even though I am not really a phone person, it was a fun change of pace. I really do love snowy days and have no objections to winter spreading her white mantle upon the earth, I mean, it is winter after all. If I didn't like the seasons I would be planning my move to the southern states. No, the biggest challenge is to spend my day wisely and not fritter it away online. This has become terribly easy for me during the past few years and I have to say, I don't like it. What I have decided is the best thing to do, is to compose "To do" lists. I did this the l...

So, I discovered this over at Dancing In a Field of Tansy and decided it would be a great way of really learning and discovering more about herbs and focusing on one in particular. The steps she has listed so far are as follows: 1. Having a Herbal Ally 2. Finding a Herbal Ally 3. Herbal Ally Tools 4. Herbal Ally Challenge #1: Decorating your Journal Cover 5. Herbal Ally Challenge #1 Completed 6. Herbal Ally Challenge #2: Infusions 7. Herbal Ally Challenge #2 Completed 8. Herbal Ally Challenge #3: Research Part I 9. Herbal Ally Challenge #3 Completed After reading the first two links she has posted regarding having and finding an herbal ally, it has become a bit hard to choose. There have been several plants that have spoken to me in my life, dandelion, lemon balm, lavender, yarrow and plantain. They seem to be the ones I am most drawn to. But I suppose if I had to choose just one, I would have to go with lavender since I can never resist brushing my hands past a lavender plant when I ...

I found this lovely link via Dancing in a Field of Tansy , so cute! Being a lover of raptors and owls in particular of late, I was delighted to stumble upon this. I am sure you will be too! Free Printable Owl Calendar

Today I woke to snowy shabbat. By nine o'clock the snow was falling consistently and had beautifully cloaked the city in a white mantle. By 9:30 am I began to get restless and started to debate whether or not a walk in the snow would be helpful. The child that I can be and who loves to play convinced me that it would be criminal to not avail myself of this winter wonderland and I quickly got dressed for the occasion. Once I had assured myself I would not freeze to death I began my trek. I stood outside on the patio for a few minutes taking it all in. It was cold and the snow felt lovely as it fell on me. I was amazed at how very quiet it was, very few cars out and about on this snowy morning, it all felt so surreal. Not even the juncos I had noticed earlier in the bush in front of my home were tittering about. I started my walk not exactly sure where I was going then quickly deciding I desperately needed to see the woods on a snowy day. It occurred to me that I have never been ther...

Here is a link from The Leaky Book Blogsite telling her story . After you read it and if you are on facebook, go like the new support page .

This morning I read this article which states that four nursing students, who posted pictures on Facebook of a human placenta, have been kicked out of nursing school. I then learned that Facebook deleted the page titled: " The Leaky B@@b " as it was considered offensive. Uh, yeah. This coming from a Social Network that has a plethora of hate groups and pages devoted to prejudice. (obviously not devoting a link to any of them) They have time and time again removed nursing babies photos, birth and placenta pictures but that wide array of drunken ass photos, not too worry, they are still proudly up. Apparently stupidity and ignorance is not deemed offensive.

This morning I was making my healthy low calorie breakfast, (why yes, I am on the eat well/lose weight New Year's bandwagon) and getting quite excited about it! New year, new beginning blah, blah, blah. I was even planning to enjoy a bagel because I have decided to stop demonizing carbs and simply learn to eat like a person and not two. So, there I was happily cooking away when suddenly from the back room I hear my daughter cry out, "Oh my g*d!" I leave my stove top and quickly run over to the hall where I ask her what happened. Daughter: "The Dog!" Me: "What?!" Daughter: "The Dog got into the fridge and ate the bagels." Me: "WHAT?!?!" Daughter:"He got into the fridge and ATE the bagels!" I simply cannot believe it! Even as she is bringing me the empty bagel package I still can't believe it. Ah, but there is indeed the rub, because you see I should have believed it. We had recently just began to store the bagels in the...