Red Lotus Designs Lexington Kentucky & Worldwide Orders 859-420-2837

Mandalas (Winter Solstice 2011 to present)

2012-01-30T17:45:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Mandalas

2011-12-30T15:13:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

New Outdoor Paintings

2011-11-17T13:02:00.001-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna

2011-11-17T12:49:00.001-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Yantra Mandala

2011-10-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Barn Quilt 5'x5'

2011-08-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Etsy Shop

2011-07-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Redlotuscreations
This is where I will be selling my painted pottery and paintings. Check it out.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna

2011-06-23T05:59:00.000-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Painted Table

2011-05-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Professional photos of December's 2010 Work

2011-02-10T12:24:00.000-08:00

Local photographer, Joshua Saxton (859-420-5324), took photos of some of my work done at the end of 2010.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Painted Guitar

2011-02-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

New Work

2011-01-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

New Work

2011-01-17T13:44:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Painted Piano at Common Grounds

2010-12-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Summertime, when the living is easy

2010-06-09T06:39:00.000-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna table in progress

2010-06-02T18:42:00.000-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna Drum

2010-05-27T07:17:00.001-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Amy's Blessingway Ceremony

2010-05-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Personal Clients & a Book Release

2010-05-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Blessingway Henna

2010-05-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Henna is for baby showers, blessingway ceremonies or any reason to feel the connection of your baby growing and the beauty of your body.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Springtime Henna Party Bridal

2010-04-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Call today to schedule your GIRLS NIGHT OUT party, birthday party, pregnancy henna, bridal shower or bachelorette party!! NEW prices for Springtime!
Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Late Winter Henna Fun

2010-02-08T06:28:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Benefit for Haiti-Poetry Music and Henna

2010-01-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

Network: Global

Start Time: Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 9:00pm

End Time: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 1:00am

Location: The Green Lantern on third St.

DescriptionThe second and third installments of the Here For Haiti Concert Series. Last Sunday we raised $1300 to donate to the Red Cross. It's not too late to give!
Sunday Night:

Devine Carama

Soul Funkin Dangerous

Chris Robbins

Eric Sutherland

Jude McPherson

Donna Ison

Henna by Red Lotus Henna

Monday Night:

John Pope

The Tallboys

Bianca Spriggs

and Surprise Guests!

Henna by Red Lotus Henna

Suggested donation both nights $7

Show starts @ 9 PM

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna Drums

2009-12-18T06:55:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Winter Solstice Christmas Yule Henna Drum

2009-12-14T19:19:00.001-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna Party

2009-12-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Barefoot Works Yoga Studio Holiday Party

2009-12-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Bridal Showers Bridal Henna Lexington, KY

2009-12-04T19:51:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna Party in Lexington, Ky

2009-11-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

Call Today for 50% off your first hour

(2 hour minimum) henna party.

I provide 100 small-medium designs.

859-420-2837

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Birthday Party, Festival, Anniversary, Costume Party, Hand Fasting Henna

2009-11-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Halloween Henna

2009-11-02T05:51:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Handfastings, Weddings and Bridal Henna

2009-10-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

Henna is sacred to handfastings and weddings all around the world . Brides choose their special symbols and designs to help honor and surround their occassion with protection.
While I work on the bride to be and the wedding/handfasting party I focus my intention to help honor this sacred union between two persons.
If you would like henna for your special day contact me at 859-420-2837. together we will choose the designs and symbols appropriate for you. I honor all walks of life and traditons.
Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Hennaed Drums for Sale October 10th-at BOOMSLANG arts festival

2009-10-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

Be the first to buy a hennaed drum. All original designs by myself. John Darko and his shrine crafts, amulets and recycled art teams up with my henna body art (Red Lotus Henna) and hennaed drums. Your only source for hennaed drums in Lexington, KY.
We will be vending this Saturday October 10th from 12pm-6pm in the Buster's parking lot on Manchester Street near Turner's Machine Shop.
http://www.boomslangfest.com/
Live music, Poi, Henna, Food, Cupcakes by Angela Robinson, Hair Accessories by Rachel Bryant and Origami Barrettes and Henna by Volcano Blue and more!
Call 859-420-2837 if you would like Henna Body Art or a Drum.
Also, visit www.sumatrakitty.etsy.com for Magical Window Stars. I will be listing the drums for sale after the weekend!

Boomslang Arts & Music October 10th!

2009-09-25T23:06:00.000-07:00

Red Lotus Henna collaborates at BOOMSLANG October 10th with John Darko. Check it out 12-6pm in the New Buster's parking lot located on Manchester St. http://www.boomslangfest.com/

John Darko is your friendly neighborhood sorcerer specializing in amulets, talismans, shrine-craft, and applied totemics. In addition to his usual blend of techno-primative and recycled wares, patrons of the Boomslang Art Fair will have the opportunity to purchase Custom Sigils and Power Meditation Symbols ritually crafted while you wait.

A 3-day, multi-venue festival in beautiful LEXINGTON, KY

Music, Workshops, Art Exhibitions, Sideshow Acts, and a Circus-Themed Fashion Show

OCTOBER 9-11

Sacred Henna Body Art

2009-09-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

Mehndi (the Indian name)or henna (the persian name) is one of the most ancient forms of body art known. Henna ceremonial painting is considered sacred work and a form of worship in many diverse cultures in India, Africa, and the Middle East.
Mehndi dates as far back as ancient Egypt on the tombs found in the Nile Valley. Mummies of Egyptian rulers and their families were prepared to enter the next world with henna stained fingernails
Egyptians also used it for beautification on their palms and feet.
Henna has been used in ceremonies for many thousands of years. It has been used in hunting rituals, bridal henna, religious ceremonies and all kinds of rites of passage ceremonies.
Many people believe henna or Lawsone Inermis is a sacred magical plant. For one, it cools the skin in hot climates such as Punjab. Two, it's a temporary body art teaching us that all things will fade away and are impermenant.
Brides throughout the East have used it before their day of marriage and sacred union. Lakshmi, the Hindu's goddess of wealth and fortune, is the also the goddess of henna. Brides who receive henna also are blessed by Lakshmi with prosperity and luck.
Henna is very empowering to pregnant women who receive it on their bellies in the third trimester. It is also considered a blessing for the mother to have a good safe birth and for the baby to come out healthy and safe.
The woman gazed on her hennaed belly and connects further to her growing baby.
If you have a mantra or sacred symbol you may want it hennaed on your body as a reminder or to have that temporary visualization on your skin.
I have done sacred henna for a variety of rites of passages and ceremonies such as blessingway ceremonies, bridal henna, First moon (menstruation) ceremonies, Reiki attunements, prenatal henna, hands on healing work, mantra sessions and other initiation ceremonies.
Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

My Public Henna Events for September

2009-09-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

September 18th (Friday) I will be doing henna body art in Berea, KY at the annual Spoonbread Festival from 3-8pm.
http://www.spoonbreadfestival.com/

September 19th (Saturday) I will be doing henna at the annual Pagan Pride Festival located off Clays Mill Rd. in Lexington, KY at the Unitarian Church from 10-6pm. Look for the Red Tent.
http://www.lexpaganpride.org/

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Barefoot Works Yoga Studio Anniversary

2009-09-06T22:11:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday, September 9th come out to Barefoot Works Yoga Studio and celebrate their anniversary with free yoga and henna body art at 5:30pm.
http://www.barefootworks.com/

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna Mehndi Lexington, Ky

2009-08-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna for Yoga & Meditation

2009-08-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

I recently took some photos for someone who will be a certified yoga instructor in October. She is putting together her website and flyers and wanted to have a henna peice reflective of her yoga practice. She chose the OM symbol.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Prenatal Pregnancy Henna Professional & Original Services Lexington, KY

2009-08-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

Henna for pregnant women can be an empowering act. It is a way for them to connect deeper with the baby in utero by enjoying a beautiful art peice on their belly.

Several times I have done henna for a mom to be in her third trimester and it was still on there when she gave birth. Henna is considered to be a blessingway for both Mother and baby through this transition.

If you would like henna for you baby shower, blessingway or just to have as a rite of passage please contact me at 859-420-2837.
I offer original artwork (see peice above) and other designs found in books available to henna artists.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Thank you to the Woodland Christian Church Arts Folks!

2009-08-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

This year was our third year at the Woodland Christian Church Arts Festival. It was our most successful year. Thank you to the folks that organize this event every year for your hard work. And thanks to my henna girls that come out and do henna. This year included Amy Rickard, Angela Robinson, Jessica Ballard and myself, Jamie Mcalpin.

See you all next year!

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Woodland Arts Festival August 15th & 16th

2009-07-26T16:55:00.001-07:00

Come join us again for our 3rd year at Woodland Arts Festival. This is on High Street in Woodland Park and on the other side on the lot of Woodland Christian Church.

We will be located on the church side.

The hours of the festival are:

Saturday 10-6pm

Sunday 11-5

We will be there early and late doing henna body art, selling henna cones, henna powder, bindis, books and possibly even some henna decorated boxes. Come check it out. Look for the RED tent.

Our Artists this year will be:

Jamie McAlpin

Amy Rickard

Angela Robinson

and possibly another new artist

The Woodland Christian Church Arts Festival
is one of the highlights of the summer in downtown Lexington. Held in August each year the property of Woodland Christian Church is becomes a venue for superb artists to display their handcrafted wares. Everyone from painters, glass blowers, jewelry makers, woodworkers, and more exhibit their extraordinary talent and provide an opportunity for the Lexington community to purchase these fine items. If you are a person who would like to make your special talent available to the Lexington Community through the Woodland Christian Church Arts Festival please download a registration form. If you are a person who appreciates the fine gifts and talents of others, we'll see you in 2009 on August 15 and 16.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Red Lotus Henna July 29th at Joseph Beth Booksellers

2009-07-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

I will be at Joseph Beth this Wednesday July 29th from 6-7:30 doing Henna Body Art of those present. This is a free demonstration of how henna or mehndi is done. I will be answering any questions you may have about henna's history, mixing henna, rolling a cone, how long it lasts, ect. This event will be downstairs in the store.

Joseph Beth Booksellers is located in the Lexington Green Center 161 Lexington Green Circle.

See you there!

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

July 26 Henna Workshop

2009-07-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

12:00-2:30pm

July 26, Sunday

Common Grounds Coffee Shop (High St. & Grand Ave.) It will be held upstairs the first room you come to.

Cost is $30, cost includes a pre-made henna cone (Pre-register today)

Pay at paypal by 'sending money' to: redlotushenna@gmail.com Select services

Please bring your own henna kit, either ordered from http://www.hennalounge.com/ or purchased from the Good Foods Co-op or Rebelle yarn Store (on S. Limestone St.).

Please bring a bowl to mix henna and a cover for the bowl (a fitted lid or plastic wrap).

I will provide spoons to mix and ziplock bags, tooth picks, tape, ect.

Please contact me at 859-420-2837 about details about the class, how to pay for it and to sign up!

We will be learning to mix henna, roll a cone, going over henna's use, design, cleaning the skin, after care, storing your henna and application techniques.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Beautiful Mehndi Henna

2009-07-06T22:57:00.001-07:00

RED LOTUS HENNA
I am now specializing in Henna Body Art embellishments. That includes gemstones and bindis, gilding paste, powders, glitter and glitter gels. If you have a particular color for glitter, gilding, gel or gemstone to match your sari or outfit please let me me know and I will provide that for your occassion.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Drums for Peace Henna Body Art Lexington, KY

2009-07-06T12:53:00.001-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Jagua Blue Body Art (alternative color to the red henna)

2009-07-05T21:07:00.001-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Simple Bridal Henna &Y Mendhi mehendi night! Lexington, KY

2009-06-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna Lexington, KY

2009-06-11T18:16:00.001-07:00

Red Lotus Henna's Schedule this late June:

I will be at Studio 603, located at 603 West Short St. doing henna body art for Debbie Westerfield's Gallery. This is part of Gallery Hop. This Friday June 19th, 5-8pm.

I will be at the Good Food Co-op this Saturday June 20th from 10-2 doing henna body art and face painting. It is for the Kentucky Proud Fair, supporting local farmers and bussiness.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

DIY Festival Sunday Mother's Day

2009-05-06T17:06:00.001-07:00

Come out to the DIY festival this sunday, the toth from 10-am to sundown. WRFL 88.1 will have live D.J.'s, origami barrettes (very Geisha like), hand sewn goods, Window stars and henna!

It's in the parking lot of the Third Street Stuff Cafe'.

Happy Mother's Day!

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Third Street Stuff DIY Arts & crafts Festival Lexington, KY

2009-05-04T09:38:00.000-07:00

Third Street Stuff
Type:
Music/Arts - Exhibit
Network:
Global
Date:
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Time:
10:00am - 6:00pm
Location:
Third Street Stuff Parking Lot
Street:
257 N. Limestone
City/Town:
Lexington, KY
Description
Come browse a variety of locally produced creations, including wearable art, toys, printmaking, photography, and much, much, more. Also enjoy groovy tunes being spun by WRFL DJs past and present. Parking will be available at Lowell's.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna Artist for Lexington, KY & Surrounding Cities

2009-04-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

I have been a henna or mendhi artist for 4 years. I have done henna for pregnant women, bridal henna, birthdays, festivals, blessingway ceremonies and individuals.

Henna is a plant that has been used to beautify the body and in ceremony for thousands of years. The oldest dated henna can be found on the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs. Henna or lawsone Inermis, grows in hot climates such a Morocco and the deserts of Punjab.The crushed and dried henna leaves are mixed with hot tea or water to make a paste. The paste is put into a bottle with an applicator or a rolled cone to apply the henna. The paste should stay on the skin for at least 3 hours to achieve a darker stain.The type of henna I use is from Rajasthan, India. It has a dye release of 48 hours, meaning the stain will continue to get darker after application for 2 days.I tell my clients to gently scrape the paste off and oil it with an edible oi, like olive or vegetable oil. Also, I recommend to not get the hennaed area wet for 24 hours and to not excessively wash the area. The henna stain will last anywhere from 7-20 days. The more you take care of it the longer it will last. Chlorine will speed the skins exfoliation and it will not last as long.When the paste is first removed, depending on your skin tone, it will be more orange and then over the 48 hour period it will get darker. The color range will be dark red or brown to dark black brown (for darker skin tones).Henna is safe for pregnancy. I never ever use black henna, which has harmful chemicals added to achieve the black stain. My henna is red henna.The designs I offer are traditional Indian and Moroccan, modern and designs I make up as I go.Henna is applied on pregnant bellies in some cultures during the third trimester as a blessing for a safe delivery of the baby.Brides in India henna their hands and feet as a wedding blessing. Peacocks are very popular among Indian brides for good luck. They say the darker the stain, the longer the love lasts and in other parts of India the darker the stain the more your mother-in-law will love you.Some designs like a peacock mean good luck while other designs don't mean anything.
redlotushenna@gmail.com

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Prenatal Henna Lexington, KY

2009-04-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

A recent prenatal session I did in Lexington, KY.

859-420-2837

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna Mendhi

2009-04-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

April and May are the two months I am offering a huge discount on all prenatal henna, which includes your baby shower and blessingway ceremony. Call me at 859-420-2837 for prices.

I will be doing henna every Friday from 4-6pm at Third St. Stuff Cafe' (on the corner of Third and Limstone). Prices start at $5.00.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Postpartum Doula Services

2009-04-06T06:16:00.001-07:00

The transition after having a baby can be a difficult one. It is a time where the mother and family needs to be supported and helped.

I offer postpartum doula services in Lexington, Ky. A doula basically is there to help the mother and family who has just given birth get caught up, offer breastfeeding advice or to help find resources for help, massage, henna, light house cleaning and making a meal.

Also, I help the family create a help list. I can call the people on this list to bring meals and help with different tasks.

Jamie McAlpin

859-420-2837

redlotushenna@gmail.com

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Prenatal henna and a Blessingway

2009-04-06T05:58:00.000-07:00

Jamie McAlpin
859-420-2837
redlotushenna@gmail.com
A Blessingway is a beautiful ceremony and rite of passage for the mother-to-be. It celebrates her journey into motherhood (or motherhood again!). A blessingway is a wonderful way to honor the mother besides the traditional baby shower centered around the baby. This is to honor the mother!
During the gathering, friends of the mother come together to give her support and advice as she waits for her passage from maidenhood into motherhood. It is a empowering and sacred time for her.
Some mama's-to-be encourage her friends to light a candle for her as soon as she goes into labor. This can be so helpful to the mama knowing her community is praying for her and wishing her safety and health for her and the baby.
The blessingway Ceremony is a Navajo rite of passage and healing ceremony for many life passages, not just pregnancy. But it is commonly thought to be the origin of the pregnancy blessingway.
A blessingway is usually a spiritual event, depending on your beliefs. It can have elements sacred to the mother's religion or it can simply be spiritual in the sense that all present are giving their spiritual and emotional support to the mother-in-waiting.
I will work alongside of you, the mother, or whoever is planning this ceremony, to create the ceremony that is right for you.

Including but not limited to:

* Invitations and programs (including history of blessingway, an idea of what to expect during the ceremony)
* Helping to encourage through the invitation: Guests to bring poems, saying, stories, photos for you to keep
* Potluck

* Birth Beads and stringing the necklace
* Red string-Sister Ceremony
* Walking under the Red veil
* Birth candles to light while you are in labor
* Guests write down a birth wish
* Flower Wreath for the mama-to-be
* Cake, I will provide
* Lavender fresh flower foot bath and massage
* Henna on mama to be's belly, extra charge for guests (30-1 hour)
* Women speaking about birth experiences, giving advice (I can also speak if requested)
* Create a help-Food list for the mama to help build your community after the baby is born
* I will take photos to include in your scrapbook that I will complete and return to you, including, photos, copy of the invitation and program, quotes and advice your guests brought, wishes and prayers the guests wrote down at the blessingway
Plan for 2-3 hours

Call for pricing

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna Hands www.redlotushenna.com

2009-02-15T19:29:00.001-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna in Lexington, Ky by Jamie McAlpin 859-420-2837

2009-02-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

Spring is coming quickly! Babies will be born. Wedding are happening. And I have henna for your occassion.

Call me for your appointment at 859-420-2837, ask for Jamie McAlpin

Check my website out at http://www.redlotushenna.com/

Paper stars

2008-12-16T11:24:00.001-08:00

These paper stars make wonderful window ornaments. The light creates many beautiful geometric patterns that add color and light to your home.

Please check my ETSY shop out at:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5157233

This star is available and I can make as many more as you'd like. Give me a day for the special requests. I can also do all kinds of different color combinations. Please let me know about your special requests!

New Designs

2008-11-21T12:12:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Henna @ Woodland Festival

2008-08-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

Come out this weekend to the Woodland Arts Festival, on the church side, and get some henna!

We'll be there Saturday the 16th and Sunday the 17th doing henna in a red tent.

Thanks everyone for your support.

Jamie, Melissa & Amy

http://www.redlotushenna.com/

Prenatal Henna

2008-07-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

In some cultures of the world women have their belly hennae'd in the third trimester for a safe delviery of the baby and to help ease labor pains.
I am always so amazed by each woman's unique belly and how the baby responds in her womb space while she is having henna done.
May all women have a safe delivery and gentle birth.

Blessingway

2008-07-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

This is the finished blessingway necklace for Saadya Nothing. The center bead/pregnant torso, the placenta and the baby's head crowning are all from the Etsy shop: blessingway. She has such awesome beads.
Each person brought a birthing bead for this necklace to help give energy to the birthing goddess mother while she is in labor.
Send your good energy her way!

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Have a henna party

2008-06-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Call for pricing on a henna party or parties today: 859-420-2837

You can book us for 1-5 hours. Over 60 miles we have a 2 hour minimum. We charge extra for mileage over 15 miles. We can provide 1 henna artist or three henna artists. We use the freshest rajasthani henna mixed with pure essential oils to benefit the henna's staining powers.

We have a variety of design books. We can also do original designs. Just ask. Henna lasts 10-20 days.

Henna Mendhi

2008-05-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

My website is up and running!
Check it out at: http://www.redlotushenna.com/

I am offering henna for parties, bridal henna, bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, henna belly tattoos or prenatal henna, individuals, events & festivals.

I will travel within Lexington, Kentucky, Louisville, Cincinnatti, Frankfort, Danville, Somerset, Lawrenceburg, Waddy, Versailles, Midway, Wilmore and anywhere within an hour and a half.

I will also henna wooden frames and drums.

Call me at 859-420-2837 for prices.

Recycle or Find another use

2008-03-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

I recently learned at a small film festival that drink containers like Silk soymilk, an aseptic container, cannot be recycled. I was taken back. Why would someone make an organic product in a container that cannot be biodegradable? I discovered another use. Check this link out to soymilk drink container wallets.
I thought I might try and make one:

http://soywallets.com/ Soymilk wallet

http://soywallets.com/diy/ Make your own wallet

Wikipedia read: 'Aseptic Cartons for liquids can be fabricated from laminates of paperboard, foil, and polyethylene.'

Oh, and also, just because a product has a recycle symbol on it doesn't mean it is recylable. http://www.ecocycle.org/faq/containers.cfm

You have to follow your community guidelines as to what you can recycle.

Oh, and it you want to recycle batteries or cell phones, there is a drop off at the Good Food Co-op in Lexington, KY

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Many things of why I love Joshua!

2008-03-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

He works hard so I can stay home and raise Solomon.
He makes me sausage and eggs on weekend mornings.
He fixes things and makes small spaces more space efficient.
He's a great father and loves Solomon.
He decorates cool Easter eggs.
He makes wooden blocks and cool toys for Solomon.
He inspires me to be creative.
He changes diapers. (yeah!)
He makes awesome collard green soup.
He's sweet to me and loves me.
He likes to grow things.
He's very smart.
He wants to grow old with me.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

New Lifestyle

2008-03-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

Over the last year and half I have been learning more about proper nutrition and about how my body digests and metabolizes certain foods like dairy and wheat.

Cheese makes me ill, even raw cows cheese. I do not feel this way about goat's milk and goat's cheese. I think it is milk and cheese from a cow.

Wheat makes me feel lethargic and bloated.

I am cutting this out.

I will be using almond flour or rice flour. I have swithed to soy milk or I make my own almond milk. Yum!

I expect to feel the difference very soon.

I don't know if I'll go as far to say that I will be gluten free but we'll see. That will mean no barley or bran or oats. I will miss my oats.

So for now I am including more nuts milks, raw foods and fruits and veggies in general.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Snow Day

2008-03-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday we got eight inches of snow out here on Buck Run Rd. It was absolutely beautiful and bright. Finally, some sign of a real winter.
I woke up and made buckwheat blueberry pancakes with yogurt and strawberries. Solomon loved them.

We took a long walk around where we live and enjoyed the snow. It was a nice day.
Later on that night Joshua finished making some yellow pine blocks for Solomon. He loved them and immediately had to stack them.

All our weekend plans were canceled but it turned out wonderful.
Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Blessingway Beads

2008-02-21T05:51:00.001-08:00

Check these beads out. They are awesome for a Blessingway Ceremony, a pregnant woman you know, someone who has given birth, a midwife, doula, a young woman's first moon cycle or someone who has lost a child!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5626191

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

The Business of Being Born

2008-02-19T13:53:00.001-08:00

The Business of Being Born

2008-02-18T08:17:00.000-08:00

The Business of being born this Wednesday
Wednesday, February 20th, at 7p.m. at the Lexington Convention Center

FREE and open to the public! Doors open at 6p.m.

Watch the trailor:

http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/

I gave birth to my son, Solomon, at home in the water without drugs and intervention. I felt safe the entire time. Birth is not an illness or a medical condition.Please do your research before you ever tell someone homebirth or natural childbirth hurts or is unsafe!

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Two tone henna

2008-02-15T06:46:00.000-08:00

There are many techniques with henna that I have yet to try. One I finally tried is two tone henna. You do henna as normal then the next day you go back and henna again certain areas void of color to give it a contrasting color. The first photo is the stain after the paste was off and the second is the two tone part.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

My new tattoo I designed

2008-02-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

I got this yesterday, done by Jeff Rice. I designed it and chose the colors. There's more to come, more peacock feathers and a peacock. I chose to do it in intervals. Woohoo!

Random Acts of Kindness Week

2008-02-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

Sunday the 10th starts Random Acts of Kindness Week and it ends on the 16th (but it doesn't have to). What constitutes a random act of kindness? Well, it will come to. It could be as simple as putting change is someone's about to be expired parking meter or leaving flowers on someone's car. Make a meal for a friend who has been super busy or stressed, clean your friends kitchen who has just had a baby or offer whatever you are good at randomly. I am so excited about this week. And I hope you are too. I don't plan on stopping on the 16th though.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Ganesh Design

2008-02-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

WebSite is Live

2008-02-03T17:12:00.000-08:00

Check it out:

http://www.redlotushenna.com/

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Traditional Bridal Henna Design

2008-02-02T20:20:00.000-08:00

In India, the bride-to-be is hennaed the night before her wedding with a group of women. They celebrate with henna to protect, bless and pamper the bride. There are literally hundreds of bridal designs. This is one example of a hand a bride might receive. My husband was gracious enough to let me use his hand as an example.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Come get your henna

2008-02-02T06:53:00.000-08:00

I need some practice for some new designs. So, give me a call or send me an e-mail and let me know when is good for you.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Organic chocolate for V-day

2008-02-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

TIP OF THE WEEK: UNCHAIN YOUR HEART: BREAK THE CHAINS OF TOXIC PESTICIDES AND CHILD SLAVERY ON VALENTINE'S DAY Tis that time of year when more than 20 million Americans are buying sweets and flowers for their loved ones on Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, these tokens of love aren't as sweet or pure as they may appear. Over 40 percent of the world's conventional chocolate (i.e. non-organic and non-Fair Trade) comes from Africa's Ivory Coast, where the International Labor Organization and US State Department have reported widespread instances of child slavery. Meanwhile, commercial flowers, most of which are produced in countries such as Colombia, are the most toxic and heavily sprayed agricultural crops on Earth. In order for you to deliver your bouquet to your beauty, poorly paid workers in Third World countries put in up to 18 hour work days for poverty wages during peak flower buying times such as Valentine's Day. But don't let the bad news squelch your Valentine's plans. Show your love by choosing Fair Trade and organic flowers and chocolate for your Valentine's Day gifts. Check out OCA's Buying Guide, watch an entertaining flash movie and take action against the 5 major chocolate and flower corporations: www.organicconsumers.org/valentines/

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

More henna!!

2008-01-27T20:26:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Past Week Artwork

2008-01-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Latest Henna

2008-01-20T20:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, I love henna. I did henna job tonight for a birthday. It was fun. Here's some of the designs.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Toddler Hat

2008-01-19T05:59:00.000-08:00

Cast on 64, 72, 80, 88 on size 6 DPN's

(newborn, 1 year, 1-2 years, 2 years and up)

knit all stitchs for 1.5 inches (created rolled brim)

Color change use purl stitch

Color pattern:

Turquoise

White

Turquoise

Blue

Turquoise

Until hat measures 5.5 ,6,6.5, 7 inches

Then work decrease sequence:

Knit 6 knit 2 together until end of row

Knit all stitches round

Knit 5 knit 2 together until end of row

Knit all stitched round

Continue knit 4 knit 2 together, knit round, knit 3 knit 2 together, knit round, knit 2 knit 2 together, knit round, knit 1 knit 2 together, knit round, knit 2 together until 8 stitches

Bind off

Weave in all loose ends.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Hat-ola

2008-01-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

I love to knit. Below are some recent hats I have knit for Solomon, my brother and his son, Cameron. They are all knit with worsted weight wool in the round.

Solomons is a fair isle kind of hat, knit with two colors in one row creatig polka dots with a crochet brim. Jay and Cameron's has a ribbed brim and a simple stockinette stitch throughout the hat with one band of color.

Baby Legs

2007-12-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

I love baby legs, what can I say? The keep Solomon's legs warm, they were great for crawling and they go with outfits.

I found: http://www.mom4life.com/ and they offer free shipping which really helps. And they have other cook stuff. You should check them out. They have a great selection of babylegs.

Solomon turns one!

2007-11-29T19:48:00.000-08:00

It's sometimes hard to believe when something marks that one year has passed yet again.

It's even harder to believe when you carried and grew a baby inside of you and pushed the star soul out into the world. I've fed him, held him, washed him, sang to him and just been ma-ma.

He now is walking a little, pushing his wagon everywhere, signing "more", climbing on everything and has so much personality.

Happy Birthday my beautiful boy!

Every Mother is a Working Mother

2007-11-14T17:37:00.000-08:00

I often get the question from folks when I am out and about with Solomon, "Are you working anywhere?" I tell them I decided to stay home after I found out what kind of horrible maternity leave I got. "Oh." They say. "so, you're not working."

I guess what I feel I need to say is I am working. I work my ass off all day and sometimes all night. There is no time clock keeping track of my over time, no paid vacation or anything.

My work is hard and rewarding work. I am not "living the simple life." I choose to embrace the work that comes along with having a baby; now an almost 1 year old wobbler. I cook for my family, make all his baby foods and we eat natural and organic. I breastfeed. I clean all the time. We use cloth diapers. I do laundry. I play with him and we read books. we go on outings. We garden. We cuddle.

I cannot justify sending my Sol to daycare where all kinds of sickness festers and someone else raises him for 9 hours a day. No way! And I would be giving them most everything I make. And they wont feed your kid breastmilk out of a bottle either because most places consider it a biohazard. So, they're given formula.

I am planning on staying home with Solomon for a while and I may even home shcool. I haven't decided.

This society is messed up. Mothers are hardly rewarded for the hard work they put out. Maternity leave for most working mothers is 12 weeks. Most countries around the world get a paid maternity leave of 6-12 months.

Some cultures do not leave the house for the first 30 days so they can bond with baby. That's unheard of in this country for most people.

I am not judging those mothers that work or go to school or just cannot stay home. This was my choice. I am working a different job. If I had a daycare or babysat that would be my job "a full time child attendant." But since I am not earning any money I am considered "not working."

I respect all the working mamas out there. I respect all the working papas. We're all working together as families to make it "work!"

Children's Books

2007-11-10T23:31:00.000-08:00

I am so happy there is a variety of books out there for children to read or for parents to read to their kids.

We receive books monthly through the United Way and I have been pleased with the variety. We receive classics like 'the Little Engine That Could' and learning books about letters.

I recently created a wish list through amazon.com and found so many books from many cultures, different ideas and religions, a book for yoga by the classic character 'Babar.'

There is hope for our children's future and we should read to them as much as possible.

Solomon's Book Registry:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3DBQP71F43PKV/

Persian Music

2007-11-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

I have always loved Persian Music. Lately I have begun to explore this beautiful music more in depth. Who are these people that make this incredible music? Some of the melodies they have going are incredible and very complex.

We know about beautiful, elaborate and long lasting Persian rugs. The Persian language is one of the oldest languages still spoken. And of course the is Jelaladdin Rumi, the Sufi poet.

I have also discovered itunes and have been listening to a traditional Iranian/Persian radio station. http://www.iranianradio.com/

This website below goes more in depth about the instruments used.

http://www.duke.edu/~azomorod/persian2.html

Jamilla Henna

2007-10-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

I'm headed out to purchase this henna at our local Indian grocery. Several professional henna artista have told me they use this because it's super fesh, pre-sifted so no lumps clog your bottle or henna cone and it's stain is superior to most henna.

I will post pictures of the stain 48 hours after the paste is off.

Red Lotus Henna

2007-10-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to do more henna lately. I have done a few festivals this summer and fall. I've learned so much about people, rolling henna cones, mixing henna and recipes and design tricks.

Henna is beautiful and I think it brings joy to people's lives. I also believe when we are working on people we are entering into their energy field. I have noticed people really open up while having henna done on them. It's also interesting the designs people choose and why.

A man chose a pheonix and while I was creating the design he told me he thought he was the pheonix. That he had seemingly die but then emerged from the flames brand new.

I look foward to doing more henna and learning more about the meaning of some designs as well as perfecting my recipe to get a deep dark stain.

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

Solomon was so happy to be at the pumpkin patch today, picking out his very first pumpkin. He carefully explored many in the patch, deciding on a vry tiny one. One that was just his size.

We picked one of the last apples on the trees in the orchard and shared.

Now, to decorate our tiny little pumpkin!

Fall is my favorite season. It's cooling down after a long hot summer and time for hot apple cider and pumpkin soup!

Henna Bellies!

2007-10-01T05:35:00.000-07:00

These are 2 examples of bellies I hennaed in the last 2 weeks. One was for a belly dance performance. One was for a baby shower. I really enjoyed these 2 bellies.

Snapshot of the past

2007-09-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

Remember:

Don't ever stop
sliding speaking fingers
up the arm
of your beloved.

Hold him to your bossom
look in his illuminated eyes
and breathe as one

A better world for Solomon & friends

2007-09-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

I walk towards blue mountains

feet are bare and rough from terrain

Seems no matter how long I walk

The mountain gets no closer

Along my way images explode in my sight

an empty beggar cup

paychecks never being enough

tinted mercedez benz

This extreme gap between rich and poor

I keep walking, getting tired

and yet there is more bombs

exploding in baghdad

more homes burning

more children lost

more dirty water

This feeling in my stomache is a tight fist

yet I sleep good at night

while others take flight

to seek shelter and safety

Has the conductor left the show to let it all

fall

towers?

I want equal distribution

not pay per view confusion

All I have is a voice

no weapons except my mind

it's time minds of the same kind more forward

and act instead of live our lives on rewind

King said what I want

for all children to hold one anothers hands

without learned anger and hate

It's time to take a stand

**Wrote earlier this year

The Web

2007-09-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

So many beautiful sisters scattered

Once close enough to touch her hand

Some still near to stand beside

Some connected through the web

Interconnected Woven by pieces

remembered Stories told and retold

Tears wet our faces,

dry and wet again

Smiling goddesses laughing

Youthful faces giggle and endlessly giggle (I love that music)

Bellies pregnant with life

to repeat the circle

Silver hair shines like the moon

Wise teacher

Giggling teacher

Mirrors all around to teach us

I see a circle of life

Of hands grasping

in the sun shine

Wherever you are,

Yes you,

Remember a thought of you inspired

a paintbrush stroke with color

Mixed in with dancing

Always near my heart

Remember

you are the blossom of Spring

The heat of summer

The breeze of fall

and the ice of winter

My Strength at times--

A lot of times A word said

The weavers of the spirit

This web is for us For you.

All of this

and more is what you are to me!

~Jamie

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Hathor the Cow Goddess

2007-09-01T17:49:00.001-07:00

Kentucky's own revolutionary breastfeeding mother, Brooke Ryan, is becoming quiet the local heroine. A friend of mine in Portland Oregon (go I-dee!) had posted this on her blog.
News travels fast. Shame on those who try to make breastfeeding mothers feel they're doing something wrong! Go Brooke!

www.thecowgoddess.com

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Everyday Nature

2007-08-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi

Goat Journal Entry

2007-08-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Diary, August 30, 2007

My name is Lousia and what was seemingly a day like any other day turned into the strangest day of my goat life. The man Ryan who milks me and tall woman Doris pushed me into a cage with two chickens. I was put in the back of a fast machine with two babies and two women and a bunch of stuff.

We went very fast for a long time until I arrived to another location and placed in a taller machine and went very fast again with the chickens to a place similar to where I once lived. There was grass and flowers to eat. They too milked me. I now live with the tall woman Doris and a small animal named Wyatt. So far I have not seen the man Ryan. But the chickens still live with me.

Let the beauty we love be what we do. ~Rumi