Not Quite A Beginning Place

Not Quite a Beginning Place
Oil on Canvas
by Melissa March

This painting is wrought with meaning for me. It is the place my ancestors first stepped foot upon Canadian soil. This is a view of the vast water they crossed to get here, and symbolizes hardship, triumph, and a hardy tenacious spirit that seems to have lived down through many generations.

It also reflects a simpler time, when we were more apt to live in relative communion with our surroundings. It is a portrait of the beauty found in the day to day, and the ways we adapt and harness the wildness that swirls all around us.

I will touch on the topic of wind power in another post, but today I would like to leave you with a touch tone to the past, and perhaps also the future...

Home Made Laundry Soap

1 cup Vinegar (white)

1 cup Baking Soda

1 cup Washing Soda

1/4 cup liquid castile soap
 


* Mix well and store in sealed container.


* I find it easiest to pour the liquid soap into the bowl first, stir in the washing soda, then the baking soda, then add the vinegar in small batches at a time (the recipe foams up at first). The mixture is a thick paste at first that will break down into a heavy powdered detergent, just keep stirring. There may be some hard lumps, try to break them down when stirring (it really helps to make sure
 the baking soda isn’t clumpy when first adding).

This soap makes the laundry feel like it is fresh off the line. It's easy, it's economical, it is good for the environment, and great for anyone who has sensitive skin.

Happy Washing!