Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day,
with no mistakes in it yet?
-Anne Shirley
I don't know about you, but 2012 has been a doozy of a year around here. Good and bad, yes, but a challenge on many fronts for me. New year's resolutions are not a tradition of mine, but somehow I am drawn to the idea a bit. Perhaps this is a way of petitioning the universe to honor my bargain--if I start fresh, then it will too?
I have been pondering the older, seasonal truths that make up the fabric of this time, the juxtaposition of the darkest, longest nights with our ancient faith that sun and warmth will come again. I am fascinated by our stubbornness and the small, silent light that persists and nests defiantly in our hearts.
Christmas was good this year, filled with family that I see too infrequently. There was a whole crop of new babies this time, snuggled little baby birds tucked here and there in the crook of an arm, alongside lots of good food and laughter. My heart, usually so capable of absorbing it all, is tender and easily overwhelmed this year, and my eyes a bit leaky. It is strange and poignant to hear my dad's voice when my brother sings a carol, the echo of my nephew's childish giggle when his son laughs at a joke. It is weird and lovely and staggering to love all of these people and belong to them and accept the risks that such loving brings.
Of all the things that I didn't get around to, I was able to whip up a few goodies to give away, and my favorite of the bunch is the new recipe for hand and body cream that I've been making lately. This recipe is from Making It: Radical Home Ec for a Post-Consumer World, and the cream is rich and luxurious. It goes on a bit shiny but quickly absorbs. Best of all, it has five ingredients, all of them pronounceable.
Coconut-Vanilla Cream
6 oz olive oil
2 oz coconut oil
1 oz beeswax (grated or chopped fine preferred)
1 cup tepid water, filtered or distilled is best
essential oils as desired (I used a splash of vanilla extract)
Tools: Blender or hand mixer, Mason jar, sauce pan, spatula, empty jars
Combine the oils and beeswax in a wide-mouth mason jar and set the jar in a small saucepot with several inches of water over low heat. Stir occasionally as the beeswax melts.
Prepare a blender or deep mixing bowl by filling with boiling water to warm the container. Have the cup of water and any essential oils mixed and ready. Dump out the hot water and immediately pour in the hot oil mixture. Turn the blender on the lowest setting or start mixing the oil with a hand mixer. Slowly pour the water into the middle of the oil. The mixture will quickly turn to cream and the blender will start to rev and be unable to continue incorporating the water. Stop the blender, scrape down the sides and mix with a spoon, then turn the blender on again. Repeat until the mixture is smooth and the water fully incorporated.
If the cream is still liquid enough, pour into clean jars. If not, scoop it out with a spoon. Tamp down the jars to eliminate air bubbles. Let cool, add labels, and enjoy!
Many delightful blessings to you and yours in the new year.
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