The New Year Bath and Letting Go

I know, I know, it has been ages since I added to my blog and what does this title have to do with politics or food. Well, everything is political and there will be a recipe involved and mojo does involve magic, voodoo, hoodoo etc.

Today I woke up to a beautiful day and went for an early morning walk with my friend, Rose. Of course we discussed the ills of the world and solved most of them. We also discussed the baggage we carry with us when hurt by friends, or guilt of not being perfect and that we judge too harshly at times not knowing what experiences makes them so difficult. ☺

I worked on the computer, paid some bills, but became so cold and tired, and it was only 11 am! I decided to take a bath, yes in the middle of the day. It could be I was just reading “Warming Winter Baths” and the different types to take whether it be a de-stress or an energizing bath etc. My sister Jojo introduced me to essential oils (EO) years ago, she is a wise sister and part of the witch sister trilogy. Since I was going to do bath bombs for my friends for Christmas and their birthdays, but never did, I had all the ingredients. So, I whipped up a potion of bath salts and a potion for shampoo build-up for my hair and headed to my claw foot tub with a picture of the Carlsbad flower field and ocean in the background hanging in view. It is my peaceful place. Step-by-step pictures were and will always be unavailable.

As I lay there I thought of the previous year, previous years and generational buildup and baggage we carry with us. So, as I soaked I decided to let go. Let go of the fear of the coming year and what I didn’t do right last year or years before. To let go of worry if my sister will lose her job, if my son-in-law will find one, if I am a good wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend. If I weigh too much, if I said something wrong…if, if, if, then the song from South Pacific started playing in my head…I’m gonna wash that man right outta my hair, and I changed it to, I’m gonna wash that guilt, baggage and so on right out of my hair, off my mind, outta my heart and down the drain.


Years ago my friend Jane gave me a book called “ The Art of Doing Nothing: Simple Ways to Make Time For Yourself”. I had time once to read it as it sat water splashed next to my tub. It is a short book that reminded me it is ok sometimes to do nothing.

So, this year I am letting go, I am going to unburden myself from things I can do nothing about, forgive myself for the things I can, and be more grateful then wanting. I am running a campaign, which I love to do. I am taking Herbalogy classes, a four-day energy-training seminar and if luck will have it a cooking class far away in Vermont. I love to learn.

As promised “The Energizing Bath”
By Laurel Vukovic

Lavender, rosemary, peppermint and basil make a refreshing and energizing aromatherapy bath. Because peppermint and basil can cause skin irritation, you should dilute the essential oils in whole milk, vodka or witch hazel extract before adding them to the bath.

• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1 drop basil essential oil
• 1 tablespoon whole milk, vodka or witch hazel extract

Mix ingredients together and add to the bath after the tub has filled. Agitate the water vigorously with your hand to disperse the oils before entering the tub.

I added the oils to a mixture of: (without using the milk, vodka or witch hazel)
• ½ C. each sea salt and Epson salts
• 1 C. baking soda

Mix well and use about 4 Tablespoons in your bath water.

Hair rinse for product build up:
1 part vinegar
2 parts warm water

Pour over your hair after shampooing and rinse.

Now if I can only get my home organized.
Happy New Year to all you old and new blog followers.