Praying for the rains
I am praying for rain…no, not the heavy flood-rains that bring damage and fear.  I am praying for the refreshing water that settles dust, washes trees and keeps rivers and oceans healthy.  I am longing for rain to nourish our fields and cool us down.  I am craving that life-giving substance.
Have you ever thought about the life that rain brings?  And what would we do if there were no rain, no water, again? Have you ever wondered how mothers in war-camps, in post-disaster shelters, keep their children, especially babies, clean?  And how do pregnant and menstruating women stay healthy in situations where water is scarce? Some men will surely scoff and call this a foolish concern while babies are thirsty.  But to women around the world water equals hygiene equals reproductive health.
If you’ve never thought about all this, here are some facts about water you might want to consider.  Worldwide, fresh water, one of earth’s natural products, is decreasing.  Because of growing population, more water is being used in homes and fields.
Also, as businesses develop around the world, more water is needed to run offices, to manufacture goods.  In some communities in India, water became so scarce that the people protested against the international soft-drink company that was using up precious water to make drinks.  The villagers needed the water for crops.  Eventually, the company closed down.
The destruction of forests is also causing severe water shortage.  In Narok, Kenya, there once was a lush forest.  Now, the land is bare, dry and dusty.  Most of the forest was cut down and the wood sold by corrupt, wealthy citizens, leaving the land without the ability to make rain.  But, thanks to various projects, the children have started planting trees.  Each child has adopted a tree, and he or she walks far distances to the brown river, to collect water, to keep the trees alive.
Next door, a pipe has been running for quite a while, filling a bucket.  Now, it is overflowing on to concrete, disappearing into nowhere.  How I wish I could catch that life-giving liquid and send it to communities without water, or to countries suffering from drought.
Please share your thoughts.  Write to the Chronicle or email savannahwomenscircle@gmail.com.

CRAFTY LADY.
Running stitch…how to fasten the thread properly.
Before you begin any embroidery, make sure you master the stitch.  Practise with scrap cloth and regular sewing-machine thread (save your embroidery thread).
(1)  Start from the under side. (2)  Pull needle and thread through to the top.
(3)  Make sure you leave a short piece of thread hanging on the under side.
(4)  Push the needle back down, close to the thread coming through the top.
(5)  Pull needle and thread to the under side.  Make sure that short piece of thread is still hanging.  (6)  Push the needle into the place where the short thread is hanging.(7) Repeat instructions four and five.  (8)  On the under side, hold down the short piece of hanging thread with your thumb.  Push the needle under the small straight stitch.  (9)  Pull needle and thread until you have a small loop.  Push the needle through the loop and pull until you have a tight knot, tying down the short piece of hanging thread also.  Do this twice.  Your thread is fastened.  You are ready to embroider.
Next week: running stitch.

EARTH WOMAN.
Plants in your home.
If your home is not filled with living, green plants, you are missing out on a wonderful experience.  Live plants make a room feel cool and spacious.  But just in case you think they only beautify, here are some facts that might get you running to bring plants indoors.  This information is based on scientific research (read more in the coming weeks).
* Plants create a relaxing atmosphere.  They help to reduce stress levels, anxiety,   anger and sadness.  Because they are so restful, they help you to recover faster from mental fatigue.
* Healthy, green, non-flowering plants can help you with your allergies – they filter the air so that rooms have less mold spores and bacteria.
* Plants clean the air in your home in other ways.  When you lock every window at night, or when you shut the windows to keep in air-conditioned coolness, you are inhaling not so clean air.  Here is why.  Modern life has brought into your home chemicals from products like cleaners, insecticides, air fresheners, grooming creams and sprays, lacquer, carpeting, paint, plastic and electrical equipment.  Plants absorb those chemicals.  They also absorb the carbon dioxide you breathe out, changing it into oxygen.
* The physical and psychological benefits of caring for plants are great.  If an elderly person lives with you, he or she can assist in their care – see how that person thrives.
More next week…

HOW TO…
Take control of pre-menstrual symptoms (continued from last week).
What is PMS?
PMS, or Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, affects nine out of ten women during their child-bearing years.  Its symptoms are psychological and physical.  For most women (and for those who live with them), PMS is uncomfortable.
And not so good news – symptoms tend to get worse after age twenty-five.  But, the good news – PMS ends with menopause.  In the meantime, you can take control of this robber of good mood.
First, you must understand it.  Learn what the symptoms are; learn exactly when they occur so you can deal with them.
There are over one hundred symptoms in all.  The most common psychological ones include depression or sadness; anxiety, moodiness, anger, crotchety behaviour, nervousness, difficulty in concentrating and remembering; increased or decreased sex drive; desire to cry.  Physical symptoms include diarrhoea, constipation, problems sleeping, tiredness, headache, pounding heart, dizziness, bloating and weight gain; constant hunger, craving sweets or salty food; headache, joint or muscle pain; acne, breast tenderness.
Symptoms usually occur one to two weeks before your period each month; they disappear when your period begins.  Symptoms vary from woman to woman.  They may even vary in each woman, every month.
To be absolutely sure that your symptoms are caused by PMS, keep track of them.  Also, visit your doctor to rule out other reasons.
Next week: keeping track…

BEAUTIFUL YOU…INSIDE & OUT.
The confidence checklist (continued from previous weeks).
Even super-confident people can feel insecure at times.  But, thanks to their strong belief in self, they bounce back quickly.  Here’s why:
Confident people know they can positively influence most situations and bring about changes.
They are not afraid of changes.
They can deal with any circumstance or personality; they are flexible, adapting easily to new situations.
They are not threatened by constructive criticism; they consider it.
They listen carefully before giving an opinion; they speak in a calm manner.
Before making a decision, they weigh the pros and cons.
They do not make decisions about their lives based on what others think they should be doing, must do or ought to do.
They recognise opportunities and grab them. They do not turn them down, making excuses.
They are generous with praise.  Unlike people lacking confidence, they do not feel that they are losing out by paying compliments.
They do not belittle their achievements; they appreciate their accomplishments.
Can you learn this behaviour?  Experts say yes!
More next week…

Enjoy the rest of your week, ladies.  Be good t
o you, take care of you.