SERENA HOUSE
Serena House Pictures
Serena is an Italian name meaning serene,
secure, calm, peaceful, and tranquil. A sanctuary; a refuge from the storm.
secure, calm, peaceful, and tranquil. A sanctuary; a refuge from the storm.
Serena House is exactly that.
It has always been a sanctuary,
and a safe haven for me.
Now, I want to share it with others.
It has always been a sanctuary,
and a safe haven for me.
Now, I want to share it with others.
Serena House is a place where families may feel welcomed to come in...out of the storm. We provide temporary, transitional housing for those who have lost their homes due to a catastrophic event or a natural disaster. They have the opportunity to stay a few days or weeks; and regain their strength, until they are able to move on to a more permanent home.
At Serena House, there are home cooked meals, great conversation, music, and play. Games and learning, in subjects of all kinds, and even holistic therapy provided to those who come to stay.
There are many comfortable places throughout the home for sanctuary; to rest, recuperate, and fill the heart with peace, JOY and healing.
At Serena House, there are home cooked meals, great conversation, music, and play. Games and learning, in subjects of all kinds, and even holistic therapy provided to those who come to stay.
There are many comfortable places throughout the home for sanctuary; to rest, recuperate, and fill the heart with peace, JOY and healing.
Click HERE to donate to our Serena House initiative!
BELOW YOU CAN SEE THE PROGRESS WE'VE BEEN MAKING
IN EACH OF OUR PROJECTS
and
How many Families we have helped so far:
2021: (1) single woman who stayed at Serena House
2022 (2) families who stayed at Serena house
2023: (2) families who stayed at Serena House
IN EACH OF OUR PROJECTS
and
How many Families we have helped so far:
2021: (1) single woman who stayed at Serena House
2022 (2) families who stayed at Serena house
2023: (2) families who stayed at Serena House
Project #1
Purchasing the home- OUR MOST IMPORTANT PROJECT!
We are at a criticle point right now where we MUST purchase this house within a very short period of time. We are working to have things in place to purchase this home in full by November 2023.
Purchasing the home- OUR MOST IMPORTANT PROJECT!
We are at a criticle point right now where we MUST purchase this house within a very short period of time. We are working to have things in place to purchase this home in full by November 2023.
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This is what the house looked like when I moved into the home in August of 2018.
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Gala Apple Tree Guilds planted in the front yard, along with many herbs and strawberries,
planted in 2020 |
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We are looking for:
A benefactor/investor who is in the position to help us with this large project. We are looking for an investor/benefactor who could purchase the home from for us and then allow us to purchase it back over 5 years.
We are prepared with a generous proposal, which will allow us to purchase the home back from the benefactor/investor at a great ROI; to this sweet soul.
Funds needed:
$295, 000
A benefactor/investor who is in the position to help us with this large project. We are looking for an investor/benefactor who could purchase the home from for us and then allow us to purchase it back over 5 years.
We are prepared with a generous proposal, which will allow us to purchase the home back from the benefactor/investor at a great ROI; to this sweet soul.
Funds needed:
$295, 000
TO REQUEST TO SEE OUR PROPOSAL FOR PURCHASING THE HOMES PLEASE CONTACT: RENEE MYSLIWIEC AT 435-531-0366
Please click on the donate button below and choose the amount of your tax free donation.
Any amount is welcomed.
Even $5 from each person who visits our site would add up substantially,
to help us complete our Serena House project
Thank you for your support!
Renee Mysliwiec- Serena House Steward
Please feel free to call with any questions: 435-531-0366
HELP US PURCHASE SERENA HOUSE AND SAVE HER MISSION AND PURPOSE
BY DONATING TO OUR SERENA HOUSE INITIATIVE
AT THIS LINK HERE!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATION!
HELP US PURCHASE SERENA HOUSE AND SAVE HER MISSION AND PURPOSE
BY DONATING TO OUR SERENA HOUSE INITIATIVE
AT THIS LINK HERE!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATION!
100% of your donations go to Serena House projects as Zeffy is a platform for non- profits and does not take out any fees!
You can also donate through Renee's VENMO if you'd prefer
to donate this way here.
to donate this way here.
Renee Mysliwiec-
Serena House Steward
UPDATE August 2021:
We have a few ladies who are considering offering their homes to be turned into another Serena House location in various locations around the Untied States! This is So exciting as we can see the need for this purpose all over the world.
We have a few ladies who are considering offering their homes to be turned into another Serena House location in various locations around the Untied States! This is So exciting as we can see the need for this purpose all over the world.
Project #2
We are in need of funds to purchase more beds for guests to sleep in.
These are the kinds of beds we need:
(6) Fold up beds such as these & these & these. (We would like (3) white, (2) brown, and (1) black finish; to match the rooms they will be going into.)
(20) Fold up mats like these, these, these or these for the children.
(1) Futon for the office, like this. or this. or this (completed 2020!)
(2) Couch beds; (One for upstairs living room and one for the library) like this, this, this or this
Funds Needed: $10,000+
With these kinds of beds, we are able to fit 6 queen size fold up beds in various rooms of the house, as well as a futon in the office and two couch beds, and several twin size mats on the floor, which will allow us to sleep 18 adults and 20+ children at one time.
We are in need of funds to purchase more beds for guests to sleep in.
These are the kinds of beds we need:
(6) Fold up beds such as these & these & these. (We would like (3) white, (2) brown, and (1) black finish; to match the rooms they will be going into.)
(20) Fold up mats like these, these, these or these for the children.
(1) Futon for the office, like this. or this. or this (completed 2020!)
(2) Couch beds; (One for upstairs living room and one for the library) like this, this, this or this
Funds Needed: $10,000+
With these kinds of beds, we are able to fit 6 queen size fold up beds in various rooms of the house, as well as a futon in the office and two couch beds, and several twin size mats on the floor, which will allow us to sleep 18 adults and 20+ children at one time.
OFFICE UPDATE 12-20-2020:
We've upgraded a few things for making the office more comfortable, more efficient, and looking a little more cheerful! You can watch the slide show below to see the new changes.
We've upgraded a few things for making the office more comfortable, more efficient, and looking a little more cheerful! You can watch the slide show below to see the new changes.
12-16-19 UPDATE: I was able to purchase this beautiful Futon for our office. It's used, but looks nice and works well and will provide one more bed for Serena House!
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11-07-19 UPDATE, We had an anonymous donor send us two fold up sleeping pads!! Thank you to our generous anonymous friend!. Here are the pictures of these beautiful pads; taken the day they arrived:
10-29-19 UPDATE!! One of my sweet mentoring students donated this SUPER comfy fold up sleeping mat ( Made our of Bamboo!) to our Serena House, after our woman's retreat.
Thank you Marissa!!
Thank you Marissa!!
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10-22-19 UPDATE!! We had a beautiful friend donate a fold up bed for us and it will arrive next week. I am SO excited! It's our first one. Bless you my sweet anonymous friend. (JUST 5 more fold up beds needed!)
UPDATE: Below is a slide show of pictures of our new donated bed all put together and set up in our current schoolroom/sewing room/dining room area.
UPDATE: Below is a slide show of pictures of our new donated bed all put together and set up in our current schoolroom/sewing room/dining room area.
3Project #3
A sprinkler & drip system with a timer and sod for the front & back yard.
This will allow us to care for this large yard in a more efficient way, and provide a beautiful place for families to play, eat, and relax in the back yard together.
We have a bid for this project and two very capable people who can do the work...we are looking for someone who can donate supplies or funds to help us complete this project before the end of September.
UPDATE: Ace Hardware, in Evanston WY has donated some of the pvc pipe for the sprinkler system.
Thank you to Ace for their generous donation!
Funds needed: $4,000
A sprinkler & drip system with a timer and sod for the front & back yard.
This will allow us to care for this large yard in a more efficient way, and provide a beautiful place for families to play, eat, and relax in the back yard together.
We have a bid for this project and two very capable people who can do the work...we are looking for someone who can donate supplies or funds to help us complete this project before the end of September.
UPDATE: Ace Hardware, in Evanston WY has donated some of the pvc pipe for the sprinkler system.
Thank you to Ace for their generous donation!
Funds needed: $4,000
Project #4
Clothing drive
Clothes of all sizes for adults and children.
Coats
socks
Shoes
Pants
Shirts (short sleeve and long sleeve)
Underclothing
Baby diapers (cloth and disposable)
Kids mittens and gloves
Women's and men's winter gloves
Children and adult winter hats and scarves
Winter coats (all sizes)
Clothing drive
Clothes of all sizes for adults and children.
Coats
socks
Shoes
Pants
Shirts (short sleeve and long sleeve)
Underclothing
Baby diapers (cloth and disposable)
Kids mittens and gloves
Women's and men's winter gloves
Children and adult winter hats and scarves
Winter coats (all sizes)
UPDATE 10- 10-2023- We are getting more organized!
We were able to purchase many different storage bins to put all the clothes in and label them according to size. (Yay! No more storing in garbage bags!) This is a project we have wanted to do for some time, and finally each size has a home and we are able to see what we have and what we still are in need of easier.
We were able to purchase many different storage bins to put all the clothes in and label them according to size. (Yay! No more storing in garbage bags!) This is a project we have wanted to do for some time, and finally each size has a home and we are able to see what we have and what we still are in need of easier.
UPDATE 8- 17-2021- We are in need of men's and women's clothing of all sizes!
UPDATE 3- 2020- Several more boxes of adult and children closes were donated by a wonderful person who wants to stay anonymous.
UPDATE 1-2020: We received two large boxes of baby clothes!!
UPDATE 2019: We have received several bags of clothing in the past few weeks from generous individuals. We will be going through these bags and organizing them by size over the next few weeks. When we are done, we will update the list as to what is still needed if anything.
Thank you to all who have donated your gently used clothing in support of this project!
UPDATE 8- 17-2021- We are in need of men's and women's clothing of all sizes!
UPDATE 3- 2020- Several more boxes of adult and children closes were donated by a wonderful person who wants to stay anonymous.
UPDATE 1-2020: We received two large boxes of baby clothes!!
UPDATE 2019: We have received several bags of clothing in the past few weeks from generous individuals. We will be going through these bags and organizing them by size over the next few weeks. When we are done, we will update the list as to what is still needed if anything.
Thank you to all who have donated your gently used clothing in support of this project!
Project #5
Toy drive
Toys for the playroom, for children of all ages.
Such as:
Little wooden kitchen- (Donated by Heather Van Sickle Dec, 2020)
Play food (Melissa and Doug)
Table and chairs (Children's size)
Baby dolls (HUGE DONATION given by Fenessa Little, of West Jordan UT- 11-2019)
Baby doll furniture
Baby doll clothes (Purchased by Renee, 7-25-2020)
New generation dolls (18" dolls) (Purchased by Renee 8=17-2020)
New generation doll cloths (Purchased by Renee, 8-30-2020)
New generation doll furniture (Purchased by Renee, 9-15-2020)
My Life dolls & accessories (Purchased by Renee, 12-20-2020)
American Girl Dolls- (1 beautiful doll donated by Rebecca Hawker of West Jordan, UT, (2) purchased by Renee from Fenessa Little, and (2) Renee purchased from Kristy Burge & Alissa Hemker- 8-2020)
American Girl doll clothes and furniture (Purchased By Renee in 2020)
American Girl Doll House- (Donated 09-2020)
American Girls Horses- (Purchased By Renee, from Lori of Sandy Ut 2019)
Barbie clothes
Barbie furniture
Barbie cars
Lincoln logs
Blocks
Toy Animals- (Donated By Anonymous Donor December 2019)
Build a Bear & Clothes- (Donations from anonymous donor 12- 2019)
Learning toys
Puppet Theater- (Renee Purchased from Angie Strand 8-20-20)
Wooden train set
Wooden Fire House
Wooden Barn with horses (Donated 2020)
Farm set with tractors & animals
Building toys (Legos, Knex, science sets etc,)
Playing card decks (with different pictures on the front.)
Air Hockey table (For teens)
Adult Rocking Chair (Donated 11- 2019)
Children's Rocking Chairs
Crafts for the older kids
Embroidery kits
Magnets of all kinds
Science kits for older kids
PLAYROOM UPDATE: 12/30 /2020
We have been so blessed this year to be able to add many more toys to our playroom including more books for our reading center, a puppet theater, dress-up clothes, and a little kitchen & little cabinet for the dishes. Our playroom room is just about complete. We are just needing a little refrigerator for our little kitchen and some crafts kits and building toys for older kids.
We are also needing some locking cabinets to store the toys when not in use. Things are coming along nicely.
We have been so blessed this year to be able to add many more toys to our playroom including more books for our reading center, a puppet theater, dress-up clothes, and a little kitchen & little cabinet for the dishes. Our playroom room is just about complete. We are just needing a little refrigerator for our little kitchen and some crafts kits and building toys for older kids.
We are also needing some locking cabinets to store the toys when not in use. Things are coming along nicely.
UPDATE 12-26-2019 Christmas was AMAZING! Not only was I able to purchase several toys for our playroom, but we received some incredibly generous donations! I chose to surprise my grandchildren and get them excited about these toys as we were able to teach them about our purpose here at Serena house. They are very excited about the children we will be able to serve here and can hardly wait to meet them! You can see below the fun pictures of a few of my grandchildren getting to see the toys for the first time at Christmas! Can you imagine how much FUN the kids who come to stay at Serena House will have!?
You can see the slideshow here of the grandkids coming in to see all the toys for the first time.
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.This beautiful chair was donated by Allison of Park City. We had planned to purchase this chair and before my son arrived to pick it up, she texted me and said she didn't want any payment. We are so grateful for you Allison. This chair is so comfortable and cute. it has baby blue polka dots! Its just darling, and will be so helpful for rocking babies to sleep and sitting while supervising the littles as they play.
This is our updated playroom from the view coming up the stairs.
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This cute little denim chair was donated along with the little fold up table and chairs and a highchair and stroller and two potty chairs, (not pictured) by Teresa Garison Long of Layton, Utah Thank you Teresa for your very generous donations! We appreciate you!
This is the view of our updated playroom looking from the window side. (Updated 12-30-2020)
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UPDATE 10-2019: A beautifully generous gal donated 3 big boxes of baby and toddler toys!!
Thank you Sarah Heap!
Thank you Sarah Heap!
Project #6
Wooden Garden Boxes
This project will allow Serena House to become self sustaining and to be able to feed all those who come here for refuge and safety.
Raised garden boxes; created to last a very long time, like these & these.
Funds needed: $3,500
Wooden Garden Boxes
This project will allow Serena House to become self sustaining and to be able to feed all those who come here for refuge and safety.
Raised garden boxes; created to last a very long time, like these & these.
Funds needed: $3,500
UPDATE: 9/1/2020
We have been so blessed this summer to have 3 garden beds built for Serena house!
A Big Thank you to Jared Huffaker from Woodruff, Utah for his time and strength in gathering wood pallets and delivering them to us. A Super Thank you to Jamon Mysliwiec who came all the way from Trenton MO and donated the wood to top the beds as well as other wood for future projects, and especially Kelan Mysliwiec who completed building one of the garden beds and 10 year old Ethyn and his dad John Goodman who completed the other two! These will be so valuable for us in growing our own crops next summer.
We have been so blessed this summer to have 3 garden beds built for Serena house!
A Big Thank you to Jared Huffaker from Woodruff, Utah for his time and strength in gathering wood pallets and delivering them to us. A Super Thank you to Jamon Mysliwiec who came all the way from Trenton MO and donated the wood to top the beds as well as other wood for future projects, and especially Kelan Mysliwiec who completed building one of the garden beds and 10 year old Ethyn and his dad John Goodman who completed the other two! These will be so valuable for us in growing our own crops next summer.
OUR FIRST THREE GARDEN BEDS!
Project #7
Fruit trees, shade trees & Food Forest Project
Fruit, nut trees and shade trees, as well as flowering perennials and herbs to bring beauty and edification to the property, and to allow the families their own fruit/nut and medicinal herb sources.
Funds needed: $2,000
Fruit trees, shade trees & Food Forest Project
Fruit, nut trees and shade trees, as well as flowering perennials and herbs to bring beauty and edification to the property, and to allow the families their own fruit/nut and medicinal herb sources.
Funds needed: $2,000
UPDATE: 10/06/2023
This summer in July we held another permaculture class here at Serena House. We had a good group of learners who got to have a hands on experience building our Hugelkultur beds! (Pictures coming soon!)
We also planted horseradish and several rhubarb plants between our Honeycrisp and Fuji apple trees.
This summer in July we held another permaculture class here at Serena House. We had a good group of learners who got to have a hands on experience building our Hugelkultur beds! (Pictures coming soon!)
We also planted horseradish and several rhubarb plants between our Honeycrisp and Fuji apple trees.
Serena House Food Forest newly planted in 2021
Serena House Front Yard 2023
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Serena House Back Yard 2023
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UPDATED PCTURES OF SERENA HOUSE FRONT YARD
With cages around the fruit trees to protect them from the deer
and
dianthus flowers bordering the front walk way.
Also a Serena House sign a good friend made for us above the front door.
BACK YARD WITH FRUIT AND HERB GUILD
and back yard with our new hugelkultur beds planted with annual veggies.
Summer 2023
With cages around the fruit trees to protect them from the deer
and
dianthus flowers bordering the front walk way.
Also a Serena House sign a good friend made for us above the front door.
BACK YARD WITH FRUIT AND HERB GUILD
and back yard with our new hugelkultur beds planted with annual veggies.
Summer 2023
Now Growing at Serena House:
Since my son taught me three seasons ago, I have planted:
Since my son taught me three seasons ago, I have planted:
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7 fruit trees 8 blue berry bushes 6 Raspberry bushes 5 goji berry bushes 3 elderberry bushes 4 grape vines 12 strawberry plants 6 Rhubarb 1 Horseradish Several medicinal flowers:
Gerber daisies Iris Lupin Lillies Corabelles Mealy Sage Bluebelles Hostas Dianthus |
LOTS of medicinal herbs:
Echinacea Puperia Echinacea Agustofolia Mullein Lavender Rosemary Basil Russian sage Common sage Lemon thyme Lemon balm And some annuals:
Red peppers Yellow peppers Zucchini Kale Cayenne Cucumbers Tomatoes Cherry tomatoes Garlic |
It's been so fun!
Even though I have some health issues which make it difficult to walk or stand for very long, I was able to use this simple permaculture method to plant and increase our Serena House food forest.
I never till
I never have to weed
I water very little
I can hardly wait to add more to our budding food forest!
One day this food forest will not only feed all those coming to stay at Serena House and our staff, but also will provide ways to share, barter, and sell to the citizens of Evanston WY which will enable Serena House to become self- sufficient through our sales of our homemade jam and jellies, herbal salves and tinctures and other, herbal remedies, as well as our classes, and our events.
Even though I have some health issues which make it difficult to walk or stand for very long, I was able to use this simple permaculture method to plant and increase our Serena House food forest.
I never till
I never have to weed
I water very little
I can hardly wait to add more to our budding food forest!
One day this food forest will not only feed all those coming to stay at Serena House and our staff, but also will provide ways to share, barter, and sell to the citizens of Evanston WY which will enable Serena House to become self- sufficient through our sales of our homemade jam and jellies, herbal salves and tinctures and other, herbal remedies, as well as our classes, and our events.
***To Learn more about Haven Permaculture Food Forests, and how we're designing and using them with families across America, Follow Haven Permaculture on social media: Facebook: / lulusgarden.permaculture Instagram: / haven_permaculture
LEARN ABOUT MY KIDS AND THEIR MISSION TO BUILD A FOOD FOREST IN EVERY YARD AND A MENTOR IN EVERY HOME::
JAMON'S VIDEO HERE!
RIANNA"S VIDEO HERE!
MEET OUR LULUS GARDEN TEAM HERE ON OUR HOMESTEADING PAGE!
LEARN ABOUT MY KIDS AND THEIR MISSION TO BUILD A FOOD FOREST IN EVERY YARD AND A MENTOR IN EVERY HOME::
JAMON'S VIDEO HERE!
RIANNA"S VIDEO HERE!
MEET OUR LULUS GARDEN TEAM HERE ON OUR HOMESTEADING PAGE!
UPDATE: 8/17/2021
This summer has been a summer of delight in getting our fruit tree guilds created for our food forest project!
Thanks to my son Jamon Mysliwiec and my daughter in law Rizzie Mysliwiec for teaching me how to create a permaculture guild! With their help, and some help from my other daughter in law Kamie Mysliwiec, I was able to get grapes, blueberries, strawberries, Russian sage, Greek oregano, lavender, echinacea, & lemon thyme planted between our big trees in the back yard, Then, a few weeks later, I was able to add more echinacea, and mullein planted in this beautiful guild.
Jamon encouraged me to build more guilds in the front yard and I took up the challenge and built 4 more guilds! I tore out the old ugly bushes under the windows, left the beautiful purple salvia, and planted hostas, basil and lavender as well as lemon balm and some annual flowers in these two guilds. ( I've got a space saved for the blueberry plants when they come in too!)
In the front yard, I planted two more guilds with a Gala apple tree in each guild, as well as strawberries, lemon thyme, garden sage, and Cora belles and some little purple flowers (I can't remember what these little flowers are called.) to keep away the deer and bunnies.
In the back yard, I have planted a peach tree guild with cilantro, Cora belles, and little purple mums. Then I planted a Fuji apple tree, and spearmint and hostas and some Zinnias. I will be adding Cora belles to this guild and planting another Fuji Apple tree guild as soon as I return from Missouri.
The plants are growing bigger and are flourishing in these beautiful spaces. I am So excited that Serena House will one day be able to be fully self sustaining and feed hundreds ( if not thousands!) of wonderful people who come here for refuge, safety, and peace!
You can see our new permaculture garden guilds in the pictures below:
I will be starting our next 3 guilds by the end of this month, which will be planting more fruit trees and our main crop of a variety of berries, and Hardy Kiwi!
You can see all the progress we have made here in this slide show. below:
This summer has been a summer of delight in getting our fruit tree guilds created for our food forest project!
Thanks to my son Jamon Mysliwiec and my daughter in law Rizzie Mysliwiec for teaching me how to create a permaculture guild! With their help, and some help from my other daughter in law Kamie Mysliwiec, I was able to get grapes, blueberries, strawberries, Russian sage, Greek oregano, lavender, echinacea, & lemon thyme planted between our big trees in the back yard, Then, a few weeks later, I was able to add more echinacea, and mullein planted in this beautiful guild.
Jamon encouraged me to build more guilds in the front yard and I took up the challenge and built 4 more guilds! I tore out the old ugly bushes under the windows, left the beautiful purple salvia, and planted hostas, basil and lavender as well as lemon balm and some annual flowers in these two guilds. ( I've got a space saved for the blueberry plants when they come in too!)
In the front yard, I planted two more guilds with a Gala apple tree in each guild, as well as strawberries, lemon thyme, garden sage, and Cora belles and some little purple flowers (I can't remember what these little flowers are called.) to keep away the deer and bunnies.
In the back yard, I have planted a peach tree guild with cilantro, Cora belles, and little purple mums. Then I planted a Fuji apple tree, and spearmint and hostas and some Zinnias. I will be adding Cora belles to this guild and planting another Fuji Apple tree guild as soon as I return from Missouri.
The plants are growing bigger and are flourishing in these beautiful spaces. I am So excited that Serena House will one day be able to be fully self sustaining and feed hundreds ( if not thousands!) of wonderful people who come here for refuge, safety, and peace!
You can see our new permaculture garden guilds in the pictures below:
I will be starting our next 3 guilds by the end of this month, which will be planting more fruit trees and our main crop of a variety of berries, and Hardy Kiwi!
You can see all the progress we have made here in this slide show. below:
UPDATE: 7/19/2021
This summer has been whirlwind of activity in the yard! It's been a DREAM COME TRUE to begin the FOOD FOREST project here at Serena House! My son Jamon and my daughter in law Rizzie donated their time to teach me the process of building a permaculture garden guild. We built this guild with their help and instruction between the trees below the deck in the back yard.
This summer has been whirlwind of activity in the yard! It's been a DREAM COME TRUE to begin the FOOD FOREST project here at Serena House! My son Jamon and my daughter in law Rizzie donated their time to teach me the process of building a permaculture garden guild. We built this guild with their help and instruction between the trees below the deck in the back yard.
Serena House Food Forest newly planted in 2020
This video shows some highlights of what this area
looked like when we first started creating our food forest!
View it here.
looked like when we first started creating our food forest!
View it here.
Project #8
Garage, Food Storage & School Room
Two-story-One-car garage such as this.
We intend to build a a basement under the garage that will be a full food storage area to supply the many families that we assist with needed nourishment. The garage above the basement, will be able to house our male guests and part of our future staff, with storage in the rafters. Above the garage in the second story, it will be used as a school room for our Liberty Academy as well as an apartment for the teachers/workers & volunteers who will be helping in the overall daily workings & maintenance of the school and Serena House.
This school will be available for families and the many children who will come through this home.
We will also offer adult classes in old world skills such as spinning wool, making yogurt, cheese, jams, and homemade ice cream, as well as classing in the art of canning foods, sewing, crafting and more to the Evanston Community, as a way of creating income for Serena House, and helping us to become self sufficient.
Funds needed:
Approximately $35,000
Garage, Food Storage & School Room
Two-story-One-car garage such as this.
We intend to build a a basement under the garage that will be a full food storage area to supply the many families that we assist with needed nourishment. The garage above the basement, will be able to house our male guests and part of our future staff, with storage in the rafters. Above the garage in the second story, it will be used as a school room for our Liberty Academy as well as an apartment for the teachers/workers & volunteers who will be helping in the overall daily workings & maintenance of the school and Serena House.
This school will be available for families and the many children who will come through this home.
We will also offer adult classes in old world skills such as spinning wool, making yogurt, cheese, jams, and homemade ice cream, as well as classing in the art of canning foods, sewing, crafting and more to the Evanston Community, as a way of creating income for Serena House, and helping us to become self sufficient.
Funds needed:
Approximately $35,000
Project #9
Green House & Root Cellar
On the property there is a shed, that is made with cinder block. this shed will be torn down and the cinder blocks will be used to line the root cellar that will be created UNDER the ground near the Green House.
The green house we would like will be something like this or (2) like this.
The root cellar will be built like this.
Funds Needed: $15,000+
Green House & Root Cellar
On the property there is a shed, that is made with cinder block. this shed will be torn down and the cinder blocks will be used to line the root cellar that will be created UNDER the ground near the Green House.
The green house we would like will be something like this or (2) like this.
The root cellar will be built like this.
Funds Needed: $15,000+
Project #10
Sewing room
This room will be a place of learning and industry.
The families can learn to sew, crochet, knit or embroider and repair their own clothing etc.
They can sew whole new outfits for themselves or sew quilts to take with them on their journey. This will give them something to do that will keep them busy and fill them with hope and the feelings of self industry and accomplishment while they are waiting to travel to their new home.
We would like to have a special sewing table built that I've had the plans for, for many years. We are hoping to find someone who is a good craftsman/wood worker who could build this for us.
The table design is done in a way that the table can fold out with a full cutting table and sewing table and then be folded back up again when done with projects.
In this way, this room can be used for multiple purposes. (It will also be used as a dining & craft room)
Funds needed:
Approximately $2500
Other needs:
A wood worker willing to build for us.
(2) Sewing machines like this.
(2) Treadle sewing machines like this.
Sewing room
This room will be a place of learning and industry.
The families can learn to sew, crochet, knit or embroider and repair their own clothing etc.
They can sew whole new outfits for themselves or sew quilts to take with them on their journey. This will give them something to do that will keep them busy and fill them with hope and the feelings of self industry and accomplishment while they are waiting to travel to their new home.
We would like to have a special sewing table built that I've had the plans for, for many years. We are hoping to find someone who is a good craftsman/wood worker who could build this for us.
The table design is done in a way that the table can fold out with a full cutting table and sewing table and then be folded back up again when done with projects.
In this way, this room can be used for multiple purposes. (It will also be used as a dining & craft room)
Funds needed:
Approximately $2500
Other needs:
A wood worker willing to build for us.
(2) Sewing machines like this.
(2) Treadle sewing machines like this.
.
Project #11
Library
This room will be a place where those inhabiting the home for a time, can study, learn and relax as they fill their minds with knowledge from good books.
We have a good start to a large classical library.
We are looking for help in finishing the basement, laying flooring, finishing a bathroom, and building storage cabinets and library shelves.
We have a bid on the sheet rock, but the man who offered the bid, is moving out of the area. We need someone with sheet rocking and framing skills, who would be willing to donate a portion of their time to finish this project.
Funds needed:
Bid for sheet rock: $2100
Funds needed for bathroom:
Approximately $3-5,000
Funds needed for flooring...
Unknown at this time.
Other needs:
Looking for a person(s) with craftsman skills, woodworking skills, framing, plumbing, electrical skills, and flooring, and sheet rocking- skills.
(2) Comfy chairs like this or this or this
(1) sofa bed like this or this or this or this
2) End tables like this and this (1) coffee table like this
(6) Bookshelves like this
Books wanted:
Classic books to add to our library such as the Harvard Classics and The Great Books series.
Project #11
Library
This room will be a place where those inhabiting the home for a time, can study, learn and relax as they fill their minds with knowledge from good books.
We have a good start to a large classical library.
We are looking for help in finishing the basement, laying flooring, finishing a bathroom, and building storage cabinets and library shelves.
We have a bid on the sheet rock, but the man who offered the bid, is moving out of the area. We need someone with sheet rocking and framing skills, who would be willing to donate a portion of their time to finish this project.
Funds needed:
Bid for sheet rock: $2100
Funds needed for bathroom:
Approximately $3-5,000
Funds needed for flooring...
Unknown at this time.
Other needs:
Looking for a person(s) with craftsman skills, woodworking skills, framing, plumbing, electrical skills, and flooring, and sheet rocking- skills.
(2) Comfy chairs like this or this or this
(1) sofa bed like this or this or this or this
2) End tables like this and this (1) coffee table like this
(6) Bookshelves like this
Books wanted:
Classic books to add to our library such as the Harvard Classics and The Great Books series.
UPDATE November 4 2023:
My heart is SO FULL! We had a wonderful donation of books from a sweet man's estate! His wife, Tina Gonderman Lind, wanted these books to go to a good place where her late husband, Robert Doyle Lind's books from his library could be enjoyed by many families!! This set is actually in MINT condition!! What a treasure we have been given!!
This Great Books of the Western World series has been on our wish list for LONG time!
This set of books will be such a wonderful blessing to our Serena House library!
My heart feels so happy that all the families that come to Serena House will be able to enjoy these books which will help to encourage wonderful principles in their lives. I feel so deeply grateful and excited that our library is growing and there will be so many wonderful books that will enrich the lives of these all our families.
We are so happy to honor Robert Doyle Lind with a special brick in his honor on out Serena House brick patio ( Tina only wanted her late husbands name on this brick.) and with a plaque on the shelf where these books will be displayed .
Thank you Tina and Robert Lind!
My heart is SO FULL! We had a wonderful donation of books from a sweet man's estate! His wife, Tina Gonderman Lind, wanted these books to go to a good place where her late husband, Robert Doyle Lind's books from his library could be enjoyed by many families!! This set is actually in MINT condition!! What a treasure we have been given!!
This Great Books of the Western World series has been on our wish list for LONG time!
This set of books will be such a wonderful blessing to our Serena House library!
My heart feels so happy that all the families that come to Serena House will be able to enjoy these books which will help to encourage wonderful principles in their lives. I feel so deeply grateful and excited that our library is growing and there will be so many wonderful books that will enrich the lives of these all our families.
We are so happy to honor Robert Doyle Lind with a special brick in his honor on out Serena House brick patio ( Tina only wanted her late husbands name on this brick.) and with a plaque on the shelf where these books will be displayed .
Thank you Tina and Robert Lind!
UPDATE January 2021:
We had a wonderful donation of Harvard Classics from a sweet man's estate, who wanted to be anonymous! This was a tremendous blessing to our library and a set that has been long wished for. The Harvard Classics are considered some of the greatest literature in the world! I feel so deeply grateful and excited that we will be able to offer great books for our families to read. We are truly blessed!
We had a wonderful donation of Harvard Classics from a sweet man's estate, who wanted to be anonymous! This was a tremendous blessing to our library and a set that has been long wished for. The Harvard Classics are considered some of the greatest literature in the world! I feel so deeply grateful and excited that we will be able to offer great books for our families to read. We are truly blessed!
Project #12
Solar Project
Becoming self-sufficient and sustaining
We have a desire to have this home completely self-sustaining, so that when our projects are complete, it will be extremely cost efficient in every way, and we will no longer need anything else to keep this home running for years to come. Thus we are in need of solar panels for the home and garage.
Looking for a solar company or individual interested in helping our project by installing solar panels.
Funds needed:
Unknown at this time.
Solar Project
Becoming self-sufficient and sustaining
We have a desire to have this home completely self-sustaining, so that when our projects are complete, it will be extremely cost efficient in every way, and we will no longer need anything else to keep this home running for years to come. Thus we are in need of solar panels for the home and garage.
Looking for a solar company or individual interested in helping our project by installing solar panels.
Funds needed:
Unknown at this time.
UPDATE: 05-21-21:
I have talked with a solar company who will help us get solar on the house and the garage (when built) at no initial cost to us. They have a program they work through with the utility company in Evanston WY, and they will be able to put the solar on as soon as the home is purchased and in Serena House's name. Our payments for this solar will be the same as our electric bill is now (or slightly less.) They also have an option for a connected generator which will come on automatically if there is a cloudy day and there has not been enough energy created, Or if the electrical power went out. With this program we will then no longer have an electric bill! This is exciting news as it will allow us to be complexly self sufficient in this area.
I have talked with a solar company who will help us get solar on the house and the garage (when built) at no initial cost to us. They have a program they work through with the utility company in Evanston WY, and they will be able to put the solar on as soon as the home is purchased and in Serena House's name. Our payments for this solar will be the same as our electric bill is now (or slightly less.) They also have an option for a connected generator which will come on automatically if there is a cloudy day and there has not been enough energy created, Or if the electrical power went out. With this program we will then no longer have an electric bill! This is exciting news as it will allow us to be complexly self sufficient in this area.
Project #13
BEE HIVES!
We are working to build/purchase bee hives. We'd like a variety of different kinds. We are especially wanting the Flohives like this. Bees will help us to have honey for our families and become self sufficient in that we can sell our honey to the community as well and help to bring in funds to our project.
BEE HIVES!
We are working to build/purchase bee hives. We'd like a variety of different kinds. We are especially wanting the Flohives like this. Bees will help us to have honey for our families and become self sufficient in that we can sell our honey to the community as well and help to bring in funds to our project.
UPDATE: 10-06-23:
We now have our first beautiful horizontal Layens bee hive!! (Built by Frank Mysliwiec!) We are so very excited about this, as this hive is designed to house bees safely and easily through all weather conditions, even in the heavy winters of Wyoming, our bees will be able to keep their hive at the perfect temperature.
We will store this hive until spring of 2024 after planting a LOT of beautiful flowers which will allow the bees to have plenty of flowers to collect pollen. we will use a be trap to gently coax the bees into the hive. We will be so grateful and excited to have our bees make their wonderful honey which will supply Serena House with a healthy natural sweetener all year long.
We now have our first beautiful horizontal Layens bee hive!! (Built by Frank Mysliwiec!) We are so very excited about this, as this hive is designed to house bees safely and easily through all weather conditions, even in the heavy winters of Wyoming, our bees will be able to keep their hive at the perfect temperature.
We will store this hive until spring of 2024 after planting a LOT of beautiful flowers which will allow the bees to have plenty of flowers to collect pollen. we will use a be trap to gently coax the bees into the hive. We will be so grateful and excited to have our bees make their wonderful honey which will supply Serena House with a healthy natural sweetener all year long.
You can learn about trapping bees naturally from my son Jamon Mysliwiec here
You can watch and learn about bee bread and how Jamon extracts it here.
You can learn about the Horizontal Layens hives and why they are better than the vertical Langstroth hives here.
Learn about natural beekeeping with Michael Beach, Jamon's friend, here
You can watch and learn about bee bread and how Jamon extracts it here.
You can learn about the Horizontal Layens hives and why they are better than the vertical Langstroth hives here.
Learn about natural beekeeping with Michael Beach, Jamon's friend, here
Project #14
OUTDOOR PROJECTS!
OUTDOOR PROJECTS!
Patio Table Project-Summer 2022
This was a super fun project. We wanted to have sitting areas for families to be able to enjoy visiting and relaxing and eating outdoors in the garden. I had picture in my mind of what we were supposed to have here in the yard to make it a fun, peaceful, relaxing, inviting place to be.
I bought the table from Evanston Classifieds for $15 and the chairs were given to me for Free.
After sanding ,the chairs down a bit to remove any rust, I spray painted the table and chairs black with Rustoleum black spray paint. (About ($9) a can and it took (5) cans of spray paint.)
I bought the umbrella base from Amazon ($25) and the Turquoise umbrella from Walmart ($35) to match the cording I was going to weave onto the chairs to create the chair seats. The turquoise cording is from Amazon and cost ($34) for two skeins. I ordered (4) skeins just to be sure I had enough and I only used about 2 1/2 skeins.
Total project cost: $193
Not too pad for a set that now looks like it could cost between $500-$700!
I love being frugal and finding items that can be reused and upgraded!
This table will be a nice area to sit and eat lunch or dinner in the garden!
Eventually this table will be placed on our brick patio when we get it built!
This was a super fun project. We wanted to have sitting areas for families to be able to enjoy visiting and relaxing and eating outdoors in the garden. I had picture in my mind of what we were supposed to have here in the yard to make it a fun, peaceful, relaxing, inviting place to be.
I bought the table from Evanston Classifieds for $15 and the chairs were given to me for Free.
After sanding ,the chairs down a bit to remove any rust, I spray painted the table and chairs black with Rustoleum black spray paint. (About ($9) a can and it took (5) cans of spray paint.)
I bought the umbrella base from Amazon ($25) and the Turquoise umbrella from Walmart ($35) to match the cording I was going to weave onto the chairs to create the chair seats. The turquoise cording is from Amazon and cost ($34) for two skeins. I ordered (4) skeins just to be sure I had enough and I only used about 2 1/2 skeins.
Total project cost: $193
Not too pad for a set that now looks like it could cost between $500-$700!
I love being frugal and finding items that can be reused and upgraded!
This table will be a nice area to sit and eat lunch or dinner in the garden!
Eventually this table will be placed on our brick patio when we get it built!
White Table Project- Summer 2023
Sometimes God gives me projects to do!
4 years ago I heard the words "You need chairs!" I thought that was quite interesting because I couldn't see, at first, why I'd needed chairs.
.
But, I've learned to listen, so I stayed open to hearing more. A few days later, I saw a post on Evanston Classifieds from a hotel that was renovating and had a TON of chairs they were giving away for FREE!
.
So, I asked God, "Are these the chairs you want me to get?" A strong feeling came over me that I wouldn't want to miss this opportunity, and should find a way to get them.
.
So, I called my daughter and she and I went to see those chairs and were able to get 15 really sturdy very comfortable, nice chairs which also desperately needed refinishing and reupholstering.
.
I kept these chairs in my storage shed for quite a while until two year ago when I needed a desk chair in my office and last year decided I also needed a small kitchen table a 4 chairs.
.
I painted the little desk chair and it brought a feeling of FUN and delight to my office!
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Then last year I began seeing the exact kind of table I wanted come up on Classifieds all over UT.
.
I prayed God would bring me the table I needed. I also told Him I didn't want to spend more than $55. (These tables with folding sides usually went for between $80-$180 on line.)
.
Soon after my prayer a beautiful little unfinished table came up on Layton Classifieds for exactly $55 and my sweet friend Shelly picked it up for me.
.
To me having this sweet blessing come in this way was miraculous!
.
Over the course of a few weeks, my granddaughters helped me paint the chairs, red, orange, yellow, and blue and I stained the top of the table and painted the bottom green.
This brought happy energy into my home. A few months ago, I reupholstered the seats too.
.
Now, every time I go into my kitchen, it brings a smile to my face! (See pictures of this project in the comments!)
.
Last summer, someone was giving away a large oak table that badly needed refinishing.
I snagged it quick when the thought came to my mind, that this table would fit well with my left over chairs.
.
This summer I heard a distinct message, "It's time to finish your unfinished projects. "
.
So I asked, "What unfinished projects are those?"
The answer came...
.
Your table and chairs! (and a few other things were mentioned. )
.
I finished the few random things and then began pulling my chairs out of the shed, one by one.
.
It's taken me WEEKS to finish, while continually hearing the Holy Spirit say, "Finish your chairs!" Over and over each week, and the impression coming over me that THIS was a very important project with lasting impact and significance.
.
So...I pressed on, and each day/week continued to work on these in my spare time. Then one day heard, "Take a break from your chairs and finish the table!"
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So I did...and then when the table was completed I finally finished painting all the rest of the chairs, with my daughter Danielle Bork 's help. (And a few cute grandkids help too!)
.
It was fun to have her here helping complete this project. Especially since she was the one who helped me pick them up from the hotel.
.
After painting, I picked out some outdoor fabric, and some plastic covering and, reupholstered the chair cushions.
And...WALLAH!!!
.
Finished project, ready to go under a pergola in our yard one day soon.
.
It brings me so much JOY to finish these Serena House projects!
.
Although I don't know the exact reason or exact significance for this project, or how it may impact this home, I have felt the Holy Spirit convey to me that this was ONE STEP needing to be completed before my miracle could be granted.
.
People who drive by are probably wondering...why is that table and chairs set sitting in the yard amongs the dry dirt and weeds. Lol ...
Well, the answer is... I was told to place it where the pergola would go one day!
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So...here it is. Completed and in its place...where the future pergola will go.
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A mentor once told me...
When we obey God, we receive blessings.
When we obey with EXACTNESS, as quickly as we possibly can, we receive MIRACLES!!
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As I returned and reported to my Heavenly Father that the project was completed, I apologized for how long it took to finish, and the answer came...
"Daughter, I am pleased with your efforts!
Although this took time, and great effort, amidst many challenging times this summer, you kept working at it. You didn't give up, and you finished! This pleases me greatly. Well done!"
.
My heart is happy today as I look out over my yard and see this table and chairs standing there.
Perhaps I will get to have a women's tea party on this table soon!
There were even 4 extra chairs we are able to use on the deck.
Aren't they cute!?
God knew...even when I didn't...that we needed chairs!!
This little project cost:
$15 for the table from Evanston Classified
Chairs were FREE
White paint $30
Oak Stain $15
Sand paper $6
Fabric $60
Plastic covering for the chairs$60
Total Project: $186
Renee Mysliwiec-
Serena House Steward
Renee Mysliwiec- Serena House Steward
Contact me at 435-531-0366
Contact me at 435-531-0366
People ask me sometimes, Why am I working on this project.
I will share my thoughts here:
I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Personally...
I feel I have been called of God to this work!
Also...
I believe these admonition in the Holy Scriptures:
Philippians 2:13
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
D&C 58: 27 &28
Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause,
and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves.
And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.
Luke 12:48
To whom much is given, much will be required.
If you have heard the wisdom of this scripture,
you know it means we are held responsible for what we have.
If we have been blessed
with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and the like,
it is expected that we benefit others.
Finding the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints;
is the greatest blessing I have ever received.
The Gospel & The Church,
has blessed my life for 38 years!
Because of this...
I want to do many good works,
in whatever way I can,
to
bless my brothers and sisters
around the world,
and
do
ALL that God has placed upon my heart
to do.
I want to obey all that He asks of me
to show my appreciation
to my GOD
for the goodness of life He has given me.
I also believe in heeding these messages from our leaders:
Heber J. Grant
[Quotes D&C 58:27-28] We should have the ambition, we should have the desire, we should make up our minds that, so far as the Lord Almighty has given to us talent, we will do our full share in the battle of life. It should be a matter of pride that no man shall do more than you will do, in proportion to your ability, in forwarding the work of God here upon the earth. That has been my ambition all my life--to do my full share.
(Gospel Standards, p. 39)
Spencer W. Kimball
[Quotes D&C 58:27] All men have been given special powers and within certain limitations should develop those powers, give vent to their own imaginations, and not become rubber stamps. They should develop their own talents and abilities and capacities to their limit and use them to build up the kingdom.
(The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 257)
Gordon B. Hinckley
[Quotes D&C 58:27] The power is in us, in each of us--the power to do significant acts of service on our own initiative if we will become anxiously engaged.
(Faith: The Essence of True Religion [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1989], p. 40).
George Q. Cannon
Our Heavenly Father requires something more of us than to be merely obedient to a commandment when he gives it to us. He desires us to strive to do good of ourselves without waiting to be commanded to do so. (Gospel Truth, p. 123)
Joseph Smith Jr.
A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.
I will share my thoughts here:
I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Personally...
I feel I have been called of God to this work!
Also...
I believe these admonition in the Holy Scriptures:
Philippians 2:13
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
D&C 58: 27 &28
Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause,
and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves.
And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.
Luke 12:48
To whom much is given, much will be required.
If you have heard the wisdom of this scripture,
you know it means we are held responsible for what we have.
If we have been blessed
with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and the like,
it is expected that we benefit others.
Finding the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints;
is the greatest blessing I have ever received.
The Gospel & The Church,
has blessed my life for 38 years!
Because of this...
I want to do many good works,
in whatever way I can,
to
bless my brothers and sisters
around the world,
and
do
ALL that God has placed upon my heart
to do.
I want to obey all that He asks of me
to show my appreciation
to my GOD
for the goodness of life He has given me.
I also believe in heeding these messages from our leaders:
Heber J. Grant
[Quotes D&C 58:27-28] We should have the ambition, we should have the desire, we should make up our minds that, so far as the Lord Almighty has given to us talent, we will do our full share in the battle of life. It should be a matter of pride that no man shall do more than you will do, in proportion to your ability, in forwarding the work of God here upon the earth. That has been my ambition all my life--to do my full share.
(Gospel Standards, p. 39)
Spencer W. Kimball
[Quotes D&C 58:27] All men have been given special powers and within certain limitations should develop those powers, give vent to their own imaginations, and not become rubber stamps. They should develop their own talents and abilities and capacities to their limit and use them to build up the kingdom.
(The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 257)
Gordon B. Hinckley
[Quotes D&C 58:27] The power is in us, in each of us--the power to do significant acts of service on our own initiative if we will become anxiously engaged.
(Faith: The Essence of True Religion [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1989], p. 40).
George Q. Cannon
Our Heavenly Father requires something more of us than to be merely obedient to a commandment when he gives it to us. He desires us to strive to do good of ourselves without waiting to be commanded to do so. (Gospel Truth, p. 123)
Joseph Smith Jr.
A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.
And
I would like to heed our church leaders admonition here.
I would like to heed our church leaders admonition here.
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,© 2015 by Healing Energies Inc. All rights reserved.
Please Note: I do not provide the services of a licensed dietitian, nutritionist, medical doctor or clinical licensed counselor, information received should not be seen as medical or nursing or counseling advice and is not meant to take the place of seeing licensed health professionals. Definition of Practitioner: a person who practices something specified |