You know, I try not to shout about my politics too often or too loudly because it seems the quickest way to start fights with people I know (my cousin and I disagreed about invading Iraq and it caused real, continuing harm to our relationship).

But can I tell you how good it feels to vote for what I actually believe in, not what I'm willing to settle for, or for the least-worst option?

I had always been "unenrolled" (or "Independent") because I didn't like the idea of either party "owning" me or my vote, and because I never heard either of them addressing my concerns.

Then I found the Greens and I knew it was the party for me. Greens stand for democracy, social justice, ecological and economical sustainability, my core values. The Greens have a clear vision and policy agenda that puts political ideas and principle above the influence of big money.

Third-party votes may be controversial (people are *still* blaming Ralph Nader for Gore's 2000 presidential defeat, which is factually untrue -- not to mention that it's a real stretch to claim that everyone who voted for Nader would have voted for Gore if Nader had not been on the ballot) but, if you can get past the rhetoric, how different are the two major parties anyway? (they both supported the Patriot Act, the War, you know where I'm going with this.... )

If you believe in grassroots democracy, social justice, ecological wisdom, non-violence, and equal rights, then Cynthia McKinney and the Greens are the people who are speaking for you.

If you are looking for real change, vote McKinney & Clemente -- VoteTruth08

While planning my Halloween festivities this year, I checked School of the Seasons to see what Waverly was thinking about. She lists calendula as the October "Flower of the Month" from English tradition, but points out, "The flowers which grow in your locale should be the flowers on your floral calendar, not the flowers chosen by florists or poets.... ".

Phlox, marigolds, foxglove, daisies, sedums, and purple coneflowers (Echinacea) are all that's left in my New England garden, and though marigolds are similar to calendula (calendula is sometimes even called "pot marigold"), they aren't used for health and beauty.

So instead, I'm going to say that Echinacea is my "Flower of the Month".

It's a good herb to have on hand this time of year as it helps ward off colds that can come from the change of season from summer to autumn. It can also be used topically for a range of skin conditions from wounds to acne.

For health, tincture is a convenient way to take Echinacea, but it makes a nice tea too. Many folks use the root, but like the English tradition, I use the flower. The medicine is just as strong and it makes for a more sustainable garden.

This balm is perfect for protecting your lips in the drying winter weather! It's also easily adaptable. You can substitute other oils or butters to use what you have on hand.

Ingredients needed:
3 tsp calendula-infused olive oil
1 tsp hemp seed oil
1 1/2 tsp cocoa butter
1/2 tsp candelilla wax

Directions:
Warm wax and cocoa butter in a non-metal pot over a double-boiler (bain marie). When melted, take off heat and stir in oils. Keep stirring until everything is well-blended.

I like my lip balms plain, but you could add a few drops of peppermint or sweet orange (or other edible) essential oil after it cools a bit for fragrance and taste before pouring into a tin.

(If it comes out too soft for your liking, remelt and add a little more wax. Or if it's too hard, remelt and add a little more oil.)

To check out other D.I.Y. lip balm recipes, visit the Facial & Lip Care page at MakeYourCosmetics.com. Happy cooking!