tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87240485917383311682024-03-12T16:32:57.245-07:00Vestella's ValeMy soul mission is to share beauty, to be true to my own wisdom & spark that in others.Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-53289906368293049062022-10-04T09:30:00.005-07:002022-10-04T09:30:55.150-07:00I'm Moving!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i-5EUWi2P65E5T5glc93PU-f2lpBHxW7IOhY3rapdPPvYU36rjz5XFcW0xZWG6QHMGx0qEGBDZwng0Xs3k4CMPqs4zQeafm2oArfQYh9JuffHgPgC2x_fQ-7CPpjaTuIGdxSXOdqrRzDoiS7ozg0SlR5zMfqfO1crJlPHnmwkDkNdsqJz41Iqdu65g/s4032/20221001_154028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5i-5EUWi2P65E5T5glc93PU-f2lpBHxW7IOhY3rapdPPvYU36rjz5XFcW0xZWG6QHMGx0qEGBDZwng0Xs3k4CMPqs4zQeafm2oArfQYh9JuffHgPgC2x_fQ-7CPpjaTuIGdxSXOdqrRzDoiS7ozg0SlR5zMfqfO1crJlPHnmwkDkNdsqJz41Iqdu65g/w150-h200/20221001_154028.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Z-man helping</i></div> My daughter and son in law are building me a Grannie Flat in their back yard (!!)<div>So after 19 years here, I'm engaged in downsizing and purging for that move, which will be in stages!<p></p><p>During construction, I'll be mere yards away, in a back nook in their home! Able to watch over and bless the process at every stage! Deciding what to take with for that 3-6 months, what can go into short term storage! </p><p>I've ordered my new mattress, but for the nonce, I'll borrow one of the kids bed, that fits in the space. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5CmAW65v1hk_AIwO4M9E2bYY7SWG9NTVunlqS8H20M2IJsceFlxJsXb9u8kH4cNOdDcOXi7-OayVDcmKaBEy1bmMx_Jyyz2bQhdvSmzCCFvfjQM1_FMwBQ8zMeC3aCEksh-Kr5iQY-IbsGqC0I6svDhxP-0FTQXdMpXFB0TGeylFjWGEJ7947GSwmA/s1024/IMG_5664.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5CmAW65v1hk_AIwO4M9E2bYY7SWG9NTVunlqS8H20M2IJsceFlxJsXb9u8kH4cNOdDcOXi7-OayVDcmKaBEy1bmMx_Jyyz2bQhdvSmzCCFvfjQM1_FMwBQ8zMeC3aCEksh-Kr5iQY-IbsGqC0I6svDhxP-0FTQXdMpXFB0TGeylFjWGEJ7947GSwmA/s320/IMG_5664.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My new room</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Note to self: </i>Wash the walls with a bit of salt and citrus Essential Oil in the walls to clear predecessor Chi.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, I've lived the longest in this house on Galloway! So there's much accumulation of - stuff!! My daughter and her first 2 girls lived with me 17 years ago - and left some things in my garage (we've sorted that). </div><div style="text-align: left;">That nest egg included things from my mom (who died the previous winter) and dad, who's now been gone 30 years. And of course many things from my own 72 years circling the sun.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Having their help has been <b>huge</b>! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I asked a new neighbor if he was intersted in buying my house - and his brother is! A realtor friend is overseeing the sale, and I have a week and 1/2 left to finish up! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've been sweeping the front porch and spritzing the door with cinnamon (thanks to tips from Amanda Gibby Peters) and have a virtual consultation scheduled later in the month with my BD twin Gwynne, who is a Feng Shui practioner! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Partway through many of my moves, I often just want a backhoe at the end - and sometimes just brought junk along! On the weekend I thanked Mary and Matt for "<i>being my backhoe BEFORE the very end!" </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzWa46Vd-tUsWV5hHsMD5EWOpLwNtQoZCiv1enxawb_D92bShgYejn6spS-cHkS_dYzeY5Ckt8zmFLpAU6moEZ_SAP3Th0x68-f3wHrOF7bERFhTYI6UN24GkN6REnyFmO13lLnsews1lEcNp4GHnHzQr_IsNflVOtm8EIQ6S99Mvhr82uYhX85uXPQ/s4032/20220930_181830.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzWa46Vd-tUsWV5hHsMD5EWOpLwNtQoZCiv1enxawb_D92bShgYejn6spS-cHkS_dYzeY5Ckt8zmFLpAU6moEZ_SAP3Th0x68-f3wHrOF7bERFhTYI6UN24GkN6REnyFmO13lLnsews1lEcNp4GHnHzQr_IsNflVOtm8EIQ6S99Mvhr82uYhX85uXPQ/w320-h240/20220930_181830.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Construction beginning</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p dir="ltr">The stuff! The books! The plants!! </p><p dir="ltr">We began moving the plants first - I had kept many in pots, and dug up others .... I somehow found time to garden (rather than being going through stuff!) this summer ... and my grandson Z and I put in a little bed on their back garden, which he helps check and tend!</p><p dir="ltr">I've been listening to lots of podcasts and watching decluttering videos, and realize I'm 'motivational challenged and have problems wroth executive function - my dad would say, <i>"Penny wise, pound foolish!" </i>I can focus for <u>hours </u>on non-essentials!! But often delay important tasks. Procrastination often goes with this challenge getting motivated! And sticking to one task (they are a subset of ADHD!)</p><p dir="ltr">One clutter clearing champ, Cass, invites us to learn to <i>"eat the Frog First!" </i>Do that hard thing you don't want to do, 'cause you know you'll <u><i>never</i></u> want to!!</p><p dir="ltr">I'm assisting in a virtual creative class (scheduled months ago!) Last week we created glyphs / sigals - I used the non-repeating letters from 'Eat the Frog First' in creating this one - </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1q2d8mg3ViHXA8PWcjJIhji4r6SHqszn2qH3tIsIvFPbF4Xh7e3VwV_c7MFDoN6FQpHSLxkGUcDSYTk8yHtvJhoKcxHgYCd3jzXZ5o8LaH3KMkqXJ4vX78z8Eancoh300S2zpGm5GZxgdIbrPKJrS5m4LIJi-bzer65hIBb_GoVn05Alq4x7MhHhxCw/s3924/20220930_160904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3924" data-original-width="2517" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1q2d8mg3ViHXA8PWcjJIhji4r6SHqszn2qH3tIsIvFPbF4Xh7e3VwV_c7MFDoN6FQpHSLxkGUcDSYTk8yHtvJhoKcxHgYCd3jzXZ5o8LaH3KMkqXJ4vX78z8Eancoh300S2zpGm5GZxgdIbrPKJrS5m4LIJi-bzer65hIBb_GoVn05Alq4x7MhHhxCw/s320/20220930_160904.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Eat The Frog First</i> </div><p dir="ltr">So - I'm eating the frog 🐸 and find its getting easier with practice. </p><p dir="ltr">Some tips on dealing with the stuff - whether you're simply dethugging (and we all need to at times - toddy people have less stuff - who knew??) or preparing for a move! </p><p dir="ltr">✔ have trash bags/ bins in every room, plus recycling, shredding, and areas for donations. </p><p dir="ltr">✔ thank / bless the items as you bundle them up </p><p dir="ltr">✔ it can help to start with things you're less attached to - and handle quickly! </p><p dir="ltr">✔ Our brains release bonding hormones when stimulated by touch - have a friend hold up/ point to/ ask you about things! A good phrase is,<i> 'it looks tired' ... </i>another<i>, 'close your eyes and think of the house you want to live in - does this fit?' </i></p><p dir="ltr">✔ Choose what you want to keep and work on boxing those, let a helper bag/ box up donations<i> (that helps keep me from rebonding!) </i>If they want it, it's theirs!! Since we're dealing with family things, we have a box set aside for my son, and my daughter reclaims special items. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia0rwBrVVy8FtBByOblivu8v5qm5BDiGN0mRADoGCHcxfuan5JYOjwLerFrDpbFAHdcD3zsi99PtSQcATgZnURwSlNf486QpL6FezmuscRGkWxPqNk6dSWlPGRlOvVfMxveYiCBiyZaQE5SWMBtBZ9iuKXJ3kT4CgZvgm3vk18lrqiDGsjBmK7uuhrg/s4032/20221002_091514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia0rwBrVVy8FtBByOblivu8v5qm5BDiGN0mRADoGCHcxfuan5JYOjwLerFrDpbFAHdcD3zsi99PtSQcATgZnURwSlNf486QpL6FezmuscRGkWxPqNk6dSWlPGRlOvVfMxveYiCBiyZaQE5SWMBtBZ9iuKXJ3kT4CgZvgm3vk18lrqiDGsjBmK7uuhrg/w200-h150/20221002_091514.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><i>Books for Matt to box</i></p><p dir="ltr">✔ Engage a friend or your kids to witness /go with you for the first donation drop!<br />✔ get yourself some flowers 💐 and/or favorite coffee ☕ on the way home! </p>
<p dir="ltr">✔ If you can, have someone else handle some of the drop offs! Have a clear staging station, and just <u>let them do it </u>- go along occasionally if you want - up to you! The less disposal I'm copingwith, the easier sorting becomes </p><p dir="ltr">In the past, those bags🎒 🛍 rumbled around in my car for months ... it's such a blessing to just set them on the porch for them to load up! </p><p dir="ltr">✔ Selling? If you're good at it and have time .... or there's a garage sale you can tag into .... Matt is listing a few things on marketplace, and deals with those, I sold one of my old massage tables (don't judge!) to a friend who's taken Reiki from me.</p><p dir="ltr">When you need to do a donation run, set yourself up for success ✔ Have a system for when and how you'll bookend it with other errands, and where in your car you'll put them. <br />
✔ include a treat once a week - fresh flowers are great! Amanda Gibby Peters of Simple Shui has some great stories about it being a quick way to freshen Chi! Find her Simple Shui tips on Instagram.<br /><br />
✔ be good to you! Stay hydrated!! Have glasses of water, maybe with a bit of lemon and cucumber, stashed around. Schedule breaks - go on a little walk, sit down, take a bath or shower at the end of the day. <br />
You've got this!! 💕 💐 <br />
</p></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-57134918350088293492022-08-04T08:07:00.003-07:002022-08-04T09:21:06.287-07:00Happy mail<p> Yay - that was quick!! </p><p>I placed my order Sunday, and here it is! For most of my supplements, buy off the shelf or order most from the office where I offer massage and Reiki sessions ... but needed more of the <i>Niacinamide</i> for my joints, and wanted to try a time release formula.</p><p>I discovered Niacinamide's use for arthritis this spring, as I was experiencing some pain and stiffness in my right hand, </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipJsjEkAdy9gPYUmmx9f1H8cL-nMb7XY7SCJAoeeApFuJi0c_DAnfOfB-VDzJFwNRBW0JaBWAK9TJgvHVBOktziLZzKeqsSuAk8MN9zRHODuz6uioK4MML_3Pr02CLkR2HuD6dZtAiu3fabg1K_Sr5ZoH5F31WU4vqJt1yCR67FzZbuni49vI7Eoqhg/s4032/20220803_211016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipJsjEkAdy9gPYUmmx9f1H8cL-nMb7XY7SCJAoeeApFuJi0c_DAnfOfB-VDzJFwNRBW0JaBWAK9TJgvHVBOktziLZzKeqsSuAk8MN9zRHODuz6uioK4MML_3Pr02CLkR2HuD6dZtAiu3fabg1K_Sr5ZoH5F31WU4vqJt1yCR67FzZbuni49vI7Eoqhg/w150-h200/20220803_211016.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>New Supplements!</i></div><p>In the 30s and 40s, Dr Kaufman had many of his patients with 'Wear and Tear' arthritis take several thousand milligrams in divided doses throughout the day, and found it to be an excellent control for the pain. It also helped rebuild collagen - often making joint surgery unnecessary! And then, cortisone became available and popular, and of course more lucrative for the industry - the vitamin B-3 in this form is 13c each, for 1000 mg! </p><p>Niacinamide was the first mega-vitamin used for mental health, and is very supportive in that regard as well, especially for struggling teens. It's removed in milling and heat sensitive, so harder to get even in normal amounts from food. </p><p>I take a B vitamin blend from Thorne daily as well, and liquid B-12.</p><p>I'm a Virgo, and true to form, have long been interested in health and ways to support that - I had a little book on yoga on HS, and began taking movement classes by the my late 20s (ballet, and a few years after that, Tai Chi) My dad always had a garden, and we got whole raw milk from the dairy next door. I continued gardening, eating whole foods, making my own bread and yogurt (still from raw milk), supplemented with vitamins and minerals from my 20s.</p><p>In nature, vitamins A and D naturally occur together, and <i>Cod Liver Oil</i> (which i have to my kids!) is still a great source. This one's Icelandic. </p><p> In the PNW, we are above the 45th parallel, so most folks find taking a higher dose of D helpful. Both of A and D support the immune and cardiovascular systems, enhance bone health and calcium metabolism. In one 40s study, toddlers who were low in Vitamin D, and beginning to show signs of rickets, would request spoonfuls of CLO, until the condition was corrected!</p><p>Though we're near the ocean, the PNW is a goiter belt, so <i>iodine</i> and <i>seaweed</i> can be very supportive of thyroid health, metabolism, and immune function. I do eat and love seaweed - and discovered I felt better with supplemental iodine in my 20s! </p><p><i>Boron</i> is a trace mineral that's also a cofactor for <i>magnesium</i> metabolism, heart health, the parathyroid, is anti-inflammatory, and can prevent bone loss as we age! It supports health of nerves and immune function as well - - what's not to like? </p><p>(I like <a href="https://youtu.be/TJp7SW1pY2I" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this talk</a> Dr Jorges Flecher gave to dentists at a conference on oral health on his own discovery of the importance of Boron) In the US, 23% of the population have some form of arthritis, and most of us get 0-3 mg of Boron daily; in areas getting 10-30 mg of dietary Boron daily, the arthritis rate drops to .5 % ! There's less Boron in arthritic joints than in 'normal' joints. </p><p><i>Resveratol</i> and <i>NAC</i> are new to my regime </p><p> <i>Resveratol</i> is found in red grapes (one of the reasons drinking Red wine is recommended - and whilst I live in the heart of wine county, I just don't drink much!) It is considered a longevity herb, its use can mimic fasting, and support healthy long life. Some studies point to consuming it on alternate days - especially on days with higher fat intake, to be most beneficial. It also seems to support the health of our <i>mitochondria, </i>which are key to vitality.</p><p><i>NAC</i> (N Acetyl L Cystine) is an antioxidant which supports health glutathione levels, immune, liver and respiratory function and energy production! It's advised to be sure to drink sufficient water whilst taking this one - 6-8 glasses. I've been having a pinch of sea salt before drinking water, to enhance absorption by the cells! </p><p>Now, to integrate these into my routine... </p><p>Years ago, I read a lovely tome from our public library which detailed in a few pages each, cutting edge research on individual supplements. At the end of each chapter, the author asked the researcher, '<i>what supplements do you personally take?' </i></p><p>Generally: a multi or B complex, vitamins C and E, many also took D and some minerals - and they <i>EACH</i> took whatever they were studying!! </p><p><i>An MD studying longevity had the longest list of supplements and lifestyle supports like eating whole foods, and exercising daily!' </i></p><p>I love the easy access lids (I only needed to swap out the Niacinamide top - I keep a few of the extras on hand.</p><p>I've recently taken up sprouting again, after seeing info on the enzymes in broccoli sprouts and their anti-carcenogenic effect on cells. I also discovered the Japanese morning exercises (< 10 minutes!) That are a great way to wake up the lymph and begin the day! </p><p>Do you have a favorite supplement and movement routine? I'd love to hear about them!</p>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-82988753739684610902022-04-06T10:43:00.004-07:002023-02-06T07:29:42.835-08:00Sea kale babies<p>Crambe maritima </p><p>I'm beyond excited that my Crambe or Sea Kale root cuttings sprouted!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfOcFrBEAWwzvFGjLMVfC3X7ZwW3veXBI8wS4Tf2oE7vWKYNueL-PcGUgLpSOnCHo8r2kqY_4yEdymD46ucabOSvcZZ0CppAd_UiH4EI4IlKevqbZ59F_FvuHomTDCI1hb5FYyW8lepbcfcKFc5Y5zdyWX0FqG7ROX8fHlDuusJviGcFFgjePfyMRrQ/s4032/20220406_093141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfOcFrBEAWwzvFGjLMVfC3X7ZwW3veXBI8wS4Tf2oE7vWKYNueL-PcGUgLpSOnCHo8r2kqY_4yEdymD46ucabOSvcZZ0CppAd_UiH4EI4IlKevqbZ59F_FvuHomTDCI1hb5FYyW8lepbcfcKFc5Y5zdyWX0FqG7ROX8fHlDuusJviGcFFgjePfyMRrQ/s320/20220406_093141.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sea kale in the garden</i></div><p>A 'formerly common denizen of single banks' in N Europe and the British isles,sea kale is a delightful perennial wonder!</p><p>In <b>Living in a Wild Garden</b>, British author Roger Banks wrote, 'there are still odd clumps of it, .... at first you think you are looking at a distant line of breakers till you realize that it is neither rough enough for such a sea to be running nor can you hear it... </p><p>'Then through binoculars, you see that your breaking line of surf is still - still as the great wave of Hokusai's picture - and that the lace-like foam flung up on its rearing green crest is as dry as the 17th century master's woodcut. ... you realize you are witnessing the flowering of SeaKale, Crambe maritima. If only people wanted to lift up their hearts, there would be special excursions to see such a miracle and of only they cared for their palettes, there would be a local cottage industry cultivating it...'</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZF6fhf5Jkeo2YQhHxat3lIbNhUoNwRu-tGw_ifiWtP_bGWBOSVI8FLjQ5EXO3RDLo1uzhG2I3yyctG6epgXkfJSNySi33LN43AHsX67BbIXuNE0nsFNqA3-8s7cUknBIfsbuw0lLRXE7pIzDFiYegGvmNdNHZhvAnR9zLpTSTXbvjjIEiUpPwnZvnQ/s400/CrambeMaritima_1080x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZF6fhf5Jkeo2YQhHxat3lIbNhUoNwRu-tGw_ifiWtP_bGWBOSVI8FLjQ5EXO3RDLo1uzhG2I3yyctG6epgXkfJSNySi33LN43AHsX67BbIXuNE0nsFNqA3-8s7cUknBIfsbuw0lLRXE7pIzDFiYegGvmNdNHZhvAnR9zLpTSTXbvjjIEiUpPwnZvnQ/s320/CrambeMaritima_1080x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://nicholsgardennursery.com/products/crambe-maritima-out-of-stock?_pos=1&_sid=77930b78e&_ss=r&variant=39480085512376">Sea kale</a> in bloom</i></div><p>- Like other Perennial vegetables, Crambe's strong root system gives these lovely kale relatives access to deep minerals.</p><p>Their seeds have a corky coating, which allows them to float off and inhabit new shores! </p><p>In the past, I've tried growing from <a href="https://nicholsgardennursery.com/products/crambe-maritima-out-of-stock?_pos=1&_sid=77930b78e&_ss=r&variant=39480085512376" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">seed</a> a few times, then read that root and stem cuttings are much easier to start, and was able to get a few pieces of root last fall. There is an old population near a lighthouse on our coast, and these were exposed and so likely to break off in stormy weather and high tides. </p><p>I simply tucked them in gallon pots of potting soil, putting a piece of garden fleece over each pot to keep slugs and other visitors out, and left then on my front porch over the winter. </p><p>I was so excited to see each of the three cuttings beginning to leaf out. There was a nice root on the piece I just planted, and I'll give one to a friend who first introduced me to this long lived denizen of shingle banks!! </p>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-50567314754510556752021-06-04T09:05:00.006-07:002021-06-04T09:05:41.178-07:00Chrysanthemum Tea<p> I have joined a Tai Chi class that meets thrice weekly in the park by my youngest grandkids' school. I've been doing Qigong in the park while my grandkids play a little while after their morning school time, then a friend invited me to join the group practice. </p><p>It's been lovely to revisit the Yang Long form, which I first learned nearly 40 years ago, during my massage training. My mentor suggested Tai Chi as a life long practice, and way you learn good ergonomics. She was so right! </p><p>A week or so ago, the friend who invited me brought me this lovely treat Tea Pot and flowering tea from <a href="https://shop.numitea.com/Flowering-Tea-Set/p/NUMIS-80950&c=NumiTeaStore@FloweringTea@Gifts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Numi</a>! I often steep tea in a glass tea cup with matching strainer - but this provides such an elegant experience! Each tea "ball" can be stepped several times, and I often as some of my own tea leaves for additional batches.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWlZNYcHqm1PY7z-OVNBp8MchVAlrdC20PbrrmTcWsrlfoTeqHyoB7ddwXWA8_tycLLZHm35Z7U5RqkB68LyvzOTgKrc0xc9VxeSMW6_6ud7ZPV5xq2VKMtxbaYONJC_V2Ysx4S8OWE4H/s1275/floweringtea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWlZNYcHqm1PY7z-OVNBp8MchVAlrdC20PbrrmTcWsrlfoTeqHyoB7ddwXWA8_tycLLZHm35Z7U5RqkB68LyvzOTgKrc0xc9VxeSMW6_6ud7ZPV5xq2VKMtxbaYONJC_V2Ysx4S8OWE4H/s320/floweringtea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Tea pot and flowering tea</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This little of year I'm often dreaming about new varieties for my garden, and was pleased to find Bo Jo Hua Chrysanthemum tea plants at my friend Melissa's Van Hevlingen Herb booth at the Farmers Market! She had two varieties, which bloom in the late fall like otter Mums. Bo Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum morifolium) doesn't set reliable seed, so is only available as plants - I'm excited to add these to my garden! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found several blog posts about these plants and the flowers, which support the liver, eye health, and are good for the heart, type 2 diabetes and easing headaches <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/40190113@N08/5205937852/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">(Sage Garden Theory)</a> on a Growing Tradition, Thomas recounted his <a href="http://agrowingtradition.blogspot.com/2010/02/elusive-flower-my-search-for.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">search</a> for the plants and <a href="https://agrowingtradition.blogspot.com/2010/11/chyrsanthemum-tea-flowers-ju-hua.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">success</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz2sBDfBeM6tQm-m2Uuviblgd_W6aA0YXRRZ67RFvUFzx0hzIG-FQCJuynE-NKxUMKrI-u5iwrY3NglarvuwSXPYyava9cxbxHfLROlxpq8yuy1uYknmn-px1pEyF7QwE-zmdrIQjqp3T/s2048/Bo_Ju_Hua_flowers_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1930" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz2sBDfBeM6tQm-m2Uuviblgd_W6aA0YXRRZ67RFvUFzx0hzIG-FQCJuynE-NKxUMKrI-u5iwrY3NglarvuwSXPYyava9cxbxHfLROlxpq8yuy1uYknmn-px1pEyF7QwE-zmdrIQjqp3T/s320/Bo_Ju_Hua_flowers_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Bo Jo Hua Chrysanthemum</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Melissa said the plants bloom on Halloween, and into November. The flowers are first collected mid day, and dried then stored. I think they will be lovely to steep in the little round pot! </div>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-42673861175281289832021-05-13T10:15:00.003-07:002021-05-13T17:43:16.319-07:00Time for tea<p> Each year around this time, my beautiful tea Camellia begins putting on new growth, and it's time to harvest the first flush of leaves! Last fall I pruned my Sochi Camellia, which increases the number of new leaves to harvest.</p><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">Over a decade ago, my friend Nikki and I began growing <a href="https://onegreenworld.com/product/sochi-tea-seedling-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sochi Camellia sinensis</a>. The most northern tea, this variety grows in Sochi Russia near the Black Sea, and is well suited to our latitude at nearly 45° N. </span><div><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">It is both</span> aromatic and frost Hardy. While the flowers are small (about the size of a strawberry flower) its mature leaves are about the size of those on my ornamental Camellia. I dry some of the flowers in January which can be used for a light and fragrant tea. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBhFjbR-2QhQdaipDb-G8v23933hEv22hQEmfEuIVNipRXneG8lqkO6IxjD3z0m3ofpszaHF79lFXnhDT6hdjRat5W2EhO_zfrEQXUlkn5i6qvjvVYviNU6XkLLnn7Oaz1oLBxdW_SWy2/s2048/20191031_100237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1571" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBhFjbR-2QhQdaipDb-G8v23933hEv22hQEmfEuIVNipRXneG8lqkO6IxjD3z0m3ofpszaHF79lFXnhDT6hdjRat5W2EhO_zfrEQXUlkn5i6qvjvVYviNU6XkLLnn7Oaz1oLBxdW_SWy2/s320/20191031_100237.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">CODEX with tea Camellia blossom</div><div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">Several years ago, Nikki invited me over for a <a href="https://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2018/06/tea-time.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tea party</a>, both teaching me the process, and sharing afternoon tea from a previous harvest when finished. She sent me home with a basket of fresh leaves we pluckedfrom her bushes, which I augmented with leaves from my own for a second batch. </span></div><div><div><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">It is such a satisfying process, and I'm always struck by the fragrance of the leaves as they dry. As this Camellia association <a href="https://www.americancamellias.com/care-culture-resources/the-camellia-family/camellia-sinensis-backyard-tea" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">article</a> notes, few people realize that whenever they sit down with a cup of green, black or white tea, the brew comes from Camellia leaves! </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipruz9_aW41DzxNr2-KJbzSO2ZBfkoZMAdFmYMiZ9CXEW3SRwBWbHGVb_AeilYXzjJN_ZLMvr3kUKKcumtM8TV-W5AnBah-QmtjLGpsg85RMP0Seae_tc8cLY1kCs0YUgKFEKvXVLM_66R/s1600/20190521_164849.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipruz9_aW41DzxNr2-KJbzSO2ZBfkoZMAdFmYMiZ9CXEW3SRwBWbHGVb_AeilYXzjJN_ZLMvr3kUKKcumtM8TV-W5AnBah-QmtjLGpsg85RMP0Seae_tc8cLY1kCs0YUgKFEKvXVLM_66R/s320/20190521_164849.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">Camellia sinensis Sochi</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">High in antioxidants, especially catechins, <a href="https://medium.com/@drjasonfung/green-tea-and-disease-prevention-df65ca28addc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">green tea</a> is preventative for cancers, lowers the risk of stroke, and helps control blood sugar. In Okinawa Japan, one of the "<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/04/28/400156651/tea-tuesdays-tea-drinking-tips-for-a-longer-life?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=storiesfromnpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Zones</a>" for longevity, drinking several cups of green tea daily was common. They often added jasmine flowers and a bit of turmeric for <i>shan-pien</i>, "tea with a bit of scent."</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyff44VLCQZAPmYL2JZU-DYR5snw9wAbkBPSzc8XbuG8l-P4xqwI37F6EyQub61tBB5wsNg_U70X3yKdViUq7i6iQcrF6yG8vZsQuxTmY7G-GsGdyg1ZKW22h0P27oqL0BnAhswNxDfP_/s1600/20190521_234636.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyff44VLCQZAPmYL2JZU-DYR5snw9wAbkBPSzc8XbuG8l-P4xqwI37F6EyQub61tBB5wsNg_U70X3yKdViUq7i6iQcrF6yG8vZsQuxTmY7G-GsGdyg1ZKW22h0P27oqL0BnAhswNxDfP_/s320/20190521_234636.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif">Harvest - 24 hour rest<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table>The leaves are resting in three baskets, and around 3:30 this afternoon, I'll begin the next steps of the process, which you can find <a href="https://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2019/05/tea-season.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2018/06/tea-time.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Do you grow herbs you use for herbal Tea? I have a number of those as well, and enjoy their medicinal qualities and varying flavors.</div></div>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-55283070845934756362021-04-05T13:22:00.005-07:002021-04-06T12:39:45.889-07:00Snowdrop essence and Intention<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ywSQ4LMsG8v4nK5J63JlMt9As-vj9vxkrbBRyHhG2BVz3TShOf8oip4gZqlla7KqYwlJA5DiZd62GXb6LvbS5EOT_teWqXITbeIlezfsUlcNYSqi9fyJn4rTWfsLuC5ihNNJ_2jV7130/s1080/IMG_20210405_095756_636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ywSQ4LMsG8v4nK5J63JlMt9As-vj9vxkrbBRyHhG2BVz3TShOf8oip4gZqlla7KqYwlJA5DiZd62GXb6LvbS5EOT_teWqXITbeIlezfsUlcNYSqi9fyJn4rTWfsLuC5ihNNJ_2jV7130/s320/IMG_20210405_095756_636.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Snowdrop Essence - set your intention!</i></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Before enlightenment, </i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Chop wood, carry water</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>After enlightenment</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Chop wood, carry water </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Attention to the small</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>As we chart our course</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spring is an excellent time to refresh and renew, body, mind, spirit and emotions. Many traditions invite spring fasts or cleanses, as a reset from less activity and heavier foods of winter.</div><div><br /></div><div>As spring flowers begin to emerge, I eagerly awaited my <b>Snowdrops'</b> bloom! During the <a href="http://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2020/11/full-moon-land-tuning.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Angel Cafe</a> in November, Sarah Estelle mentioned Snowdrop as part of a favorite trio for aligning with our divine feminine energy. It is also associated with poultry, innocence and simplicity. </div><div>Snowdrop welcomes energy into our crown and into the heart, and provides impetus to <i>"set intention and rewrite our future." </i>I was delighted to find the clumps under one of my apple trees in bloom, and make Snowdrop essence on the weekend! </div><div>I put some of the left over essence water into a couple of mister bottles, following <a href="https://www.saraestelle.com/2017/02/14/a-snowdrop-love-story-mother-daughter-and-snowdrop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sarah Estelle's</a> suggestion of using it this way each morning to help set intention. Like her mama, mine loved blooming spring bulbs.</div><div><br /></div><div>When I lived in the Breitenbush community, I often gave myself the gift of a day off after a workshop. It was so nourishing to have time for integration, introspection, logging insights, practicing new techniques, receiving bodywork, and soaking in the hot mineral water! I was grateful for the organic vegetarian, meals and herbal tea that were our daily fare & often made myself a flower essence bouquet to support my process and integration. </div><div>Snowdrop would be a wonderful addition to a workshop bouquet. Another of our spring beauties, <a href="http://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2009/04/essence-of-flowers.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Camas</a>, helps integrate intuitive and logical processes, and harmonize methods of learning. <a href="https://dia-creationstation.blogspot.com/2019/10/codex-crystal-heart-song.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tea Camellia</a>, the <i>"Ancient One, rooted in timeless beginnings, brings stillness, connection to one's true self, and provides a mirror for self reflection."</i></div><div><br /></div><div>At times, we may experience a mountaintop <i>breakthrough</i>, either in life, or during a workshop. We see new possibilities shining... It's so beautiful to have that reference point of being so completely present - then, how do we integrate and implement shifts?</div><div><br /></div><div>It can help to remember our tools for grounding, centering, and to continue our favorite daily practices wherever we are! Selenite is a great travelling companion - sweep your aura, do self Reiki, smudge the room, ground yourself. Maybe have a favorite herbal tea and breathe the stream ...</div><div><br /></div><div>Some of my favorites are Qigong, flower essences, doing a creative practice, music, prioritizing local organic fare - so fortunate to have a year round farmers market! And Dark chocolate is my favorite treat!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Sending blessings of spring, and Snowdrop flower essence, to Rewrite your future! </div></div>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-32336227772493643232020-12-03T12:26:00.002-08:002020-12-03T12:26:43.101-08:00Essence Cards<p>This fall I've been enjoying learning about, and beginning to do <a href="https://youtu.be/gKvqkwew30E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neurographica</a>. This way of creating helps<i> "Balance the mind, inspire creativity, and explore different approaches to problem solving." </i></p><p>The basics:</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Think of your intention or conflict</i></li><li><i>Draw random lines (not an even zigzag!) </i></li><li><i>R</i><i>ound the intersections -calms the neurons, reduces tension</i></li><li><i>Circles bring harmony (observe how your body feels as you draw, stood those intersections as wewel</i></li><li>C<i>olor - 3 or more colours, color in at least three segments with one color </i></li></ul><p></p><p>Through November I drew and colored a number gratitude cards, and some centered around handprints or leaves.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bad-8dC7bT7Bq_UdkjQRWwQoCuc_O3JiodJ-Q0ZB_JbpVkWayzxi78C59NJWIvq_MsOc_69D2iVoQ4tKJjUzi_FgL8SnGgNMrJalH6qC2A4Rs90YdapArHOAzuTgf7LWVHD3P8-j7oh6/s2048/IMG_20201114_120637_309.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bad-8dC7bT7Bq_UdkjQRWwQoCuc_O3JiodJ-Q0ZB_JbpVkWayzxi78C59NJWIvq_MsOc_69D2iVoQ4tKJjUzi_FgL8SnGgNMrJalH6qC2A4Rs90YdapArHOAzuTgf7LWVHD3P8-j7oh6/s320/IMG_20201114_120637_309.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Neuro-Noodle Labyrinth</i></p><p>After seeing a friends Neurographic Christmas cards, I was inspired to some as well - In the 70s and 80s, I often drew our cards, and sets of paper dolls. A couple of those were printed in doll magazines. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabZ4eVX2REayg3i3OP5-fS_ZoxXdhlvTzBbX1WkGWT3JziQC3wH9JgdbrmwxP34VcxCyYs2hfk_07TW6OhDs3_XINw1tyagaxup3OoXAbCYjVQkG81GdDF510RntdLRO2aySr6WrQ3j2f/s2048/20201201_213656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabZ4eVX2REayg3i3OP5-fS_ZoxXdhlvTzBbX1WkGWT3JziQC3wH9JgdbrmwxP34VcxCyYs2hfk_07TW6OhDs3_XINw1tyagaxup3OoXAbCYjVQkG81GdDF510RntdLRO2aySr6WrQ3j2f/s320/20201201_213656.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>California Poppy - true gold in your heart</i></p><p>I've been creating essence bouquets for my grandkids, and began drawing essence cards - I did a few cards decades ago when I began creating my first essences and combining them into bouquets 💐 The first were larger (poppy and fuscia)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1efXFGdiYfJKCJDC52kSDs-zBrT0v8g6hwjIZyHRpuojRw9JC2FkTsQc1mmshsx1xxnDFlF3MPP-TS0HbAoWHmPNoOAyAM5BkyBXWfVnlNWPB5CjgHZL7pCXD3c_u3opQzPYFo4jMV9Y5/s1188/IMG_20201201_214444_242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1efXFGdiYfJKCJDC52kSDs-zBrT0v8g6hwjIZyHRpuojRw9JC2FkTsQc1mmshsx1xxnDFlF3MPP-TS0HbAoWHmPNoOAyAM5BkyBXWfVnlNWPB5CjgHZL7pCXD3c_u3opQzPYFo4jMV9Y5/s320/IMG_20201201_214444_242.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Fuscia - soul warmth</i></div>Using 5.5x8.5" mixed media paper, I began creating smaller cards - the #Neurolines interconnect if I draw before separating them ❤ I start with the circle for the flower cameo, then add the neurolines (on larger cards there's room for circles) I haven't colored any yet, and may print these! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BrWEIdnwCumfYa3wDUinv7iN2TdNWEXCF5fof8FnOxFAjBol8IcGsx1PIkC4WpOdoOsBILxkMA-UNa_arDzSJwMcY3vnHE5Kw85jgd2g2gJ34TWaRxuKgVhoRAwQcptuFWnGr9oaZeyP/s2048/20201203_083741.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BrWEIdnwCumfYa3wDUinv7iN2TdNWEXCF5fof8FnOxFAjBol8IcGsx1PIkC4WpOdoOsBILxkMA-UNa_arDzSJwMcY3vnHE5Kw85jgd2g2gJ34TWaRxuKgVhoRAwQcptuFWnGr9oaZeyP/s320/20201203_083741.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Essence cards</i></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Forsythia – announce presence, golden trumpet, Gabriella</li><li>Hyssop – takes the strain off DNA, purify, release guilt </li><li>Rosemary – liquid ambrosia, strengthen immune system, enhances memory</li><li>Violet – trust warmth of others, express own warmth, comfort in groups</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FmzhQlZBKkhnCCY8O29dF0bZP9Y2UHARnPsYZDz40Qqv40odc8MpOwdCuaJN6P0AdRErJ2VOWrn3ycaWjWze0m6g0lNfjW0Iwu2UpOqK9CQapUyl-ajTVyXtPoh48Z4AQTr4Z61Gndsa/s2048/20201203_094918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FmzhQlZBKkhnCCY8O29dF0bZP9Y2UHARnPsYZDz40Qqv40odc8MpOwdCuaJN6P0AdRErJ2VOWrn3ycaWjWze0m6g0lNfjW0Iwu2UpOqK9CQapUyl-ajTVyXtPoh48Z4AQTr4Z61Gndsa/s320/20201203_094918.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p></blockquote><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Aster - illumination, sacred play, create time and space for creativity </li><li>Borage – optimism, seed of Hope · opens heart, comfort and courage, joy, illuminates your unique path </li><li>Nettle (Sister Spinster) - align with personal truth, speak up in prickly situations, don't panic! </li><li>Yarrow - strong, healthy boundaries, compassionate awareness, seals energy leaks, wholeness </li></ul><div>Drawing these cards is a sweet way to connect with the energy signatures. Do you have a favourite you'd like as a card? Let me know in the comments! </div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p></blockquote>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-4167443570933302392020-11-30T20:52:00.002-08:002020-12-01T11:42:31.353-08:00Full moon Land Tuning <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSRiqiSVSjaI78nB0TMiZceUcjnW4Xz-Y06iYWe52NwkDHwRMrlsSNdIGqwATUeJJEm4aW3X_essOhyphenhyphenyZzSVgeam6ZXNUaY-rVRtn3Gq6-7Iaf7kGumVRTG7YC-Npl4uHaWEISlVkrl7x/s956/IMG_20200513_103921_432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="956" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSRiqiSVSjaI78nB0TMiZceUcjnW4Xz-Y06iYWe52NwkDHwRMrlsSNdIGqwATUeJJEm4aW3X_essOhyphenhyphenyZzSVgeam6ZXNUaY-rVRtn3Gq6-7Iaf7kGumVRTG7YC-Npl4uHaWEISlVkrl7x/s320/IMG_20200513_103921_432.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Tree spirit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Since last week's Angel Cafe on 11/22 with Aisling Mooney and 21 practitioners, I've been reengaged with my own essence friends! </div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you, essence guides <a href="https://www.saraestelle.com/about-sara-estelle-turner/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sara Estelle Turner</a> and <a href="https://m.facebook.com/rubyrua.ht/?ref=page_internal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Aislng Irwin</a> for sharing your gifts, and my friend <a href="https://www.flowinghealth.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alessandro</a> for inviting me to participate! (I signed up for Alessandro's complementary month with his online Qigong group!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I pulled out essences and definitions to concoct several "bouquets" to help my grandkids focus on their schoolwork, as I'm Distant Learning Aide for the 3rd graders. They helped choose flowers from my suggestions, and named their bouquets. Today we tested them for the first time ...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I checked definitions in several books, including Molly Sheehan's <a href="https://www.greenhopeessences.com/wordpress/?p=1417" target="_blank">Green Hope Farm Essences</a> guide. This evening, I reread the section on her trips to Ireland and essences she created while there. During her visit in 2005, she had a chat with the <a href="https://blog.greenhopeessences.com/?p=3250" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">elementals</a>* shortly before she left, asking why they had been so supportive of her work.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">They replied<i>, "We steady this planet. We steady out emerald island. Most often, we steady against the imprecations of humans, but we find in this project, humans working to steady the planet with us.</i> <i>We thank you one and all for working with the Flower Essences and working to both balance yourself and your worlds. We need you. We need you most intently right now." </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The went on to talk about water coming, flooding (and as we have seen in the last 15 years, other earth changes!) And invited humans to step up and help 'Steady.'</div><div style="text-align: left;">"<i>What do we mean by steadying? Your efforts to find balance in your lives matter." </i></div><div style="text-align: left;">They go on to clarify that while our "ecological footprint" is out of balance,<i> "the most pressing need is for you to work on your emotional footprint... You must stop leaving your emotional chaos littering the natural world. <b>You must invite us to clear the land you inhabit."</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2K08DWTAwDA6lObkR_XhwFd7en8_TnqV7-1vx0L5KjrU6DuUWG_SiiDz8L48bJ5t-ZGSMaHZ6xjnekINrz_aKUJuArFuGcWNl2TPBhu5AIN7EBJgMhr87yzBsJrcdWHCHxbLu7Z1_Xtb/s1079/received_686966348584723.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1078" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2K08DWTAwDA6lObkR_XhwFd7en8_TnqV7-1vx0L5KjrU6DuUWG_SiiDz8L48bJ5t-ZGSMaHZ6xjnekINrz_aKUJuArFuGcWNl2TPBhu5AIN7EBJgMhr87yzBsJrcdWHCHxbLu7Z1_Xtb/s320/received_686966348584723.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mountain Cascade - Joshua Fender©</div><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Elementals then asked Molly to put her basic process for Land Cleansing (or "Tuning") after their message in the guide. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"<i>You may think that your contribution to this effort would not make any difference. You would be wrong in this. We were interested in Molly's farm, small though it is, because, in part, the routine energetic cleansing done at this garden has helped in a significant way. .</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"We speak in a united voice with our brethren Elementals of the new world when we speak of the significance of energetic cleansing. ... If you want to begin a deeper relationship by helping us in some way, doing any variation of the following process would be much appreciated. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>"Green Blessings."</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I share this process with Molly's enthusiastic permission. Like the Irish Elementals, Molly feels <i>the more people who do this in harmony with the guides of their bit of land</i>, <i>the better!</i> She has had several experiences where bad weather was avoided or diverted, after being nudged by the angels to do this clearing every day.<i> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">During the wildfires in September, I did this clearing daily for both my bit of land, and remotely for my beloved Breitenbush Hot Springs. Though much burned, including Vista where I offered massage, and the Sanctuary where I taught Tai Chi and Qigong, much was saved.</div><p></p><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"></span>Molly comments that the guides & devas delight in being asked to help us. She & others who are sensitive to land energies feel that nature holds & stores energy that has been released when there are intense emotions, battles, etc. And when we ask, <i>"A group of spiritual entities connected with Nature do the actual energy cleansing but this group cannot do this work unless <span>a human asks them to do it.</span> It is one of our vital roles in the co-creation & maintenance of earth. If a human doesn't ask for energy cleansing for a piece of land & this land is holding a lot of negativity, spirit's only options for removing this negativity are extreme weather."</i></span><br /><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Here's the Process Molly & I use:</span><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">** Imagine the boundaries of the land you wish to clear (you may want to have a map of your property, if it's larger, & may be guided to clear it in sections. If you're in an apartment, clear your own space, imagining the grounding cord of the apt going into the earth below you, & clear the land surrounding the apt. Invite guidance for what best suites your circumstances!</span><br /><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><strong>Energy Cleansing Process</strong></span><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Find a quiet & comfortable place to center yourself. In the beginning, you'll want to be in the garden/ on the land you're clearing.</span><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">"Ask for assistance from:</span><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><strong>The Overlighting Deva of the piece of land you want to clean. </strong>This being from the Angelic realm holds the divine plan for this piece of land. (Deva is a Sanskrit word meaning 'being of Light')</span><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><strong>Angels Overlighting the land. </strong>They work with the Deva</span><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><strong>The Elementals of the land.</strong> These are the beings who bring land into form & then hold it there so we can live in a physical world. Gnomes for the Earth element, Undine with water, Sylphs work with air, & Salamanders with fire.</span><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><strong>Pan, </strong>Head Elemental of Earth (Machaelle Wright calls Pan the CEO of Nature)</span><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Any <strong>Ascended Master of God realized being who is connected with this piece of land. </strong>There may or may not be any connected, depending on the piece of land. (You can always invite the presence of the Ascended Master Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, Quan Yin, St Germain, & other Masters with whom you you feel connected.)</span><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Deva of the Earth's atmosphere, <strong>Lunaria</strong></span><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Deva of the Earth's surface, <strong>Sapphalo</strong></span><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Deva of the sun in the center of the Earth, <strong>Darndella</strong></span><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><strong></strong>Our Sun, <strong>Helios & Vesta.</strong></span>After you call in this group, ask them to <strong>CLEANSE, CLEAR, RE-BALANCE & ILLUMINATE</strong> the land you are clearing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNDn97TDmJ0yutAXJzXfaJBr6YWw6tg4x3qr3h_CkclP_949_O0xKBnaDoxpsjiyukLy-6pUPnD0BYq3EyMmGPPJPDRBD72tKlgIHKqfc6O1GYThkNCCh_fypjnXDcIFPFVdni6Nm2V0N/s960/118892493_10221505151005856_3803192652949791115_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNDn97TDmJ0yutAXJzXfaJBr6YWw6tg4x3qr3h_CkclP_949_O0xKBnaDoxpsjiyukLy-6pUPnD0BYq3EyMmGPPJPDRBD72tKlgIHKqfc6O1GYThkNCCh_fypjnXDcIFPFVdni6Nm2V0N/s320/118892493_10221505151005856_3803192652949791115_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo© - Marilyn Affolter, Amity OR</div><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Molly: '<i>You can visualize all the negativity being removed from the land both below & above the ground. You can visualize yourself or an angel holding a sword (Michael/Michaella) cutting all the negativity free, perhaps spinning in a circle holding the sword out; or you can imagine a big gyroscope whirling & cleansing. </i></span></p><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><i>"The image only needs to work for you. If visualization isn't possible, it's OK. The land will still be cleansed because you have asked to have it done. Close the session with a <b>thanks</b> to everyone involved.</i></span></p><p><i><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">"This is the bare bones of a process. Over time you will probably develop your own individual approach. For example, you may get to know the names of the Deva & Angels of the land. You may get shown a process that will improve on this one. You may get asked to do several pieces of land. Thank you for doing this service."</span></i><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXJdf5Mjoduvo1AvIwOgZf8_JKc-xeLKcqknzQXIoAzBHzXY2dR2owNFew4LNuvugDi8C14pSbR6q5_M1AFikqGVkt86jAQNMIULksSYohpc4MHYiMl34TzR2TE2SShuVAIuGVePI-90/s1600/violet+flame.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXJdf5Mjoduvo1AvIwOgZf8_JKc-xeLKcqknzQXIoAzBHzXY2dR2owNFew4LNuvugDi8C14pSbR6q5_M1AFikqGVkt86jAQNMIULksSYohpc4MHYiMl34TzR2TE2SShuVAIuGVePI-90/s1600/violet+flame.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Violet Flame</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">** I also like to imagine a hedge of roses (think Brier Rose) with portals of violet flame at </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">the entrances, clearing folks' energy as they enter or leave. At times I erect a golden pyramid above my property (rectangular here :) or a violet bubble - check in & see if any images come!</span></p><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">Any time you feel vulnerable, are concerned about weather or safety, take a few moments to do this process. You can check in to see how often to tune your land - I strive for several times a week, and uusually walk pour my back door, do the invocation, and within a few moments, feel a frisson.</span></p><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">It helps to have quick name for the process - you may simply invite <i>'Devas, Angels & guides of this place, please <strong>CLEANSE, CLEAR, RE-BALANCE & ILLUMINATE</strong> this land!' </i>And when you feel the process is complete<i>, thank them.</i></span><br /><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">* Besides clearing my own land, I often invite the Devas/guides of the city where I live (or someplace I'm visiting) to <strong>CLEANSE, CLEAR, RE-BALANCE & ILLUMINATE</strong> that place, as appropriate.</span></p><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">I reason that any place humans can toss litter, I can invite the guides to help clear! I especially see the 'green areas' being cleared, parks, the planting strips & flower pots in the downtown, etc. Molly invites us to listen to our guidance, & network with the devas, guides & elementals on this! </span></p><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif">My friend Gwynne Warner practices Feng Shui, and writes, "this is the 10th Lunar month, the "kindly moon" in Chinese tradition," she invite us to<i> "go outside beneath the luminous night sky, and make an offering of gratitude to the moon herself. A prostration or a bow. A song or a dance. A cup of tea poured into the earth. A fresh flows blossom laid on the earth. Then speak your blessing: </i></span></p><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS",sans-serif"><i>'Beauteous moon, I know you are here! I am so deeply happy and grateful for your presence in my life.' </i></span></p><p>I am making Land Tuning my daily practice for this 10th lunar month - the Elementals ask me to invite you to join us, <i>"it will be of the highest service, and prepares the way for the next shifts and integration! Your help is needed - Thank you." </i></p>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-16887794737150557542020-10-21T14:11:00.002-07:002020-10-21T14:45:04.544-07:00Healing and MAP<p>In the early 90s, I began making flower essences shortly after joining the Healing Arts Team at Breitenbush Hot Springs. One of my source books was Machaelle Small Wright's. I'd been gardening co-creatively with Nature since reading about Findhorn in the 80s, and later with Machaelle's Garden Workbook. When she published her <a href="https://www.perelandra-ltd.com/MAP-Medical-Assistance-Program-P1293C804.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Medical Assistance Program (MAP),</a> I got her initial handouts, then the book.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZ0AA79nm_YP2I8s0ZSj0gpTq6OETNQdOJ5eQVvweqgKYLfHyqwN8g4guWhBNEE4Sxz_l8hHkdUFaxecoDfeArfw7utT6nMzfOGLO2E2Gzf7X_kWR_EO34nBvRr1UHOMwGG8eIktfGrUF/s2048/20200705_163328.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZ0AA79nm_YP2I8s0ZSj0gpTq6OETNQdOJ5eQVvweqgKYLfHyqwN8g4guWhBNEE4Sxz_l8hHkdUFaxecoDfeArfw7utT6nMzfOGLO2E2Gzf7X_kWR_EO34nBvRr1UHOMwGG8eIktfGrUF/s320/20200705_163328.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Petunia - creative visionary</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">With this program (developed from her work with Devas and nature spirits, Machaelle began to work with a "team" for personal health - both physical and mental/emotional. It dovetails beautifully with energy work including Reiki, tuning forks and lightweaving, and during sessions with other healers.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The team includes:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>PAN (the CEO of nature) </li><li>Great White Brotherhood (Ascended Masters, including Motherr Mary and Christos)</li><li><a href="https://www.perelandra-ltd.com/Decoder-w5555.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deva</a> of Healing (and possibly the Deva for the land you're on)</li><li>Your Higher Self</li></ol><p></p><p>Set up in a comfortable place, often lying down, and invite your Team to work with you (on your own, or in conjunction with other healers) generally for a set period of around an hour. Test for flower essences before and after the session (and during if so guided) At the end of the time, thank them and release the "coning'"</p><p>You can Ask for the name of your team for future sessions. For an acute issue, you can leave the coning open for a longer time. You can visualize journeying to a <a href="https://imagejournal.org/2019/07/01/wheres-the-healing-temple-the-luminous-being/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Temple of Healing</a> for your sessions. Keep a journal nearby to record notes after your session. </p><p>You can also do group work work within a coning, with each person including their own higher self. Invite the Deva overlighting the land you're on (or each person's land, if you're on a conference call.) A friend who lived near Findhorn for a year taught our Reiki Circle to use a similar method for group meetings. </p><p>I had begun working with MAP when I slipped on wet stairs, and likely cracked a few ribs!! Even though I had insurance, and several of our private (retreat center) medical team were my Reiki students .. I worked with poultices, flower essences and my MAP team ...(clay cut the pain immediately, and I had homeopathic Arnica)</p><p>A psychic later told me she noticed me gimping along, not moving with my usual dancer Grace and lightness ... Juliet wondered about offering healing (she was initiated in Reiki by Takata!) - but saw my house surrounded by angels, and received the message I "didn't want" other help at the moment! (A couple of my Reiki students did give me sessions, and I invited the support of my MAP Team.) ... 💖🌹💜</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVoByLfqscKL-dPXkP6T377yxtEAL-YGhj93Eae5rIQuxcwZL5ZXMZ-OMcKhARYmXHTAHyI_3cSDPANNe51SDPOFnuEmfLbWGNOoRu1ltd9fM5JCY2Y2fCcm1P9PxF-R7cxh26eGjtSFD/s2048/20200808_153604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVoByLfqscKL-dPXkP6T377yxtEAL-YGhj93Eae5rIQuxcwZL5ZXMZ-OMcKhARYmXHTAHyI_3cSDPANNe51SDPOFnuEmfLbWGNOoRu1ltd9fM5JCY2Y2fCcm1P9PxF-R7cxh26eGjtSFD/s320/20200808_153604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://imagejournal.org/2019/07/01/wheres-the-healing-temple-the-luminous-being/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><i>Healing Temple</i></a></p><p>A practioneer who took the DVD workshop on using MAP wrote, <i>"Use your MAP session as an exploration of what you are feeling and experiencing around an issue. The MAP team can only "work" with what one is conscious of, and the exploration can help us become more aware of what's going on around an issue - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. ... Using essences (with the session) can be helpful in gaining and maintaining balance."</i></p><p> She commented she found using a MAP-based conning while giving Reiki treatment supports and deepens the Reiki practice. When using MAP with others, invite <i>their</i> Higher self, not your own, for the 4th component of your coning, and remember to thank your team and release the coning at the end of the session. </p><p>- Shortly after beginning to use MAP personally, I began using it professionally, and had several clients who were also familiar with the practice. We were excited to include MAP in their sessions, and compare notes afterwards.</p><p>If you are a practitioner, or work with clients in any capacity, you can use Professional MAP! After you've used your personal team for awhile, and are comfortable with the process, open a conning with your own Higher Self and your Professional Team. Request a name for your Professional MAP Team, and use a journal for your notes. You can request information and insights on how to best include MAP on your practice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6iE1NBocoqJ1lvl6Q8a_T2nTOAfM4XvEiROkLOZqCR5xkJ382u11S162TJffmXDoDN7dHrq9jt4lSJCSR2ahGwpi2GhEjobCYgIDdXwW73k9LAlrwvJPSVeO9B8nV4Z2yGrVE9vCdBs6/s723/23621295_10155295253693471_3754615400984652777_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6iE1NBocoqJ1lvl6Q8a_T2nTOAfM4XvEiROkLOZqCR5xkJ382u11S162TJffmXDoDN7dHrq9jt4lSJCSR2ahGwpi2GhEjobCYgIDdXwW73k9LAlrwvJPSVeO9B8nV4Z2yGrVE9vCdBs6/s320/23621295_10155295253693471_3754615400984652777_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-26766181653945294472020-10-10T20:03:00.004-07:002020-10-10T20:13:13.838-07:00Gratitude and blessings<p>I have been enjoying watching interviews and film clips from Findhorn, many filmed this year during the the time we are connecting in-person less often.</p><p>Today <a href="https://youtu.be/ZCjJURznqFA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this Interview</a> by Thomas Miller with <a href="http://www.sandraingerman.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sandra Ingerman</a>, a modern day shaman, came through, and is fantastic! Sandra survived a near death experience, which is often the precursor to shamanic awareness and training. Sandra comments that shamanic ideas and philosophies transcend individual cultures and traditions, and are part of our earthly birthright. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTWDP2ggR3qiUwgdfHc-2NSn1ut__f7ODSrqQOz5P4_eK_EJrmyhbrSUX9CXWyTt2Y1a9LRS7YEMFnCy7Nwo6y55802hwyTscJiyGTakkshh32k4wzP99Iepbd3XkfXuK9o5FpIXFoSnG/s700/119418601_10158676562208529_551547081892626687_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTWDP2ggR3qiUwgdfHc-2NSn1ut__f7ODSrqQOz5P4_eK_EJrmyhbrSUX9CXWyTt2Y1a9LRS7YEMFnCy7Nwo6y55802hwyTscJiyGTakkshh32k4wzP99Iepbd3XkfXuK9o5FpIXFoSnG/s320/119418601_10158676562208529_551547081892626687_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sanctuary at Breitenbush 1983-2020</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If we would like to see more harmony in the world, and a healthy environment, Sandra invites us to set our intention, to affirm the vision, and to:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Express gratitude daily: get up and give thanks to the elements: earth, air, fire and water. </li><li>Give thanks for food and drink</li><li>Appreciate moments of beauty.</li><li>Shine your light - as we see ourselves as radiant beings, we become them</li><li>Do your personal practices, and release the outcome - Tai chi, yoga, meditation, kindness, pay-it forward, ...</li><li>Connect with like minded community </li><li>Invite children to ceremony - release fear by breaking a stick, beam rainbows into their water, dance their light. </li><li>Children are closer to the unseen realms, trust the power of ceremony, and can help us remember how to tap co-creative power</li><li>At Color of Woman graduation, my Apache friend Carmen told me the drumming the day before had been so powerful because, "<i>the ancestors are so happy for you all, and so glad you are doing your work! Won't you be glad when your grandchildren do theirs?"</i></li></ul><div>A number of studies have shown gratitude practices enhance our personal well being and mood, and even reduce pain! This ripples out, and has a harmonious effect on the world around us. </div><div>We each have gifts to share, and power to bring positive change and harmony in the world around us. </div><div>Let us choose love and joy, and positive action.</div><div><br /></div></div><div> </div>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-33126553533546175562020-08-26T23:14:00.000-07:002020-08-26T23:14:06.089-07:00Self Heal for health<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I love Self heal as a flower essence, and this simple, easy to<a href="http://www.metrofieldguide.com/virtuous-weed-self-heal/"> find and identify</a> Tonic herb in the mint family has a long history of herbal use in Native, Western and traditional Chinese medicine. Its gentle healing properties and general safety are backed up by current research. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This <a href="https://youtu.be/PcUq2oUCcS0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube clip</a> by Herbal Jedi gives a great overview on how to identify, harvest and use this mint relative, Prunella vulgaris, (Western native variety: lanceolata)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zAoJ9Px8vDJmgE-I0Zv3Yt9cWaChUL1W_7okr1250ql-pagTZyZqKYcs-ha3bBa3zzMAusD_XTIrpATWPnimZtIzjyJOnb07RoJ9BphMWVdgeF2dGs_x3fPCbwzRZcZLTPaRNJdlQyE7/s300/Screen-Shot-2020-08-08-at-5.04.01-AM-221x300.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zAoJ9Px8vDJmgE-I0Zv3Yt9cWaChUL1W_7okr1250ql-pagTZyZqKYcs-ha3bBa3zzMAusD_XTIrpATWPnimZtIzjyJOnb07RoJ9BphMWVdgeF2dGs_x3fPCbwzRZcZLTPaRNJdlQyE7/s0/Screen-Shot-2020-08-08-at-5.04.01-AM-221x300.png" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">* antioxidant and adaptogen</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">* soothes and aids digestion</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">* stabilizes blood sugar</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">* skin: cuts, wounds (staunches blood), bruises, inflammation, sunburn</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">* mouth sores, sore throat</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">* calms allergy response - use with nettles in spring <a href="https://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2009/04/sister-spinster-nettle.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pesto</a> or tea (with Reishi, skullcap, etc)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">* supports lymphatic health</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">* reduces arteriosclerosis</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">* liver and kidney support and detoxification</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">*enhances protein metabolism</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">* antiviral - biofilm disrupter like elderberry</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">* immune support in cancer treatment (natural or medical model)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Self heal's flowers are popular with a wide variety of insects, butterflies, skippers, bumble bees, native bees, and their low growth makes them audible for inclusion in an eco lawn that is occasionally mowed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></p>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-29805690479436012112020-08-09T12:11:00.003-07:002020-08-09T12:29:06.913-07:00August Planting - through the Lions Gate<p> <span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Last summer I picked up a couple of damaged wading pools from Hopscotch toy store (for a donation) with the thought of making a <a href="http://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2020/07/garden-goodness.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">couple of beds</a>. While my soil is good clay, our dry summers and the shade in my overgrown yard make it challenging for some pants ... And my daughter has a BIG garden!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAlffDEK2JnSSo8oVIIlE0g7rchTtNGPeCAci7fV0LUeK039fQARvMlGarU0GCQgQpTdiykjj7U404RsGu44zoomFkSqHBmI4Phb4bf0KHIL2QNy64IVzhrtOQGxXLfE7IgYvyyqXAY3v/s2048/20200630_195512.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAlffDEK2JnSSo8oVIIlE0g7rchTtNGPeCAci7fV0LUeK039fQARvMlGarU0GCQgQpTdiykjj7U404RsGu44zoomFkSqHBmI4Phb4bf0KHIL2QNy64IVzhrtOQGxXLfE7IgYvyyqXAY3v/w512-h384/20200630_195512.jpg" width="512" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sKoyDQSn10exDASjHU6X2VCh8kWzq37B-HVK7giGrkKAeWYvhyphenhyphen1geNI43KTfRY2Y8kO7nqbe2Jw6HGbf8ARNeWlbQoa8U7xNIs2G5GWxb-T2cHc4x8YVBzmtpvX_GDo4xkrJyM7Gx037/s2048/20200809_111653.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sKoyDQSn10exDASjHU6X2VCh8kWzq37B-HVK7giGrkKAeWYvhyphenhyphen1geNI43KTfRY2Y8kO7nqbe2Jw6HGbf8ARNeWlbQoa8U7xNIs2G5GWxb-T2cHc4x8YVBzmtpvX_GDo4xkrJyM7Gx037/s640/20200809_111653.jpg" /></a></div></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This spring while Kayleen and</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> I cut back blackberries on one side, I noticed that area receives good sun, and moved one of the pools into place in June! I have been enjoying no-dig and container gardening videos, and used ideas from both. The soil is a mix from other areas, my compost, and from various pots. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I got a Taro and Chinese yam from my friend Melissa Van Hevlingen, and had two tomatoes and a garden marigold from the Farmers Market, which I put in back of the empty pots.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Seeds included red Orach, spicy lettuce, Asian greens and Mesculin mixes, Okra, New Zealand spinach, chiogga beet, Kuroda carrot, and Pattypan squash. Borage, tomatillos and purslane volunteered in the surrounding soil and in the pots. ... And an avocado sprouted (from the compost!) The purple tulle provides a bit of shade for the Taro</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh3jL2miqXRXfPW0QY0S6rRYpdC8kd6qNpCwU4PEjq9p7tAeMr_3o2OQlLI6rb4YWtFK0sAwQZEsq9MNl1-bvLdPI4qvdwokpPNFAUUF1pZSCNGP1WyHTpuUTeCUb3ySM6c59ed0ktVBN/s2048/20200809_111645.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyh3jL2miqXRXfPW0QY0S6rRYpdC8kd6qNpCwU4PEjq9p7tAeMr_3o2OQlLI6rb4YWtFK0sAwQZEsq9MNl1-bvLdPI4qvdwokpPNFAUUF1pZSCNGP1WyHTpuUTeCUb3ySM6c59ed0ktVBN/s640/20200809_111645.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I began working on the second pool this week, (note Percy kitty, enjoying the shade!) I cleared the brush, tied back the spearmint and vitex - which the bees love! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I filled the bottom of this pool with the dried blackberry brambles, and the same soil and compost combo, topped with a bit of potting soul, and planted many of the same veggies, with the addition of lemon cukes, a round zucchini, endive and radiccio, sets from my topset leek, and a mix of flower seeds in the center for the pollinators.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I put a plant cage in for the peas that are soaking, and will plant beans as well ... Added a clump of garlic chives and baby Mullein, and covered the lot with tulle to deter the kitties! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I sprinkled fresh seed from my Good King Henry, and hope some sprout to share. My plant is over a decade old, and going strong! </span></p>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-59116304704684714702020-07-20T02:09:00.005-07:002020-07-20T08:36:10.667-07:00Anne Shirley Cordial<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">This weekend a friend posted a photo of her lovely daughter holding a glass of Red Current cordial they just made, and I asked for the recipe! My own daughter has several bushes of both red and white currents, and had recently mentioned she wanted to do something with them...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0EqAC1bDWpsMYlZ9ipUOM9Q_yaJSoBzs5jPvGJ2cACtSJ0WA_tDVw99_PSoTA-jCN-1XKEIyg1mXBKjxc90I1k2CooeS42QtGmpJWwM00PqHP6uXkDdZAEeXgDJKUELgJAm9LbbmyKDN/s2048/20200720_075441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0EqAC1bDWpsMYlZ9ipUOM9Q_yaJSoBzs5jPvGJ2cACtSJ0WA_tDVw99_PSoTA-jCN-1XKEIyg1mXBKjxc90I1k2CooeS42QtGmpJWwM00PqHP6uXkDdZAEeXgDJKUELgJAm9LbbmyKDN/s320/20200720_075441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">I picked a couple of cups of currents, and simmered them 10 minutes in 3 cups of water, strained, added 1/3 C plus a Tbsp OG beet sugar, 4 sprigs of lavender and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Diluted a bit more and served over ice - it was a big hit!! My 9 year old grandkids liked it so well they helped pick a second batch of currents and lavender! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Current <a href="http://www.swedishfood.com/swedish-drink-recipes/180-redcurrant-cordial" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cordial</a> is popular in Sweden. With a taste similar to lavender lemonade, the addition of lavender gives it a NW twist, and it makes a refreshing drink for a summer afternoon.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">*Anne Shirley*</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">I was reminded of the episode in Anne of Green Gables and a scene in the recent Anne with an E series, "Diana is Invited to Tea With Tragic Results." Anne is allowed to invite her bosom friend Diana Berry for Tea, and her guardian Marilla, headed off to an Aid society meeting, tells Anne she may serve Diana the Raspberry Cordial left over from the church social as a special treat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Anne is bubbling when she shares the menu with her friend, especially that their drink <i>"begins with an R and a C and is bright red color. I love bright red drinks, don't you? They taste twice as good as any other color."</i> - Anne of Green Gables, Chapter XVI</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Anne presents the bottle to Diana with a tumbler, but doesn't taste the 'cordial' herself, <i>"I don't feel as if I wanted any after all those apples." ... </i>Diana pronounces the cordial, <i>"ever so much nicer than Mrs Lynde's, though she brags of hers so much. It doesn't taste a bit like hers!" </i>And with Anne's urging, goes on to drink several glasses of the bright red elixir.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">... The reason it tastes different, of course, is that Anne mistook the bottle of Red Current Wine (also bright red!) for the cordial, and Diana becomes hopelessly drunk - to her mother's fury and Anne's consternation! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">My grandkids love the occasional 'Shirley Temple,' so it seemed 'Anne Shirley' would be a fitting name for this bright red NW lavender and Red Current cordial. </span><div><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif"><br /></font>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Blogger Tori Avey has written a <a href="https://toriavey.com/toris-kitchen/anne-of-green-gables-raspberry-cordial/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lovely post</a> about her own memories of reading Anne of Green Gables (finally!!), her exploration of recipes for non-alcoholic fruit "squashes," and directions for making raspberry cordial.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">My mama, born in 1912, read the Anne books as a girl, and passed on her love of them to me. I am always impressed on rereading how well they are written. My 15 year old granddaughter and I recently watched seasons 2 and 3 of Anne With an E - and the "cordial" scene was a delight!</span></div><div><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif"><br /></font></div><div><font face="trebuchet ms, sans-serif">Enjoy this summer treat! <br /></font>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-32341020162349490082020-07-09T12:16:00.027-07:002020-07-09T18:11:44.869-07:00Garden Goodness<font face="trebuchet">This year during our time at home, my daughter and son-in love planted a big garden, and I've enjoyed the benefits! They have a large lot, and a lot of familiar crops. </font><div><font face="trebuchet"><br /></font><div><font face="trebuchet">Last summer, I got a damaged wading pool from our local Toy Store, planning to use it for a raised bed garden ... I found a sunny spot between my garage and apple tree, planted some simple containers in it in June. I also moved in a couple of tomatoes and a Taro. </font></div><div><font face="trebuchet"><br /></font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0AsRbYxJtluvk7lyNEpNcCHVKSMMPwjmdu9ifR3u2vlqlTcAyKj7Vi8CEiW0K43OXdJboWxhc4cBttjAyYAmdBCv-I0nv1JyhqQzq_Ztpwt0HQ6RiR_ArHY-EQQPjZtyIpdZwNyWSuCO/s3264/20200630_195512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0AsRbYxJtluvk7lyNEpNcCHVKSMMPwjmdu9ifR3u2vlqlTcAyKj7Vi8CEiW0K43OXdJboWxhc4cBttjAyYAmdBCv-I0nv1JyhqQzq_Ztpwt0HQ6RiR_ArHY-EQQPjZtyIpdZwNyWSuCO/w320-h240/20200630_195512.jpg" title="Pool garden" width="320" /></a></div><font face="trebuchet">I'm enjoying watching seedlings emerge Orach, okra, spicy greens and salad mix, carrots, purslane ...</font></div><div><font face="trebuchet"><br /></font></div><div><font face="trebuchet">I recently harvested seed from my perennial spinach and quinoa relative, Good King Henry - Blitum Bonus-henricus, and simmered some with quinoa for a tasty and naturally gluten free porridge. I've had my past colony over a decade, and appreciate it's carefree nature! It is in a corner that rarely gets extras water, is one of the first spring greens, and I'm still harvesting leaves to eat like spinach. I found the idea for porridge on a British <a href="https://backyardlarder.co.uk/2015/02/loving-good-king-henry/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blog</a>. </font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfi6nFrq6KA8U-vqZZDLhyphenhyphentJDVTjMIcbunLvbcBRq4Dcu7kz3ZvdG1CmXA8W_DYChmLdj2of5sS-IqAyA5nCdPu07J0yFQtAHsadjwBkoTOqYPWVcirDXE8_69bpTEHWyG5EA8OgU9b8Ct/s2448/IMG_20200707_211437_198.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfi6nFrq6KA8U-vqZZDLhyphenhyphentJDVTjMIcbunLvbcBRq4Dcu7kz3ZvdG1CmXA8W_DYChmLdj2of5sS-IqAyA5nCdPu07J0yFQtAHsadjwBkoTOqYPWVcirDXE8_69bpTEHWyG5EA8OgU9b8Ct/s320/IMG_20200707_211437_198.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><font face="trebuchet">Pollen from GKH has been found in sites back to the bronze age in Britain and Western Europe. The author Alison also enjoys perennial herbs - which with their developed root systems, are often more nutrient dense than their annual counterparts. </font></div><div><font face="trebuchet"><br /></font></div><div><font face="trebuchet">She offered a <a href="https://backyardlarder.co.uk/2013/11/warm-mallow-salad/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">recipe</a> for Khoubiza, a Moroccan warm "salad" - or pesto - made with common mallow and purslane! I loved the idea, and those plants both volunteer freely in my daughter's garden! My younger grandson loves purslane, so I had him keep me gather the leaves. I used coconut oil, and gathered fresh Thai basil and parsley to add to a colander of the wild greens - yum!! </font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY5vwUcfxvSvYrXuMIkKmAtTi19GMqeXZmNUnYsd3kvznQppztPzdoshZfxjfe4l5Xk-PepVgo6zilS7xcc2LZRJmR2Dc0vnLYp4Fh4gaOHMb8_ZbwbTLNnB0uZ2MrUJdF4SA-uH89Yzi/s2433/IMG_20200708_115258_036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2433" data-original-width="2433" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY5vwUcfxvSvYrXuMIkKmAtTi19GMqeXZmNUnYsd3kvznQppztPzdoshZfxjfe4l5Xk-PepVgo6zilS7xcc2LZRJmR2Dc0vnLYp4Fh4gaOHMb8_ZbwbTLNnB0uZ2MrUJdF4SA-uH89Yzi/s320/IMG_20200708_115258_036.jpg" /></a></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></blockquote><div> <span style="font-family: trebuchet; text-align: center;">I sometimes forget how much flavor pesto adds to a dish - the small dark seeds in the quinoa are Good King Henry, and I added coconut milk yogurt and Khoubiza for a delightful lunch! What's growing in your garden?</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><font face="trebuchet"><br /></font></div></div>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-21654242388690689642019-05-23T09:59:00.001-07:002020-06-29T20:52:27.645-07:00Tea Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">It's tea season, and a couple of days ago I harvested a batch of <a href="https://onegreenworld.com/product/sochi-tea-seedling-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sochi Camellia sinensis</a>, and processed a batch of tea. It is such a satisfying process, and I'm always struck by the fragrance of the leaves as they dry. As this Camellia association <a href="https://www.americancamellias.com/care-culture-resources/the-camellia-family/camellia-sinensis-backyard-tea" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">article</a> notes, few people realize that whenever they sit down with a cup of green, black or white tea, the brew comes from Camellia leaves! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Last year, my friend Nikki invited me over for a <a href="https://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2018/06/tea-time.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tea party</a>, both teaching me the process, and sharing cups of her beautiful tea. She sent me home with a basket of fresh leaves we harvested from her bushes, which I augmented with leaves from my own for a second batch. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipruz9_aW41DzxNr2-KJbzSO2ZBfkoZMAdFmYMiZ9CXEW3SRwBWbHGVb_AeilYXzjJN_ZLMvr3kUKKcumtM8TV-W5AnBah-QmtjLGpsg85RMP0Seae_tc8cLY1kCs0YUgKFEKvXVLM_66R/s1600/20190521_164849.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipruz9_aW41DzxNr2-KJbzSO2ZBfkoZMAdFmYMiZ9CXEW3SRwBWbHGVb_AeilYXzjJN_ZLMvr3kUKKcumtM8TV-W5AnBah-QmtjLGpsg85RMP0Seae_tc8cLY1kCs0YUgKFEKvXVLM_66R/s320/20190521_164849.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Camellia sinensis Sochi</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Nikki and I both grow the variety from Sochi Russia, which is on the Black Sea, and the "most Northern tea," very aromatic and frost Hardy. While the flowers are small (about the size of a strawberry flower) It's leaves are about the size of my ornamental Camellia. The flowers can also be used for a light and fragrant tea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">High in antioxidants, especially catechins, <a href="https://medium.com/@drjasonfung/green-tea-and-disease-prevention-df65ca28addc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">green tea</a> is preventative for cancers, lowers the risk of stroke, and helps control blood sugar. In Okinawa Japan, one of the "<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/04/28/400156651/tea-tuesdays-tea-drinking-tips-for-a-longer-life?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=storiesfromnpr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blue Zones</a>" for longevity, drinking several cups of green tea daily was common. They often added jasmine flowers and a bit of turmeric for <i>shan-pien</i>, "tea with a bit of scent."</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Harvest - 24 hour rest</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">It's been rainy, so I needed to await a break in the weather to pick the tip 2-3 leaves into a basket.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"> These leaves are still soft, and rest in the basket for 24 hours, with an occasional toss.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><font face="trebuchet"><span>In the</span> wok</font></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">The next step is done in the wok, I used round salad fork and spoon to gently stir and keep the leaves from browning in a "stir-fry green" process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Turned out onto a well washed cotton kitchen cloth, the leaves are tossed till kool, then bundled into a ball and kneaded to lightly crush and oxygenate. Meantime, the oven is heating to 400°</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Ready to knead</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">After kneading</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">When the oven reaches 400°, the leaves are spread on a baking sheet or pan, and baked for 3 minutes, removed from the oven and spread on the cloth. This is repeated for 2 minutes, then 1 minute, and the leaves gently tossed between each round in the oven. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">After first round in the oven</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Third round</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">With each round of the process, the leaves get drier and change color, retaining a green tint. The fragrance is a lovely light floral, rather like Jasmine. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUigFJx9W-fkCkss90BXSmeIR414kT7_eUJpTPyh0Jp1ZhYawBcX9k565OtSsKqyo1MxUfT8dIu_hLCV3LnzVhatJyOQJb9kTxXdCuBCXWxa96CCwZP7QPcWWX32bphuWjV3IdpbO0NCW/s1600/20190522_144243.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUigFJx9W-fkCkss90BXSmeIR414kT7_eUJpTPyh0Jp1ZhYawBcX9k565OtSsKqyo1MxUfT8dIu_hLCV3LnzVhatJyOQJb9kTxXdCuBCXWxa96CCwZP7QPcWWX32bphuWjV3IdpbO0NCW/s320/20190522_144243.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Drying on the rack</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Now the leaves are drying on a rack, and I toss them occasionally. When they reach the crispy dry state, I'll store them in a wide mouthed jar, with parchment paper under the lid, in a dark cupboard. This time, I separated some of the stem pieces, and baked a bit longer for kukicha or </span><a href="https://www.livestrong.com/article/472119-twig-tea-health-benefits/" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank">twig tea</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">#greentea #permaculture #longevity</span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-51044314208663094112019-05-03T10:00:00.000-07:002019-05-03T10:00:10.470-07:00T'is May!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As they often do this time of year, my thoughts and hands turn to gardening. It's been sunny the last week, and I've been digging ... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEBKzN9ZQ-i_K7s4PRI3ip1e-hH9JFpZi52-P-_SJALLu_ix87c-Fxv86ZM64UGEYFNqXEnpFB30TJxOnGKl2iRlSRWqZFKDd_DM_9OcH3v9D-ZLS1xGtERyCfvETmaAEUwdE9jN-C241/s1600/20190428_185308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEBKzN9ZQ-i_K7s4PRI3ip1e-hH9JFpZi52-P-_SJALLu_ix87c-Fxv86ZM64UGEYFNqXEnpFB30TJxOnGKl2iRlSRWqZFKDd_DM_9OcH3v9D-ZLS1xGtERyCfvETmaAEUwdE9jN-C241/s320/20190428_185308.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My daughter and son-in law often have a lovely large garden, and we have two wonderful Farmers Markets, one year round, so I've not done much the last couple of years. There are always tomatoes, and I usually forget to harvest some of the garlic, so I divide and repent clumps in the spring! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've got a rather wild front yard (and am always surprised when someone stops to tell me how much they enjoy it! My camas blooms for a little while under a moss Rose and birch tree, a Rowan/Hawthorne cross is full of May Flowers (and produces delicious berries) Wallflower, primrose, flowering quince and calendula are blooming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our local BiMart (NW chain, employee owned) has raised bed kits, and I decided to get one that's 3 x3' for the front, and some soil to fill it. .... There are front yard gardens sprinkled throughout my neighborhood, so I'm in good company! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I looked up some YouTube <a href="https://youtu.be/OAMf9JEckFI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">videos</a>, both on making and suggestions on filling the bed. </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dig out area under bed, remove roots etc</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Set the bed in place</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cover the soil with Cardboard (barrier to roots, and worms love it)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2-3" native soil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next in layers: 2-3" potting soil, 1" compost/worm castings and 2" coconut noir (I've had this in bricks that you moisten and break down) and 2 C rock dust ... Mix a bit, add another layer till your bed is full enough. Add other amendments you like - kelp, bone meal, ...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Water with 1/2 cup fish fertilizer in 5 gallon bucket of water, and let sit a bit</span></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkBeNKMInUl2eBp9aEhetV2BB4RO2TdfblJyQXEcggeAxxM3ja4dQx0gNYgTpp3NlFAQRW51bTxN0WxT30C1JQ4pLd1bn-mkeWssATSGpSx3IqUvBJgb4ulkHnAlme_1A84ipyaNNn63z/s1600/20190424_175513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkBeNKMInUl2eBp9aEhetV2BB4RO2TdfblJyQXEcggeAxxM3ja4dQx0gNYgTpp3NlFAQRW51bTxN0WxT30C1JQ4pLd1bn-mkeWssATSGpSx3IqUvBJgb4ulkHnAlme_1A84ipyaNNn63z/s320/20190424_175513.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Camas and tulips</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By adding nutrients, I re-use potting soil from containers, and will see what's ready to use from my compost bin. I've picked up several herbs, and may include some of those. I've already planted tarragon and thyme in one of the back beds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What's in your garden? </span></div>
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Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-21807043264228305732019-02-24T20:58:00.000-08:002019-11-05T19:44:55.416-08:00Archangels and Chakras<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This weekend I've been doing some much needed dethugging as I work toward moving my Atelier into my living room, and my harps into my dining nook! And painting! A wall, a table top, ... And moving some furniture, filling some boxes and bags to go to a thrift shop or the tip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today whilst chatting with a friend, I pulled an archangel Card from one of my decks for her ... And a bit later, a fascinating <a href="https://youtu.be/yxhWuLfaosI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube video</a> from British healer <a href="https://www.amandaellis.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amanda Ellis</a> came up on my feed, and I watched a couple. Wow. It's well worth watching!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On February 16, she recorded a piece about having been sick with a double whammy virus, <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl8KIdLHD7GesBLSM3vO0NPOkCJVRaO7U3pF-k1bP5tCVCdwTH2kYdj56yKkkwJ3-Dk8tiPXiuj60fTnrHCWX4RLIuo3y4O7K3OM1dfj_ksjIiKP1GyBrys3SZtYuRGDsSm-WA3LnQY4c/s1600/20190224_183533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinl8KIdLHD7GesBLSM3vO0NPOkCJVRaO7U3pF-k1bP5tCVCdwTH2kYdj56yKkkwJ3-Dk8tiPXiuj60fTnrHCWX4RLIuo3y4O7K3OM1dfj_ksjIiKP1GyBrys3SZtYuRGDsSm-WA3LnQY4c/s320/20190224_183533.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Archangel Metatron </td></tr>
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that returned just as she thought she was over it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She works with the Archangels, especially Metatron, and shared a teaching about receiving an <i>energetic reset</i>, rather like a vaccine for our physical bodies to match the evolution of our spiritual bodies, as many shift from 3-D to 5-D. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now this concept of illness as a reset is something a one of my daughter's co-workers told her a number of years ago. Her friend sees being ill as a chance for the body to do a tune-up, basically going through all the systems, tuning them to better efficiency, and often forgoing more serious illness. And it's a time to just take it easy, if we possibly can! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Amanda works with colour, so mentioned several that came up as she was in recovery, resting and staying hydrated: </span><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">green</span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> for Raphael, angel of healing, and a reminder to see illness as something<i> "passing through,"</i>rather than identifying with it <i>("I am....")</i>, <b>peach</b> and Christ's energy, a feeling of being held and nurtured. <b>Pink</b> and Mary Magdalene, 'who is a great healer,' and a sense of good medicine, a tonic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And the <b>Rose Gold</b> of the Stellar Gateway Chakra, above our heads. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now my ears perked up at the mention of Rose Gold! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Years ago, a friend who received communications from animals visited shortly after I held a Reiki class . I mentioned I was surprised my cat wasn't spooked by the dog that came with his person for the weekend, and she said, <i>"oh! Jade is showing me that that wasn't an ordinary dog, he was a Master teacher (!) And oh! He's showing me that Emmett filled the room, well, the whole house really, with this beautiful <u>Rose Gold</u> light! Like a sun, that might kept expanding, till it filled the whole house! Oh, it's so beautiful!, and feels so warm!" </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have used that image for space clearing ever since! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Amanda said that <u>Rose Gold</u> can be used to purge old stuck energy, so new clear energy can come in. That's exactly the feeling I've gotten using the rose gold sun in a house, and I often suggest it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Megatron asked Amanda, <i>"Do you see yourself in gold? Do you value your heart and stomach as Golden, divine and pure vessels? Would you put 'junk'in a vessel of gold? Junk food, alcohol, sugar, ..." ...</i>she quickly said she that while she does try to treat her body to wholesome food, (etc), like everyone else, she doesn't always stay on track! ... But this image of her heart, stomach and inner systems as Golden is a powerful incentive! I think of the flower essence <u>California Poppy</u>, <i>"your true gold is in your own heart!"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>"Metatron uses sacred geometry shapes to clear and align chakra cetera. Ask Metatron to align your chakras, and the shape moves through your crown and down through each chakra, clearing psychic toxins from your body and chakras." </i>Archangel Oracle Cards. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's the Rose Gold, Cosmic Gateway process she shared (it's about 35-40 minutes in on <a href="https://youtu.be/yxhWuLfaosI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the video</a>)</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Get comfortable, perhaps light a candle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Breathe in gold, breath gold out...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Breathe in gold, breath gold out...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Breathe in gold, breath gold out...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Breathe gold into your organs, your bones, your liver, skin, hair, finger and toenails</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When you are filled with Gold, begin pushing it out, to fill the cocoon around you, and to the edges of your Aura (about an arm's length, like an egg around your body)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Imagine the membrane around the Golden cocoon - it protects you so lower energies can't enter your field. In front, behind, above, bellow and on both sides, only pure, uplifting energy can enter.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Gunk" can accumulate on the outside of this Gold bubble, so occasionally "hose it down" with Gold or silver, or take a shower of golden light, imagining a showerhead 10" or so above your head. (This is a good weekly practice, more often as needed)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I sometimes follow an "energy shower of gold" with a brief shower of violet (1-2 minutes), as violet transmutes energy, so it harmonizes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sense things around you via the Gold Ray (Rose Gold glasses?!) Thinks you touch, people you encounter, and the whole world changes!</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These articles from a decade ago include energy shower and several other <a href="https://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2010/08/healing-rays-grounding-aura-clearing.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">energy practices</a> I incorporate at times. <a href="https://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2009/05/tune-up.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This one</a> has a quick house and land tuning, incorporating the rose gold sun.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been taking immune support, monolaurin and elderberry syrup, and haven't been hit with this bug (yet, anyway, knock on wood!) ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Amanda l</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">isted what she's been doing in her recovery:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Drink more water/stay hydrated</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Meditate, and write down what she's received</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rest</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Colour energies and sprays (which she sells)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Working with the angels and guides</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sage/ smudge (Paolo Santa would also be a good choice) </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'd add:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Autoimmune herbs /teas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Elderberry syrup and <a href="https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-monolaurin-89482" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">monolaurin</a> (the antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial fraction of coconut)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My regular supplements</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">flower essences</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I'm in process with my home, as many are right now (the Konmari Netflix series has sparked lots of clearing!!) I am thinking of that inquiry about seeing myself/my home in Gold, and valuing what is here, and what I bring in!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-48436573321825264822019-02-14T23:15:00.000-08:002019-05-23T23:15:06.847-07:00Nutritional Diva<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Several years ago, a favorite blogger referred to me as a "<i>Nutritional Diva</i>" in his response to one of <a href="http://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2009/01/winter-favorite-recipes.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my posts</a> - and it's </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">true that I've been interested in nutrition since my 20s! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">From the writings of Adele Davis, to our simple La Leche League suggestion to eat <i>"a wide variety of food in close to its natural state,"</i> (I strive for mostly organic and locally grown!), my Virgo heart has loved exploring research and concepts for optimal nutrition. I strive for a balance of eatng the best I can and using high quality supplements. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here is a peek at some of my favorite <b>Minerals</b>: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZfAvWuJlTJNHNDsfC5Etb95SlqDU7tgEeY1bR8lqGKGwolWW4Eo0XfYwMeX7ydX0EGQh0N36QGyyoXHKKyc7Wn0ip_NMrtRU0MYaa145_jHiN2C0u7trmFA1QibmCQnxcC5GoXERzu25/s1600/oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZfAvWuJlTJNHNDsfC5Etb95SlqDU7tgEeY1bR8lqGKGwolWW4Eo0XfYwMeX7ydX0EGQh0N36QGyyoXHKKyc7Wn0ip_NMrtRU0MYaa145_jHiN2C0u7trmFA1QibmCQnxcC5GoXERzu25/s320/oil.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As a massage therapist, <b><i>Magnesium,</i></b> with its role in muscle relaxation, was on my list of "must have" nutrients early on. While "Maggie" is</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> crucial for between 400 and 800 processes in our bodies, (including hormone balance, muscles, the nervous system and energy production), between 80 and 90% of the population is low in this essential mineral. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5 mg per pound of "ideal weight" is the suggested daily amount. Dark leafy greens, organically grown,are one of ought richest sources.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dr Jonathan Wright and cardiologist <a href="https://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2017/07/why-is-magnesium-so-important/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">William Davis</a> frequently remind us of its importance, and of the widespread deficiency of this vital mineral. Modern farming methods and increasing consumption of grains reduce the availability of magnesium for many people. As a cardiologist, Dr Davis found that when his patients stopped eating wheat, which binds minerals including magnesium, their heart health improved dramatically. He has switched his focus from surgery to preventative medicine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've made <a href="https://youtu.be/-op01XEQp6Q" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnesium Bicarbonate water,</a> using a few Tablespoons Milk of Magnesia in carbonated water for over a year. It's easy to make, palatable and well absorbed. This is the form Dr Davis (author of <u>Wheat Belly</u> and <u>Undoctored</u>) recommends, especially for those prone to migraines. I also take magnesium glycinate, and a dropper of liquid multi mineral supplement.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Bicarbonate </b>and<b> Boron</b></i> are two co-factors involved in magnesium metabolism. I've written about the importance of boron before <a href="http://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2017/09/magnesium-and-you.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2018/03/turmeric-lemonade-plus.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. Over the two years been making and using Boron Water, I've noticed I'm rarely sore after activity or exercise, and less "creaky." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Arthritic joints are found to have less boron than "normal" joints, and Spas around the world known for Arthritis Cures have boron (and other trace minerals) in their waters. The US intake is 0-3 mg daily. It seems beneficial to get 3mg or more daily. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dr <a href="http://rexnewnhambonesupportformula.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rex Newham</a>, a soil scientist who later trained as a homeopath and osteopath realized that the use of phosphate fertilizer without other amendments resulted in soil deficient in boron, and a subsequent increase in arthritis. He found 6 -8 mg daily generally sufficient, while those with active disease benefited from 9-10 mg. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dr Newman also observed native farmers in Fiji, who used traditional farming methods and ate abundant starchy vegetables and fruit had much less arthritis than farmers using phosphate fertilizer and eating more grains (rice). Our extension service recommends dissolving 1 Tablespoon borax in a gallon of water, and using 1 Cup of this solution per plant. They suggest soil testing after the first year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dr Axe wrote <a href="https://draxe.com/boron-uses/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this piece</a> on boron, which includes suggested amounts. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Boron plays an important role in oral health, and in reducing the risk of gum disease. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dr Flechas </span><a href="https://youtu.be/TJp7SW1pY2I" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank">video</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> of his talk at an oral health conference offers a great overview of the benefits, and here's <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4712861/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">another article</a> highlighting some of the research. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's available in 3mg doses, and in trace mineral formulas. A friend who's a naturopath suggests hair analysis is a good way to determine your levels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><b>Lithium Orotate</b></i> is a mineral in a supplemental form which I've been intrigued with, and taken off and on for over a decade. The sauna at Breitenbush contains trace amounts of both boron and lithium. and is well known for promoting calm and relaxation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I first read <a href="http://tahomaclinic.com/2010/05/lithium-the-misunderstood-mineral-part-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this article</a> by Dr Wright, who also speaks about the values obtained by talking small doses of Lithium on his <a href="http://tahomaclinic.com/?s=Lithium" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">weekly radio show</a>. I learned about the importance of iodine for hormonal function from Dr Wright's column in Prevention Mag in the mid 70s, and have have a fan of this nutritionally oriented MD ever since! Lithium is part of the same group of minerals that include sodium and potassium. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As Dr Wright remarks that If the <i>only</i> effect of talking small doses of lithium did was to <i>increase grey matter in our brains</i> (something we didn't think was possible in maturity!) it would be awesome! ... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It does <i>so much more</i>! Lithium reduces aggressive behavior (especially in men) promoting a reduction in homicide and domestic violence, and reduces depression in women. A client in her 80s confirmed this, saying when her verbally abusive husband took <i>his</i> lithium, he was kinder to her, and if <i>she</i> was taking <i>hers</i>, she could handle it better if he <i>was</i> mean! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://tahomaclinic.com/2010/05/lithium-the-misunderstood-mineral-part-1/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lithium</a> is protective of the Brain, decreasing erosion, and shrinkage, increasing Neuro transmitters, and protecting against clots! Dr Wright takes 20mg daily, (and recommends 10-20 mg for optimal results) He has also found it very helpful for children whose parents are alcoholics, or have other addictions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="http://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2011/03/nutritional-protection-from-radiation.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Iodine</a></i></b> is another nutrient we may be low in. Dr Wright mentions iodine on several of his radio broadcasts, and Dr Axe gives an overview <a href="https://draxe.com/iodine-deficiency/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. I've had relief from hormonal woes using Iodine in the 70s, and true to <u>Folk Medicine</u> hero, Dr Jarvis' comments, it <i>"calmed </i>(my)<i> race horse type child!"</i> within two hours whenever he took it! I include kelp in my daily fare, and take iodine periodically. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://draxe.com/selenium-benefits/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Selenium</a></i> is important for iodine absorption, and both iodine and selenium are low in our Western Oregon soil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Each of us needs to discover our own balance between choosing food sources and deciding whether to augment withsupplementats.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">May you enjoy good health! </span>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-43859626574696797302018-06-01T10:22:00.001-07:002018-06-01T10:55:20.466-07:00Tea Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYT3Zn4ASgccpaoU5uu3G4HPoJHSHvwQhd5Pp_FWDnhKhiey11vBZXli4HMyUGbgLNk4ZdeU0i4wek6qLCbm-2QbQPFkATws30CljYbsGIhEUaxoGabTky5Rhd6C2vYz1np4AUpSDjjyn/s1600/t.cam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYT3Zn4ASgccpaoU5uu3G4HPoJHSHvwQhd5Pp_FWDnhKhiey11vBZXli4HMyUGbgLNk4ZdeU0i4wek6qLCbm-2QbQPFkATws30CljYbsGIhEUaxoGabTky5Rhd6C2vYz1np4AUpSDjjyn/s320/t.cam.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My first tea Camellia</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I began growing tea Camellias over a decade ago, with <a href="https://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2008/11/one-with-mother.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pink</a> and white flowered plants which lasted several years. I later found the <a href="https://onegreenworld.com/product/sochi-tea-seedling-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">variety from Sochi</a></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, Russia, (near the Black Sea) which does better in our more Northern clime, and my shrub is 6-8 years old. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My British friend Nikki has a "plantation" of 9 tea Camellias in her city garden, which is a lovely mix of ornamental and edibles. Last week she mentioned beginning this year's tea harvest, and I asked how she processes it, she responded by inviting me over for Tea and a lesson! Nikki is a Brit, with roots in Belgium, and loves her tea! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Several years ago, Nikki attended a varietal </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">tasting with a Tea Master, </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">was entranced with the different flavors. When nearby </span><a href="http://redridgefarms.com/stroll" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;" target="_blank">Red Ridge Farms</a>, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">where we purchased our tea plants</span>,<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> offered a workshop for processing green tea at home, she was in! The teacher had lived in China with his wife while she studied acupuncture, and learned from Chinese tea masters, and gave a step by step process suitable for small batches.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our tea time yesterday began the afternoon before, when Nikki plucked sprigs of the top two or <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJ63SGuQxCvdEaYA4CSfmHb-o0jj0d6iiauue_U_Ix5MHiwW6dXVpnr98E5CPqT6GyxnTuP84thGsxuHS_zleMOz9eFKC-H_j-WWgXmvE7AJuvjXjeol0MmLofGUPwm_gOBZPY3eb6-w4/s1600/Fujian-Field-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJ63SGuQxCvdEaYA4CSfmHb-o0jj0d6iiauue_U_Ix5MHiwW6dXVpnr98E5CPqT6GyxnTuP84thGsxuHS_zleMOz9eFKC-H_j-WWgXmvE7AJuvjXjeol0MmLofGUPwm_gOBZPY3eb6-w4/s320/Fujian-Field-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvesting of tea in China<a href="https://taooftea.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">, Tao of Tea</a></td></tr>
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three leaves from several tea shrubs, which she prunes in the fall to produce a tea harvesting "table." My own plant is "wild grown," not pruned, so pruning next fall is on my list!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I arrived, she brought out the basket of leaves which had wilted overnight, and were ready for the next step, placing the leaves in a wok on high heat, and tossing gently for a bit. Nikki asked me to bring old well washed cotton cloths, and we tipped the leaves onto a square, twisted the ends to form a ball, and rolled / kneeded the tea, while the oven heated to 400°</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The next step was several rounds in the oven, in flat pans, then tipping back on the cloths to cool down in between rounds. (3 minutes, 2 minutes, and 1 minute) Each stage includes gently tossing and handling the tea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of the magic bits is how fragrant this fresh tea is as it begins to dry, with a flowery, almost Jasmine odor! Who knew? After the last round, we left the tea on the cloths, while we headed out to the garden, and "plucked" a new batch of tea tips! It sprinkled earlier in the afternoon, we were grateful the sun was back out, and the tea wasn't too damp.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVPHfW8wajtaIRBpE1iJYMF1PCCD1LwB7v5j00tCwdv-xno7C9jqswB5J_tnWHJANLNR0WXrj44WQ_ErEqoD8tEnlmzFwAZ8iaHHgjxQq8sKOcUVVHR077W3aVLEZh8k99JdsVR15SRzM/s1600/20180531_210018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEVPHfW8wajtaIRBpE1iJYMF1PCCD1LwB7v5j00tCwdv-xno7C9jqswB5J_tnWHJANLNR0WXrj44WQ_ErEqoD8tEnlmzFwAZ8iaHHgjxQq8sKOcUVVHR077W3aVLEZh8k99JdsVR15SRzM/s320/20180531_210018.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Freshly harvested tea leaves</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She'd had me bring a basket without a handle for this step, and we plucked into the basket, tossing the tea leaves frequently. This tossing will continue today, (the leaves are already getting fragrant!) and I'll prepare a second batch this afternoon, on my own! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After gathering some garden goodies for me, lettuce, artichokes, herbs, ... we came back inside, and had a lovely tea, sipping a brew from leaves she harvested and processed just this week, in glass tea cups from Belgium, which a cousin sent! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our tea included thyroid healthy snacks suggested by Medical Medium <a href="https://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/healing-power-of-celery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anthony William</a>: four banana slices topped with red dulse, several celery slices and a date, (and a bit of dark chocolate just for fun!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was a lovely afternoon, and I'm looking forward to my own adventures in tea making! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcLIesYCLV8KwepqvmBBFK1AYRFgwmkghrrujSy553G1yBlgY7LePYXvo4rLrV7PWkHMXivvGd5pPtLbHCq98az5VJ1Z63aExdkkZOt5gSWs61LiMmzxjHBGO_KHsF2VGtAeZUp_8LQJN/s1600/20180531_210027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcLIesYCLV8KwepqvmBBFK1AYRFgwmkghrrujSy553G1yBlgY7LePYXvo4rLrV7PWkHMXivvGd5pPtLbHCq98az5VJ1Z63aExdkkZOt5gSWs61LiMmzxjHBGO_KHsF2VGtAeZUp_8LQJN/s320/20180531_210027.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Tea on the drying racks</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-13263020694831283602018-03-17T08:20:00.000-07:002018-03-17T08:20:02.511-07:00Turmeric Lemonade Plus<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Throughout the year, my friend Donna has been making a <a href="http://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2016/07/tumeric-lemon-balm.html" target="_blank">turmeric lemonade brew</a> and shipping throughout the week. I've written before of its great properties for both inflammation, and effectiveness against depression, and though I don't make the lemonade as consistently, I do use turmeric frequently. We're lucky to have fresh turmeric available from a local organic farm, and I get well water from Donna, so I avoid our city's fluoridated brew.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last summer, Donna began making up <a href="http://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2017/09/magnesium-and-you.html" target="_blank">boron solution</a>, and adding it to her turmeric lemonade, with even better results! In the fall, she and her husband spent much of two weekends filling the woodshed, and she said even after the second week, she felt just a <i>little</i> sore (rather than spending half the day in bed!!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After watching this talk to an oral health group by <a href="https://youtu.be/TJp7SW1pY2I" target="_blank">Dr Flechas</a>' I increased my own boron intake to 10-20 mg daily (1 teaspoon of solution =3 mg boron) Since boron tends to be energizing, it's best to take in the morning. (3 mg boronTablets are also available)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This mourning I'm making a batch for my daughter, using my current recipe, inspired by the one on <a href="https://www.cottercrunch.com/turmeric-ginger-lemonade/" target="_blank">Lindsay Cotter</a>'s blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Turmeric Ginger Lemonade</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 cups spring water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 Tablespoon fresh Turmeric, grated</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp powdered turmeric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1 Tablespoon fresh Ginger, grated</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A sprinkle of black pepper (fresh ground if possible)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> · Bring water with ginger and turmeric to boil, summer 10 minutes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> · Add a handful of fresh lemon balm in season, steep (can refrigerate overnight)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> · Cool, Strain, then add</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Juice of 1 lemon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Juice of a blood orange (optional)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2-4 Tablespoons Maple Syrup or honey </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2 Tablespoons <a href="http://vestellasvale.blogspot.com/2017/09/magnesium-and-you.html" target="_blank">boron solution</a> (optional)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> · Refrigerate, and drink a cup in the morning, garnished with fresh mint</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In most of the USA, the daily intake of boron is 3-4 mg, and arthritis plagues over 25% of the population. In areas higher in boron, the daily intake can be 20-50 mg, and arthritis rates drop to 1/2 of 1%. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In Western Oregon, where I live, boron tends to be low, and this article by our JMHart of the Oregon extension service gives suggestions for supplementing the soil in home gardens: </span><br />
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<i>A note about boron</i><br />
<i>Many soils in western Oregon are deficient in boron (B). Several crops (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, caneberries, strawberries, beets, carrots, etc.) can benefit</i><br />
<i>from an application of boron.</i><br />
<i>If the soil test for boron is less than 1 ppm, apply household or agricultural grade borax (11 percent B) at the rate of 1 tablespoon per 100 square feet where boron-</i><br />
<i>requiring plants will be grown. Apply the borax evenly and mix thoroughly with the soil. </i><br />
<i>It may be easier to dissolve 1 tablespoon of borax in 1 gallon of water and apply the solution evenly with a sprinkling can. Apply 1 fluid ounce of solution per plant. You can find borax in the cleaning supplies section of most grocery stores.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-82641993117086915362017-09-19T20:30:00.000-07:002017-09-20T21:16:44.754-07:00Magnesium and you<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As a massage therapist for over three decades, a question I commonly ask my clients is, <i>"has anyone mentioned Magnesium?" (</i>umm, no ...<i>) "it's a natural muscle relaxant, and with such tight muscles, you might want to look into taking some, ..." </i>... "really? Ok, I guess it's worth a try, ..." ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been a fan of "Maggie" since reading Adelle Davis' and Jonathan Wright's books on nutrition, and take it regularly. In 1954, Adelle wrote, <i>"persons only slightly deficient in magnesium become irritable, high-strung, sensitive to noise, hyper excitable, apprehensive and belligerent. If magnesium is severely deficient, the brain is particularly affected" </i>Let's Eat Right to Keep Fit, p 170. Jonathan Wright<i>: "if there's spasm, think magnesium!"</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For several years, I've been a member of Morley Robbins' FB group, the <a href="https://m.facebook.com/groups/388392151228860?ref=content_filter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Magnesium Advocacy Group</a>, and have found it to be a wealth of information. Thousands of people around the world have benefited from upping their magnesium "the right way,", and following the protocol.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On the weekend, a friends hubby landed in the ER with chest pains, (scary!) Which turned out to be esophageal spasms! He's been having chest pains and migraine headaches for months - a potential</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> remedy for both</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">? Adequate </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christiane-northrup/magnesium-calcium_b_509115.html" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank">Magnesium</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Involved in <a href="http://krispin.com/magnes.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">over 325 functions</a> (or <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WdnBj_Cm-fI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carolyn Dean</a>, MD, ND and magnesium guru woo says 700-800) all hormone regulation, Magnesium is vital for health, yet 80% of our population are low in Maggie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Why? Commercial farming, using high phosphate fertilizers, drinking city water, eating processed, chemical laden, fortified and GMO "foods," experiencing stress, .... the list goes on! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Enter Morley Robbins, and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "calibri" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 1.25em;"><a href="http://gotmag.org/the-root-cause-protocol/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Root Cause Protocol</a> </span></h4>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Calibri, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: red; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">STOP</span></div>
<ol style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Calibri, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">STOP Vitamin-D ONLY Supplements (Supplemental “vitamin”-D KILLS Liver Retinol that is needed for Cp) More on <a href="http://gotmag.org/category/hormone-d/" style="color: #336699; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Vitamin/Hormone-D…</a></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">STOP Calcium Supplements! (Ca BLOCKS Magnesium & Iron absorption)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">STOP Iron Supplements! (Iron, or Fe SHUTS DOWN Copper metabolism) More on <a href="http://gotmag.org/category/iron-toxicity/" style="color: #336699; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Iron Toxicity…</a></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">STOP Ascorbic Acid (Ascorbic Acid disrupts the Copper < > Cp bond)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">STOP High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) & Synthetic Sugars (HFCS Lowers Liver Copper & Raises Liver Iron)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">STOP LOW Fat Diet (Saturated Fat is needed for proper Copper absorption)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">STOP Using Industrialized, “Heart Healthy” Omega-6 Oils! (e.g. Soybean, Corn, Canola Oils)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">STOP Using products with Fluoride (toothpaste, bottled water, etc.)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">STOP Taking “Drugstore” Multivitamins & Pre-natals (They contain the first four items above, plus trace amounts of fluoride)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">STOP Using Citrate in Foods & Supplements (e.g. “Natural Calm”)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">STOP Using Colloidal Silver as an Antibiotic (It lowers Copper status in the body! Nanonized Silver is ok)</li>
</ol>
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<span style="color: green; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">START</span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">START Magnesium (Mg) supplements (Jigsaw Mag SRT, Pure Encaps Mag Glycinate, Mag Oil, etc. <a href="http://gotmag.org/how-to-restore-magnesium/" style="color: #336699; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">See Magnesium Supplement Recommendations</a>) to lower Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) & Cortisol. (Dose: 5 mg/lb or 10 mg/kg body weight. Be mindful of the Mg cofactors: B6, Boron, and Bicarbonate.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">START taking the <a href="http://gotmag.org/the-adrenal-cocktail/" style="color: #336699; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Adrenal Cocktail</a> (4oz fresh orange juice, 1/4 tsp Cream of Tartar and 1/4 tsp sea salt) at 10am and 2pm on an empty stomach to balance electrolytes.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">START Cod Liver Oil supplements (1 tsp Nordic Naturals Arctic or 1 tsp Rosita) for Retinol, animal based Vitamin A.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">START Whole Food Vitamin C supplements (Innate Response tablets or Pure Radiance Synergy powder: 400 – 800 mg/day (Key source of Copper)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">START Using Mother Nature sources for B Vitamins:<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />– take ½ tsp of Bee Pollen<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />– take 1 – 2 tsp of Rice Bran (be sure to take AWAY FROM other foods)<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />– eat 4 – 6 ounces of Beef <i>(or lamb)</i> Liver weekly<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">(research shows that several B vitamins are KEY for Cp production. Please get these as noted above:) B2 (Riboflavin) – Key for Cu/Fe regulation in the liver; B5 (Pantothenate) – Supports the production of Vitamin C; B7 (Biotin) – Key for Cu/Fe regulation in the liver.</span></em></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">START Using Silica (Diatomaceous Earth) that stimulates an increase in Cp! (Start with 1 tsp in water at the start or end of the day, and work up to 3 tsp [1 Tbs] each day.)</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">START Boron (1 – 3 mg/day, or add 1 Tbs borax to magnesium baths) – aids in Synthesis of Cp, and regulation of Fe.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">START Taurine (500 – 1,000 mg/day) Supports liver copper metabolism</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">START Ancestral Diet (HIGH Fat & Protein/LOW Carb) Good for Copper absorption</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">START Iodine (PREREQUISITE: Mg RBC & Se RBC need to be optimal) Until then, add Iodine rich foods like kelp, seaweeds, scallops, cod, eggs, cranberries, etc. to the diet.</li>
</ol>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Calibri, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
Additional Factors to Consider regarding Ceruloplasmin (Cp):</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Calibri, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em 1.5em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Chlorinated water is hard on Copper & Magnesium, thus is hard on Cp production.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">High dose Zinc supplements BLOCK Copper absorption, which reduces Cp production.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Molybdenum is known to chelate Copper and BLOCK Ceruloplasmin production.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I live in a town with fluoridated water, so I drink and cook with well water at home. I began </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OEMaCBKf53XIkRIlnhNesJ1vVmnBibez3bjzClMQHbPmjpoFyivV5nxnyA1siHJ15502p1aP2DccIH0651ba4jkLYnttTD6iQpZdfjTdsfk6rqOX6LQfgw0aqkx9_bWbLjqh1VE4cTbn/s1600/21616392_10211888674986745_4108636966263493481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OEMaCBKf53XIkRIlnhNesJ1vVmnBibez3bjzClMQHbPmjpoFyivV5nxnyA1siHJ15502p1aP2DccIH0651ba4jkLYnttTD6iQpZdfjTdsfk6rqOX6LQfgw0aqkx9_bWbLjqh1VE4cTbn/s320/21616392_10211888674986745_4108636966263493481_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">making boron solution (7) last year, and notice my shoulders are less "creaky" when I take it regularly. It also helps chelate fluoride, which in turn, helps decalcify the pineal gland</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I use Mag. Glycinate and chloride, and am a fan of Epsom Salt baths. I plan to start making the Adrenal Cocktail. (2) I'm already an "ancestral diet" fan (9), and get lamb from Karen at the Farmers Market. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm one of her organ meat customers as well</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(lamb liver, (5) kidney and heart.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I just ordered more cod liver oil (3), and do like that form of vitamin D and omega acids. </span><a href="http://main.poliquingroup.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/782/Ten_Benefits_of_Taurine.aspx" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank">Taurine</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> (8) is the nutrient I.was least familiar with, so I looked it up and found this </span><a href="http://main.poliquingroup.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/782/Ten_Benefits_of_Taurine.aspx" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;" target="_blank">list of benefits</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Note that if you're vegetarian, lack of this nutrient can cause anxiety and fatigue, and it helps regulate insulin, so it's a good one to add! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What do you think, are you ready to give Magnesium and its co-factors a try? (Watch Morley's "<a href="http://gotmag.org/the-root-cause-protocol/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Theory of Everything</a>" video for more inspiration, and an item by item run-down of his recommended protocol.) Let me know in the comments below! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-58414001891169321122017-07-26T13:50:00.000-07:002017-07-26T13:57:09.741-07:00Walk Through<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Over the years, my cleaning style has ebbed and flowed; my daughter tells me I could write a book on <a href="https://amp.mindbodygreen.com/articles/10-feng-shui-mistakes-everyone-makes-at-home" target="_blank">feng shui</a>, (and wonders why I don't just do what I know, lol!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Recently I've been shifting things around, with the goal of moving my Atelier into the back section of my living room, at 10 x 10' it's about 2x the space of my dining nook! My harps and a chair will move into the nook (5x6') and I'm reorganizing the seating area.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've moved a couple of bookshelves, have a pile of books to donate, and my living room currently looks worse than before I began! But, .... it's on its way. I enjoy watching Melissa Maker's <a href="https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=_P-SE18JF6I" target="_blank">Cleaning videos</a>, and tips from Rachel Hoffman of <a href="http://www.unfuckyourhabitat.com/category/basics/" target="_blank">UFYH</a> for inspiration.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRe8_nXxo6mero7WsnQRXwHwZILd-1HR1tFcNba_hd8jW_r14QcAbdqOcjMRCDtFHKYGb6x2nCUXbd8T2jzDQnkm0hGwxVw_TtEE3pzCrHINGQz1K3_9bJ8oPzjKpajM-yfhAOg0eF5uQr/s1600/IMG_20170725_125029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRe8_nXxo6mero7WsnQRXwHwZILd-1HR1tFcNba_hd8jW_r14QcAbdqOcjMRCDtFHKYGb6x2nCUXbd8T2jzDQnkm0hGwxVw_TtEE3pzCrHINGQz1K3_9bJ8oPzjKpajM-yfhAOg0eF5uQr/s320/IMG_20170725_125029.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living room corner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I especially like Rachel's reminder that <i>"Company ready is good, but you ready is better!"</i> She suggests cleaning in small blocks of 20 minutes, resting 10, (or more) and takes into account chronic health problems and depression, which can form roadblocks to having a welcoming habitat! Her compassionate style is a welcome change from guilt. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjUU1UERRRl-YYtS9tv_a_Xs30rfSacXiQ-Xi6tddZpJs7eplwsNHYtlZ_25KoYvPwmb7OYN5fMVi6-8XKm44qh1KvYl-x_os8iHTjL3N9istrimRm0HRazDD1AmRJ0edVhjFpioj1QN_/s1600/IMG_20170726_134319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjUU1UERRRl-YYtS9tv_a_Xs30rfSacXiQ-Xi6tddZpJs7eplwsNHYtlZ_25KoYvPwmb7OYN5fMVi6-8XKm44qh1KvYl-x_os8iHTjL3N9istrimRm0HRazDD1AmRJ0edVhjFpioj1QN_/s320/IMG_20170726_134319.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bookshelf switch</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of the habits that can help keep things clear is to do a couple of <a href="http://kingstouchreiki.blogspot.com/2013/11/reiki-walk-through.html" target="_blank">Walk Throughs</a> each day. A "walk through" is basically going through a room, attending to things you notice are out of place or trash, and dealing with them. Dishes to the kitchen, throw away or recycle trash, neaten a surface. This is something "neat" folks do automatically, and makes a big difference when we incorporate it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's a concept kids can learn, and can help with. A quick check for toys and shoes which need to be put away, and dishes bussed takes just a couple of minutes, who knew?! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What are some of your favorite routines and tips for "you ready?"</span><br />
<br />Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-21587108214623391602017-07-05T15:49:00.002-07:002017-07-09T13:07:30.448-07:00Cleaning with kids<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We've all been there, the house is a mess, the kids are up to their ears in toys, gack!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I spent a lot of time in just that muddle when my kids were young, and still go in stages of less and more organized, with all the kids flown! When my grandkids visit, they are good about putting away what they got out, as they know I expect it! And if they mention it's messy, I ask what they want to help clean up, lol! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A gal in one of my FB groups recently asked for tips, as her husband will be working a second job, they've got a 2 year old, and the house is already messy, meals are haphazard....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Two is a great age to begin to engage a child's help, and instill the idea that everyone who shares the house pitches in! When they help out, try not to correct or criticize, do show gratitude, and admire their work!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Meals</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Go with simple one dish meals, crock pot, stir fry, and have big salads made up. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Choose from your family favorites, and add more as you think of/try them</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wash and cut veggies and some fruit, store in lidded containers with compartments, for easy, nutritious snacks. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">Look for crackers etc with limited ingredients, and shop the outside isles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you've got a farmer's market, have them help choose new veggies to try, and old favorites. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Cleaning with a toddler/kids</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Aim for at least <a href="http://www.unfuckyourhabitat.com/whats-a-2010/" target="_blank">one 20/10</a> each day (clean 20, rest or share time with your kid for 10) and do another round when you can. Tackle the things that bother you most first.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Find an hourglass children's timer, so s/he can set their own.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Get the child/ren interested in helping, two is a GREAT age to begin! Carry a dish to the dishwasher, help put silverware away, wipe a table, ...(don't correct things in front of them! It's getting done!) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Partly fill a spray bottle with water and a squirt of dish soap or Dr Bonner's, and invite them to spritz the stove or fridge for you ("three sprays!") My 6 year old grandson LOVES using the spray bottle! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Make a game of picking up before lunch or outside time. Sing a pick up song, and chip in. Make it fun, and something you do daily.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Get outside when you can! Walks, a trip to the swimming pool or a park. Holistic docs suggest kids play outside a minimum of 45 minutes a day when they can. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have a small basket or bin for favorite books, and read! Have the child choose one, and you choose one. Go ahead and read it again! Limit screen time, for them and for you! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My grandkids are 6-18, and I've watched 4 regularly from infancy up. I "use my psychic powers" to predict the chore they will do, the vegetable they'll pick, whether they'll put their shoes by the door or in the hall, ....</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hide toys around the room, and see who can find/ put then in the right basket first</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have a trash can handy, and invite them to find 3-5 things to throw away.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Streamline! Get a shelf unit and containers, from simple with colorful Dollar Store baskets, to an Ikea set! Colors engage kids in picking up, and help code what belongs where. During a break, check out <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?rs=ac&len=2&q=children%20rooms%20organization&eq=Children%20rooms&etslf=14700&term_meta[]=children%7Cautocomplete%7Cundefined&term_meta[]=rooms%7Cautocomplete%7Cundefined&term_meta[]=organization%7Cautocomplete%7Cundefined" target="_blank">pinterest for ideas</a> that suit your family</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rotate toys! Have an area (garage?) you can store categories of toys they've lost interest in, and bring it out again in a few months. When you notice toys everywhere, go through (probably on your own) and stash some away. This is good to do around holidays. (* their special toys excluded!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have their clothes in low drawers, tops in one, pants/ etc on a second that are labeled with a photo, for easy put away. (One friend's son dumped drawers out when he was a toddler, so they needed to have his drawers in another room! And be sure they are stable and won't tip)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My 6 and 12 year olds attended an awesome co-op <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1mWw78uIZWY_qlkqWIXjz0wgE8_3GWW4R8POmYn_yPabOKsdArhKAkSXVCyIyetvFh_xFrZltLsA4hHuDxsoXDl-5RU0riwEdjG7N65iqnIbDmmzLws-omNyezKTaxRsuG851EonhZLQ/s1600/GK+peeling+oranges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1mWw78uIZWY_qlkqWIXjz0wgE8_3GWW4R8POmYn_yPabOKsdArhKAkSXVCyIyetvFh_xFrZltLsA4hHuDxsoXDl-5RU0riwEdjG7N65iqnIbDmmzLws-omNyezKTaxRsuG851EonhZLQ/s320/GK+peeling+oranges.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Playschool from 3-5 or 6 and learned social shills and team play and cleaning. I helped in the classroom regularly, and it was great to watch them go from chaos to tidy in about 10 minutes! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Each choose the area they would clean by putting their photo in a<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/explore/preschool-chore-charts/?lp=true" target="_blank"> chore chart</a>, and they often cleaned an area they weren't in that morning! (Bonus, try learn <i>"I can clean even when I didn't mess it up!!") </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Each section of the room was roughly dedicated to something, a playhouses, block area, dress up, touch table, pixels, blocks, art, snack table (with low shelves and dishes to serve themselves) ...is there a way you can do more of this at home?</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Community</b></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Playgroup! If you're a SAH mom or dad, find ways to engage with other kids and adults! A playgroup, where kids play and parents observe/visit is awesome. My daughter and her friends met in a childbirth class, 18 years ago, and had a picnic after the babies were born. It has evolved into a playgroup, then as the kids grew into a Moms Group, with monthly adult get togethers, a summer beach trip, a couple's get away, and several family trips to Disneyland! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">to find one, check Bulletin boards, the library, swimming or gymnastic class, local FB groups, homeschool groups, look for the right for for your family! </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You're able to be home with your kids, appreciate the opportunity! That was the norm when I was growing up on the 50/60s, and now I realize how lucky I was! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I hope you can use these ideas to spark your own, and please share your own tips in the comments! </span></div>
</div>
<br />Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-50695354255510144692017-07-03T11:52:00.000-07:002017-07-09T12:55:34.702-07:00Clearing the Decks<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We've all got them, areas or a whole house full of too. much. stuff. Do you get bogged down just thinking about it? I do a good job for awhile, then get busy and Things multiply!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>CLEARING CLUTTER for POSITIVE CHANGE</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Clutter accumulates when energy stagnates, and likewise, energy stagnates when clutter accumulates. It can be a vicious cycle, clutter is both a symptom and cause of heavy or stagnant chi, of struck life force. And fortunately, movement of either prompts flow in both!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When we clear physical, emotional and mental clutter and stagnant energy in our environment, we free and release the stuck energy that keeps us in a holding pattern of exhaustion, overwhelm, and/ or procrastination. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Clearing clutter also enhances sleep, clarity of thought, vitality, sparks joy, enhances prosperity, and healthy weight! An added bonus, clear space requires less time spent cleaning, and easier upkeep.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_G6NF7oGqm0TMNnUOsbM04Xi1nvM7RU9GL7A4Amt0DayPpBul0xKZqr601p8auGVIdFGnBtLrBkOvI_XjoqSe-48sLzThv3CEyDBmvaghZyYuk-BA-Kw3x-RPXJRB7Fz_91rIxor23Ata/s1600/altar.11.22.8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_G6NF7oGqm0TMNnUOsbM04Xi1nvM7RU9GL7A4Amt0DayPpBul0xKZqr601p8auGVIdFGnBtLrBkOvI_XjoqSe-48sLzThv3CEyDBmvaghZyYuk-BA-Kw3x-RPXJRB7Fz_91rIxor23Ata/s320/altar.11.22.8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Take a moment, and think how you feel in your messiest space. Notice your posture, and sensations in your body. Take a breath and shake that out!</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Now, picture walking into a beautiful, serene space, perhaps in a spa or retreat center. Notice how your body reacts, is your breath fuller? Do you feel like you can take up more space? Stand taller? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're ready to dig in, here are some tips from m</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">y inspirational friend<a href="http://www.10kblessingsfengshuiboutique.com/" target="_blank"> Gwynne Warner</a>, Feng Shui consultant, on clearing clutter and setting a more harmonious environment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b> Basic guidelines:</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pick a day when the wind is not to strong, nor eerily still. When the wind is strong, wealth can't accumulate - this can be a good time to get rid of dated documents, files, or office paper!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Choose a time you feel the most energized, daylight and morning are great</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wear bright colors, orange, yellow, red are yang and give energy. (Blue, grey and pastels are more yin, and better for relaxing) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Take breaks for crying, dancing, breathing, drinking water, eating a good snack. After 25 minutes, feel free to stop for the day, or take a 10 minute break, and do some more! </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Before you begin:</b></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Start to sift the stagnant energy of the area by increasing yang (active) energy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Turn on all the lights (bring in more light if it's a dark area!) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Open windows and doors in the space - even just a crack</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Burn incense: sandalwood, juniper, nag champa, or spritz with essential oil in water/ use a diffuser: orange, Neroli, bergamot</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Clap or ring bells to "wake up" the space</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Play uplifting, joyful music, or a video on cleaning that space, or, ...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have a Waterbottle or big glass of water with a sprig of mint, lemon and cucumber.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>While You Clear Clutter</b></span></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Clear in blocks of 15-45 minutes - set a timer, and take breaks. -- My favorite patterns are 20/10 (especially good if you have chronic health challenges or are depressed) and 45/15. Even 5-10 minutes is better than Ø ! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Gather 4 bags, bins or boxes, and Mark:</span></li>
</ul>
<ol><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<li>Trash (things someone else would toss)</li>
<li>Recycling (ditto - I have a tall white trash basket for recycling that I bring into the room I'm working on) </li>
<li>Donate / gift/ sell</li>
<li>Transit to another area</li>
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<ul><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<li>Pick up one thing at a time and ask yourself</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>
<br />
<ol><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<li><i>Does it LIFT MY ENERGY when I think about it/ look at it?</i></li>
<li><i>Do I absolutely LOVE it?</i></li>
<li><i>Do I actually USE it? (Or have another like it)</i></li>
<li><i>Do I NEED it?</i></li>
</span></ol>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>
<br />
<ul><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<li>If your answer is, <i>"No! It's clutter and it has to go!" </i>place it in the appropriate box. </li>
<li>Pick up the next item and ask the same question.</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>After You've Finished Clearing Clutter for the Day</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<ul><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<li>Empty the trash immediately, outside your home</li>
<li>Take recycling to your bins </li>
<li>Take things in the transit box back where they belong (if that area is also cluttered, put it close, books by the book shelf, etc)</li>
<li>Put items to donate etc in your vehicle (or separate area)</li>
<li>Sweep or vacuum</li>
<li>Spray with aromatherapy/burn incense</li>
<li>Look at the area you've just cleared, and congratulate yourself! </li>
<li><i>Woo hoo, we did it! Even if you only spent 10 or 20 minutes, it is that much more than nothing! </i></li>
</span></ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>After You've Cleared </b><b>Clutter from the Entire Room</b></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div>
<ul><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<li>Clean the room - I personally love Melissa Maker's "Clean My Space" <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_B1PLQKH1xk" target="_blank">videos and blog</a>! Her 1, 2, 3 room sweep is great (and works great for minor clutter!) </li>
<li>Use simple cleaning products (Melissa has tutorials on <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pzHdso1IfhI" target="_blank">making your own</a>!) Scent with lemon grass, pine, basil, orange or rosemary if you wish.</li>
<li>Bring in or buy fresh flowers</li>
<li>Sit in your favorite chair and admire the room, you did a great job!! </li>
<li>Reward yourself! <i>(Hint, think experience rather than retail therapy!) </i></li>
</span></ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Staying Clutter Clear</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Are you great at doing "Bumble-Bee Cleaning" (BBC) just before someone comes over? I am! Rachel Hoffman of UFYH reminds us that we are important, and suggests we <a href="http://www.unfuckyourhabitat.com/why-company-ready-is-good-but-you-ready-is-better/" target="_blank">clean for ourselves</a>, not just for company!<i> "Company ready is good, but you ready is better!"</i></span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
<li>After an area or room has been Cleared of Clutter, it's easier to keep it that way if you do a little every day! Set the timer for 20 minutes, and do a basic reset. </li>
<li>Notice where Things tend to accumulate, and streamline ways you deal with those. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.unfuckyourhabitat.com/get-the-book/" target="_blank">UFYH</a> offers great tips for getting on top of the clutter. (And there's a Facebook group, <a href="https://m.facebook.com/groups/1517970688277547?ref=bookmarks&notif_t=group_comment_reply" target="_blank">Team UFYH (official)</a> which offers awesome, shame free group support.)</li>
<li>Melissa Maker's video on <a href="https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=5WN8gJw86vA" target="_blank">maintenance</a> has great tips on "keeping it up." She has videos for each room, I like to put one on while I'm cleaning! She also has one on <a href="https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=mPcqjY6gHhc" target="_blank">getting motivated</a>! </li>
<li>To assist yourself in being neater, hang a 50mm faceted leaded crystal sphere (Gwynne carries these in her <a href="http://www.10kblessingsfengshuiboutique.com/swarovski-crystal" target="_blank">online boutique</a>)</li>
<li>Take advantage of charity yard sales, and donate items (they'll often pick up)</li>
<li>Houston Clutter Fairy, Gayle Goddard has a MeetUp and <a href="https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=9vEHOn0RpAo" target="_blank">posts videos</a> with monthly tips on tackling different areas. I was intrigued with her statistics on Boomers, and the number of us drowning on clutter! While we use technology, we often don't quote trust it, hence keeping paper etc we don't really need to!</li>
<li>Compile list of daily, weekly and monthly basics in a way that works for you. </li>
<li>If you share a space, engage others in cleaning if you can, ... Clean anyway, if you can't! </li>
<li>If it starts to pile up again, pick a messy area and stare at it. Do nothing. Breathe. Stare at it. ...ideas may begin to percolate... Breathe. Stare at it, breathe. When you can hardly stand it, take another breath. Then dive in, using these tools!</li>
</span></ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Happy clearing! </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8724048591738331168.post-55735786320129004812017-07-02T20:49:00.001-07:002017-07-02T21:37:01.481-07:00Cold Brew Chicory Coffee<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For years I've sipped herb tea and infusions, with occasional forays into drinking coffee. My mom was fond of green tea, and for a brewed drink, choose Sanka <i>(instant decaf, 'sans caffeine').</i> With recent <a href="https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/06/this-is-your-brain-on-coffee/" target="_blank">studies promoting</a> health benefits of drinking a cuppa daily, I've been drinking some, usually black (! I was fond of flavors, which were also pretty sweet!) </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsvKeD8dVcbRa4ERP3-h-snCpHwLY4PR9LoMfh5gFrnro6k9TAcoRmZxd23YibMf6d09F_vwLpr4XwSAdwvSABn5JgtULpdZUbAqvjPQuPlnSbO2fzfpy5yUxj9H_zyYJbwi0Qgw9Awol/s1600/e466603aea297506a1a1718671b33953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsvKeD8dVcbRa4ERP3-h-snCpHwLY4PR9LoMfh5gFrnro6k9TAcoRmZxd23YibMf6d09F_vwLpr4XwSAdwvSABn5JgtULpdZUbAqvjPQuPlnSbO2fzfpy5yUxj9H_zyYJbwi0Qgw9Awol/s320/e466603aea297506a1a1718671b33953.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Råskog cart (mine's cream)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Saturday I went on a field trip to Ikea with a couple of friends, seeking a <a href="https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=0MDlXDvFqJY" target="_blank">Råskog cart</a> for art supplies. We played a grand game of <i>shop-till-we-collapse,</i> ... getting the cart and other goodies, eating dinner, shopping a bit more, ... and I picked up a little French press and some organic whole coffee beans. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have a little electric mill I generally use for spices, and wanted to grind my own. My friend suggested making iced coffee concentrate, and so I looked up some <a href="http://www.kitchentreaty.com/how-to-make-cold-brewed-iced-coffee-concentrate/" target="_blank">recipes</a> for proportions </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I liked the idea of adding chicory, which I have from Mt. Rose Herbs, and checked out their site, finding <a href="https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/make-roasted-chicory-coffee-recipe" target="_blank">this article</a>. I decided to go half and half, so got out the grinder, and did a course grind of 1/4 cup coffee beans, adding 1/4 cup roasted & ground chicory at the end for one more grind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The next step was putting the mix in a quart jar, and covering with filtered water. The last addition was a teaspoon of powdered Reishi <a href="http://www.artofwellbeing.com/2015/09/18/foursigmaticreview/" target="_blank">mushroom</a>, then capping the mason jar, and setting <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmlnFmxJ9ka7hykmerKceFI_1549YQMlwEtQQRr-ugipagVmX6S2hwUiWoV2OeM1ODxcA1thF0DVjPl20J64qdI0wyDpyOnKkKRekmVwFlUQKa5WSu8ej_x6LYt2xUf-PiGaXIVARVp-O/s1600/IMG_20170211_003546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmlnFmxJ9ka7hykmerKceFI_1549YQMlwEtQQRr-ugipagVmX6S2hwUiWoV2OeM1ODxcA1thF0DVjPl20J64qdI0wyDpyOnKkKRekmVwFlUQKa5WSu8ej_x6LYt2xUf-PiGaXIVARVp-O/s320/IMG_20170211_003546.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cup from Alyssa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
it on the counter to steep overnight (6-12 hours, at room temperature.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.artofwellbeing.com/2015/09/18/foursigmaticreview/" target="_blank">Reishi</a> and other tree fungi are considered adaptogens, beneficial for daily use. <a href="https://examine.com/supplements/ganoderma-lucidum/" target="_blank">Studies</a> have shown Reishi to have potential for protecting the neurological system, inhibiting tumor growth, and aiding liver regeneration.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYOg4IB253XrfJ0QtcCHFndmN8gS0zP1Ap_CY1oOx5-z2qMm_ipwurlNAgPvG_v5tjhUiFATTILvonp5rzNJBVqLSAxi3ys2yStZWUkIJ0AGZfFc5gvT-UX1EE0NMkcaCtlD4lEiyzZb7/s1600/IMG_20170630_134705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYOg4IB253XrfJ0QtcCHFndmN8gS0zP1Ap_CY1oOx5-z2qMm_ipwurlNAgPvG_v5tjhUiFATTILvonp5rzNJBVqLSAxi3ys2yStZWUkIJ0AGZfFc5gvT-UX1EE0NMkcaCtlD4lEiyzZb7/s320/IMG_20170630_134705.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the morning, I poured 1/2 of the cool coffee blend in the French press, and after pressing, filed with 1/2 cup filtered water. Mmm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I left the rest to steep longer, then pressed and refrigerated it. I covered the grounds with 4 cups of water, and steeped a second time. After pressing, I poured some of that into my new "water bottle" ice cube tray (long and slim) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My cup of choice was my Christmas gift from my granddaughter Alyssa, which she made in her HS pottery class! Didn't she do a great job? I love the glaze and the round belly! She made her mom a matching vase, which is equally lovely and loved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last week I cleaned up and rearranged my front porch, and painted my front door a yummy Cosmic Cowgirl Magenta! </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> We had a long, cold and wet winter and spring, it's lovely to have a temperate spell, and I'm enjoying sitting out in the morning with my journal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think I'll add <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/258799/turmeric-coffee-latte/" target="_blank">turmeric</a> and a dash of pepper tomorrow ... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What's in your cup??</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 16.1772px;"><br /></span>Nadyahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00730124015853971661noreply@blogger.com0