Walking In Beauty

Butterfly Eggs

2012-01-31T16:46:00.000-08:00

I checked the parsley this afternoon.

I counted five Black Swallowtail Butterfly eggs.
We potted up three parsley plants from the garden and placed
them on the window sill in the living room.
We could have caterpillars any day.

The Pleiades are in Taurus the Bull.
They are my favorite.

Another unseasonably warm day.
It feels like April.

Butterflies in January

2012-01-24T10:11:00.000-08:00

Another Black Swallowtail emerged yesterday.

We now have four living in the living room.

They seem to like the windows.

They are finding food.

The indoor gardens are

doing nicely.

I am enjoying the flowers and the butterflies.

I am reading about dragons.

I am planning my dragon.

I am honoring the Dragon hours, 7am-9am.

My morning writing time.

My morning Dragon Dream time.

I have my apron on.

It is baking day.

Our bread is resting before it goes into the oven.

With freshly baked bread, beautiful flowers, happy butterflies, and Dragon dream time January could easily

become my new favorite month.

I am in love with Dragons.

Black Swallowtail

2012-01-18T15:06:00.000-08:00

A Black Swallowtail emerged this morning.
It was 12 degrees outside.
Too cold for Swallowtails.
She will live indoors with us and the plants.
I love having butterflies in the house.

This morning my husband fixed a fire in the fireplace.
I love watching the flames.
We walked in the late afternoon when the temperatures had warmed.

Today is the birthday of
A.A. Milne.
I am staying warm and active
and so very inspired.

Warm January Day

2012-01-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

Today it warmed to 58 degrees.

We worked outside.

We changed our baking day to Friday.

This afternoon a few bugs emerged.

I watched them dance in the sunlight.

My husband turned the water on so he could water the figs and pear trees.

It has been a dry winter.

The garlic and parsely are growing in the vegetable garden.

I took my afternoon tea to the deck.

Spending time in the sun with the birds was very enjoyable.

A winter storm is headed our way.

By Thursday we could have snow.

I hope so.

The the more I read about Japanese design the more I want to know.

I will keep studying.

I think it is beautiful.

I stayed outside until the crows flew to roost.

I will remember the dance of the bugs when the winds turn to the north

and the snow dances on the deck.

Happy New Year

2011-12-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

My friend Carole sent an Artist Trading Card.
She is a delight!

I am looking forward to 2012.
I am looking forward to the Year of the Water Dragon.
I am a Water Dragon! I am a Rain Dragon!

I have begun another serious study.

I am very interested in the Divine Feminine.
I want to know the history of the Goddess.

I have fallen in love with Maat.
Ancient Egyptians had remarkable myths.

I also love Kuan Yin.

The more I learn the more I want to know.

Soon I will pack up the Christmas decorations.
Soon I will bring out my Asian things.

January is almost here.

The Christmas waxing crescent moon is keeping me company
as I wait for the New Year.
May you have a very Happy New Year.

St. Lucia Day

2011-12-13T14:42:00.000-08:00

In Sweden the Christmas Holiday begins on December 13th,
St. Lucia Day.

I have been reading about St. Lucia today.
I have been learning her story and how her day is celebrated.

Gingerbread is part of the celebration as is a lovely bread that is
served in the morning.

Making gluten free gingerbread is on my list to do.
We had thought we would bake some today but
after we baked our yeast bread we decided to do up
the gingerbread another time.
Our bread turned out great.

It rained all day. I looked back at the photographs from last December 13th and saw we had snow.

It is so pretty when it snows.

I am wishing for snow.

I want to go walking in the snow.

St. Nicholas Day

2011-12-06T15:04:00.000-08:00

When I awoke this morning it was snowing.

I made a wish.

This is our first snow of the season.

It is St. Nicholas Day.
A joyful day.
A magical day for our first snow.

I am cutting out large snowflakes
to use on our dining room table.

The kale held handfuls of snow.

The cone flower heads caught just a dusting.

Our first white tulip bloomed this morning.
I have 83 more scattered about the house.
I hope to have white tulips all of December.

The geraniums are blooming

as are the yellow mums I brought in last week.

The white Butterfly bushes are also in bloom.
If any of the 14 Black Swallowtail Butterflies emerge from their chrysalis I have food!

The rosemary continues to grow.

We began baking Christmas cookies this afternoon.

Three dozen Raisin Oatmeal

and four dozen Peanut Butter.

Both are gluten free and delicious!

I have a collection of Christmas copper molds

that I hang in the kitchen every year.

I was so pleased when I found a couple more at the second hand shop. They take 50% off on Tuesdays for 55 and older!
I qualify.

Next Tuesday we plan on baking Gingerbread.

After cleaning up the kitchen I went outside.
I bundled up since it was only 25 degrees.

I wanted to be with the birds
for a little while.

The sun was warm
and the wind from the north was a gentle breeze.

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

End of November

2011-11-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

I sat outside in the sun with the birds for about an hour this afternoon. I bundled up with my book and blanket.
It was chilly but the sun felt warm.

I would like to be outside as much as possible this winter.

I want to spend as much time with the birds as I am able.

The north wind was a moderate breeze today keeping the wind spinner turning and the wind harp playing. The waxing crescent moon advanced across the sky. Venus is once again our evening star and Jupiter rises at sunset.

I did up the window boxes with pine boughs and suet cakes.

I brought in three of the yellow mums that were growing in the window boxes. They are still blooming!

The Geraniums I brought in the first of October are in full bloom.

The white Butterfly bushes are blooming.

My Halloween Pansies are still blooming.
I have them on the fireplace hearth.

The forced white Tulips are leafing out. The mint and rosemary are growing just fine on the window sills.

My indoor gardens are looking splendid.

Tuesday is our new baking day.
We are learning to bake glutton free.
I simply substituted the wheat free flour mix for the wheat flour.
We will see how they taste.

I have a few Christmas Trees in the kitchen.
Behind the sink is my terra-cotta tree.
It sets the kitchen theme.

I also have a snowman tree.
Snowmen show up all over my house as do Gingerbread Men
I am saying goodbye to November.

I am ready for December.
I am ready for cookies and milk.
I smell the cinnamon rolls.
I think they will be very tasty.

I think December will be lots of delicious fun!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T19:07:00.000-08:00

We were blessed with another Indian Summer day.

I sat outside with the birds.

The pair of Yellow Shafted Flickers have returned to the suet.

Two Cabbage Whites emerged in the house this morning.
I released them when the temperature reached 55 degrees.

Today we welcome Sagittarius.
Happy Birthday to those born under this sun sign.

I said a prayer today.

I read a story

and listened to music.
We baked a pie and made ants on a log.
We drank eggnog after a dinner of mashed potatoes and peas.

We packed our picnic basket.
We are taking our pumpkin pie and ants on the log with us.
We are leaving in the morning to see Swans.
Our cameras are packed.

May you and yours have a very blessed Thanksgiving.
I am off to see Trumpeter Swans.
Oh joy.

The last Rose of Summer

2011-11-15T15:22:00.000-08:00

It has been a glorious Indian Summer.

I have gathered seed; the flowers beds are mulched.
I cut the last Rose of Summer.

We are ready.
A cold front is on its way.
A hard freeze will end our growing season.

I have many inside projects.

I have many books to read.
I have many dreams to dream.

Rainy Day

2011-11-08T14:39:00.000-08:00

It has been a misty day.

Yesterday we received two inches of rain.

We picked some kale for our soup.

The squash blossoms look tasty.

I shall pick them before frost.

November decorations are up.

We walked to vote this afternoon.
The mist was almost refreshing.

I love these illustrations.

Wenonah is beautiful.
Her outfit is amazing and her prairie gorgeous.
But the west-wind, Mudjekeewis, is false and faithless!

Minnehaha also is beautiful.
I love her shoes.

I once again recite this epic song.

The Song of Hiawatha
is best read aloud.
"By the shores of Gitche Gumee,
By the shining Big Sea Water,
Stood the wigwam of Nokomis,
Daughter of the moon, Nokomis."

I have collected all sorts of
American Indian things that relate to me.

I have stacks of books to keep me
entertained on cold, wet November days.
I have my moccasins and blanket.
I have my tea.

Day of the Dead

2011-11-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

I have been learning about Day of the Dead.

I enjoy learning about other cultures.

We had a delightful Halloween.

Twenty-six trick-or-treaters rang our bell.

We started packing up October's decorations this morning.

It will take a couple of days.

I took a break at mid-day to watch the last of the butterflies.

The wind is to shift tonight.

It is to be cold and rainy tomorrow.

We need the rain.

It is the time of year when we often have hard freezes.

November can be very cold.

Once my November decorations are set out
I want to curl up with a good book.

November is my Indian Princess and Cowgirl month.

November is all about Mother Earth and Father Sky.

In November we walk the Good Red Road.

Happy Day of the Dead.

Happy November.

In silence

2011-10-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

I walk in awe.

I walk in the light.

I walk in color.

My trees

call to me.

I am silent

as I listen

to their whispers.

They tell me their secrets.

I am awed.

Frost Warnings

2011-10-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

A Black Swallowtail emerged from her chrysalis
early this morning.

I had my breakfast with her.

A Fresh Breeze blew all day out of the Northwest.

I sat for a little while outside this afternoon
with the birds.

Once again many Northern Cardinals
are coming to the feeders.

We should have a fine flock this winter.

I saw a Junco on the deck.

They are the harbinger of frost.

We picked the last of the tomatoes.

The Maples are at peak color.

I watched as Black Swallowtail found sun indoors.

The temperature outside only warmed to 50 degrees.
Too cold for her to fly.

She will need to stay inside until it warms up.

I brought in some Cosmos for her.

Scattered frost is in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow night.
We turned on the furnance.

Autumn is in full swing.
I love sharing my warm house with a butterfly.

End of the Season

2011-10-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

Each time I see a butterfly I know it could be the last time

for this season.

Any day now the north wind will bring colder temperatures.

The growing season is almost over.

The cosmos have bloomed from June through October.

They are a reliable food source

for butterflies and bees.

I grow Chrysanthemums for Autumn color.
I cut long stems for the house.
I grow them for me.
I will dry some blooms for winter teas.

The leaves are turning.
I watched as a southern breeze danced many to the ground.

I did my morning meditation with a white rose.

She drew me in.
I felt like a butterfly seeking nectar.

The Monarchs are migrating.
The season of the butterflies is drawing
to a close.

Living in color

2011-10-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

October is in her fancy dress.

Her colors astound me.

Her relationships

enchant me.

From sunrise to sunset

I am awed by October's colors

I am in love with October.

The Goldenrod continues to provide.

Black Pansies are for me.

A fancy flower for my baskets.

White mums are also for me

but I see the Ghost Spider also likes them.

I am in relationship with the bugs and the birds. They know me.

Red Bellied was able to get my attention this morning.

A cat was under his nut feeder!

The female Cardinals are the dearest of friends.

We have breakfast together most mornings.

The Robins are no longer afraid of me.

It is October.

I am living in vivid color.

I am living in grace.

Monarch Days

2011-09-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

Our gardens are full of Monarch butterflies.

Inside we watched as the Monarch caterpillar
made her "J" and

her chrysalis.
It will be 10 days before she emerges.

I counted one dozen Monarchs this afternoon in the gardens.

They are preparing for migration.

It is exciting to watch them.

Red Spotted Purple was also in the back Butterfly Bush

as was the female Tiger in her black form.
She takes my breath away every time I see her.

I am spending these end of summer days
with the butterflies.

I watch the bees

and the caterpillars.

Autumn is coming.

Zebra Swallowtail

2011-09-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

The Zebra Swallowtail does not come to the garden very often.

It is an exciting event when they do.

We stop what we are doing and watch them.

Today was a gorgeous September day.

Two Zebras graced our backyard.

One was in perfect condition

the other was Summer weary.

Such a lovely butterfly.

The Zebra over winter in the pupa stage.

I have three Paw-paw bushes, the host plant for the caterpillars.

I do hope a few pupa over winter in my backyard.

Berries and camouflage

2011-08-30T17:31:00.000-07:00

The Pokeberries are ripening.

We have a large bush by the deck.

The birds are having a feast.

We left some of the spent Queen Anne's Lace.

The Dragonflies like perching spots.

This Praying Mantis has grown up
in the Queen's Anne's Lace.

She is well camouflaged.

I leave lots of the summer stalks.

They will add interest to the gardens this winter.

Thank goodness caterpillars are not Mantis food.

For the love of the bloom

2011-08-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

I love mums.

I think they are lovely.

They are not a good nectar choice for the butterflies,

yet I still love them. I love their bloom.
Just the flower for the sake of the flower.

I have read that the blooms are used for tea.
I shall dry some.
Perhaps I can justify growing them if they make good tea.
I like herb tea.

We had a quick thundershower again this morning.

A burst of rain that lasted maybe 20 minutes

We already had high humidity and heat.

Thank goodness the wind picked up.

The butterflies continue

to come into the gardens.

The asters are beginning to bloom.

They are a good Autumn food sourse.

New sunflowers continue to open.

One of my favorite meditations is sitting with a sunflower and watching the petals open.

We welcome Virgo today.

Happy Birthday to those born under her.

I have begun working in my Virgo journal.

I am learning about my relationship with the stars.

I am made from the stuff stars are made from.

I am a daughter of the stars.

Windy Morning

2011-08-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

It was very windy this morning.

I did not mind.

The wind felt refreshing.

We have sprouts in the Autumn vegetable garden.

I love walking the gardens and finding dragonflies

and Hummingbirds.

I will miss the Summer birds
and Summer bugs come Winter.

She just shimmered in the light.

I think that is star dust on her wings.

Morning Glories and Hummingbirds

2011-08-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

A gentle breeze from the northwest is keeping our high temperatures in the 80's.
A welcome break from the heat.

I sat with the Morning Glories this morning.

Sitting with Morning Glories and Hummingbirds

is delightful.

The flowers are lovely in the early morning light.
They turn their throats to the sun.

I love the way the Morning Glories call to the bees

and the Hummingbirds.

They call to me too.

Hands

2011-08-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Life for me is about relationships.

It is an honor to know Wendy Willow.
It is an honor to call her friend.
When her book arrived I was so pleased.
I felt proud of her. She is a published author.
Congratulations to her.
I am happy the world can get to know her too.
I will savor every word.

I am finding ways to love Summer.

This morning I remembered the luffa my friend
had grown and given to me.
I sliced some off and made up a few nectar pots with sugar water for the butterflies and bees.
That was fun!

I do not see my friend anymore but I send her blessings
when I think of her and her kindnesses.
I miss her and understand people change.
I understand relationships change.

I filled all the puddlers with water.
I gather together in groups of three.
It is a magic number for me.

I noticed how the maturing mantis blend in.
She does not have her wings yet.

This very tiny young one is just beginning to turn green.

The mint feeds so many bugs.
I love watching all the different ones come and nectar.

I went looking for butterflies and found them resting in the shade.
It was too hot to be out in the sun.

Our forecast is for temperatures to rise

to 109 F.

I heard the hottest it has ever been in my area

was 120 F.

Hot is hot.

I thought about warm waters and Sea Dragons.

I do love them.
Amazing how they blend in.

I am listening to Flamenco.

I am learning about this passionate music
and those who carry this music in their hearts.

The history of Flamenco touches my soul.

I asked my husband if I could photograph his hands.
I love his hands. I love holding them.
I wish I had photographs of my Mom and Dad's hands.
I think they tell a person's story.
My husband has hard working hands.

When we were first married we bought a mobil.
It hung in our apartment.

In the Summertime we turned our fan on
and the hands would dance.
We had a song they danced to.
Today my husband has the hands dancing in his office.

We have always loved the Moon.
The Waxing Crescent is my favorite.
In August it is the Jewel Wing Crescent.

We have always celebrated August.

I am in relationship with hands, the Roma, the Moon
and my friend Wendy.

It is the Dance of the Hands that holds my heart.

Falling in love with Summer

2011-07-26T10:58:00.000-07:00

I asked for a way to fall in love with Summer.

I was given Tiger Swallowtails and Sunflowers.

The Tigers have won my heart this Summer.

Their dance has made me forget the heat.

I am smitten.

I am in love with Summer's light.

I am in love with her Prairie Flowers.

Another day of heat advisory.

Still no rain.
So I have begun to water.
I am grateful for my sprinkler.
I enjoyed the splashes.

Life for me is always about relationships.
I have a relationship with Summer.
Her heat and humidity will pass.
The Tigers and Sunflowers will fade.

Today is the feast day of St. Anne.
My patron saint.
The patroness of homemakers. Her emblem is the door.

I was named after my Grandmother.
Anne is my middle name, like hers.
My Grandmother was also my Godmother.

I have a relationship with St. Anne.
I have a relationship with Grandmother.

It is Summertime.
I am falling in love.

Heat Advisory Continues

2011-07-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Butterflies continue to come to the gardens.

A Giant Swallowtail in the Mimosa,

a Black Swallowtail in the Butterfly Bush

and a Tiger Swallowtail in the Tiger Lilies
all remind me of relationships.

This has been a Summer for Tiger Swallowtails.

So many have come daily to the gardens

I am wondering if they have a route.

The Wild Bergamot attracts the butterflies and the bees.

I dry the leaves for winter teas.

I am keeping a log of the butterflies.
I am writing down the time of day I see them
and the plant species they are feeding on.
It is a simple experiment. A simple log.

I have a relationship with the sun.
For the most part in the summer I stay in the shade.
When it is this hot and humid I stay indoors.

I love the Mammoth.
I have a relationship with these Ice Age Mammals.

I think about them.
I think about the Wooly Mammoth and the Columbia Mammoth that once grazed on the Prairie.
I think about their relationship with the First Americans.

I think about the Clovis Peoples and the pre-Clovis.
I think about the end of the Ice Age.
I think about how those that came before lived in the heat.

I wonder if they had trouble with mosquitoes.

I joined the Center for the Study of the First Americans.

The July newsletter arrived yesterday.
I will read every word.

I am also a member of the Xerces Society.
I am waiting for their Summer Newsletter.

Supporting organizations that are
involved in invertebrate conservation
connects me to other bug lovers.

We are counting bees.

The bunnies ate our first Sunflower sprouts so we replanted.
The deer were eating our second plants so we inclosed
the plants behind a chicken wire fence.
We have bees. Lots of bees.

I love watching them.

When the temperatures rise into the 90's
I stand at the back windows watching the birds,
the butterflies and the bees.

It is too hot for me to walk even after sundown.
It is just too hot.

I do my yoga.

I am learning from the bees
and butterflies.
I added the butterfly pose to my afternoon practice.
I wonder if there is a Mammoth pose?

Perhaps a forward bend with an arm extension
and a humming sound.
I shall do this when I am weary of the heat.
When I need to smile.

I see the leaves of the trees are moving slightly in
a gentle breeze from the Southwest.
Not enough wind to blow a storm in.
Not enough wind for a cool down.

I began my new book.

I love Dragons and
Birds too.

Heat wave

2011-07-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

The cicadas have grown this past week.
I hear them singing in the middle of the day.

My little caterpillar is also growing.

The Mason Bees do not seem to mind the 100 degrees.

The Sunflowers are loving the heat.

We had to protect the sunflowers.
Deer were eating them up.

I am inside on these hot afternoons.

I am sewing and reading
and following my breath.

Relationships

2011-07-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

I have a relationship

with the Tiger Swallowtails.

I love them.

I counted six this afternoon.

Tiger Swallowtails

2011-06-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

I was packing up the June decorations when I looked out the back door.

As if in a dream I saw her.

The Female Tiger Swallowtail in her black form is elegant.

She is gorgeous. If I was to be a butterfly I would want to be her.

I love her tiger stripes, subtle yet apparent.

Her all black body is so pretty.

She is my first Black Tiger of the season.

While I was photographing Miss Black in came a female Yellow Tiger.

I could tell by the row of irredecent blue markings on her upper wings.

Black flew and opened her wings.

I looked about and here was a male!

No blue on his upper wings.

He is a gorgeous mate.

An older Tiger came to the Bee Balm.
It is just begining to bloom.

I turned to go back into the house and saw a Monarch land in the back butterfly bush.

It needs to be deadheaded so it will bloom again.

I have another butterfly bush near the deck that is just beginning to bloom.

July is almost upon us.

Temperatures are to soar.

I will not mind as long as there are Tigers in the gardens.

Summer Solstice

2011-06-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

We walked twice today.

Once in the morning to greet the day and again in the evening.

A Ground Hog is living under our deck.

I am some what concerned.

The figs are growing.
I hope he leaves them alone.

We had a mix of sun and clouds today.

I send my prayers to those who are suffering from the floods of the Missouri and Missippissi Rivers.
We have had too much rain this spring.
Perhaps the summer will be drier.

Fossils continue to find places of honor in our home.

Our son gave this gorgeous one to his Dad a few years ago.
It is now on the mantel.

Happy Birthday to all those who celebrate in the time
of Cancer the Crab.

Cancer is my moon sign.

My archetype in Cancer is my warrior, my sabatuer.

I travel the path of the Hero.

I live the way of the non-violent warrior.

My sabatuer helps me stay peaceful.

I celebrate the sun today.

I celebrate the summer sky.

Bright orange lilies grace the back yard.

We shall try to catch our Ground Hog friend.
He seems to like the bird seed I put out.

We will try to relocate him to a safer habitat.
Happy Summer Solstice.

North and Northwest

2011-05-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

I am smitten with Swainson's Thrush.

Head over heels in love.

Our house sitter will feed the birds while we are gone.

Swaison's Thrush likes raisins and grape jelly.

I brought out my fossil bag.
My rock hammer and my chisels still snuggled in the pockets.
My Dad's old rock hammer was also tucked inside.

The peonies continue to delight.
I am drying some for winter tea.

I brought one of our fossils in from the front garden.
I need a cabinet for my fossils.

We are gathering our supplies.
Soon we will leave on our adventure.

Soon we will follow the Fossil Freeway.

It is the Full Flower Moon
also called
The Hare Moon.

We watched the Moon rise last night.
We took our moon bath.
Tonight we shall watch her again fill the
back yard with Moon glow.

Relationships

2011-05-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

The Indigo Bunting has come each morning to the bird bath.

Slowly I am building a relationship with him.

The Downy Woodpeckers have youngsters coming to the feeders.

They will be year around residents.

The Rose- breasted Grosbeaks continue to bring much joy.

They will stay a little while longer before heading north.
I hope the will return next year.

The Northern Cardinals have learned to eat grapes.

The Cat Bird

and the Orioles taught the Cardinals how tasty they are.

It was too warm today.

A fresh southernly breeze
brought humid hot air into the midwest.

Even the Blue- tailed skink took cover from the sun.

The Painted Daisies and

the Peonies are beginning to bloom.

Storms are brewing.

New Green Moon

2011-05-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

It is the New Green Moon of May.

Our world has turned green.

I caught a quick sighting of the Wood Thrush in the vegetable
garden. Very exciting to see a new to my backyard bird.
I will make sure the bird bath in the kitchen garden stays full of water for him.

We are good companions to the plants.

We nourish them and they nourish us.

The chamomile is blooming.
I will dry lots for winter tea.

We are good companions to all the critters that call
our backyard home.

Happy New Moon.

Peonies

2011-04-26T18:15:00.000-07:00

The peonies are in bud. Tiny nectaries that produce a sweet nectar on the edge of the leaves that cover the developing buds attract ants, beetles and often bees. It is folklore that the ants help the blooms open. The flowers would open without ants.

I am reading about peonies. This year I would like to identify the older varieties I have growing in the gardens. I found some photographs of the peonies from last May.
The peony is the main symbol of China and represents good fortune, wealth, honor and happy marriage. There is a peony festival in China every April.

The Peony is named after the Greek figure, Palon, who was
a pupil of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing.

My peonies have a story. Many years ago my husband saved 10 large plants from going to the landfill when he was remolding a High School. He brought the plants home in the middle of a hot July. We put them into buckets of water and planted them as quickly as we could. It took a few years for them to take and set buds. Now they produce gorgeous May flowers.

I have never known very much about the Peony.
I read that in medieval times the peony was valued as a medicinal
plant. They were often planted in physic gardens.
Today we can often find very old plants growing near monasteries.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the peony root, Mu Don Pi,
has been shown to have an anti-microbia effect on escherichia coli, typhoid, cholera, staphylococcus, streptococcus hemolyticus and pneumococci. The peony root has an anti-inflamatory agent which can reduce arthritic swelling.

Dried petals have been used in teas as a cough remedy and
as a treatment for varicose veins.
The flowers were once used in making perfumes.
Bright red peonies were used for dying wool, paper and silk.
Peony flowers close up at night and on overcast days.

Claude Monet planted pale pink Japanese peonies as a perfect counter foil for the blue and mauve irises in his gardens.
He did know color!
I am taking notes as I learn about the peony.
I am tracking the bloom times of the peonies this year.
I shall divide my plants this Autumn and make another peony bed. I like the idea of planting iris in with them. My iris need to be moved since they are now in too much shade.

It was cool and cloudy today.
The Brown Thrasher was puffed up staying warm in the chilly air.

The Hummingbird was at the feeder most of the day.
I shall change the sugar water tomorrow.
I give him fresh nectar three times a week.
I shall be watching to see if
the Hummingbirds nectar in the Peonies this year.
I think I shall have a Peony Festival!

Pollinators

2011-04-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

As Spring blooms open I am watching
the pollinators do their amazing work.

The male Tiger Swallowtail in his Spring form.

He is nectaring in the blooming Sargent Crab.

The bees have been busy in the Sargent Crab too.
I think this will be a good year for berries for this tree.
Come late winter the Robins and the Northern Cardinals
will have a feast.

At first glance I thought the Tiger Swallowtail was a female because of the iridescent blue on the upper wing. A closer inspection showed the orange markings.

I learned from my Field Guide these are the markings of the male Tiger Swallowtail in his Spring form.

The Honey Bees are gathering pollen from the blooming Muscari.
We also call these darling little flowers, "Grape Hyacinth". My flower beds are bordered in these bulbs. For three weeks, during a cool April, they bloom and my gardens are transformed. We are having a cool April and the Muscari have been in full bloom for two weeks. These tiny bulbs are my favorite Spring flower in my gardens.
After the blooms fade I will clean and plant the flowers beds with my annual seeds. Every year I cut off the Muscari spent blooms and encourage all the energy of the leaves of the plants to go into the bulbs. I often divide the bulbs and am currently filling beds for en-mass plantings. Not only are the Muscari gorgeous but they are an excellent food source for the bees.

While working in our Kitchen, vegetable, garden my husband watched a Miner bee build her nest.

and lay her eggs.

Getting down on hands and knees to garden means we get to see
up close the workings of nature.

It is a misty cool day.
Perfect day to work with photographs and field guides.

I fixed a pot of coffee for us to enjoy this afternoon.

We put on some music.

Our seeds for the "The Great Sunflower Project" arrived.
Our Earth day project is to plant them. We have joined in this year
and will count bees.

I did a little

"Wee Bird and Wee Bee"

drawing for Earth Day.

I am reading about the relationship of the Pleiades
and ancient people. The way they knew when to plant and when to harvest based on the rising and setting of this star cluster.

I wonder if the Monarchs have begun their migrations.
I am connected to the Pleiades, to honey and migrators.
I am connected to the Muscari.

Lilac Time

2011-04-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

It is Lilac time.

Their scent is intoxicating.

Their branches gracefully sway in the breeze.

The Lilac is a romantic shrub. She is gracious and undemanding.
She is generous in her gifts. For two weeks every Spring, Lilacs fill my home and heart with joy.

This year for Lilac time I am learning about the genus Syringa.
I am learning about the history of this elegant shrub.
I am reading a classic story that some how slipped by me.

We walked in the woods near by this afternoon.
The Redbuds are at peak bloom.

The bumbles bees

are native pollinators.

Dragonflies are mating and laying eggs.

It seems early yet the Lilacs are in bloom.

The moon is waxing. Soon it will be time to plant warm season crops.

The Honey Bees are gathering pollen.

I am busy recording the bloom times of the Lilacs.
I let phenology and the moon guide my planting.

We are in the first bloom, when 50% of the flower clusters have at least one flower open.

I am watching for full bloom so I can harvest some flowers for my salads and teas. I will dry as many as I can for winter tea.
When the Lilacs are in full bloom it is a good time to plant warm
weather plants such as beans and cucumbers. I will wait for the Full Moon and full Lilac bloom.

Falling in love

2011-04-05T19:32:00.000-07:00

I have once again fallen in love
with Spring.

When Spring came too early, a few years ago,
I lost over 400 plants.
I cried as all the heathers turned brown and died.
I wept as I dug up loved plants.
I vowed to never love Spring again.

Yet this morning I forgot that Spring can be cruel,
the wind was calm, the sun so bright and
the scent in the air intoxicating.
I fell in love.
Once again I gave my heart to Spring.

I am different now.
I garden for the bees and butterflies.
I live in the moment.
I am mindful.

I am wiser.

The wind came up
this afternoon.

We took the kites out
for their first flight of the season.

The wind was a Moderate Breeze
according to the Beaufort scale.

We put all four of the Diamond kites up.

This was a most delightful
kite flying afternoon.

I have the Kite journal out.
I will be keeping track of our kite flying
in 2011.

Walking under the waxing Daffodil
Crescent Moon finished my day.

I am so happy to be in love with Spring
once again.

March into April

2011-03-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

I have packed up the March decorations.
I have begun my Spring cleaning.

It is the everyday activities that make my life enjoyable.

It is the wildness of my gardens that draws me outside when it is cold and rainy.

I am looking forward to April.
I have many plans.
I have many projects.

I am celebrating Paris this April.

I am studying France.
I can almost smell the lavender.

I shall finish up my March journal

and start April in my new purple leather journal.
I am excited about my new journal.
It is fancy!

April is all about rain showers

and poetry.

E.E. Cummings has always been my favorite Spring time poet.

April has so many delightful holidays!

We celebrate Earth Day

and count bees.

I took a break from cleaning when the postman came.
A thank you card from my friend arrived.
It is a gorgeous Dragon card. Very suitable for framing.
My friend knows me so very well.
I have fallen in love with this Dragon.
It is these every day lovelies
that fill me with joy.

Aries

2011-03-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

Aries the Ram, the first house of the zodiac, awakens today.

Aries sings, "Spring" in my gardens.

Aries is the time of budding.

My archetype in Aries is my magical earth Child.

This year I am celebrating my young teen, my 12-15 year old.

I am remembering those long ago years.

I am remembering my love affair with all things French!

When I was 12 years old I loved Joan of Arc

and Annie Oakley.

By 13 I was head over heels
in love with Co-co

and Jackie.
These were my role models.

I did not have coming of age stories.

It was after I was married I discovered Alice in Wonderland

and the Wizard of Oz.

Just a couple of years ago I
rediscovered the joys of the French attitude.
Happy Aries.
This adventure is going to be fun.

Ides of March

2011-03-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

The Hairy Woodpeckers are large birds, measuring about 9 1/2 inches.

They look like little Downy Woodpeckers only much larger. They seem to be an exaggerated Downy.

We have a pair of Hairy Woodpeckers that feed at the nut feeders. I am always excited when I see them.

Our 2 1/2 inches of snow from yesterday melted quickly this morning.

We have a couple of raccoons visiting the deck at night.

Spring is slowly coming to my backyard.

Every year I think I should plant more crocus.

They are my first flowers.

Mocking bird is a regular visitor.

He does like the raisins we put out.

We waited to walk until twilight.

The trees in the cemetery are beginning to bud.

The Blue Birds had claimed their tree for the night.

There were too many clouds to see Mercury at sunset.

Mardi Gras

2011-03-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

The sounds of Carnival fill our home today.

It is Mardi Gras.

The smell of red beans and rice fill our home
with the scent of New Orleans.

We are dancing about to the rythmn of the Samba

on this end of winter, rainy,

cold Dragon day. We are having fun.

I love these tea sipping,

foot tapping, sing along days.

I watched the birds

find seed and suet.

This afternoon I perched up in the living room
near the windows. I brought my books to the table.
Today we remember Kenneth Grahame.

Once again I am on an adventure.

I read about the Welsh coming to North America in the 12th century. I read about the Mandan Tribe, a White Indian tribe
that is believed to be the descendants of these early Welsh explorers. I have requested books about the Mandan Tribe.
This is very exciting. My imagination has taken me away to long ago times. I am hunting for my connection to the mound builders.

While we were running errands yesterday we hunted for Angels.

We are stopping at Churches and cemeteries

in our search.

It is a joy to have adventures

right in my own city.

When I see the Celtic Cross I am brought to tears.

I find them so very beautiful.

My collection of Angel photographs and Celtic Crosses is growing.
I am exploring my city.

Knowing my history,

knowing the references,

the why I do what I do,

makes my life filled with the joy of learning.

Our home is filled with laughter as we discover our connection to the Celts.

Happy March

2011-03-01T17:31:00.000-08:00

March arrived sweet and warm, like a dear little Lamb.
The last of the snow melted and more crocus have bloomed.
We are walking towards Spring.

It is St. David's Day.
A day of celebration in Wales.

I am very smitten with their Red Dragon.

I sliced leeks for our St. David's Day stir fry.
They were tasty!

We listened to Welsh music while I sowed seeds.

I am just beginning my study of Wales.
All month I will be reading and celebrating the Welsh.

My study of the Angels continues.
This week I am reading about Raphael,
the Archangel of healing and creativity.

I will also be learning about Gabriel
and St. Michael during Pisces.

I have always loved my Guardian Angel.

We went to the church I attended
when I was a little girl so I could take photographs
of the stained glass Angels that grace the entrance.

I remember the Angels.

We watched
"Angels and Demons"
a very exciting movie!

The soundtrack is good too.

Nice photograph on the cover.

Angels appear in many
stories and cultures.

In this story the Angel dances for the sad and lonely farmer.
Just the memory of her dance keeps him
happy for the rest of his life.
Just the memory.....

As we run errands about the city
I am looking for Angels.

The birds have begun seed giving.

It is March and I am walking towards Spring.
I am walking with Angels.

Angel Days

2011-02-22T14:17:00.000-08:00

I was aware of the Angels

that are part of the decor where we had breakfast this morning.

We visited a new restaurant that opened the first of the year.

My meal was delicious.

I enjoy new to me restaurants and shops.

I enjoy exploring in my city.

We drove through a cemetery
we pass when we walk.

I am taking photographs of Angels
during Pisces.
Today I found Guardian Angels.

This Angel watches over my garden.

Many years ago my friend
painted an Angel to watch over me.

I grew up with Angels.

My first book is a book
of prayers.

I remember these images
of the Angels.

I have begun my study
of Angels.

I am walking with Angels.

Pisces

2011-02-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to all those born under the sign of Pisces.

This is your time.

Learning about the different signs of the Zodiac is very fun.

I am a little more connected to my family and friends as I understand a bit of their nature.

The stories of the Zodiac fascinate me.

I am a sky watcher.

Just knowing there are other Galaxies in my night sky fills me with awe. We live in an awesome universe.

The imaginations of those that mapped the ancient
night sky is also awesome.

The art of Pisces

is extraordinary.

Pisces is my time
to look towards the Angels.

I have Angels as my
archetype in Pisces.

This year I am studying
the Archangels.

This year I am taking notes as I read.
I am looking for understanding.

I am looking for the different ways

the Angels help me in

my connection to the divine.

I recommit to my day,

to the Elegant Way.

Each morning is another day to love.
Each day another day
to notice the Wabi Sabi in my life.

Each day I will give thanks to my Mother
and my childhood.
My Mother taught me about the Angels.
My childhood church
had the most amazing stained glass
Angels.

This year, in Pisces, the 12th House,
I shall be looking for Angels.
I shall visit my childhood church.
I shall bring my camera.
This year I shall walk with the Angels.

May these end of Winter days bring hope
to you and yours.
May you also walk with the Angels.

Dragon Days

2011-02-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

After Luna New Year but before Spring Equinox when the air warms and rain threatens, I call the days, "Water

Dragon Days." These are the first rains of Spring.
Today is our first Water Dragon day of 2011.

The Eastern Dragons evolve throughout their lifetime.

The Horned Dragon is the greatest of all the Dragons.

The Horned Dragon is the rain maker.

I love the Eastern Dragons.

I am working up a design for my dragon, Fa.

She is a Spiritual, loving and kind, Dragon.

I am working with the patterns
in this book
making alterations when necessary
and letting Fa emerge.

This is fun!

I love the Dragons.

I am inspired to create.

Dragons love Hummingbirds too.

I am gathering supplies.

I think collages would be fun.

I am looking about in my yard
to see where I could plant a Dragon Garden.

It could be small.
It could be herbs or native grasses.
A place for butterflies and hummingbirds.
As the skies darken and temperatures rise into the 50's
I am dreaming of Dragons bringing in
the rains.

Bitterly Cold

2011-02-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

The snow went south and east of us.

I am watching the birds

through the windows.

They are doing fine in the bitter cold.

I am reading

and relaxing.

It is to warm up this weekend.
I hope to go walking.
I miss my walks.

Blizzard

2011-02-01T16:53:00.000-08:00

It was snowing when I awoke this morning.

It continued to snow all day.

The backyard filled with birds

looking for seed.

As the afternoon wore on
we had white out conditions.

We decided to bake cookies

and muffins.

We perked a pot of specialty coffee

to go with our cookies while

we kept an eye on the birds.

The prayer flags blew blessings
to those who were out in the blizzard.

Our hearts are with those who
are alone tonight, may they take hope.

We know the storm will pass
and the Fair Maids of February,
the Snowdrops, will emerge.

Tonight we are in a state of emergency.

It is not fit for man nor beast
to be outdoors.

I am snuggled up in my blankets

thinking about snowmen

and the ways people have survived
the ice and snow.

I am thinking about the bugs.

I am thinking about
all the life under the snow.

It is February.

It is St. Brigid day.

I think I will make Valentine's.

This is a storm for the record books.

Wellness in the sunshine

2011-01-25T13:18:00.000-08:00

A windless, cloud free afternoon called me outdoors.
It has been a week since I was outdoors.
I needed sunshine and birds.
I needed to be well.

The sky was such a deep blue it colored the snow.
I was pleased the camera saw the blue snow.

It is a long way to Spring but the Chick-a-dees have begun to sing
their song, "Fee-bee".

The Carolina Wren hopped around the deck
looking for bugs.
It was above freezing but not warm enough for bugs!
He found some nuts.

The Tufted Titmice
had not seen me for a week.
I think they missed me as much as I missed them.

My health depends on diversity.
I must have all matter of books
and music to sustain me.

I must have all sorts of creatures about.
Dragons are so very kind to the people.

I must have the beauty and the wisdom
of ancient cultures
to teach me.

I am a writer.

I took my writing to the deck today.
I wrote in the sunshine with the birds.
I wrote poetry.
I wrote my heart out.

Aquarius

2011-01-20T12:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Aquarius.

I celebrate my Dragon during the sign of Aquarius.

The Dragon archetype

protects me.

I was born in the year of the Rain Dragon.

My husband is an Aquarius.
He also is a
Rain Dragon.

Winter walk

2011-01-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

It is very cold this afternoon, 15 F.
A breeze from the west makes it feel even colder.

The sun warmed my face when I sat out on the deck with the birds.

I was wrapped in my blankets and protected from the wind.

I enjoy the winter birds.
I enjoy the winter sunshine.

When a gust of wind blew snow off the roof

my backyard was filled with glitter, a gorgeous sight.

We received about 6 inches of snow yesterday.
My husband has shoveled the driveway and the walks.
He stays active in the winter.

I need to walk each day
to get my exercise.

I bundled up and walked around my neighborhood.

The crows fly over every afternoon.

Clear, cold winter skies.
Taking the camera on my walk
I forget to be cold.

New Mockingbird Moon

2011-01-04T15:46:00.000-08:00

Some years ago I realized the New Moons were unnamed.

I decided to name them.

The New Moon in January became the New Mockingbird Moon.

I chose Long Snows Moon this morning from the
Spirit of the Wheel cards.

I wish we did have snow. It has been dry since October.

The geraniums continue to bloom indoors.

Perfect colors for my Chinese New Year,
January, decorating.

Cooper's Hawk is comfortable on the deck.
He came looking for breakfast.

The Cardinals wait for him to fly off
before settling in for their seed.

I was so pleased to see the female,
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
in the back Dogwood.

Many happiness points!

Seeing the female was so very exciting.

We walked in the cemetery this afternoon.
The trees looked gorgeous

set against the deepest of blue skies.

Movement caught my eye

and I saw the dream catcher's feathers

flittering in the breeze.

A tinsel wreath shimmered in the sunlight.
I almost cried.
I thought I saw a butterfly.
I do miss the butterflies.
Happy New Moon.

Hoar Frost

2010-12-28T11:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning we walked while the hoar frost hung on the trees.

It was magnificent.

We knew as soon as the fog lifted

the sun would melt the frost.

We knew for a brief moment
we would see a dazzling world.

This was a wabi sabi
moment.

I tried to capture the frozen fog,

yet I could not.

The ivy, holly

and dried roses

in the garden

were beautiful.

Like all wabi sabi
moments

the hoar frost was fleeting.
My time with the frost is now a memory.
My husband and I walked together
and shared the experience of the hoar frost.
We shall tell the story to our children
of walking in the cemetery
in awe of the frost.

Last year when my sister began her battle with cancer
I went on an inner healing journey
so I could walk with her.
I devoted one year to my journey.
I finished my medicine wheel journals.
My sister is doing okay.

I have begun a new journey.
I have begun to live deeply.
I am living the wabi sabi way.
It is walking in beauty.

Winter Solstice

2010-12-21T16:28:00.000-08:00

The Full Long Nights Moon was the moon of the luna eclipse
in today's predawn hours. My skies were overcast but I knew this event was happening. The clouds broke apart long enough for me to see the Moon set this morning.
I made my wish. I made a Winter Solstice Full Moon wish.

Winter Solstice arrives this evening.

We have had halcyon days. Soon the winds will shift and bitter cold air will blow onto the plains.

I collect moon lore.
I follow the moon.

My friend came over to spend Winter Solstice with me.
We walked in the cemetery across the street.
We talked.
We have been friends since Kindergarten.
I treasure her.

The gardens are always so lovely

with snow and frost.

I hope we get a snowstorm before Christmas.

These long nights are perfect for hand sewing.

I am teaching myself how to quilt.

I want to make a crazy quilt.

I am learning.

I am inspired to do hand sewing.

Capricorn arrives today.

This is my sun sign.
My archetype in Capricorn is the Goddess.

I am approaching my Goddess
with open arms.

I am reading myths and
studying caves.

I am planning a few field trips.

It is a busy day.

It is Winter.
It is time for hot co-co
and snuggling up in front of the fire.

Happy Winter Solstice.

Walking in December

2010-12-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

I am inspired by Sister Madonna Budder.
She is an 80 year old world champion triathlete known as The Iron Nun. She is amazing.

My husband and I have been walking partners for many years.
We have walked outdoors when the weather permitted.
In October we made a commitment to each other to walk every day,
regardless of weather, for 1 1/2 hours. We have honored that commitment.

I started a walking log, keeping track of our miles walked and the conditions we walked in. We set goals and made plans for long distance walks.

October and November were rather dry months. Once in awhile we were walking right after rain showers stopped. But for the most part the weather was wonderful for walking. Even in the wind we walked. We did not miss a day.

I love this story of a man who wrote poems in the snow.
It seems so romantic to think of walking in the snow.
I love the idea.

I imagined myself as the "Girl From The Snow Country".
I too could make snow bunnies. this is another charming story.
When the temperatures began to drop in early December I had to bundle up for my walks. I began layering and dreading going out into the cold.

I began reading books about being out in the cold and snow.
I tried to "Cowgirl" up. When the forecast was for bitter cold temperatures and snow my husband signed us up at the community center. They have an indoor walking track. It is divine, easy on my knees and no worries about weather.

I am walking faster and enjoying my walk so very much.
I look forward to walk time.

I requested a set of lectures on cds to listen to while walking.

Each cd is 45 minutes.
We walk for 1 1/2 hours
so I have time for reflection.

We started a new protein drink that is excellent.
Not only does it provide complete protein
but also our vitamins and minerals.
Two scoops of mix is one serving.
We are splitting our drinks up,
one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
So easy to digest.
We are using unsweetened co-conut milk as our liquid.

We both are very pleased.

I have added a quiet time to my afternoons.
Just 20 minutes after our afternoon smoothie
to meditate.
I am walking and learning.
Life is very good.

Sagittarius

2010-11-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

I welcomed in Sagittarius
this morning.

I am learning about this archer

and the characteristics of this sign.

They correspond with the archetypical

Cowgirl.

I am so pleased.
I am learning the Cowgirl Way.

I am calling upon my inner Cowgirl
to teach me how to have fun even when the going gets tough.
To show me the way of pleasure in my healing.

I have always identified with
the Prairie Woman.

It is not that I will give up my bonnets.

It is that I am ready to kick up my heels.

I want to have fun.

I want to find the joy in every moment.

My hedonist is calling out.

I am responding to the call.

I am looking for fun.

If I play my cards

just so

I hope to

learn leather crafting.

I have a few projects in mind.

I need a cowgirl outfit.

While I walk these end of Autumn days

I will be thinking about

the last roses of the season

and how Annie Oakley

became the archetypical
Cowgirl.

Her story inspires me

to be the best I can be.
With steadfastness and faithfulness

I shall keep on keeping on.

Scorpio

2010-10-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

We celebrate Scorpio rising.

We honor those who are born during this sun sign.

Today I will sit with the mums and
welcome this sign of the zodiac.

The Alchemist is my archetype
that is associated with this sign.

I am reading the writings of famous
mystics and alchemists.

For the next twenty days

I will be following
"The Way of the Wizard".
Lesson one informs me the Wizard is within.
I am listening for the voice of the Wizard.

Scorpio is in the southern sky.
Antares is the red super-giant star that is
it's heart.
As the Alchemist knows
"As above so below
As below so above".
"We are one," says the Wizard.

Libra

2010-09-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

We welcome Libra today.

I celebrate the archetype,
Mother Nature, in the sign
of Libra.

I celebrate balance.

When the winds of change blow, if I am in balance,
I will be like a wind sculpture, I will dance.

Mama Mita has taught me

one person can make a difference.

We planted a tree with our friends.

It is a gift from them.

Two kindred spirits.

They have made a difference in our lives.

Our tree will be cared for.

Our tree will remind us of our friends.

Autumn has arrived.

The seasons have changed.

We celebrate harvest.

We look for signs.

We follow ancient traditions.

The Full Harvest Moon
rose last night.

The sun was setting in the west as she rose in the east,
360 degrees of amazement and awe.
I love the phases of the Moon.

The Hummingbirds will leave any day.

Some butterflies will
over winter as larva.

Swarms of midges

provide food for the

late season Dragonflies.

The wind has shifted to the north.
It is time for Libra.

Virgo

2010-08-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

Today I welcome Virgo into my life.
She is the last of the summer signs.

The Orchid is my flower
for Virgo.

I began my journal.

Like a sleeping Skipper

and a Monarch chrysalis
I too am in transition.

The Painted Lady is my butterfly

for Virgo.
This one looks as if it had an
encounter with a bird's beak!

Rosemary is my herb

red and yellow are my colors.

I am learning about Virgo.

I am learning about signs and symbols.

I am celebrating my archetypes.

May the stars of Virgo
shine brightly for you.

Leo and Hestia

2010-07-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

The sun is in Leo the Lion.

My journey around the zodiac continues.

My Homemaker is my archetype in this 5th house.

Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth, is my muse.

I have been reading about homemaking.

I have been a homemaker for 38 years,
perhaps even longer.

For a few years,
when I lived with my parents before I was married,
I did the house cleaning, cooking and child care.
My Mother took a job outside of her home.
At the tender age of 14,
I became a homemaker.

I have always treasured my homemaking.

My Mother was not able to teach me many
of the homemaker's skills.
She already had taken to the modern way.

My Mother was a self taught seamstress.
She painted gorgeous pictures with her embroidery needle.
Her crochet work was so beautiful.
Always to busy to teach me.

Today I am looking to Hestia
to teach me the joy of homemaking.
To help me understand how the essence of everything comes
from the hearth.

I am looking at my living room,
Hestia's domain.

I am spending more time in my living room.
I am reassigning space.
An old china cabinet has become my herb and tea cabinet.

I am finding ways to enjoy
my summer hearth.
I can spin at the spinning wheel
and look outdoors at the birds and butterflies.

We have two fireplaces.
One is upstairs in our living room
the other is downstairs
in our basement.

We are clearing out the basement.
A few crickets will be given a home elsewhere.
I am honoring my Homemaker
in Leo.

Products

2010-04-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

I love Sea Buckthorn.

While shopping for my groceries at my favorite natural food store,

I found a new product line.

I decided to try some.

I did some research.
I fell in love.

I have begun my Sea Buckthorn treatments.
Lovely face cream and the liquid suppliment tastes great.

My son called and told me all about the delicious healing power

of coconut oil.

I have now added a teaspoon of coconut oil to my morning coffee

along with a cinnamon stick and rice milk.

I use a coconut face wash and I love toasted coconut

in just about anything.

Some time ago I began using coconut crystals for my

sweetner needs.

The crystals are soft and dissolve quickly.

They do not have a coconut flavor.

Coconut milk is wonderful to steam vegetables in

and makes a nice sauce base.

I am head over heels wild for the good coconut.

My new favorite juice is wonderful as a sauce

or drizzled over lettuce.

Plus it is a perfect afternoon picker upper.

I also enjoy the Very Veggie juice blend R.W. Knudesen makes.

I use the low sodium one.

I like these juices.

They come in glass bottles that I can recycle.

A glass of Very Veggie is delicious with a celery stick.

These berries looked very interesting.

I shall add them to my trail mix.
My research has sold me on their health benefits.
As in all things moderation and balance is the key to good health.

A tablespoon a day has made a huge difference
in my digestion.

I like to support companies that help the wildlife.

I spend lots of time reading when I shop.

I have become very picky about my food.

I am aware of different companies and their fair trade practices.

I use Surface hair products.
The Baba oil I use morning and night on my hair.
Just a tiny bit, pea size, is all I need.
Surface appears to be a wonderful company.

I use some Eminence skin care.

This is very nice firming cream I use on the spider veins on my legs.

I have fallen in love with the taste of fresh red beets

and red kale.

I keep falling in love.

Mother Nature keeps providing suitors.

Turning of the wheel

2010-03-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

I am turning on the
Medicine Wheel.

These last three months I have learned about my Spiritual aspect.
I have learned forgiveness.
I have walked the path of gratitude.

Today I begin learning about the emotional body.
Today I begin to honor my sad, my mad and my glad.
I will learn the lessons the emotions have come to teach.
I still will walk in gratitude and forgivness.

Walk

2010-03-10T16:15:00.000-08:00

These are early Spring days.

March 20th is the official first day of Spring.
I am waiting.

I walked about my yard.

Looking for the perfect spot.

I am planning on growing Flax this coming growing season.

I have a journal just for

my Flax growing experience.

It is too early to sow my seeds.

I am reading and waiting.

A few of the crocus are in bloom in
my Spring garden.

I am reading how to care for Spring flower arrangements.

I am getting ready.

We are planning on studying wetlands
this year.

I am gathering my tools.

Spring rains have begun.

I have my boots ready for walking in the mud.
Deb choose "Walk" for this week's word.
Thank you Deb.
I am walking into Spring.

Hidden

2010-03-04T14:58:00.000-08:00

Under the leaves
the daffodiles emerge.

They were hidden.

Under the leaves the crocus bloom.

I went looking

for the hidden treaures of Spring's awakening.
Thank you Deb for this week's word, "hidden".
I shall keep looking under the leaves.

Question

2010-02-24T21:04:00.000-08:00

This painting by Giuseppe Arcimboldo, an Italian sixteenth century painter,

conveys the idea of we are what we eat.

I am careful to eat organic balanced meals, yet, I still have digestion troubles. It is as if one of my humors is out of balance. I wonder why. It seems to have come upon me all of a sudden.
I ask the question, "How can I get back in balance."

Perhaps I was having trouble digesting because of all the troubles in the world.
Perhaps my trouble is a thinking disorder.

Perhaps my thyroid gland is depleated after a long cold winter,
or from stress.

I have read how enviromental stress can affect digestion.

I have questions so I seek answers.

I am learning about the body.

I am learning about the endocrine system.

I drink my ginger lemon tea.

I read.

I am learning about salt.

I asked the question, "How is sea salt harvested?"

When I read I keep a readers journal near by.

I always have questions.

I want to know about so many different topics.

I want to know about the insect, cochineal.

It is still used for a natural red dye.

I am working with my archetypes.

I have questions about them.

Deb, from Posted from Home,

has chosen question for this week's word.

I have many, many questions.

I am having fun learning a few answers.

Shelter

2010-02-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

Deep inside the shelter of the bud
the bloom of Spring waits.

It is sunny today.
I needed the shelter of my cap and sunglasses
when I sat on the deck.

The north breeze was cold but I sat on the south south side of the house.
I sat under the soffit that shelters me from rain.
The sun warms me on these end of winter days.

The Eastern Comma and the Question Mark
use the wood pile for shelter in the winter.

The female Cardinal finds shelter in the bushes.

The snow lays on the ground in sheltered areas of the garden.

This week Deb, from Posted From Home,
has choosen "shelter" as our word.

Snow is in my forecast for tomorrow.
I will be seeking shelter!