The Nature Writer's Digs

Apple Blossoms

2009-07-07T00:23:00.004-03:00

Hi,

I haven't been blogging for a spell. I thought I'd get back into it
by publishing this beautiful photo of apple blossoms on my field,
that was taken back in June of this year.

Enjoy!

I now have a chair under the largest of the apple trees, where I
can sit and relax on sunny days. :)

All the best,
Laurie

Ground Hog Passing Through The Area

2009-06-05T00:01:00.002-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, a few weeks back I saw a Ground Hog near my
stone wall. We even had a wee conversation, when I
went poking around to see where he or she had hidden
amongst the rocks. They make a most amazing sound!
In part, it's much like the call of a bird.

Quite wonderful!

Anyhow, it looks like Ground Hog was just moving
throught the area, as I haven't seen it for well over
two weeks.

Below is a picture of Ground Hog by my stone wall.

Be back soon!
Laurie

It's A Rainy Night

2009-05-05T23:47:00.001-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, just thought I'd stop around this evening. I had
hoped to get outside walking tonight, but we're having
some rain here on the south shore of Nova Scotia.
So, it's not a good night for walking!

However, as many of you know, I enjoy a rainy night.
It's so nice to lie in bed, listening, as the rain hits against
the roof, overhead. Truly, one of the simple pleasures
in life.

I must go now. Will return again, shortly, with another
post. In the meantime, if anyone would like to follow me
on Twitter, here's my link:

Follow Me on Twitter!

If you follow me, I'll follow you! :)

All the best,
Laurie

Water Lily Rhizome

2009-04-15T11:52:00.005-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, it's spring, and I'm out and about to see
what I can observe, as nature gradually takes on
her spring coat.

I was up along the old mines road in the gold
fields, and discovered that the beavers are at
work cutting down small trees, and digging up
all kinds of interesting things.

Anyhow, I looked down off of the small bridge
that crossed over a stream, and noticed a strange
looking object lying amongst the grasses, near
the stream's edge.

Well, much to my amazement, it was a water
lily rhizome that the beavers had dislodged
from the bottom of the stream.

And, a beautiful sample, at that!

Now, I thought I'd post a couple of photos of
the rhizome, below, for those of you who have
never seem water lily rhizome. They never cease
to amaze me -- every time I see a water lily
rhizome, I'm amazed at how much they resemble
something that we might associate with the
prehistoric period of earth's existence!

Heck, they look like something from the movie,
Jurassic Park! :)

Now, in North American Native medicine and
food systems, I've noticed that information on
roots and rhizomes, are often interchangeable.
For example, with the water lily, it is often
said that the roots were pounded to a pulp and
used to reduce swellings. Well, in this case, it
actually refers to the water lily rhizome being
pounded and used for that purpose. If there
happened to be roots attached to the rhizome,
they would probably have been used as well.

Also, I must admit, that in my book, Micmac
Medicines, I am guilty of that as well. In other
words, I talk about water lily roots, when I was
actually referring to the rhizome. I was simply
expressing it in the same fashion as it had been
expressed to me.

Enjoy the photos!

All the best,
Laurie

It'll Soon Be Kayaking Season!

2009-03-31T15:07:00.005-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, spring is upon us, and I'm eager to put my
kayak in the water!

In fact, so eager was I this past weekend, that
I practised my kayaking technique on the remains
of a snow bank! So, what do you think? Is this
silly desperation or just plain enthusiasm?

In any case, I hope you get a chuckle from the
photo, below.

Laughter is good medicine. . . . ;)

All the best,
Laurie,

p.s. I forgot my life jacket. . . .

The March Moon and Birthday Celebrations

2009-03-12T00:01:00.004-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, last night I was on the old mines road walking in the
light of the full moon. It was splendid! A bit frosty, but, still,
the night had the feeling of approaching spring!

I walked to Minamkeak Lake and noticed that the ice is
melting along the shore. However, it is still safe to skate
in the coves, so with a bit of freezing, I may yet have one
last skate this coming weekend!

My birthday was March 4th, but was celebrated last
Saturday evening and night with festivities around the fire
pit. It was the first time the fire pit was used this year. Also,
my amazing woman friend, Rita, baked me a birthday
cake from scratch. It was delicious!

But, wait! Before you leave, please check out the pics,
below. The first one shows me eating the remaining mix
from the mixing bowl. The second pic shows me by the
birthday cake.

Hey! Notice the scarcity of candles. . . bet you didn't
know I was still a youngster! Go ahead, count 'em. ;)

All the best,
Laurie

festivities

Traditional Plant Medicine Consultant
at Wild World of Plants

The Conifer Trees In Native Medicine Traditions

2009-02-26T23:00:00.005-04:00

This is the first of two articles on the medicinal and
wellness potential of conifer trees. In this first article,
I'll discuss some of the history of conifer trees in eastern
and northeastern North American Native medicine
traditions.

The conifers were widely used by medicine makers
in those traditional cultures. In fact, it's fair to say that
conifer trees were used as often as many of the
herbs and woody plants and bushes. So, it's not
surprising that the earliest reference to indigenous
medicines, in the journals of European visitors to
North America, refers to a conifer tree.

n 1536, Jacques Cartier and his crew were wintering
over at Stadacona (Now known as Quebec City). Their
ships were frozen in the thick ice of the St. Lawrence
river. His crew were dying of scurvy.

Nearby, an Iroquois Chief learned of the illness and
death amongst Cartier's crew. He sent branches of an
evergreen tree to Cartier, with instructions on how
to prepare it. The branches were from the "annedda"
tree (This is probably from the Iroquois word, "haneda,"
which I've read translates something like, "greens on a
stick".).

Within days the crew had recovered. Cartier wrote
in his journal (translated): "... had all the doctors of
Louvain and Montpellier been there, with all the drugs
of Alexandria, they could not have done so much in a
year as did this tree in eight days."

Two centuries would pass before the British medical
community discovered the cause and cure for scurvy.
And, to this day, the Annedda tree has not been
identified with any measure of certainty.

Other accounts of explorers and missionaries, make
mention of conifers, including Balsam Fir, Spruce, and
Pine. The Balsam Fir is legendary, and is the tree that
I personally feel is likely the fabled Annedda. Scholars
have suggested that it is White Pine, White Cedar, or
White Spruce. It has also been suggested that there is
etymological evidence to support Eastern Hemlock, in
this regard.

Whatever the case may be, the story of the Annedda
tree points out the long history of the Native medicine
maker tradition. It also illustrates the beauty and holistic
nature of that tradition -- the medicine maker's eyes
are not only pointed to the ground, to the herbs, but they
are in the trees, as well.

Good medicine always,
Laurie

Note: This article appeared in the 15 February 2009
edition of my Natural Healing Talk Newsletter.

This Melancholy Moon

2009-02-09T01:27:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Over the years, I've noticed how the moon influences
me, emotionally. For instance, the January moon
impressed me with its strength and brightness.

Now, of course, the moon various in her brightness,
partly because of changes in our atmospheric conditions,
the seasons, and her distance from the earth. There
are probably other factors at work, as well.

But, what I really want to mention in this post, is
that for me, this February moon is a melancholy moon.
As it approaches fullness, it is having a strong
influence on my emotional or mental state. I'm feeling
melancholy.

I've often recognized such lunar influences in the
past. I'm very sensitive in this regard. The moods
leave me as the moon passes through fullness, and
begins to wane.

Perhaps this sensitivity is related to my Pisces
nature?

Does anyone else notice the moon's influence on
their emotions?

Well, I must move on and "twitter". if you are a
member of Twitter, you can follow me at this link:
http://twitter.com/laurielacey

All the best,
Laurie

p.s. By the way, I'm always trying to boost my
Natural Healing Talk newsletter subscriber base.
So, at the moment, I'm participating in a Self-Help
Gift Giveaway event. When someone signs up through
my link, my gift (Sweet Grass Prayers) ranking
improves. Of course, a higher ranking means more
subscribers to the newsletter.

If you'd like to help me out, and to grab some
interesting Self-Help products, sign up through
my link: CLICK HERE

Thanks! It's much appreciated!

Walking In A Winter Storm

2009-02-03T22:54:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, I dressed warm, put on my boots, and went
walking in the snow, sleet, and wind, earlier this
evening. As I walked along the old mines road, I
noticed a constant hum, as the wind danced and
darted its way through the needles and branches
of the tall spruce trees.

A couple of vehicles had broken a path through the
snow. So, the walking was made somewhat easier
because of that, although I still felt my feet slip
with each step I took. In the end, I soon turned
back, as my warm house and a cup of tea, beckoned
my return.

To some extent, I enjoy walking in storms, as they
show us another side of nature. They also make me
appreciate a warm home!

Now, as I type this message, I notice there's a lull
in the wind, and, in this calmness, even the sleet
has ended. Perhaps the storm has passed and moved
further east?

In the morning, I will prepare a feeding area for the
birds. I do this with snowshoes. How? Well, I walk
over the area until the snowshoes create a hard
surface for the birds to enjoy. I then scatter the
seeds and the birds have a grand time on their new
feeding grounds.

I hope everyone has a splendid February! I'll return,
soon.

All the best,
Laurie

White Dust

2009-01-09T00:30:00.006-04:00

I went walking in the moonlight, again tonight.

This January moon, it's special -- such brightness,
such light!

I suppose it's because of the snowy landscape?
It reflects the moonlight so well. Seems like day.

I walked down the old road to Minamkeak Lake.
You should have seen it in the moonlight! Such a
powerful and special lake....

I looked out across the lake as the wind touched
my face. My vision was hazy. I realized this wind
was carrying snow over the lake like thick specks
of white dust.

I breathed deeply -- breathing the white dust....

"Minamkeak!" I spoke. "Mighty Minamkeak!"

I turned and left that place, walking slowly back
up the road. The wind tickled the back of my neck.

Now I'm sipping a cup of hot tea.

I feel good -- real good.

Laurie

Snow As Waves Of Movement In The Light Of A Waxing Moon

2009-01-04T01:40:00.006-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Yes, I went walking in the moonlight this evening.

The sky was overcast, but the moon broke through,
occasionally. It was cold as I left the house to walk
along the old mines road. There was a breeze coming
in from the northwest, which made the -5 degree
temperature seem more like -15!

I walked at a fast pace and enjoyed how the snow
reflected the light from the moon, even while it was
under the clouds. When it broke through the cloud
cover, the snow glistened in the frosty light.

Altogether, I had a beautiful outing!

I love walking on winter evenings. At one point tonight,
as I walked along the road, my eyes watered from
the cold -- I also noticed waves of movement in the
air. At first I thought the movement was an illusion
caused by water-filled eyes. However, I soon realized
that the wave-like movement was in fact snow swirling
about in the air.

This was the first time I had experienced snow as
a wave movement. I couldn't see the flakes -- just the
motion they made in front and around me. I first saw
the flakes of snow, when I turned on my flashlight.

So, now, I'm off for a cup of tea, and then a bubble
bath before I hit the sack!

All the best for 2009!
Laurie

p.s. You can now purchase my Micmac Medicines
plant book on Amazon. Click Here!

5 Daily Practices to Help You Live in the Moment

2008-12-22T12:18:00.004-04:00

Each day, many people are struck with feelings of anxiety,
worry, guilt, and fear; these are all related to the way
in which we approach the world. If we cannot get past what
is lurking in our minds, how will we ever be able to move
forward in a positive manner with our lives? What follows
is a list of some things you can do every day in your life that
will help you live happily in the moment.

Be Here, Now

While quantum physics may suggest otherwise, there is no
physical way for you to be in two places at once. Stop
reliving the low points of your life or anticipating the
coming day with worry. Open your eyes, your ears, and your
heart so that you can live in total awareness each day.
There is no reason to burden yourself with the problems of
the past or the uncertainties of the future. The only time
you truly have is now, so spend it wisely.

Stay Curious

As children, we lived in the moment and were deeply curious
about the world around us. Next time you are outside, try
looking at everything with a sense of curiosity. As the leaves
fall from the trees or the rain begins to drip on your front
porch, consider whence this all came. Curiosity in the
present moment helps to recapture that childlike innocence
we all once possessed.

Breathe Deeply

Monitor your breathing, especially when things feel like
they’re getting out of control. Try taking your breath in
through your nose and exhale through your mouth for twice
as long — as long as it’s comfortable. Simply saying, “in”
to yourself as you breathe in and “out” as you breathe out
can be very effective and calming. This activity returns
you to the present moment and helps you be aware of that
fact.

Practice Mindful Living

All of the things stated before lead up to this practice. To
live mindfully, you must reside in the present moment. Don’t
get caught up in things that are outside of your control.
Instead, do everything you can to ensure that you are living
fully and intentionally in all areas of your life, from taking
a walk to washing the dishes. Relish in the present moment;
own the present moment and you are living mindfully.

Be Compassionate

Life is full of suffering; this is a fact that all Buddhists
are aware of. Don’t let your problems become more important
than caring for all sentient beings. Have compassion for your
fellow beings in this world, and know that there is something
that can be done every day to help better this world. Use your
curiosity to find a way.

By-line:
This post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the
subject of medical code online training. She invites your
feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com

Strategies for A Healing Journey

2008-11-30T00:03:00.001-04:00

To some extent, we are all on a healing journey. While
some of us have healing paths that are quite similar,
others journey a unique path. This healing journey is
part of the earth walk that each of us are fashioning at
this point in time.

In this article, I will give some suggestions on strategies
you can implement, to guide your personal healing
journey.

First of all, let's consider desperation and despair. To
some extent, we've all felt those emotions in our lives.
They aren't pretty! Yet, they can be the final straw that
moves us to begin our healing journey. In other words,
in hitting bottom, we are thrown deep inside ourselves,
where we come face to face with the core of our being.
If we listen to this core part of ourselves, this spirit or
spark, it can be the special seed from which hope
rises, and then somehow we will find a way to move
forward again.

So, "hope" can play a major role in our healing efforts.
In fact, research suggests that hope and expectation
stimulate the immune system functioning, and can
protect us from illness. Hope can act like a powerful
placebo response. It gives us a glimmer of light, and
a way forward from the darkness of our dis-ease.

Another important factor is self-awareness, and with it
the knowledge and power to know where we are going
on our healing journey. You see, most of us spend our
lives in a form of psychological sleep, steeped in
habitual behaviour and thought patterns. We seek the
solutions that consumer society generally offers, and
many of those solutions are made for the masses -- a
one size fits all mentality.

Waking up into self-awareness, we see that we are
unique, and that we must find and walk our own healing
path. This is the first stage of empowerment, and the
beginning of the removal of dis-ease. Take the time
now to analyse how you are thinking, what you are
feeling, and consider what you can do about it. This
is a way to break free from habit, into greater self-
awareness, and the discovery of your healing path.

Good medicine always,
Laurie

Note: This article was taken from the 15 November 2008
issue of the Natural Healing Talk newsletter.

I Photographed An Orb Hovering Above My Field

2008-11-14T01:21:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I trust all of you are well and looking forward to
the Christmas season.

One evening last spring, as I was examining the
herb garden, I noticed an Owl sitting on a post
about thirty feet from where I stood. It was likely
watching for field mice, and other things moving
about in the old dry grass on the field.

I went back to the house and fetched my digital
camera, so I could photograph the Owl. It was
dusk and fast approaching full darkness, as you
can tell from the photo, below. Well, I failed in
my attempt to capture the Owl, but discovered
that I had gotten an Orb, instead!

You can see the moon-like Orb on the right side
of the photo. It's floating about three to five feet
above the field, and silhouetted against the
treeline, behind.

Quite interesting, and a fascinating image, if
I do say so myself! :) If you have a comment or
opinion about Orbs, I'd like to hear about it. Have
you ever photographed one, or seen an Orb?

All the best, and I'll return, soon.

Laurie

Canada in The Great War: Passchendaele, The Movie

2008-11-06T00:35:00.002-04:00

I went to see the Canadian film, Passchendaele,
tonight. It's a terrific movie, and touching, in many
ways. It brings home the terrible conditions under
which World War I was fought, and the sacrifices made
by soldiers, as well as the nurses and doctors who
attended to the wounded.

It was Canadian troops who were finally able to take
Passchendaele and the high ground. However, this
was done at the cost of almost 16,000 casualities
over a three month period.

From what I've read, the German forces feared
Canadian soldiers to such an extent, that they named
them, "Storm Troopers".

If you want to read about the battle, go to this link:
Canada In The Great War

As I said earlier, this film touched me deeply, and
increased my awareness of the dreadful folly, waste,
hopelessness, and evil, criminal nature, of war.

I'll return soon, with a regular nature post. I simply
had to write about Passchendaele, after seeing the
movie.

I rate the movie as a 9 out of 10. Excellent!

All the best,
Laurie

Autumn Social and Old Growth Forest Walk Photo

2008-10-16T01:37:00.004-03:00

Hi,

Well the Autumn Social went off very well. We
had an enjoyable visit to the old forest area,
and later, to Minamkeak Lake. The group then
returned to my place, to enjoy and feast on a
variety of foods, including homemade soups and
pies!

Here is a photo of the event.

All the best,
Laurie

Autumn Social & Old Growth Forest Walk

2008-10-08T03:24:00.002-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Here's a Special Event Notice!

Date: 12 October 2008
Time: Afternoon - 12:30 following - we'll walk at about 1:30
Bring: Food Contribution
Location: 352 Mines Road # 2, Hebbs Cross, Lunenburg
County, Nova Scotia
Contact me: event@naturalhealingtalk.com

Join me for a walk to the Old Forest area on the property
that has been in my family since about 1898. We'll walk to
the old forest, where you can spend time looking about or
meditating or examining the trees, or sketching, searching
for medicinal plants, or following your inspiration.

Later, we'll return and share food with good conversation!
We can even have fire in my ceremonially dedicated fire
pit -- perhaps steep both black spruce tea and labrador
tea in pots above the open fire!

Contact me for directions!

All the best,
Laurie

p.s. Oh yes, parking is limited, so carpool, if you can.

p.p.s Will someone please bring a pie? I have a sweet
tooth;)

The Mystery of Medicine

2008-09-25T11:31:00.003-03:00

The term "medicine" as used in this article, refers
to the word in its broadest sense, meaning those
things that both relieve and heal illness and dis-ease,
and maintain or restore balance to our lives.

I use the word, "mystery," because to some extent,
both medicine and the world are mysterious and full
of surprises.

Consider the "placebo effect," for instance. I've always
considered the placebo effect as good medicine in
its own right, because it demonstrates the deep
connection and inter-relationship between mind and
body, or, if you like, between consciousness and
matter at a cellular level.

Then, of course, there are many systems of faith
healing, and energy healing -- the latter includes
reiki, tai chi, and acupuncture. Those systems are all
remarkable and illustrate to some extent, this "mystery"
called medicine.

I think we should respect and learn from all systems of
medicine, both traditional and modern. For instance,
the modern allopathic system of medicine is amazing
in situations where emergency intervention is required.
The technical advances of modern medicine are
astounding, as are many of its powerful, disease
intervention drugs. However, it is an expensive system
to maintain, and can be very intrusive to mind and body.

We can learn much from traditional medicine systems.
For instance, shamanism offers valuable insight into
mind, consciousness, the physical body, and how
they react to ceremony and ritual. As well, we can
learn a great deal from shamans who wish to share
their knowledge about the use of plants and trees as
medicines.

We must never close our minds to learning about
the mysteries of life and of medicine. For instance,
what fascinates you the most about life? What are
the things that bring joy into your life, and give you a
sense of well-being and contentment? Those things
are your personal medicine -- they keep you well,
and you don't have to get a prescription for them.
This is part of your personal medicine power.

Down the road, I plan to write a special report about
personal medicine power.

Good medicine always,
Laurie

P.S. This article appeared in the 15 June 2008 issue
of my Natural Healing Talk Newsletter. If you're
interested, you can Subscribe at the Website.

A New Beginning

2008-09-15T22:29:00.002-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, this post marks the beginning of a new effort
to post regularly to The Nature Writer's Digs. I've
been in a real slump with my blogging efforts,
generally, and look forward to posting with renewed
enthusiasm!

I plan to tie this blog closer to my Natural Healing
Talk website and newsletter. I'll be posting some
items from the newsletter, including the occasional
article. I'll also keep you posted on what I'm doing
in the natural healing, wellness, self-growth, and
spiritual fields.

In other news, I plan to hold my 3rd annual "Plant
Walk for a Pie" event, on Sunday, October 12th.
The event will take place at my residence, here on
Mines Road # 2, Hebbs Cross, Nova Scotia. I'll post
further updates in my newsletter and on this blog.
It'll be a fun day!

All the best, for this time,
Laurie

Mother's Passing

2008-08-22T22:03:00.001-03:00

Well, my mother passed away on Thursday morning,
August 14th, at the ripe old age of 93. She had been
gradually declining for some time prior to her
passing. She ate little and her fluid intake had
dropped significantly.

We suspected that the end was near, but we also
wondered whether dehydration was the main cause
of her condition. As a last resort, we sent her to the
hospital for fluids, which did seem to revive her,
but she suddenly passed away the following morning.

I went walking in the moonlight late last night. I spent
much of the walk thinking about my mother, and, how,
in some respects, she is closer to me than ever.

For instance, yesterday afternoon, I sat outside on
the grassy field, when suddenly I felt a warmth on the
back of my head and neck. At the same moment, I
suddenly thought of my mother, and felt very close
to her presence. It was as thought she was offering
support and a comforting solace.

I also had the impression that she was revelling in
her new found freedom, and had returned home to
move freely about the property where she had lived
for so many years of her life.

It was a beautiful experience, indeed!

At some point next week, I intend to visit the
Leipsigaek Gold Fields, to camp and to roam about
for a spell. I'll do it to honour my mother and as a
vision quest of sorts.

Until next time, may the Great Spirit Bless all of you.

Laurie

A Return to Painting

2008-08-05T00:10:00.003-03:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry for the long delay between posts.
However, lots has happened, and one thing
involves painting.

This past weekend, I participated in an
Art Workshop, which was based in Lunenburg,
Nova Scotia, a designated World Heritage
Site.

We painted on location in a couple of small
coastal villages, as well as on the waterfront,
in Lunenburg. Now, I must admit that I'm not
often inspired by fish houses, boats, or cove
scenes. However, the workshop was quite
wonderful, in that I got to interact with
other painters, and with my good friends,
Graham "Buz" Baker and Heather Beaton. I
first took a workshop from them, and the late
Al Riggs, way back in 1982!

So, the workshop was like a home-coming
event! :)

Oh yes, you can visit Graham's homepage,
by Clicking Here.

If you'd like to see some fun, interesting
photos from the workshop, Click Here.
I'm the guy with the Corona beer -- oh yes,
I also won a yellow Corona cap that evening! :)

The workshop showed me how rusty I was,
in terms of painting on location! But, I
felt some skills returning to me, on the
final day of the event. Now, I'm determined
to get out there and paint landscapes on
location. I love to paint, woodsy, landscape
scenes.

Well, all the best for this time. I'll return
soon . . . promise!

Laurie

Herb Fair

2008-07-15T01:48:00.002-03:00

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to touch base again, briefly,
to inform you that the workshop schedule for
the Herb Fair, is now posted on the Herbal
Association of Nova Scotia website. Visit:
Workshop Sessions.

It should be a fun and interesting time on
Saturday! Also, RiverView Herbs will be
having special events, and selling their
products, as well.

All the best,
Laurie

Announcing Herb Fest 2008!

2008-07-05T16:21:00.005-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm back to announce Herb Fest 2008,
which will take place at RiverView Herbs in
Maitland, Hants County, Nova Scotia, on
Saturday, the 19 July 2008.

This year, RiverView Herbs and the Herbal
Association of Nova Scotia, are having their
events together, as one giant Herbal Love-In
Festival. :)

RiverView Herbs will be having a giant plant
sale, and will have Display Gardens, a Picnic
Area, Greenhouse Tours, and you'll also be
able to view the Tidal Bore.

The Herbal Association of Nova Scotia will
be hosting workshops on a variety of topics,
including Plant Spirit Medicine, Herb ID
Walks, Clinical Herbalism, and Medicine
Making. I will be giving a Medicine Walk,
as part of the second session of workshops,
starting at 1:30 p.m.

There will be three workshop sessions during
the day, starting at 10:30, 1:30, and 3:30 --
each session will last for approximately
an hour.

If you have any questions about the event,
leave me a comment with this post, and I'll
get back to you promptly. Another option is
to visit the Herbal Association website,
and the RiverView Herb site, as well.

All the best, and I hope to meet you at the
Festival!

Laurie

Last Week I Created A Fire-Pit

2008-06-25T00:22:00.001-03:00

Hi,

Well, I'm pleased to say that I now have a fire-pit on my
property. You see, last week I went to work and mowed
a large circular area of grass, removing the sod and
digging a shallow pit in the centre of the mowed-over
area.

When I finished that task, I jumped in my little Toyota
and headed off in search of rocks. Within a short while
I had returned with enough rocks to build a neat wall
around the fire-pit. Job well done!

I now have an excellent fire-pit, and one that I can use
when I feel like preparing an outdoor meal, or simply
feel like enjoying a camp fire -- also, it'll be great when
I have visitors or give weekend workshops.

Soon, I plan to place rocks along the perimeter of the
mowed-over circle, and place larger rocks at each of
the four compass or primary direction points. I may even
paint a circle on each rock with the colour that correlates
or corresponds with each primary direction.

All the best to you and yours!
Laurie

Walking in the Moonlight, Again...

2008-06-17T16:43:00.001-03:00

Hi Everyone,

I just returned from a splendid late evening walk along
the old Mines Road. The temperature is perfect for
walking, while the Summer Solstice Moon to the south,
is still fairly high above the treeline.

I heard a lot of activity tonight. At one point, there was
a bird chirping off to my right, in the bushes. Unfortunately,
I wasn't able to identify its call, as birding isn't one of my
strong points. Then, later, aside from the usual peepers
in the ponds and ditches, I also heard the movement of
bushes and the breaking of twigs, but a short distance
from the road.

I stood listening, thinking it was probably a small animal,
and likely a porcupine. However, I suddenly heard the
snap of what sounded like a fairly large stick, so now
I'm thinking it might have been a bear or even a deer.
In any case, I decided to be merrily on my way! :)

So, that's it for tonight -- I'm now back home and about
to make myself a tea, before retiring for the night. I'm
hoping to be in bed a bit earlier than last night, when
I hit the sack at 4:30 A.M.

Best wishes!
Laurie