Greetings from Wildflower Haven,
And welcome to snowy 2026. I just came across some photos of my garden from the summer, and the jolt of color shocked me – everything has been white around here for so many days and weeks. Did it feel to you like last year flew by?
After the holiday crush of craft fairs and sales events, packing up orders and shipping throughout November and December, and all of the joyous holiday gatherings, we took a true break between Christmas and New Year’s Day. We got the work done that needed to be done but centered our days around rest. The dogs loved having us nearby – they are always ready to rest.
We were glad to be able to spend time outdoors, at Salisbury beach, on Winter Solstice, to welcome the light and offer our gratitude for the darkness.
Some Big News
After getting to know herbalist and green witch Robin Rose Bennet, through an online course I took in the fall, I have committed to Bennet’s year-long herbalism apprenticeship, which is a deep dive into creating a reciprocal relationship with our green earth: nurturing growth, mindful harvesting, and the crafting of medicinal herbal blends to support wellness. I’m so surprised I signed up for this! And pleased! I know I will be deeply enriched by this next leg of my aromatic and herbal journey, and make excellent use of it in my aromatherapy practice. I'm attending the first hands-on immersion weekend in upstate New York, January 30-February 1. Woo hoo!
Apothecary Blend Spotlight
What can I say? My Elderberry Rosehip Elixir has been the star of winter so far. It’s yummy, zippy, and it supports the immune system. I take a sip every day, a larger dose if I’ve been in a crowd, if I've spent time with someone who’s unwell, or if I feel a bit of a cough or scratchy throat.
I’ve been making a large batch every three days or so. If you’re curious and want to try it, and you’re local, come on over and I’ll pour you a shot of goodness: elderberry, rosehip, cinnamon, orange peel, cardamom, clove, ginger, a little bit of local honey, and lots of love.
Now that there is a little bit more spaciousness and time to play, I have been working on a deeply emollient and restorative lip balm, a counterpart to my rose balm, using just three clean ingredients. I’ve got some folks beta testing it right now for consistency and efficacy. As always, I am happy to talk about how herbal and aromatic blends can support your wellness, your vitality and your joy.
A Little Moon Magic
I'm continuing my new moon practice, and at the most recent new moon, Friday, December 19, the words make space came to me during my meditation. Interesting. My mind instantly crowded with all of the different ways to make space – physically, emotionally, energetically, etc. - so I started right then and there to make space by letting go of those mind-generated possibilities and allowing the concept of make space to teach me.
Wow, I’ve been learning a lot. There are SO many ways to make space. As I let this idea work through me, put my focus on it, and use it in my movement practice, my breathing has felt more full and clear, I feel more patient with others and with myself, and I’ve been motivated to clear up clutter with clarity and peace. There’s an air of openness and generosity working through me that feels new.
If you would like to join me in this simple yet powerful practice, just reply back to this email with new moon.
I love this shot I was able to capture of the waxing crescent moon.
May we make space for what matters most,
Linda