Greetings from Wildflower Haven,
I do love cold weather, but it’s possible I’ve had enough of it for now. I have a vague memory of leaving the house without coat, hat, gloves, scarf, boots – maybe it’s from a previous lifetime? I am so grateful to live in a warm home and have warm clothing that allows me to go out into the elements.
Every winter when it snows, I use a small snow blower to create a circular running path for the dogs around the Jank House*. I can’t remember a time when their luge course has stayed frozen for so long.
I’ve been dreaming in green and anticipating the thrill of putting my hands in the dirt - what are you dreaming about these days?
February started with a smashing herbalism weekend in New York. It was powerful and humbling to spend time with women who have so much experience, deep connections to the earth, and generously flowing wisdom. I know I brought my special something to the table as well. Everything I’m learning in this herbalism program deepens and enhances my aromatherapy practice and offers new and varied tools to my wellness kit; I feel closer to the earth, where I belong. There was so much to appreciate about this first weekend, our experience together, and the magic that wove its way through every moment. Let me know if you’d like to hear more.
My house plants are getting extra love these days. I know they’re feeling dry, so I keep a diffuser nearby misting one of the hydrosols I distill. Plain water works great too. I’ve had helichrysum hydrosol misting on and off for several days and it fills the space with a subtle, soothing, warm aroma.
I’ve been adding a drop or two of fennel essential oil to some of my diffusers lately; I find its strong, familiar aroma supports feelings of being grounded and uplifted at the same time. Ravintsara for respiratory health, cedar just before sleep, and sweet orange which always makes me smile, are other favorites these days. I love to talk aromatherapy - I’d love to help you find a blend that supports your wellness, your vitality, your joy.
Apothecary Blend Spotlight
Since I mentioned it above, I’ll highlight my helichrysum hydrosol this month. It is a joy to produce all of my hydrosols by steam distilling the medicinal herbs and flowers I get to grow in my garden. As they distill, they fill the house with gentle aroma and good vibes. It reminds me that the natural world loves us and wants to support us. Hydrosols are made from distinct plant parts. For example, I make roman chamomile and lavender hydrosol from the flowers of these herbs, but the helichrysum, rosemary, and mint hydrosols are drawn from the plants’ fragrant leaves. Often helichrysum hydrosol is distilled from its flowering tops, but I find its fronds to offer an additional softness to the aroma, without sacrificing the plants' benefits. Helichrysum fronds look prickly like rosemary, but are wonderfully soft to the touch.
What is produced from the distillation process is a cellular botanical water, a clear liquid, known as a hydrosol, with a subtle aroma and the vital essence of the distilled plant. In addition to the particular quality of each individual plant, hydrosols, in general, have many uses.
I'm always finding new ways to add hydrosols' plant power to my day. I’ve put together a partial list of ways to integrate these plant allies into your daily activities.
Something New
After the busy holiday months and before the sowing and growing season, and between shoveling, we are working on adding content and product to our website and starting to consider craft shows for the Spring and Summer.
In the meantime, we have revamped our showroom and the energy is flowing! I love the change – it reflects both James’ and my individual creativity and showcases our crafts beautifully, with dazzling displays of James’ glass art and lots of my apothecary blends to sample. Come on by for a cup of tea or a glass of wine and have a look.
A Little Moon Magic
I am so happy to have company in my ongoing new moon practice. At the most recent new moon, Sunday, January 18, we came together to let the dark moon show us what was real. We enjoyed a short meditation and some discussion about what came to us in the quiet. What came to me was trying so hard, which surprised me and made me cringe a little. Since then, I’ve been noticing the way this idea works in my life and, as always, learning so much. When I do find myself trying so hard, which is often, I make a conscious effort to relax the muscles around my eyes, ask myself a few grounding questions, let something go.
Our small group met again at the full moon to talk about how the moon’s magic was working in our lives. We will begin this gentle and self-affirming cycle again on the next new moon, February 17. We meet for about thirty minutes. If you would like to join us in this practice, just reply back to this email with new moon.
Dare to enjoy your moments, and stay centered in your goodness,
Linda
*Jank or Janky are often used as slang for something of poor quality, broken, or sketchy . To us, Jank means something that, although not in its prime, still holds value. Our backyard Jank House started with a Coleman tent frame and the intention of opening our hearts and our minds a little wider. Today the Jank House, brimming with well-loved objects and plant life from our home and our friends’ homes, is a sacred space, ever-changing, and perfectly full of what is imperfect – just like life.