Greetings from Wildflower Haven,
We’ve got rain! Our rain barrel and attached overflow containers are full which feels like abundance, especially after the city recently announced emergency drought conditions and delivered mandatory water restrictions. We’re doing everything we can indoors and out to conserve water. This reminds us to be grateful for every drop of water we have and mindful of the way we use it. When I was a young woman, I lived for nearly two years in a community without running water. It helped me grasp water’s vital importance to life, to so many essential tasks, and to our wellness. Previously I think I had taken water for granted with free-flowing faucets and toilets and hoses.
This rain means my gardens are greening up! Iris and Solomon's Seal greens are poking up out of the earth, tiny buds are forming on hydrangeas, shoots are coming up from my herbs, and I can feel the good energy coming alive in them and in me. Walking around the gardens these days is like greeting old friends and meeting some new ones. What a joy to touch the wet earth and begin to tend to these beloveds, who in turn, will tend to me. I’m starting to notice how important reciprocity is to me and how well it is modeled in the greening world. I can't choose just one photo of the enlivening greenness around me, so here's the Jank House - ready to receive it all.
Apothecary Spotlight
What I decide to add to my medicinal herb garden is most often decided by what is commonly used for wellness by my community, what excites me, and, what is available, and what grows easily and abundantly; herbs like lavender, lemongrass, oregano, thyme, cornflowers, and spearmint have been staples in my garden and in my apothecary since I began. Calendula and helichrysum are recent, but essential, additions. This week, a friend offered me some lovely yarrow and stinging nettle shoots which are already looking very happy in a small patch. I’ve got big plans for both of them!
My overall plan is to grow every medicinal herb that I use in my blends. In the meantime, I also source supplemental dried herbs from a couple of (relatively) local herb shops.
I’m feeling very creative and having a lot of fun creating herbal vinegar blends for daily use. I use organic apple cider vinegar in my blends which offers its own array of wellness support.
Stop by when you can to taste a vinegar or two. I would be so happy to guide you to the herbal blend that would be best suited for your wellness.
Showroom News
James has had some fun commissions lately, with folks asking him to create particular, yet abstract, designs in glass. This has given him the opportunity to step into new areas of his work. James is thrilled by where this is taking him and excited about what’s coming next. It’s no surprise that I’m particularly enchanted by his current moon series. You're very welcome to come see what’s new. James loves to show it off.
A Little Moon Magic
When our moon magic group met last month at new moon, the expression that came to me was tribute. In the days that followed, I found myself writing short tributes to my recent ancestors. Some were easier to write than others. I found myself wondering how much of what I wrote would have been true from their perspectives. As always what emerges for me at the new moon feels sacred and poignant.
Right around full moon, when members of our group deepen our connection to the moon’s magic, a beloved friend gifted me their magnificent seashell collection which I arranged around my patch of beach roses (rosa rugosa.) This was a deep tribute to my friend, to the shells and their former inhabitants, and to the roses themselves.
The Moon Magic group will begin our gentle and affirming cycle again on the next new moon, April 17. We meet for just about thirty minutes. If you have questions about this simple practice or would like to join in this practice at any point in the month, just contact me at linda@wehavethegift.com l with the subject line, new moon.
Until next time, I encourage you to keep in touch with what is Real and to cherish your moments,
Linda