October Update from Wildflower Haven

Greetings from Wildflower Haven,

October may be my favorite month. The crisp air, the sun-dappled gold and red leaves, and even the gentle melancholy that comes with the darkening evenings, are all welcome and beloved. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that October is my birthmonth. This year, the prolonged warm weather has meant I’ve been able to continue to swim at Lake Gardner and Salisbury Beach - this photo is from last night while waiting for the moon to rise over the clouds! Such joy.

In Apothecary news, I have been busy harvesting seeds for next year and using my dried cornflowers, chamomile, lavender, and helichrysum in nurturing hydrosols and balms and salves, all in preparation for fall and winter weather. I have been adding those perky, precious calendula flowers to soaps and lotions. 

The goldenrod has been so plentiful this year, and I know how helpful it can be for inflammation and for supporting immunity. Inspired by the folks at Mayernik Kitchen, I have made a goldenrod oxymel, with apple cider vinegar and local honey (Black Birch Farm Apiary) that I can’t wait to try – it takes about four weeks to steep. Stop by for a sample, or you can find the simple recipe here. 

A Little News

  • Save the date: November 29, Small Business Saturday, from 10-3, for our Holiday Shopping Event, at the UU Church of Haverhill at 16 Ashland Street, in Haverhill. We will be filling the warm and inviting Murray Room with one-of-a-kind artwork, tantalizing aromatherapy blends, handcrafted ornaments, yummy treats, and all the holiday feels. We've invited special guest crafters, we're offering exciting door prizes, and much more! 

  • If you can’t make it to the Holiday Shopping Event, or would prefer a private shopping experience, our showroom is all set up and ready for your visit. Stop by for a cup of tea or a glass of wine and browse. Just reply to this email and we will set up a time.

  • Here's a lineup of Craft Fairs we will be showing at this Fall. 

Apothecary Blend Spotlight

  • If you haven’t tried my elderberry rosehip elixir yet, this is a great time of year to do so. Drinking a small sip a day is great for boosting immunity – I’ve been doing it for years – and I find that drinking an ounce twice a day if I’m starting to feel a little under the weather, works wonders. It's yummy on its own, but some folks add it to seltzer or tea or pour it over vanilla ice cream. Here’s a great autumn salad recipe featuring my elderberry rosehip elixir, shared by our friends Charlie and Carolyn. 

My wish is that you feel connected to what is Real in these days: beauty, love, openness, and care for one another. 

Enjoy your moments, enjoy October, enjoy it all,

Linda





September Update from Wildflower Haven

Greetings from Wildflower Haven,

I just can't stop enjoying the clouds. They're fluffy, they're wispy, they're rocking my world.  How do they manage to be both grounding and lofty?

We had a joyous and restorative Jank House Celebration on August 23rd - what a pleasure to be outdoors together!  If you missed it, and you'd like to have some aromatic fun, I invite you to find and enjoy the fourteen Aromatic Herbs growing around the Jank House. Yum! 

Check out two of the new additions to the Jank House:

A Little News:

James and I will be at the North Andover Farmer's Market the next two Sundays, September 14 and September 21, from 10-1 with James' Upcycled Glassworks. Stop by if you can. It's a nice space. It's behind North Andover Town Hall, 120 Main Street - there's lots of good vendors and live music.

In Apothecary news, my Rose Balm is Ready! This morning I made a Beautiful batch of Rose Balm - divine! -in preparation for the crisp Fall weather that's on its way. I love the cool air, but my skin is already feeling a little dry. This luxurious Rose Balm is one of my skin's best allies this time of year. It goes on like liquid silk, penetrates the skin quickly, thanks to the rosehip oil, and offers the skin-nourishing properties and soothing aroma of both rosehip oil and pure rose essential oil. It's great on cuticles, lips, elbows, boo-boos and burns, and is a big support for dry patches and cracked heels, It contains four simple ingredients: rosehip oil, beeswax, rose essential oil, and rose petal powder. A little goes a long way. I have it in 10ml and 30ml glass pots. 

Next time I'll feature two of my go-to cold-weather wellness tools: Elderberry Rosehip Elixir and Breathe Easy inhaler. 

I'll do my best to keep you up to date on our goings-on as our busiest season starts to unfold. And if you prefer to be removed from this list, please respond back with 'remove.'  I guess I should look into a Constant Contact kind of app? I don't know, I'm more of a hands-on person.  

Enjoy your moments. I am.

Linda

August Update from Wildflower Haven

Happy Deep Summer from Wildflower Haven,

When August arrives, I often hear folks say the summer is almost over. Hmmm....well, the ads for back to school supplies have been coming through since July 4th, and I saw a display for Halloween Reese's Cups at CVS the other day.  But let's try not to rush it. The young people and their teachers will be back to school in just about a month, and the weather will turn crisp and cool - but not yet! We've still got several weeks of summer weather ahead. I encourage you to stay in summer mode for as long as you possibly can.

I hope you'll continue to enjoy the summer by joining us on Saturday, August 23 for our Jank House Celebration/Garden Party. We'll be starting at 4pm and it will be an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, enjoy one another's company, and share what is moving in us creatively.  Respond back with any questions. An RSVP isn't necessary, but would be helpful. 

Coming up soon! This Saturday, August 9, I am excited to be offering Aromatherapy Sessions alongside other wellness practitioners at an all day Root to Bloom Retreat in Georgetown, MA. There are still a few spots left! 
In other news, I've been joyfully harvesting calendula, corn flowers, lavender, roman chamomile, german chamomile and helichrysum from my medicinal herb garden, as well as lemon balm, lemon verbena, and spearmint. I'm making oil infusions and hydrosols this month. Come play with me! We'll turn this bounty into soothing and supportive balms, oils, and flower waters. Respond back to this email and we'll find a day to play! 

Enjoy your moments!
Linda

Weed often. Love what’s left.

I'm finally on board with weeding. It’s vital to our ecosystems, and it’s an art that teaches the importance of timing and discernment.

It’s hard to let go, and you don’t know who you might hurt, and you still have to do it to let what you love thrive.

 

legacy*

Despite abundant evidence, it always evokes wonder to learn I’ve had an influence on another..

I feel proud of the legacies I leave. And then afraid. Feels like power which makes me think instantly of corruption.

May I embrace the power of influencing others through the tremendous act of being myself. And may I never be led by this power.

Another razor’s edge to walk.

*this post is dedicated to my Aunt JoAnne pictured here c.1952 with her sister (my mother) Virginia, far left, her brother Charles, and their mother, my grandmother, Josephine. JoAnne was a good and true friend.

 

A Reachable Dream

It's a stretch, I know, but imagine we displace patriarchy. Not overthrow, through marches and ferociously-worded signs; not through boycotting, withholding or blackmail. Just displace it. Agree to something gentler, more user-friendly, more inclusive. Coax one another into solace and generosity. Suggest billionaires use their wealth to source the dreams of strangers - because it’d be fun, because it would feel good. Make space for the violent to sob instead of strike. Be creative, fierce, and merciful enough to share leadership widely and wildly.