Give me indie rock, singer songwriter, punk, pop, rock, country, jazz, worship and I am happy.

I like to think of the music I listen to as the soundtrack of my life. Songs have the ability to take you back to a specific memory or moment like nothing else.

Some of the best music I have discovered over the past couple years has come from one source.

You know those people who are cooler than everyone else and know what’s cool before it’s cool? Well www.ryansworth.com is one of those people. He is the lead designer down at Elevation Church and doing some cutting edge stuff. Every quarter he posts a compilation of music (called Good Medicine) that is available to download for free and if you like the music you can go buy more from that artist.

Needless to say it has exposed me to Mumford and Sons, The Civil Wars, Florence and the Machine, Foster the People, The Avett Brothers and many others before they were big.

So here is the deal, he just put up a new compilation that I think you might enjoy.

Click Here To Download

Download. Listen. Enjoy. Show Ryan some love

Happy Monday

 Back in the late 60s, books were not so flashy.  To own a book was a privilege; as it was to borrow one.  My father was always a big reader; and a strict disciplinarian.  Dad instilled, early, in us, the value and care of the book; wash your hands before touching any (of his) books, never turn page corners (or death will be the result), never mark a book, in any way, never eat and read, sit up straight, use the dictionary (which he unmercifully lorded over), turn on the light, don’t move, don’t breath, just read.  His rules were so intimidating I was afraid to touch a damned book!  It was, also, difficult to concentrate as he usually had The Marine Corps Marching Band or Bach or Bagpipes blasting from the Victrola!  Although I could spend hours, absorbing the photos, between the pages of his National Geographics!  Thank Goodness for Miss Davis and her infectious, bookish ways!

 At the (arrogant) age of 15, I decided I was going to read every book in the library.  Forty two years later, I’m still working on it!  Right now my focus is on learning more about trees, mushrooms, Philip K. Dick, the alkaloids, endosymbiotic theory, string theory, meteorites, evolutionary tactics and Russian poetry.  This brings me to the subject of this post.  Standing in front of the 580s shelves, in the library, is like standing in a bakery; for me.  So, last week, I closed my eyes, breathed deeply, and fought gluttony; determined to pick just one book, on trees.  In the midst of the mesmerizing kaleidoscope of spines, one stood out, a stout, pale, spine, with simple blue lettering;

(1)

 The praise on the back cover assured me that, indeed, this was a good place to begin to know trees, better.

 Reading Colin Tudge will make you smile; as it’s like having a conversation with a witty, loving, intuitively intellectual friend.  Tudge takes learning out of the textbook into the heart.  He answers the next question; just as it is about to be asked.  The Tree takes us, methodically, down to the cellular level, from the roots up, around the entire plant and animal kingdoms and straight through ourselves.  Thanks to Colin Tudge, I understand all of life more deeply, in a fresh and delightful way.  And, best of all, I want to learn more, and look forward to reading more of his work.

 It’s an incredible juxtaposition, reading Colin Tudge, and Philip K. Dick.  A head full of botany and prophetic sci-fi opens a worm hole in my imagination, ignites a plethora of questions and possibilities, and leads me to another book!

 Now, please do yourself a favor; turn off your computer, and go read a book.  Read this book.  Read any book.  Shut down Facebook and go put your face in a real book.  Reading a book is good medicine.  For a moment, any moment, You choose, all there is, belongs to You, and you alone, as you hold it in your hands and connect with someone else, in another place and time, You become an astronaut, an anthropologist, a grand poetess, You can bend the laws of physics, chase inclement weather,  or a herd of reindeer and be back in time for dinner.  Don’t worry, the internet will still be here.  If you need more ideas, please see the list below, of Colin Tudge’s other works (2), or my Suggested Reading page (3), or, better still, just go to the library!     

                       Let’s keep books alive.                       

 Thanx for stopping by. See you next time.

Just click on any photo, to enlarge.

(1)

 THE TREE, Colin Tudge,

      CROWN, Random House,   2005, 2006

 (2)

 (3) 

http://forageporage.wordpress.com/suggested-reading-viewing-amp-browsing/

Gutman cites a study in which researchers took baseball cards from 1950 and sorted them into three groups: those players who were not smiling, those with a slight smile, and those with beaming smiles. They discovered that the average lifespan of those not smiling was 72.9 years, those who slight smiles, 75, and those with broad smiles lived to an average of 79.9 years.

The researchers didn’t put it in these words, but what they discovered was that the Bible has it right: a cheerful heart is good medicine.

Those saddled with a persistent case of the gloomies will be quick to point out that the Bible also says there’s a time to laugh and a time to weep. Well, of course there is. Both mourning and dancing are appropriate in their time.

Cheerfulness, however, isn’t the opposite of mourning; it’s the opposite of scowling – the dour attitude that makes us miserable and deflates the spirits of others.

Others are suspicious of cheerfulness because they’ve seen the phony, plastered grins of those trying to manipulate us for selfish ends.

Curiously enough, however, “scowlers” have a tougher time distinguishing false from genuine smilers. A French study had participants hold a pencil in their mouth with their lips – which forces a frown. The other group didn’t get pencils. When both groups were asked to identify photos of faked and genuine smiles, those without the pencil were great judges. Those who were forced to frown suffered impaired judgment.

Gutman cites another study in which the frontal lobes of patient’s brains were examined by FMRI scans. A smile sent the frontal lobe into activity greater than receiving $30,000 in cash . . . or even eating chocolate.

A cheerful heart is good medicine. It reduces stress-enhancing hormones and increases mood-enhancing hormones.

Cheerfulness is good for us, but the real point I’m working toward is that it’s a gift we can give to others. A simple smile is able to brighten the mood of others.

What better way to spend a rainy Autumn morning than editing yesterday’s sunny day photos and enjoying the company of Walt Whitman?!?!?!

 This is the preface to the 1st edition of Leaves of Grass:

“Here is what you shall do,

love the earth and sun and all the animals,

despise riches,

give alms to everyone that asks,

stand up for the stupid and crazy,

devote your income and labors to others,

hate tyrants,

argue not concerning God,

have patience and indulgence towards the people,

take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men,

go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young  and with the mothers of families,

read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life,

re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book,

dismiss whatever insults your own soul,

and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in it’s words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body.

~Walt Whitman

 The first time I touched these words, they rocked my core.  I was barely fifteen; simultaneously innocent and jaded.  Every hair on my body stood firm, as I beheld this new (to me) wild, naturalistic mindset.  I heard him deeply and took every word to heart.  To the best of my ability, I lived his dream for me.  Was I a fool?  Surely, every teen is a fool; standing at the precipice of all that is possible, guided by their own true Spirit, armed with only a walking stick, ready to step forward, into the air, into the abyss.  And now, my flesh is a great poem.

Just click on any photo to enlarge.

Thanx for stopping by. See you next time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaves_of_Grass

The first edition was published in Brooklyn at the Fulton Street printing shop of two Scottish immigrants, James and Andrew Rome, whom Whitman had known since the 1840s,^[4] on July 4, 1855. Whitman paid for and did much of the typesetting for the first edition himself. The book did not include the author’s name, instead offering an engraving by Samuel Hollyer depicting the poet in work clothes and a jaunty hat, arms at his side.^[5] Early advertisements for the first edition appealed to “lovers of literary curiosities” as an oddity.^[6]Sales on the book were few but Whitman was not discouraged.

The first edition was very small, collecting only twelve unnamed poems in 95 pages.^[7] Whitman once said he intended the book to be small enough to be carried in a pocket. “That would tend to induce people to take me along with them and read me in the open air: I am nearly always successful with the reader in the open air.”^[8]

Proverbs 17:22 (Amp) A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Have you been in a hospital lately?  Have you noticed all the sanitizer dispensers everywhere?  Maybe there is something infection there!   A cough, sniffle or maybe something even worse might be present and the sanitizer dispensers encourage people to keep their hands clean.

Proverbs 17:22 in the KJV uses the word “merry” heart.  Webster says this is “gay and noisy; jovial’ exhilarated to laughter.”  Laugher is infection!  I read recently about a party where most of the people ended up around one particular table… and why?  Because everyone what laughing …being jovial.  Laughter is infection!  Laughter triggers your immune system, boosts energy, lowers pain & relieves stress!   Why wouldn’t people want to laugh?

Isn’t it simply amazing God knows a merry…happy …jovial heart is good medicine?  The Hebrew word can be translated joyful, merry or glad!  The 2^nd half of this verse tells us a broken spirit dries up the bones.  A broken spirit is the opposite of a jovial heart.  I like the Amplified “A happy heart is good medicine & a cheerful mind works healing….” 

I wonder how we could do it….put “happy heart and cheerful mind dispensers” all around in the places we go in life?

The reality is we are to be the dispensers of God’s goodness!  The people you and I come in contact with may be infected with a “broken spirit.”   We can dispense to them the hope we have inside, the hope of God’s goodness, His forgiveness and grace!

Prayer: Lord, I know I am infection…help it to be with a merry heart and a cheerful mind.  Sometimes I feel like I need to push the button on the dispenser and get some sanitizer for my own heart…You know how I feel and what I am going through.  Thank you for people who dispense joy, hope and happiness into my life.  Help me to sow the same into others… I know I will reap what I plant. I have decided to sow a happy heart and cheerful mind…make my life a medicine for others and for myself.  I ask this in Jesus mighty Name!

Blessings and goodness for you!

Pastor Duke

Echinacea angustifolia, commonly known as Purple Coneflower, is a perennial, in the daisy family, Asteraceae. Growing up to 3 feet tall, they are found through-out eastern and central North America, in moist to dry conditions and open wooded areas.

Wild Echinacea sports erect to prostrate, hairy, un-branched stems.

Echinacea leaves are, also, hairy, with a rough texture, lance shaped, arranged alternately and decrease in size as they come up the stem.

 The large, showy heads of composite flowers, bloom through-out the summer season. The purple, yellow and green, cone-shaped, spines in the center of the head give Echinacea its generic name; from the Greek, echino, meaning hedgehog and its common name, Purple Cone Flower.

New Echinacea plants will grow where seeds heads have fallen from the prior year.  Therefore, I usually take the petals (in summer), or roots (in the fall) and leave the spikes, where I found them.  This year I brought home a few whole flower-heads to spread the seeds in different, appropriate locations. At the time, I didn’t know I would be moving into the “Knotweed Forest”. Some of the seed heads were placed in and around my new, little slice of heaven.  The remaining seed heads have gone to two of my favorite foraging locations; where they should make a welcome, native addition; and hopefully help fight back the plethora of invading foreign species, taking over the area.

After fully drying, all of the Echinacea petals I gathered (about 1 cup, dry) went into my Flower Petal Tea blend; a lovely cup of spicy sunshine, even on the dankest days!

Flower Petal Tea:

1 cup, each, dry: Rose, Rosa spp. petals, Echinacea, E. angustifolia  petals, Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale petals, Red Clover, Trifolium pratense petals, and Goldenrod, Solidago odora flowers

1 dozen-ish star anise

2 tablespoons whole cloves

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a clean, dry, air-tight jar.  Seal and shake.  Leave the jar, sealed, for a week to develop the flavor.

Steep 1 heaping teaspoonful in 6 – 8 oz. boiling water, for 10 minutes; then strain.  Add a teaspoonful of good local honey and/or a slice of lemon and enjoy.

Wikipedia provides a good explanation as to why NOT to buy over the counter herbal preparations and why medical research is unreliable, at best, “Marketed and studied medicinal products contain different species (E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida), different organs (roots and herbs) and different preparations (extracts and expressed juice). Their chemical composition is very different. As with any herbal preparation, individual doses may vary significantly in active chemical composition. In addition to poor process control which may affect inter- and intra-batch homogeneity, species, plant part, extraction method, and contamination or adulteration with other products all lead to variability between products.” (1)

This quality control issue complicates and often negates clinical research.  So, how do I know what’s good to use?  Simple! I learn the plant, from a distance and up close enough to get inside its head.  I learn to spot my plant from 10 yards away, 20 yards, even; and be right, every time.  I study, until I am able to remember EVERY part’s characteristics.  I learn the chemical compounds each plant offers and how active ingredients vary from leaf to bud to root to stem to juice to flower, to seed, to fruit to catkin to cone; and the most advantageous time to harvest for effectiveness and concentration.  Simple!

 Historically, Echinacea angustifolia was used by the First People, of North America; who, legend has it, realized its medicinal value by watching sick or wounded elk eating the plant, and, therefore, named it Elk Root. (1)  Elk were wise to take advantage of Echinacea’s alterative, anti-allergenic, anti-biotic, anti-catarral, anti-microbial, immune stimulant and lymphatic tonic actions. (3 & 4)

In “Medicine Grove”, Lauren Cruden writes, “Echinacea asserts integrity amid negative influences, affirming the strength of natural, harmonious function.” (2)  This is a great explanation as to how, not just Echinacea acts, but how all the tonic herbs act.

In his “Holistic Herbal”, David Hoffman states, “Echinacea is the prime remedy to help the body rid itself of microbial infections.” (3)

Echinacea can interact with Cancer Chemotherapy. (5)

On the ”Our Sunday Guest” page (up top), please find and enjoy a long, detailed, educational, enlightening, wonderful article on Echinacea; along with permission to reprint it; you will be glad you read it!:

Echinacea: a Miracle Herb against Aging and Cancer? Evidence In vivo in Mice, by Sandra C. Miller, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (6)

 Just click on any photo to enlarge for greater detail.

Thanx for stopping by.  See you soon. 

Please stop by, tomorrow for “Our Sunday Guest”, Mark Berkery.

REFERENCES:

 (1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinacea

(2) MEDICINE GROVE,  A SHAMANIC HERBAL, Loren Cruden. 

     Destiny Books.  1997

(3) THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED HOLISTIC HERBAL, David Hoffman. 

      Element Books.  1996

(4) The COMPLETE MEDICINAL HERBAL, Penelope Ody.   

      Dorling Kindersley Books.  1993

 (5) A-Z guide to drug-herb-vitamin interactions, Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC, editor in chief

      Prima Health, 1999.

(6) http://forageporage.wordpress.com/2011/11/13/our-sunday-guest-sandra-miller-with-echinacea-a-miracle-herb/

Boneset, Eupatorium perfoliatum, Thoroughwort or Ague-weed, is a very common and familiar native, found in meadows, waste places and damp ground throughout Eastern North America, extending from Nova Scotia to Florida, through Louisiana, Texas and North Dakota.

Beautiful Boneset is a perennial herb, with an erect, sturdy, cylindrical, hairy stem, 2 to 5 feet tall, and branched at the top.

The leaves are large, opposite, conjoined at and around the stem, lance-shaped, 4 to 10 inches long, with finely toothed edges, prominent veins, rough above, and downy, dotted and resinous, underneath.

The leaves help to identify Boneset at first glance.  Botanically they are considered either, perforated by the stem, perfoliate (hence the specific name), or as having two opposite leaves joined at the base, and therefore, connate.

The flower-heads are terminal, prolific, large and slightly convex, the tiny white florets, have  bristly hairs. Boneset flowers are mildly aromatic, and taste very bitter and astringent. The popular name, Boneset, is derived from the value of this herbal warrior in the treatment of Dengue fever, (1) also known as Break-bone Fever, a strain of influenza which attacked the United States, in the late 1700′s.  No doubt the First People’s generosity in sharing their wisdom and long-time love of Ague-weed saved many lives.

Happily, flowering from July through September, allows a long window of harvest-ability; and Boneset is, also, a favorite butterfly habitat and food source. The leaves and tops are best gathered after flowering has begun. They contain volatile oil, tannic acid, and Eupatorin (hence the generic name), a bitter glucosidal principle.

Boneset has historically been used as a popular fever reducer, and has been employed, in typhoid, influenza and yellow fevers. For fever, an infusion (tea) of 1/4 oz. of  dried Boneset in 1 quart of boiling water may be taken, hot or cold.  For best results, drink in doses of  6 – 8 oz., warm, every half hour, remain in bed the whole time; after several doses, profuse perspiration is achieved, the fever breaks and relief is obtained. 

The flavor of Boneset tea is. . .well. . . intense!  The bitter astringency can be tempered with other more tasty herbs, like sweetfern, Comptonia peregrine (2), or red clover, Trifolium pretense (3), and/or spices, like whole cloves, star anise and/or a cinnamon stick and some honey, molasses or maple syrup, help Boneset tea go from argh to ahhhh!  I like to add an equal amount of dried flowers into the brew.  White Sweet Clover, Melilotus alba (4), has a sweet pleasant vanilla-ish flavor and makes a great addition to any harshly flavored herbal remedy.

As a mild tonic in moderate doses, 1 tsp dried herb to 8 oz boiling water, once a day, Boneset has diaphoretic, stimulant, febrifuge, anti-spasmotic and laxative actions; especially when taken as a warm infusion; it works slowly and persistently, on the stomach, liver, bowels and uterus.  Ague-weed is helpful in attacks of muscular rheumatism, indigestion, constipation and general cold symptoms. In large doses Boneset becomes emetic and purgative.   And, BONUS, Boneset has no known drug interactions (5).

Just click on any photo to enlarge for greater detail.

Thanx for stopping by.  See you next time.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

REFERENCES:

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengue_fever

Dengue fever (UK: /ˈdɛŋɡeɪ/, US: /ˈdɛŋɡiː/), also known as breakbone fever, is an infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and join pains, and a characteristic skin rash that is similar to measles.

(2) http://forageporage.wordpress.com/2011/06/22/sweetfern-tea-anyone/

(3) http://forageporage.wordpress.com/2011/06/06/red-clover-remedial/

(4) http://forageporage.wordpress.com/2011/10/14/hey-look-me-over-white-sweet-clover/

(5) A-Z guide to drug-herb-vitamin interactions, Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC, editor in chief

      Prima Health, 1999.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SUGGESTED READING:

* THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED HOLISTIC HERBAL, David Hoffman. 

      Element Books.  1996

 * SHAKER Medicinal HERBS, Amy Bess Miller. 

     Storey Books.  1998

* MEDICINE GROVE,  A SHAMANIC HERBAL, Loren Cruden. 

     Destiny Books.  1997

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

DISCLAIMER:

Nothing written here is intended as medical advice; or any kind of advice, at all.  I’m not a doctor; or other health professional.  What works for me, may not work for you.  I’m simply sharing my thoughts, opinions, experiences, hard learned lessons, and love.  I disclaim any and all liability resulting from the use of, collection of, preparation of, ingestion of, reaction to or contact with, any plant written about here; or anywhere else.  Use great caution when hunting, collecting, preparing and eating any wild food for the first time.  Make certain of your identification.  You, and you alone, are responsible for what you collect, prepare and consume; and for whatever consequences that may result.  Anyone can have an allergic reaction to any food, at any time.  Use common sense, go slow, do the research, check and double-check, and then check again, then proceed with extreme caution.  One mistake could cost your life; or worse, someone else’s life.  Know the laws where you intend to forage.  Whenever appropriate get permission.  Check public records for area pesticide spraying programs.  Never harvest right after spraying.  Find out if and when it will be safe.

 Just click on any photo to enlarge for greater detail.

Thanx for stopping by.  See you next time.

Across:

1 ) Saponaria officinalis (8)

2 ) means green twig: (9)

3 ) treetop forager, Sciuridae (8)

4 ) ____ needle tea (4)

5 ) Passeridae, tiny twitters (7)

6 ) Plantago spp. (8)

7 ) Taraxacum officinale: (9)

8 ) Arctium spp. (6)

9 ) Deadly ____ (10)

10 ) a sphere or globe (3)

11 ) composite organisms: (6)

12 ) day star (3)

13 ) Alliaria petiolata, ____ mustard (6)

14 ) Solidago spp. (9)

15 ) Procyon, nocturnal and omnivorous (7)

16 ) Oenothera biennis, Evening ____ (7)

17 ) Rubus spp.: (7)

Down:

 1 ) fabulous in tempura: (8)

2 ) Quercus spp. (3)

3 ) ____ beetles (8)

4 ) Sambucus canadensis (5)

5 ) Acer spp. (3)

6 ) Troglodytes, little loud mouths (4)

7 ) Solanum dulcamara (8)

8 ) Betula spp. (5)

9) Oxalis spp.: (6)

10 ) ____ berries: (7)

11 ) Lactuca spp. (7)

12 ) Brassica spp. (7)

13 ) red bird, Periporphyrus (8)

14 ) Rhus spp. : (5)

 Some LINKS to help with the LATIN:

 Across:

1) http://forageporage.wordpress.com/2011/08/31/my-friend-soapwort/

13) http://forageporage.wordpress.com/2011/05/13/another-lovely-invasion-eaten/

14) http://forageporage.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/golden-rod-natures-blonde-bombshell/

17) http://forageporage.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/dew-to-bramble/

 Down:

7) http://forageporage.wordpress.com/poisonous-plants/

 14) http://forageporage.wordpress.com/poisonous-plants/

I’ll post the answers on Monday.  Hope ya’ll enjoy!

Just click on any photo to enlarge for greater detail.

Thanx for stopping by.  See you next time!

This is an important update to a previous post.  If you read this post before, please accept my apologies; and do read it again.  Most of the original remains, with updated information in bold print to illustrate the importance of RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.

*****

We live in a magical Queendom; fraught with a plethora of overlooked, delicious surprises, such as White Sweet Clover, Melilotus alba, also known as white melilot, or sweet-scented clover.

White Sweet Clover is a biennial, standing on hardy, smooth, erect, branching, stems, between 4 and 6 feet high.

The leaflets are narrow, grouped in 3′s, variable, ovate to oblong, from 1 to 2 inches long, with faintly serrate edges.

The tiny flowers are white, pea-like, and numerous, running along spikes.  White Sweet Clover grows along river and stream banks, in fields and waste places, throughout the continental U.S., flowering in July and August. White Sweet Clover has a distinctive, vanilla-like, sweet fragrance, which is greatly intensified upon drying.

The clovers, are a diverse family of plants; widely spread around the world as nutritious forage for animals. Honey bees love the ‘sweet clovers’.  The Melilots are also used by folks as flavorings for tobacco, soups, breads, and cheeses, as in the Swiss green cheese Schabziger.

My first thought was to try White Sweet Clover in coffee.  Adding 1 tablespoon of the dried herb, per pot, right in with the ground coffee, gives a light, smooth vanilla-ish flavor.  And then it occurred to me that White Sweet Clover could be helpful in making other, less palatable, medicinal herbs a bit more doable!  So, I collected a good amount of White Sweet Clover; which when dried, weighted out to 6 ½ ounces.  Doing research on the medicinal and culinary applications, lead me to tincture 4 ounces of the dried herb; for my medicine cabinet.  However, I found little (other than what I’ve already written) on White Sweet Clover’s culinary usage.

*****

THIS IS EXACTLY WHERE I WENT WRONG

The red flag is, “I found little on White Sweet Clover’s culinary usage.”

*****

And then it hit me!  Could I replace expensive, store-bought vanilla with White Sweet Clover tincture?  The thought seemed too good to be true.

*****

How does that saying go?  ”If it seems too good to be true that’s because it is!”  

The other day I checked out a favorite foraging guide from the library.  When I wrote this article I certainly did not have this book checked out; or I would have never tinctured White Sweet Clover.  

In “Wild Edible Plants Of New England” Joan Richardson writes about White Sweet and Yellow Sweet clover,  

“It was discovered that these two clovers contained a chemical called coumarin.  As these plants ferment and spoil, a product known as dicumarol is formed.  Dicumarol, taken into the body, acts as an anti-vitamin – that is, it blocks the ability of the body to utilize vitamin K, a substance vital in the formation of blood clots.” (1)

Apparently when animals eat large amounts of these spoiled clovers, they hemorrhage and die.  Although the White Sweet Clover flowers were dried when I tinctured them, the word, “ferment” in Ms Richardson’s statement, troubles me.  Does the change from coumarin to dicoumarol happen in alcohol?  I don’t know; and can’t seem to find the answer.  Therefore, I dumped out my tincture; and strongly recommend against anyone else tincturing either of the Sweet Clovers.  It is far better to be safe then sorry.

This year I will make, only, tea from fresh and dried

White Sweet Clover.

The sweet clovers are regarded medicinally as being demulcent, tonic, expectorant and diuretic. (2)  Anyone taking diuretic medications should avoid using diuretic herbs.

Thanx for stopping by.  See you next time.

REFERENCES:

(1) Wild Edible Plants Of New England, Joan Richardson.

The Globe Pequot press.  1981

(2) SHAKER Medicinal HERBS, Amy Bess Miller.

     Storey Books.  1998

Simply put, Orbs are a phenomenon of light; and/or, the absence of light. Most folks strongly believe they are more than that.  Are Orbs Otherworldly visitors, backscatter, dust, moisture, there, not there, near-camera reflections, or faked?  These questions are not my concern; although, I do have my own opinion!  Honestly, I don’t care WHAT Orbs are; I care THAT they are.  Whatever they are, or, are not, Orbs make me happy. 

Whenever I see Orbs, it is a sign, to me, that I am well, in that instant, connected and right in the Universe, much like when a butterfly comes and flits around a flower, which I am already photographing, or when an unfamiliar child tugs on my sleeve, in town, and looks up at me, smiling.

It’s interesting that Wikipedia defines Orbs as: “The term orb describes unexpected, typically circular artifacts that occur in flash photography.”  Well, then, what do I call them when I see them with my eyes?  Certainly hallucinations will not do.  Otherwise my camera is, also, hallucinating! 

More than likely you have seen Orbs with your own eyes; maybe in the rear view mirror as the sun sets behind you, maybe when you rubbed your eyes too hard, for too long, maybe in white-out conditions, maybe, out of the corner of your eye, in the basement! 

Also, Orbs are not entirely unexpected, in my experience.  Although unpredictable, Orbs do have their own times and places of manifesting.  The in-between times and places are fraught with Orbs.  When light and dark join and become fractured, Orbs happen.

Early in the morning, as the sun peeks over and through the trees, is my favorite Orb foraging time.  I love to mosey out on the third floor balcony with a cup of coffee and a smoke, to visit Orblandia.  If the theory that Orbs are manifestations of Spirit is true; than my yard is definitely occupied!  Which makes me feel phenomenally light.  And, I am most grateful.

Just click on any photo to enlarge for greater detail.

Thanx for stopping by, See you next time!

* * * * * * * * * * *

 For more fun with orbs please see:

 The Great Questions in the Hamburger Universe

By Micheal Ledwith

 http://hamburgeruniverse.com/

 and

 http://www.youtube.com/user/hamburgeruniverse

  * * * * * * * * * * *

What are Orbs?
by Dave Juliano

http://theshadowlands.net/ghost/orbs.htm

 * * * * * * * * * * *

 http://www.theorbzone.com/explanation.htm

* * * * * * * * * * *

Orb (optics)

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orb_(optics)

 * * * * * * * * * * *

Web Search Results

1 – 10 of about 1,010,000 for orbs

Mmmmm....chocolate!

British investigators have reported that in seven different studies people who ate the most chocolate had a 37% lower risk of
cardiovascular disease and a 29% lower risk of stroke compared with those who ate the least amount of chocolate.
In the study, published online August 29, 2011 in the British Medical Journal, Dr.
Adriana Buitrago-Lopez stated: “Although overconsumption can have harmful
effects, the existing studies generally agree on a potential beneficial
association of chocolate consumption with a lower risk of cardio-metabolic
disorders. Our findings confirm this, and we found that higher levels of
chocolate consumption might be associated with a one-third reduction in the
risk of developing cardiovascular disease.”  Chocolate in any form was included, such as
chocolate bars, chocolate drinks, and chocolate snacks, such as confectionary,
biscuits, desserts, white chocolate, dark chocolate milk chocolate and
nutritional supplements.  Chocolate consumption was reported differently in the trials but ranged from never to more
than once per day.

Overall, results showed that high
levels of chocolate consumption compared with the lowest levels of chocolate
consumption reduced the risk of any cardiovascular disease 37% and stroke
29%.  There was no association between
chocolate consumption and the risk of heart failure, and no association on the
incidence of diabetes in women.

Says the doctor:   ”These favorable effects seem mainly
mediated by the high content of polyphenols present in cocoa products and are
probably accrued through the increasing bioavailability of nitric oxide, which
subsequently might lead to improvements in endothelial function, reductions in
platelet function, and additional beneficial effects on blood pressure, insulin
resistance, and blood lipids,” conclude Dr. Buitrago-Lopez and colleagues.

I hestitated to post this study because I didn’t want people to overreact to this joyous news and begin gorging themselves on chocolate.  Diabetics still need to count their carbohydrates and people watching their weight need to consider their potential to over-induldge on chocolate on the belief that “chocolate is good for me.”  Remember this: Too much of anything is not a good thing.

Hope to see you here, soon!

Much Love and Many Blessings,

Linda “Inky” Redbird

Just click on any photo to enlarge for greater detail.

Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, produces its seeds in formidable follicles, better known as, pods.

Milkweed is named for its milky sap, which contains alkaloids and latex. Many alkaloids are known to be toxic; and care should be exercised with Milkweed.  The latex is very sticky, be careful not to get it on your fingers.  Otherwise, it will end up on your camera, clothing, nose, etc!

The outer and inner rinds protect the ripening seeds.

The “spine” of the pod is a gilled, leaf-like structure; which keeps the seeds arranged in overlapping rows, until the pods ripen, dry, and split open.

The seeds have white filament-like hairs known as pappus, silk, or floss. The seeds, are carried into the wind, by the floss.

The floss has been used historically for cordage, textiles and is the traditional background for mounted butterflies.  Which, I suppose is appropriate; as Milkweed is a favorite food source of butterflies.  If you love butterflies, plant some Milkweed.  It could be your contribution to saving the dwindling Monarchs.

Milkweed pods can be eaten when they are about 1 inch long and still firm. It’s best to cook the pods in several, rapid changes of boiling water, before adding them to soup, stew or eating them as a side dish.  Unused pods keep well in the freezer.  I like to blanch them first in 3 changes, 1 1/2 minutes each, of, already, boiling water.  Then when I want to use them, the pre-cooking is done.  This is important as the bitter alkaloids are boiled off into the water. 

When cooking a large batch of Milkweed pods I put 3 pots (of approx equal size) of water on the stove to boil.  When all pots have achieved a rolling boil, I carefully lower the pods into the first pot.  When 1 1/2 minutes is up, I drain the pods and carefully place them into the 2nd pot.  After another minute and a half, the pods are, again drained and then go into the 3rd pot.  One more minute and a half, and I drain them, again.  Now my pods are ready to be cooked for eating; or cooled and packed for the freezer.

J Omega T (find him in my blogroll) suggests an easier method, which is great for small batches of pods.  Bring 1 large pot of water to a boil.   Place the Milkweed pods in 1 small pot and use a ladle to cover the pods with boiling water, from the big pot.  After 1 1/2 minute, drain and repeat, several times.  Thanx J! (1)

Crushed milkweed pods can be boiled until soft and then made into paper using the sheet-forming technique. Paper making is a messy, smelly, albeit ultimately satisfying, endeavor.  Although, I’ve not, yet, tried Milkweed paper making, it is very intriguing.  With the addition of rose petals, and/or dandelion petals and/or any flower petals, Milkweed pod paper could become a preoccupation!  Looking at the rinds and the floss leads me to believe it would be lovely, with a silky feel and sheen.

Milkweed pods can be used in gardening, since they kill nematodes. Nematodes are round worms that kill by spreading plant viruses. Crushed milkweed pods, spread over the soil will keep away nematodes. (2)

Milkweed pods can be painted and used as decorations. During the Victorian Era, milkweed pods were hung from Christmas trees and wreaths.  I don’t do Christmas; however, it’s easy to imagine several crafty pod projects.  Just the shape suggests a paisley design; maybe stamp painted using a cross section of the pod!  Collected on the stalk (or in the viewfinder) Milkweed pods, also, make a great addition to dried flower arrangements.

Just click on any photo to enlarge for greater detail.

Thanx for stopping by.  See you soon.

REFERENCES:

(1) J Omega T:   jomegat.wordpress.com

(2) Read more: Uses for Milkweed Pods | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6184685_uses-milkweed-pods.html#ixzz1XrGosRbl

For more Milkweed information and photos, please see:  http://forageporage.wordpress.com/2011/06/21/pass-the-milkweed-please/

With six days of rain in the immediate forecast, I headed over to Onset Beach; to soak up every last drop of summer sunshine.  It was a perfect day, full of sun so bright, everything shimmered.

“Onset Beach is a smooth, sandy beach with warm Buzzards Bay water. This area is popular, so be prepared for crowds. Amenities consist of a bandstand for summer events. Parking here requires a daily fee during the summer.” (1)

However, between Labor Day and Memorial Day, this is MY beach!  As you can see in the photos, off season, Onset, becomes itself, again; a sleepy New England seaside town.  And, parking is, then, free and easy to find.

The water was warm enough to roll up my pants, wade in and dance with the water creatures.  It wouldn’t surprise me if the water and air temps were close together.  There were zillions of busy, Periwinkles!

“The common periwinkle or winkle, also known as Littorina littorea, is a species of small edible sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk which has gills and an operculum, and is classified within the family Littorinidae, the periwinkles.” (2)  And, they are delicous!  The entire shoreline was littered with free escargot!

A few last Wrinkled Roses, Rosa rugosa, lingered,

on bushes loaded with fat, nutritious hips!

Please be careful, there’s wave after wave of Poison Ivy, Rhus radicans, all over the dunes.

Even leafless, the vine and berries of Poison Ivy will, also, casuse an allergic reaction.

All the Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, pods are ready to bust and spit seeds into the wind!

 All the sand, sun, snails and walking made me hungry.

Unfortunately, foraging is NOT an option, here; not even nibbles!  Public beaches are far too highly trafficed to insure safety.

It was a great walk, though.  Thanx for coming.  See you next time.  I’m going to go find a forageable Autumn Olive, Eleagnus umbellata, and stuff my face with berries!

HAPPY AUTUMN YA’LL

Just click on any photo to enlarge for greater detail.

Thanx for stopping by.  See you next time.

REFERENCES:

(1)  http://beaches.uptake.com/massachusetts/wareham/onset_beach_19460516.html

 (2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_periwinkle

Onset on Dwellable

            Before the Common Era, for the most part, we hunted, gathered and lived off the land.  Certainly there was agricultural development as well as “city/state” societies.  However, most “commoners” made due with what was at hand.  Knowledge of what was good, what wasn’t, what worked and what didn’t, was shared; face to face and hand to hand.  Survival in the moment and the hope of a future depended on group reliance.  Therefore, truth was not only necessary, it was revered.  A single lie was capable of wiping out entire nations.  Slowly, through the quest for progress, a better way and the supposed good of all, much of this knowledge has been lost or purposely destroyed.  Some “original knowledge” was translated, bastardized and hopelessly muddied.  Thankfully there are, still, tiny, remote pockets of innocent, original genius.  In the last 200 years or so there has been a conscious movement backward; toward the truth; likely a reaction to the sonic blast of the industrial revolution.  Folks like John Muir, Henry David Thoreau, Marcel Proust, Euell Gibbons and Woody Guthrie (just to name a few; as the list is lengthy) stood against the “norm” and reminded us that “This Land Was Made For You And Me.”  (2)  They left us with wild places, literature, full of wild notions, about those places and wild songs to sing while we are there!  They took personal responsibility for what they knew to be right and good in the world.  All made considerable sacrifices to come to know, stand for and preserve what they instinctively felt, in Nature.  As a modern forager I, also, feel and carry that responsibility.  The nagging question is: with all the conflicting information, available, how do I know what is good, what is not, what works and what doesn’t?  For me, deep knowing is an eventual process; where the answers begin outside.

            Finding unfamiliar plants is a frequent and most welcome occurrence.  Often, something at the edge of my periphery will stand out and catch my eye.  In my heart I believe they call to me.  No, I don’t hear little voices coming from plants.  However, there does seem to be an attraction dynamic happening.  Then, out comes my camera and notebook.  As I approach, notes are recorded and photos snapped about the time, date, weather, location, neighboring vegetation and landscape.  Whenever possible I sit beside my new friend, watch, listen and get personal; WITHOUT TOUCHING.  Size, shape, branch, stem, leaf, bud, flower, seed, color and fragrance (again, without touching) characteristics are all noted and photographed; as well as signs of animal or insect invaders and plant diseases.  Every detail, essential to the whole, gives clues to the story of the plant.  This is where plant whispering begins.  After some time (often hours) and an area trash sweep,  I thank my new friend for the company and head home to hit the books; which is where it can get tricky!  Whatever I will come to learn; I’ve already done myself a world of good.  In addition to sunshine, fresh air, and a walk, I took time out to study, observe, meditate and reflect, in a natural setting; which for me, is always healing, leaving me feeling better, more confident and well connected to both Mother Earth and Father Sky.

            Up front, I should confess to being highly suspicious of “scientific research”.  Certainly we all know the scientific community isn’t always telling the truth.  A great deal of “research” has been paid for and directed toward corporate dividends; disguised in “greater good” propaganda; and, some of this “research” isn’t even good science.  For instance, any study based on the consequences of “lab rats” is absurd.  I’m not a lab rat!  Domesticated rats have a short life expectancy of about 2 years and they tend to develop tumors and die from the results.  When used experimentally, they are fed high doses of whatever substance, over long periods of time; a practice, which, in and of itself, is lethal.  Therefore, I do not understand how such foolery is relevant.  On the other hand, botanical information is a must.

            Having a basic understanding of plant chemistry is invaluable and ultimately satisfying.  Plants contain a plethora of chemicals; including, plant acids, alcohols, alkaloids, anthraquinones, bitter principles, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, flavones, flavonoid glycosides, phenolic compounds, salts, saponins, sugars, tannins and volatile oils.  Understanding the function of these chemicals, and their actions on the body, brings a whole new reverence to plants and food; all food.  Knowing which chemicals pose risks and how to deal with and eliminate or avoid those risks is quintessential.  Also, the supermarket will, necessarily, become a new frontier!  And, chemistry is fun!  Honest!  I’m so very grateful to learn each handy tidbit; such as, the chemical components of Hawthorn berries, Crataegus leavigata, act to normalize the heart, by either stimulating or depressing heart activity, depending on which action is appropriate! (3)  Imagine that, Hawthorn berries “read” your body and then do what your body needs.  Smart berries!  There is an abundance of smart food outside; patiently wait for us to become smart enough to remember how to eat it; again.

            Leafing through several field guides and cross referencing plant characteristics, quickly narrows the search, usually giving me (at least) the first half of the plant’s Latin or scientific name; which tells me what plant family (genus) it belongs to.  Not all guides contain all members of every genus; most don’t.  Going, point for point, without exception, or substitution, through my list of characteristics leads me to the second part of the Latin name, its specific name (species).  I like using the Latin names for several reasons.  Most importantly, any given plant may have several, to dozens, of common names, yet that plant holds only one Latin name; ending much confusion.  Latin names are old and romantic; albeit a little intimidating, at first.  Honestly, at my age, I’m surprised how easily and quickly these names stick with me.  Learning a new language is fun!

            Once I know the Latin name, a world of information unfolds between my fingers.  Now other, more specific guides come out, depending on which direction the Latin name leads me.  And, of course, it’s internet surfing time!  I read most of what I come across, including contradictory “facts” and study every picture I come upon; often to the point of complete distraction!  The librarians in my town are great; and are usually up for any plant discussion and/or investigation.  Another viewpoint is always a must; many viewpoints is best.  Eventually, hungry and/or tired sets in, and I come up for air; with a head-full of plantery.  Having gathered imperative specifics; such as, edibility, toxicity, and possible look-alikes, along with gathering and preparatory issues and culinary and medicinal usages, I like to mull it around and discuss it, all, with someone knowledgeable (not always easy to find!).  

            Then I go back to the original plant and make certain I didn’t overlook anything.  Taking a 15 minute walk, in every direction possible, out from that original plant, will usually yield a good number of relatives, for comparison; if not, I keep looking.  I like to see, study and photograph hundreds of my new friend, in every season, BEFORE I decide if I will use it, or not.  If there is only one plant, I won’t touch it, ever.  90% certainty can be deadly.  I never bet on identification; nothing short of 100% positive identification is acceptable.  With all the tools available and attention to detail, plant identification isn’t difficult.  Only after positive identification and careful study, can an educated decision whether to use the plant or not, be made.  Whatever the decision, my brain gets a good workout!  It is often a year, or more, after my first meeting with a plant, before I even touch it.  One exception I’ve made, to this way, is Autumn-Olive, Elaeagnus umbellate.  I felt 100% positive identification had been achieved, in a week, as, along with an avalanche of print and photos I was very fortunate to stumble upon 3 local, longtime Autumnberry fanatics; and there are hundreds of Autumn-Olive shrubs right in my neighborhood.

           Because I’ve experienced eating a poisonous plant, food poisoning (not the same thing) and plant allergies, I tend to err on the side of caution.  Any plant containing alkaloids, saponins or tannins gets a long, hard look, great care and deep reverence.

            As a child, my nature was annoyingly curious; at least to my Mother.  I would often sit for hours in her garden and dissect plant parts.  I was particularly attracted to American Yew berries, Taxus canadensis; which are know to be poisonous.  For reasons I can’t explain, I would eat the flesh of the berries, after I squished out the seeds. (Do NOT try this at home).  American Yew seeds and foliage are toxic, and contain taxine, a heart depressing alkaloid; however the pulp (and ONLY the pulp) is actually edible. (4)  My mother would find the seeds and ask, “Who’s been picking at my garden?”, usually followed by, “Linda, you better not be messing around in my plants”.  One day (when I was 5 or 6) she snuck up, from behind and caught me; berry handed.  To hide the evidence I quickly popped the Yew berry, into my mouth; bit down and gulped in fear.  The sudden blast of unexpected, acrid bitterness caused me to shudder, gag and forcefully vomit.  Other then that, and spending the rest of the day in my room, I suffered no ill effects.  To this day I’ve not touched another Yew berry.  Its funny, how after half a century that moment is so crystallized in my being.  Just the mention, or sight, of an American Yew, even writing this, causes me to cringe and I can still almost taste it!  Funny, too, American Yew was the first plant to be posted on my Poisonous Plants page (up top).  Wow, I just discovered a psychic scar!  I can’t help but wonder if that scar wasn’t an intended blessing; encouraging caution in this once and future forager!?!?!?!?

            Food poisoning was very different.  In my early twenties I had an affair with Chinese food; which included a favorite restaurant.  I ate there once a week, for several years; usually ordering the same thing.  One day I felt adventurous and ordered sweet and sour chicken. The first bite tasted wrong; so wrong I spit it into my napkin.  Wondering if that’s what sweet and sour chicken really tastes like, I decided it wasn’t for me; and faked a toothache to politely get out of eating it.  Thank goodness I did.  Within a few hours I felt very tired and a bit feverish; and went to bed early.  For three days I remained in bed (except for bathroom sprints), running a 104 fever, shaking and sweating with intense muscle cramps and diarrhea.  Over the next two weeks I sipped tea, ginger ale and broth; but wasn’t able to look at solid food.  It took the better part of a month before I felt like myself; albeit 20 pounds lighter. 

            Both experiences taught me that if something doesn’t taste right, spit it out!  Then rinse out your mouth.  In retrospect, I wonder, had I vomited, after the sweet and sour chicken or rinsed my mouth, if I would have had a better time of it.

            And, then, there is the issue of possible plant/food allergies.  Any food, at any time, can cause an allergic reaction, in anyone.  It is important to go slow with any new food, wherever it comes from.  A mild allergic reaction is much easier to contend with than anaphylactic shock.  Recently, I’ve come to understand that I’m allergic to wheat.  Having been a bread freak my entire life, this is a big disappointment.  However, sacrificing wheat for a happy tummy is well worth it!  As the saying goes, “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.”  

Poison Ivy, Rhus radicans, Poison Oak, Rhus diversiloba, and Poison Sumac, Rhus vernix, are important to become aquainted with.  Urushiol, an alkaloid, in the plants, is an allergen; which, in sensitive individuals can cause allergic dermatitis. (5) Poison Ivy and Poison Sumac abound in this area.  It’s important to know what grows in your area and be able to recognize it at a distance.

            Knowing what is good, what is not, what works and what doesn’t, takes time, patience, dedication and experience.  Yet, even after decades of experience, food poisoning and allergic reactions are always a possibility.  However, with care and experience, the incidence of ingesting a poisonous plant decreases.  Therefore, I intend to go slowly, quietly, knowledgably and confidentially in the direction of my dreams; which is to know, every plant I come across; what’s good, what’s not, what works and what doesn’t!

The real voyage

of discovery

consists not in

seeking new lands

but in seeing

with new eyes.

~Marcel Proust (6)

             If you ever suspect you’ve eaten a poisonous plant, or that you may have food poisoning, or that you are having an allergic reaction, to anything, please, immediately seek medical attention.

 Just click on any photo to enlarge for greater detail.

Thanx for stopping by.  See you next time.

REFERENCES:

Henry David Thoreau links: a concise, simple directory to resources on Henry David Thoreau, American author, poet and philosopher. More links to Thoreau’s …

(2)  Welcome to the Official Woody Guthrie Website  Official Woody Guthrie web site with biography, lyrics, artwork, the Woody Guthrie Foundation, the Woody Guthrie Archives, news and events, and educational programs. woodyguthrie.org

(3) THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED HOLISTIC HERBAL, David Hoffman. 

      Element Books.  1996

(4) PETERSON FIELD GUIDES, Edible Wild Plants, Lee Allen Peterson.

     Houghton Mifflin. 1977

(5) The POISON IVY, OAK & SUMAC BOOK, Thomas E. Anderson

     Acton Circle, 1995

(6)  Marcel-Valentin-Louis-Eugène-Georges Proust (July 10, 1871 – November 18, 1922) was a French intellectual, novelist, essayist and critic, best known as the author of In …www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/​Marcel_Proust

I had a really great weekend. Although it was very busy, I had time to go see a comedian Saturday night with my wife and a few friends. It reminded me of this scripture; Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one’s strength. There is just something about laughing that makes you feel better, unless you are my wife who complained that her side and head hurt because she laughed so hard.
We all need to laugh. The world has become a far to serious place and people live on the edge with their feelings stuck way out, waiting to be hurt. When did we get to be so serious? Everyone gets offended at the slightest thing and we have to watch what we say even when what we say is meant to be light-hearted.
This comedian said a few things that stuck with me. I have always heard that comedy has to have truth in it for it to be funny, otherwise it is just being mean. A good comedian knows how to look around and just speak to the simple truths that we take for granted. This guy said that all you need to do is open your eyes and you can see what it takes to make people laugh.
This weekend the whole east coast was dealing with Hurricane Irene. Every channel had breaking news, but the problem was that they were no longer taking a break to tell us what was happening, they had to take breaks from telling us what was happening. I heard estimates of how many billions the storm was going to cost, how many lives could be lost, and how bad this was going to be on the economy, all while they were still trying to determine the exact track of the storm. Every report was about how horrible this would be and yet each one included a downgrade of the storms winds and hurricane category. I know that news people have a job to do, but wow, this was over the top. Easy for me to say because I was not there nor were any of my relatives. Add to all this, the fact that the east coast had an earthquake last week and the people went crazy!
So I got to laugh this weekend. I laughed a lot and I laughed hard. For about an hour nothing mattered. The only time I thought about anything serious was when I was being made fun of by the comedian. Even then I was only thinking seriously about how I could make my church laugh about the things I was laughing about. I realized that there are things that happen that are just not worth getting upset about and that somewhere there might be a comedian getting material from those of us who do.
All ready, only a day after the big storm, I have heard of churches and other organizations rushing to help those who did suffer from this hurricane. Some things can be handled right now and other things will need some time, but either way, people are helping. Prayers are being made for those who are suffering and the seriousness of our world is never-ending. Right now, without a hurricane people are going through things that are shattering their world. I went to visit a friend in the hospital last night and as I was leaving I saw woman all alone, crying in the hallway. I walked over and introduced myself and she told me her mother was dying. All I could do is prayer for her. My friend tweeted about a family that lost everything in a fire but the clothes on their backs. Many are rallying to help them. It never ends, the needs of others.
So, I will rejoice in the short time that God allowed me to take this weekend to laugh and hang out with friends. I will not feel bad about leaving the insanity of the real world to enter into a sanctuary of laughter because it did show that even in this crazy world we live in, there are things that we can laugh at and it is okay.
This was Christian comedian so much of the jokes were about church and church life and pastors. I am so glad someone was finally laughing with me instead of at me, or were they just doing both? I don’t care. It was good medicine.

just plain good

Rowga

Good for what ails you

Good for what doesn’t

Just plain good

Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine,

Exodus 15:26  “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.” 

….finally, scientifically proven!

USA Today did a story on March 2009 on the “Power of a super attitude”

Mind-body medicine is now scientifically proven,” says Herbert Benson, a cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who is considered a pioneer in the field. “There are literally thousands of articles on how the mind and brain affect the body.

Benson, author of 10 books, is founding president of the Mind/Body Medical Institute in Boston, a non-profit organization devoted to studying interactions between mind and body. He says Reeve’s focus on improving the plight of others with disabilities, like Michael J. Fox’s work with Parkinson’s disease, in some ways may help them personally more than they realize.

When a person can focus on something other than illness, it allows the body to take advantage of our own healing capacity,” says Benson. “Hope in something beyond the illness and dedicating oneself to cures for the illness” rather than dwelling on oneself and one’s illness “gives purpose to life,” and helps prevent the negative effects of stress while medical science does its work.

Whether you like black cherries, Prunus serotina, or choke cherries, Prunus virginiana, there’s an abundance.

I’m a fruitaholic; and have difficulty putting any of this deliciousness into any container, other than my mouth!

The roses are hipping, Rosa spp., and a few are ripe enough to gather, now.

Wild potato, Ipomoea pandurata, flowers poke their heads out of many surprising places.  This one was near the school dumpster.

I found these tiny elf berries, and, had tentatively identified them; until I chatted with Wildman Steve Brill, on Facebook.  Steve was kind enough to take the time to agree, that they are,  American Dewberries, Rubus  flagellares.  Thanks Steve. (1)  Although these berries are itty-bitty they are powerful tasty!

If you come for a walk in the morning, some of the evening primrose, Oenothera biennis, flowers may still be open.

Across the fields there are loads of wild carrot, Daucus carota, soapwort, Saponaria officinalis, staghorn sumac, Rhus typhina, mullein, Verbascum thapsus, tansy, Tanacetum vulgare, ladys-thumb, Polygonum persicaria, goldenrod, Solidago odora, mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris, chicory, Cichorium intybus, and an orchestra of others; all singing, ‘Come get me!’

And, pretty much, everything you bring home contains the bonus of a hidden snail, Helix genus, tiny, tasty terrestrial gastropod mollusks!

Best of all, the autumnberries, Elaegnus umbellata, are beginning to ripen.  Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, oh yes!  Hands down these gems are my favorite foragables.  I ate a few, even though they aren’t ripe.  They were soooo tart, and, delicious!

Oh my goodness, I’ve eaten so many blackberries, Rubus fruticosus!  I’d like to take the time to detail out all these plants, here.  Truth be known a lot of plants have gone by, this year, already, that I did not get a chance to write a post about.  Maybe next year!  If you don’t see me here, I’m outside, stuffing my face!

I brought home a bouquet of mugwort, Artemisia vulgaris, wild carrot, Daucus carota, tansy, Tanacetum vulgare, and day lilies, Hemerocallis fulva.  Think I’m going to have to eat the lilies, though!

Just click on any photo to enlarge, for greater detail.

Thanx for stopping by.  See you soon.

REFERENCES:

Wildman Steve Brill:  www.wildmanstevebrill.com

Wareham on Dwellable