Wednesday, July 1, 2015

SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS JULY 2015

JULY musings... July is a month to focus and commit to one's goals...and so with great passion... I find myself this month wanting to dig deeper into my love of  fresh herbs...and the study of herbalism. I have always loved herbs...have grown them in my container garden...used them in my kitchen for my culinary needs...as well as for natural medicine...and soothing bath remedies...for many years. Nothing has given me greater pleasure than to pick my own herbs...smell their lovely aroma and then come into my kitchen and use them in my food preparation or to make a soothing bath or massage oil for physical healing. I have researched and studied them along the way...but now I want to know more...to experience more... of the ancient tradition and healing wisdom of the natural world...and my journey with herbs.

I feel very familiar and at home...in my heart and in my mind...touching...smelling...and using fresh herbs...perhaps in my memory...in another place and time...this was my calling or daily work...making herbal infusions...tinctures and soothing palms for women in childbirth or folks who were ill.

Whatever the case may be...I am feeling that inner urge to reconnect on a deeper level...my love of nature and her gifts of plant medicine through herbs. I know without a doubt that studying herbalism in a much broader scale than I have ever done before...is leading me somewhere that I am meant to go...to not only enrich my life...but to share the knowledge and wisdom of herbs with you too. Because one thing I do know for sure is that the use of herbs...whether in cooking...personal health...or emotional well-being...herbs work...are very affordable...and anyone can hugely benefit from their use.

Including you.

It is so empowering to pursue that nudge within...because of course...you are supposed to pay attention to such intuitive whispers when they happen...and truly trust those gifts of inner whispers...that always lead to new more positive paths...directions...and opportunities. Don't allow your negative mind chatter...talk you out of something that you just KNOW...it the right thing for you.

Just do it. One brave step at a time...no matter how big the task might appear to be..because truth is...you are so worthy of pursuing your goals...and will be so proud of yourself when you achieve whatever it is that you are aiming for.

You have my support,
Victoria



"Answer July-
Where is the bee-
Where is the blush-
Where is the hay?

Ah, said July-
Where is the seed-
Where is the bud-
Where is the May-
Answer Thee- me-"
by Emily Dickinson



FULL MOON FOR JULY...July 1st and  31st

FLOWERS FOR JULY... The lotus...water lily and jasmine

GEMS FOR JULY...The pearl...and moonstone

TEACHINGS OF JULY...Focusing on goals...and taking time to relax and enjoy life



FOLKLORE OF JULY...

Ne'er trust a July sky

If ant hills are high in July, the coming Winter will be hard.



BOOKS TO READ FOR JULY...

The Soul Garden
by Dr. Donald Norfolk



WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR JULY

July 1st...Canada Day...July 2nd...11 Palio Siena July 4th...Fourth of July...July 14th...Unity Day Rwanda...July 14th...Bastille Day France



SAY IT WITH HERBAL BOUQUETS

There is something so special about making an Herbal Bouquet...to place in your own home...but also to give as a delightful gift to those you care about. Small little bundles of beauty...Herbal Bouquets are perfect for weddings too...for the bridesmaids to carry...or as table settings.

To make your Herbal Bouquet ...gather together fresh herbs in various shades of green...shapes...and textures...including flowering herbs...and then tie with a pretty ribbon. Enjoy!




SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS


...FOR YOUR HOME

We all get the itch to fix up ...paint...or redo our homes at some point...and the Summer cycle...seems to be the perfect season to spruce things up. Chemical  free paint...is very affordable...easy to use...and comes in so many colors...that there is no good reason for you not to give this wonderful interior paint a try.

Here is a link for you to view this wonderful paint product...that will not harm you...your family...pets or the environment. This paint is organic...odorless and 100% VOC free.
www.ecospaints.net .


...FOR YOUR HEARTH

Warmer weather this month...calls for refreshing...but ever so good salads...here is one sure to please.This salad is also quite pretty


AVOCADO AND RUBY GRAPEFRUIT WITH CHILE SALAD
serves 2

1 ruby or pink grapefruit
1 small avocado
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 small fresh red chile...seeded and finely chopped
a handful of fresh cilantro leaves
extra-virgin olive oil

Slice off the top and bottom of the grapefruit. Stand it upright on a cutting board and work your way around the fruit with a sharp knife..cutting off all the skin and the white pith.Now hold the grapefruit in your hand over a bowl...to catch the juices and cut out the segments from between the membranes...letting the segments fall in the bowl.

Next..halve...peel...and pit the avocado...then cut lengthwise... into thin slices. Arrange on a large plate with the grapefruit segments and trickle on top...any remaining juice.

Sprinkle a little salt...fresh ground pepper...and the red chile over the salad.Finish with the cilantro and a generous trickle of olive oil. Serve at once in chilled bowls.


...FOR YOUR HEART

Take a class this month that will improve your quality of life...and give you a sense of pride. Herb classes...cooking classes...yoga...an art or writing class...is such a wonderful way for you to expand your life and make it better.

Join a community garden group...growing veggies ...herbs..fruit or even beautiful flowers...to give to those who are less fortunate than you.

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