September musings... The Sun casts certain shadows in the month of September...that I just love to observe...and actually sit or stand in... for a minutes outside each day...and just "be" in it's waning light. It feels different...it looks different...the Sun's light that is...because it is retreating...slowly...as if by some cosmic clock...so the lovely season of Autumn can begin.
This month offers...soothing energy...as if the whole Earth...can sigh a big breath of release...from the intense heat of the Summer cycle...and the frenzy of growth. Just as the Sun is retreating it's bright light of the Summer season...you are given this natural yearly signal...to retreat also...and embrace the Autumn...known as the cycle of "gathering in"...to reflect... to release...give thanks...and explore yourself more deeply...for your personal growth in the future.
This is a time of great change and release in my own life...my youngest and last child at home...has spread her wings and moved away to college...leaving a feeling of emptiness for me in my heart...and her echo left here in our home. I miss her something fierce...but I know that this is such a very necessary step for her growth...and one for me too...as her parent .I need...and each person needs... to know how and when to release and let go...no matter how painful that experience might feel in the moment.
As one door closes...another door opens.
No matter what release you are now facing...embrace it...because something new awaits you on the other side. It may not be what you want...but more than likely it is what your soul needs for your life to expand...and for you to grow. Take the gift of this month of September...to be like the Sun...and retreat within yourself...connect and honor your feelings...and reflect on your life events...change... and what you need to release from your life...no matter what that might be.
This is what I must do right now...reflect...feel...release...so when the time is right...I can move forward...to embrace a new chapter in my life.
And be at peace.
Peaceful release to you,
Victoria
There are flowers enough in the
Summertime
More flowers than
I can remember-
But none with the purple,gold,and red
That dyes the flowers of September!
by Mary Howitt
(1799-1888)
THE SEPTEMBER HOME...Is all about nesting..bringing order...beauty and balance once again to the place you call home.Return to your kitchen for Autumn baking...making hearty soups and stews...and place apples...nuts and herbs on your kitchen counters. Fall cleaning is also in order this month...so clean your home from top to bottom. Be sure to add natural pest control buy placing small cedar squares in closets and drawers.
LEAVING THE NEST REFLECTION JAR...
My youngest daughter and last child at home...has just left for college...and my emotions feel so raw...and I know they will remain a roller coaster for some time...as I settle in to my cycle of being an "empty nester". I wanted to express my feelings and keep them...as I feel it is so important to write out how I feel...and hold the memories too. You might want to do this also...for a child of yours who is going off to college...moving into their first place...or moving to a new city...away from you.
Fill up your Leaving The Nest Reflection Jar ...starting the very day your child moves out and add to it each day for a FULL year...then present it to your child...on the exact day...the following year...to cherish forever your heart emotions...and deepest inner feelings when they left home for the first time.
Supplies you will need:
1 large recycled bottle or jar
small blank tags
pen
Each day record your feelings or thoughts by writing them out on one of your blank tags...then place in your jar or bottle. If you wish say a prayer or express a loving message to your child as you finish placing the written tag in the bottle.
Present your Leaving The Nest Reflection Jar to your child one year from the day they left home as a cherished gift to them...and ask them to carry on the tradition with their own children.
WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS...
September 7th...Grandparents Day... September 21st.. International Day of Peace...September 23rd...Fall Equinox
In Greece the September Equinox is associated with the Greek mythology of the goddess Persephone and her return to be with her husband in the underworld. It is also a time when the Greeks reflect on successes or failures from the previous months.
In China...The mid-Autumn festival also known as the Moon Festival is celebrated around the time of the Fall Equinox...which honors the abundance of the Summers harvest with special moon cakes that are filled with lotus...sesame seeds...duck eggs or dried fruit.
SEPTEMBER IN FRENCH...Septembre
SEPTEMBER IN SPANISH...Setiembre
FOLKLORE...
Married in Septembers
golden glow, smooth
and serene your life will go.
FULL MOON...September 27th
LUNAR ECLIPSE... September 27th
FLOWERS FOR SEPTEMBER...Lily...asters
GEMS FOR SEPTEMBER...Sapphire
FACTS ABOUT SEPTEMBER...In Old England September was called Haervest-Monath (Harvest Month). This is the month to gather up the rest of the harvest and prepare for Winter.
TEACHINGS OF SEPTEMBER...This month is wonderful to reflect on your successes and failures so far this year...and make peace with situations that did not go the way you wanted them to. Do Fall cleaning and organize your home.
SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS
...FOR YOUR HOME
September is such a great month to clean out and clear out...your home environment...and creating a Home Blessing is such a special way to cleanse your home... once you have completed your cleaning and clearing out process. I have designed a simple...lovely... and meaningful HOME BLESSING e-course that offers you a wonderful way to clear your home of unwanted energies and add the qualities you really want for your home and family. You will be able to feel the positive difference in your home creating my Home Blessing...and will want to make it a yearly tradition. By ordering my Home Blessing just once...you will have the directions...and easy to follow format to do just that...year after year ...after year. My Home Blessing e-course also makes a great gift to give to those you love and care about.
To order my Home Blessing...just click on the TRADITIONS button that you will find on my website found on the right sidebar...or www.seasonallivingandtimelesstraditions.com
..FOR YOUR HEARTH
Carry on the tradition of baking...and make fresh baked goods this month of September in honor of the harvest season.
I am crazy good over any fruit dessert...and cobblers to me are so comforting and wholesome. Try this ever so good blackberry cobbler...and enjoy this wonderful traditional fruit dessert.
BLACKBERRY COBBLER
serves 6 to 8
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 cups fresh blackberries
1 cup sugar...plus a bit for sprinkling on top
1 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
pinch of fine sea salt
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
vanilla ice cream,,,,optional
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.Melt the butter in a large cast-iron skillet or ovenproof baking dish in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let the butter burn.
While the skillet is heating up...place the blackberries in a large bowl. Using a potato masher...mash them to release some of their juices.If the berries are tart...sprinkle them with some of the sugar.
To make the batter...in another bowl...whisk together the flour...baking powder...and salt. Add the 1 cup sugar...milk...and vanilla extract...and stir until evenly blended.Next...remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the melted butter to the batter...and stir to combine. Pour the mixed batter all at once into the hot skillet...then add the blackberries and the juices to the center of the batter.
Bake until the top is golden brown and a cake tester (knife) comes out clean...about 60 minutes. Serve warm...or at room temperature with ice cream if you wish.
...FOR YOUR HEART
Have a good old-fashioned scavenger hunt...in your neighborhood or nearby park...and embrace your inner child!
Go to an apple orchard and pick your own apples.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Saturday, August 1, 2015
SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS AUGUST 2015
August musings... This month is bringing such great change into my life...that feels so bittersweet... because my youngest daughter is leaving home for college. She will not be that far away...the trip is only an hour and a half tops...from our home...but to me it feels like a thousand miles away...to my mom heart. If you are a parent you do know how very difficult it is...and how heavy your heart feels when your children leave home. Yes...you did know that someday this would happen...but when it does actually happen...you feel frankly overwhelmed with this reality. I keep thinking " can I put the brakes on this... and just forget about it"? Or better still..."can she not go away to college"? The mom thing...can be so irrational and filled with inner turmoil...all of it fed by emotions you can't or will not even begin to understand.
It just is.
I am about to become what is known as an "empty nester". Doesn't that term even sound lonely? I feel like a label...has been imposed on me...ready for a trailer park somewhere...playing bingo...and drinking cocktails beginning at 10 am...with a bunch of other "empty nesters". Yikes! That vision scares me!
It is hard enough...often sad enough for me that my oldest daughter and grandson live an airplane flight away...which makes my heart hurt...I miss them so much. Now my soon to be "empty nester" mind is now going to bingo and trailer park mentality. I need to get a grip.
I hope this "empty nesting" change doesn't mean my husband will now have to take Viagra...so we can experience that special moment. That would be the ultimate this is "s..."crap...and my life is over now...for me.
Maybe I will just become a hippie...oh wait...I pretty much already am one. Or get a tattoo? Have one already... ear piercings...already have double pierced ears. Smoke? I already love to smoke cigars. Cats...nope. Travel the country in an RV...not even no... but hell no.
On the brighter side...I keep reminding myself...she is going to her first pick college... and the town where she will be living is really pretty neat...and she has a few friends going to the same college...so she will already have folks she knows... to hang with. The college is close by...an easy drive...for us to drive down and see her. She has made a vow to come home once a month...which believe me I will hold her to...or put her on the worst guilt trip ever... for the rest of her life!
It is her time to go out on her own...and spread her wings...and my heart...best wishes...and blessings go with her...it goes without saying. Her being able to go to a great college...where she will be laying a solid foundation for her own future...and my husband and I being able to give her this gift...is part of my personal harvest this year...and I am so very grateful.
My cup is full.
This season in my life...right now...is the cycle...of that bittersweet feeling that any parent knows and experiences...as the years of parenting...watching over...and nurturing your children...come to a close...not completely...ever...just in a different way.
I trust that all will go well...very well...for my daughter...and for your children too. Our children are...our most priceless harvest...our wealth beyond measure...and I know you are as grateful as I am...for the gifts of being a parent.
Blessings always,
Victoria
All that I have comes from my
Mother!
I give myself over to this pot.
My thoughts are on the good,
the healing properties of this
food.
My hands are balanced, I
season well!
I give myself over to this pot.
Life is being given to me.
I commit to sharing, I feed
others.
I feed She Who Feeds Me.
I give myself over to this gift.
I adorn this table with food.
I invite lovers and friends to
come share.
I thank you for this gift.
All that I have comes from my
Mother!
by Luisah Teish
WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR AUGUST
August 1st...First harvest...August 5th...Workers Day in Iceland...August 15th...Independence Day...in India...August 25th...Women's Equality Day
FULL MOON IN AUGUST...August 29th
FLOWERS FOR AUGUST... sunflower...marigold
GEMS FOR AUGUST...agate...onyx
TEACHINGS FOR AUGUST...This month marks the beginning of the harvest season...and is a month for you to ponder all aspects of your life that you can acknowledge appreciation for. August is also a month to honor all you have harvested thus far this year personally and professionally...including lessons that you learned.
FOLKLORE FOR AUGUST..."If the first week of August be warm...the winter will be white and
long."
HOW TO SAY AUGUST IN OTHER LANGUAGES... In French...August is Aout...In Italian...August is Agosto
FACTS ABOUT AUGUST...
Many cultures call this month The Harvest month...or The Time of the Harvest.
For three weeks in Scotland... the world's largest art's festival is held in Edinburgh...Scotland's capital. This yearly tradition features classical music..opera...theatre and dance.
In Japan starting August 13th...and ending August 16th...The Obon or the Festival of Lanterns is held. This celebration is much like The Day of the Dead...which honors a family's departed relatives.
During The Oban special food is prepared to place on home altars and in temples... and as the sun goes down... paper lanterns are lit and hung in doorways so their ancestors spirits can find their way home.
HARVEST CELEBRATION
Researching history can be great fun...and is such a wonderful tool for you to discover how your ancestors lived...their traditions and what their daily lives were like...and perhaps the struggles they encountered just gathering enough water to drink...and the long process of even preparing a simple meal.
This August marks the beginning of the harvest season...a time of harvesting the crops...giving thanks for the harvest...and celebrating with special foods brought in from the fields.
Here is a great way for you and your family or friends to celebrate this harvest season. Assign each person a task of doing research on a particular subject...such as...how did the the early pioneers celebrate the harvest season? What crops did they grow? What food did they prepare as a special treat for the harvest meal? Did they play music or dance that day? Also include as part of the research the customs or traditions of any particular country that you are a descendant from...including foods eaten or other traditions held during the harvest season.
Now for the fun part...after all the information is gathered from the research.Set a date in early August and plan a harvest dinner around the foods or recipes you have researched and gathered.Get everyone involved in the food preparation...including table decorations that have a theme of the harvest season.
After all the food is prepared...gather round the table and have everyone share what they learned and what they found out about what it was like during the harvest season in days gone by...including the traditions and customs held during that time period. This will be such a great experience for each one of you...learning the deeper meaning of the harvest season and how important it was for our ancestors survival...as well as a teaching format of history of your family ancestors. Open up the discussion also about the difficulties of living and surviving then..and how important the fields...crops and harvest season was...and how much we have today with our modern conveniences. This is such an insightful discussion...that hopefully will give each person present a deep appreciate for their food...and the many other blessings they have each day.
SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS
...FOR YOUR HOME
Set out pretty little bundles of wheat tied with gold ribbons...on tables...as a reminder of the harvest season.
Set out vases in each room...with this month's flowers...the sunflower or marigold.
...FOR YOUR HEARTH
The month of August is the time to harvest your home grown herbs...or purchase organic fresh ones...and make some really healthy and good dips.
Herb and Yogurt Dip
serves 4
1 cup strained plain yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
a pinch of salt
freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons fresh sage leaves...finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh marjoram leaves...finely chopped
11/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Mix together all ingredients and refrigerate...serve with veggies...in baked potatoes...or with chips.
GARLIC HERB and TOMATO DIP
serves 4
3-4 fresh organic medium sized tomatoes...skinned
4 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 clove garlic crushed
5 fresh basil leaves
a pinch of salt
freshly ground pepper
Skin the tomatoes by dropping them into a pot of boiling water for a second or two.The skin can then be easily removed..
Chop the skinned tomatoes into very small pieces.Add the chopped chives...and the basil that you have torn into small pieces....followed by the seasoning. Put all the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth...serve with veggies...chips...or to spread on sandwiches.
...FOR YOUR HEART
Make a Harvest shrine or little altar on a little space in one room of your home...where you can place little stones...where you have written with a paint pen...things you have harvested this year...both personally and professionally...as a loving reminder for you to see each day...how much you have to be thankful for.
It just is.
I am about to become what is known as an "empty nester". Doesn't that term even sound lonely? I feel like a label...has been imposed on me...ready for a trailer park somewhere...playing bingo...and drinking cocktails beginning at 10 am...with a bunch of other "empty nesters". Yikes! That vision scares me!
It is hard enough...often sad enough for me that my oldest daughter and grandson live an airplane flight away...which makes my heart hurt...I miss them so much. Now my soon to be "empty nester" mind is now going to bingo and trailer park mentality. I need to get a grip.
I hope this "empty nesting" change doesn't mean my husband will now have to take Viagra...so we can experience that special moment. That would be the ultimate this is "s..."crap...and my life is over now...for me.
Maybe I will just become a hippie...oh wait...I pretty much already am one. Or get a tattoo? Have one already... ear piercings...already have double pierced ears. Smoke? I already love to smoke cigars. Cats...nope. Travel the country in an RV...not even no... but hell no.
On the brighter side...I keep reminding myself...she is going to her first pick college... and the town where she will be living is really pretty neat...and she has a few friends going to the same college...so she will already have folks she knows... to hang with. The college is close by...an easy drive...for us to drive down and see her. She has made a vow to come home once a month...which believe me I will hold her to...or put her on the worst guilt trip ever... for the rest of her life!
It is her time to go out on her own...and spread her wings...and my heart...best wishes...and blessings go with her...it goes without saying. Her being able to go to a great college...where she will be laying a solid foundation for her own future...and my husband and I being able to give her this gift...is part of my personal harvest this year...and I am so very grateful.
My cup is full.
This season in my life...right now...is the cycle...of that bittersweet feeling that any parent knows and experiences...as the years of parenting...watching over...and nurturing your children...come to a close...not completely...ever...just in a different way.
I trust that all will go well...very well...for my daughter...and for your children too. Our children are...our most priceless harvest...our wealth beyond measure...and I know you are as grateful as I am...for the gifts of being a parent.
Blessings always,
Victoria
All that I have comes from my
Mother!
I give myself over to this pot.
My thoughts are on the good,
the healing properties of this
food.
My hands are balanced, I
season well!
I give myself over to this pot.
Life is being given to me.
I commit to sharing, I feed
others.
I feed She Who Feeds Me.
I give myself over to this gift.
I adorn this table with food.
I invite lovers and friends to
come share.
I thank you for this gift.
All that I have comes from my
Mother!
by Luisah Teish
WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR AUGUST
August 1st...First harvest...August 5th...Workers Day in Iceland...August 15th...Independence Day...in India...August 25th...Women's Equality Day
FULL MOON IN AUGUST...August 29th
FLOWERS FOR AUGUST... sunflower...marigold
GEMS FOR AUGUST...agate...onyx
TEACHINGS FOR AUGUST...This month marks the beginning of the harvest season...and is a month for you to ponder all aspects of your life that you can acknowledge appreciation for. August is also a month to honor all you have harvested thus far this year personally and professionally...including lessons that you learned.
FOLKLORE FOR AUGUST..."If the first week of August be warm...the winter will be white and
long."
HOW TO SAY AUGUST IN OTHER LANGUAGES... In French...August is Aout...In Italian...August is Agosto
FACTS ABOUT AUGUST...
Many cultures call this month The Harvest month...or The Time of the Harvest.
For three weeks in Scotland... the world's largest art's festival is held in Edinburgh...Scotland's capital. This yearly tradition features classical music..opera...theatre and dance.
In Japan starting August 13th...and ending August 16th...The Obon or the Festival of Lanterns is held. This celebration is much like The Day of the Dead...which honors a family's departed relatives.
During The Oban special food is prepared to place on home altars and in temples... and as the sun goes down... paper lanterns are lit and hung in doorways so their ancestors spirits can find their way home.
HARVEST CELEBRATION
Researching history can be great fun...and is such a wonderful tool for you to discover how your ancestors lived...their traditions and what their daily lives were like...and perhaps the struggles they encountered just gathering enough water to drink...and the long process of even preparing a simple meal.
This August marks the beginning of the harvest season...a time of harvesting the crops...giving thanks for the harvest...and celebrating with special foods brought in from the fields.
Here is a great way for you and your family or friends to celebrate this harvest season. Assign each person a task of doing research on a particular subject...such as...how did the the early pioneers celebrate the harvest season? What crops did they grow? What food did they prepare as a special treat for the harvest meal? Did they play music or dance that day? Also include as part of the research the customs or traditions of any particular country that you are a descendant from...including foods eaten or other traditions held during the harvest season.
Now for the fun part...after all the information is gathered from the research.Set a date in early August and plan a harvest dinner around the foods or recipes you have researched and gathered.Get everyone involved in the food preparation...including table decorations that have a theme of the harvest season.
After all the food is prepared...gather round the table and have everyone share what they learned and what they found out about what it was like during the harvest season in days gone by...including the traditions and customs held during that time period. This will be such a great experience for each one of you...learning the deeper meaning of the harvest season and how important it was for our ancestors survival...as well as a teaching format of history of your family ancestors. Open up the discussion also about the difficulties of living and surviving then..and how important the fields...crops and harvest season was...and how much we have today with our modern conveniences. This is such an insightful discussion...that hopefully will give each person present a deep appreciate for their food...and the many other blessings they have each day.
SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS
...FOR YOUR HOME
Set out pretty little bundles of wheat tied with gold ribbons...on tables...as a reminder of the harvest season.
Set out vases in each room...with this month's flowers...the sunflower or marigold.
...FOR YOUR HEARTH
The month of August is the time to harvest your home grown herbs...or purchase organic fresh ones...and make some really healthy and good dips.
Herb and Yogurt Dip
serves 4
1 cup strained plain yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
a pinch of salt
freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons fresh sage leaves...finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh marjoram leaves...finely chopped
11/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Mix together all ingredients and refrigerate...serve with veggies...in baked potatoes...or with chips.
GARLIC HERB and TOMATO DIP
serves 4
3-4 fresh organic medium sized tomatoes...skinned
4 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 clove garlic crushed
5 fresh basil leaves
a pinch of salt
freshly ground pepper
Skin the tomatoes by dropping them into a pot of boiling water for a second or two.The skin can then be easily removed..
Chop the skinned tomatoes into very small pieces.Add the chopped chives...and the basil that you have torn into small pieces....followed by the seasoning. Put all the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth...serve with veggies...chips...or to spread on sandwiches.
...FOR YOUR HEART
Make a Harvest shrine or little altar on a little space in one room of your home...where you can place little stones...where you have written with a paint pen...things you have harvested this year...both personally and professionally...as a loving reminder for you to see each day...how much you have to be thankful for.
Friday, July 3, 2015
SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS JULY 4th PERSONAL FREEDOM CELEBRATION
Traditions practiced each year for certain holidays are a unique and valuable venue to help you grow and heal as a human being...and can mark your personal declaration to make positive changes in your life.
This July 4th...honor more personal freedom for yourself as a human being...by holding this simple but empowering PERSONAL FREEDOM celebration.
PERSONAL FREEDOM CELEBRATION
SUPPLIES: pieces of paper...pen...fire proof container...matches
Take pieces of paper that you have cut...and your pen...and find a quiet time during your day to write down on the pieces of paper...all issues and patterns you have now...that keep you from having freedom in your own life. Some examples might be...your need to worry...being in debt...negative people in your life...living in fear...etc. Just write them all down...without shame...or judging yourself.
When you are complete with this process...hold all your written pieces of paper in your hands...and say a blessing of release over them...a prayer...or any other message you want to communicate about your desire to release these issues or patterns from your life...so you can claim more personal freedom for yourself. Set these aside in a private place until the evening.
At some point in the evening...when you feel it is time...go outside...with your matches and a fireproof container...and then place your pieces of written paper in the container...proclaim your personal freedom out loud and then set fire to your pieces of paper...watching the paper burn to ashes...and seeing these issues or patterns released from within you.
Remember that you must take the necessary action steps to create positive change in your life to gain your personal freedom...but this freedom celebration is a powerful step...to create that change... and will set in motion your intentions.
Happy July 4th and freedom,
Victoria
This July 4th...honor more personal freedom for yourself as a human being...by holding this simple but empowering PERSONAL FREEDOM celebration.
PERSONAL FREEDOM CELEBRATION
SUPPLIES: pieces of paper...pen...fire proof container...matches
Take pieces of paper that you have cut...and your pen...and find a quiet time during your day to write down on the pieces of paper...all issues and patterns you have now...that keep you from having freedom in your own life. Some examples might be...your need to worry...being in debt...negative people in your life...living in fear...etc. Just write them all down...without shame...or judging yourself.
When you are complete with this process...hold all your written pieces of paper in your hands...and say a blessing of release over them...a prayer...or any other message you want to communicate about your desire to release these issues or patterns from your life...so you can claim more personal freedom for yourself. Set these aside in a private place until the evening.
At some point in the evening...when you feel it is time...go outside...with your matches and a fireproof container...and then place your pieces of written paper in the container...proclaim your personal freedom out loud and then set fire to your pieces of paper...watching the paper burn to ashes...and seeing these issues or patterns released from within you.
Remember that you must take the necessary action steps to create positive change in your life to gain your personal freedom...but this freedom celebration is a powerful step...to create that change... and will set in motion your intentions.
Happy July 4th and freedom,
Victoria
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
PERSIAN OR ENGLISH? ..SKIN OR NO SKIN?...SEASONAL LIVING... JUNE RECIPE...CUCUMBER SALAD WITH FRESH MINT
I love cucumbers...ice cold...sliced very thin...with out the peel or skins...unless it is those wonderful little Persian cucumbers which are my FAVORITE.Their skin is so thin and sweet tasting I do not mind eating the peel on these small beauties.
English cucumbers are good too...and basically seedless...so they are wonderful to use in salads or just eat as is for a snack.
Standard cucumbers are great too...just peel the skin...as it can be bitter tasting.
Here then...is a lovely and easy cucumber salad for those hot June lunches or dinners...enjoy!
CUCUMBER SALAD WITH MINT
serves 3 to 4
1 medium English cucumber or
1 medium standard cucumber or
4 to 5 Persian cucumbers (they are small) and my favorite
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
a handful of fresh mint...finely chopped
a pinch of sugar
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Peel the skin off the cucumber...and halve it lengthwise. Slice into thick half-moons. Place in a glass dish with the cider vinegar...sugar...the olive oil...the mint ...and the salt and pepper.Toss together until well mixed. Allow to sit for 15 to 30 minutes...in the fridge...serve in ice cold bowls.
Victoria
English cucumbers are good too...and basically seedless...so they are wonderful to use in salads or just eat as is for a snack.
Standard cucumbers are great too...just peel the skin...as it can be bitter tasting.
Here then...is a lovely and easy cucumber salad for those hot June lunches or dinners...enjoy!
CUCUMBER SALAD WITH MINT
serves 3 to 4
1 medium English cucumber or
1 medium standard cucumber or
4 to 5 Persian cucumbers (they are small) and my favorite
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
a handful of fresh mint...finely chopped
a pinch of sugar
sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Peel the skin off the cucumber...and halve it lengthwise. Slice into thick half-moons. Place in a glass dish with the cider vinegar...sugar...the olive oil...the mint ...and the salt and pepper.Toss together until well mixed. Allow to sit for 15 to 30 minutes...in the fridge...serve in ice cold bowls.
Victoria
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
MAKING YOUR OWN POTPOURRI JUNE 2015
How I love a sweet smelling home...especially when I can create it myself...is chemical free and ever so affordable. Below is a lovely scented homemade potpourri...that you can make in minutes...be sure to make extra for yourself...and store in a glass jar...and also give as a gift.
Potpourri gets its name from two French words...pot...which is the same in both languages and pourri...which means to rot.
You can simmer your blend on the stove...set it out in small bowls...or stuffed into pillows or sachets...either way... it is lovely.
ROSEMARY POTPOURRI
1/2 cup dried rosemary
1/2 cup dried peppermint
1/2 dried eucalyptus leaves
1/4 cup each dried thyme leaves and whole cloves
2 teaspoons dried grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon dried grated orange peel
Blend ingredients together until mixed...add to pillows or sachets...or gently simmer in a pot on the stove.
Potpourri gets its name from two French words...pot...which is the same in both languages and pourri...which means to rot.
You can simmer your blend on the stove...set it out in small bowls...or stuffed into pillows or sachets...either way... it is lovely.
ROSEMARY POTPOURRI
1/2 cup dried rosemary
1/2 cup dried peppermint
1/2 dried eucalyptus leaves
1/4 cup each dried thyme leaves and whole cloves
2 teaspoons dried grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon dried grated orange peel
Blend ingredients together until mixed...add to pillows or sachets...or gently simmer in a pot on the stove.
Monday, June 1, 2015
SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS JUNE 2015
JUNE musings...My happiest memories as a child...were June days spent at the beach...digging for sand crabs...tide pooling for starfish...holding seashells up to my small ears to listen to the sound of the ocean...and drawing pictures on the wet sand. Even now as I write this blog...I can feel those sweet June days at the beach... where I grew up in California... close to my heart...and forever smell the salt...that hangs in the air...on sea coasts.
Those were simple days back then...the whole world seemed to be uncomplicated...my whole future...far out and unknown to me...because small children really just do not think about things like that. Children just want to play and have fun...and never give a thought to change.
I did not have a great childhood...far from it...but those days at the beach made me feel free and unencumbered from all the chaos in my home...that never seemed to change...which is why being at the beach was my safe refuge...and my happy place. I can recall...even now...that feeling I experienced one day...coming home to yet another drama...that somehow I would change my life...and not end up living with the craziness I was having to deal with...in my unstable home life as a child.
My days at the beach ended...sadly...and so did living in California...but in it's place...my life changed...for the better...not by chance...but because I put thought into changing my life...step by step...little by little. Kind of like that little toy train going up the hill... in that child's story book "I think I can...I think I can".
I have made tons of mistakes...did stupid things...all the while forging ahead...to making my life better ... and changing myself from the inside ...out. Because that is what it takes. You...making the changes from within.
And change sometimes takes a life time. Even with the most dire or difficult situation...you can change your life for the better. And even if your life is really working well...there could be something...however small or minor that you can do to make a better you...for you...or those you care about.
This month of June...which marks the beginnings of the Summer cycle...offers you the valuable lesson of growth and change... personally. Without growth and change your life becomes stagnant as well as dull. If you want to change... you have to "dig deep" within your very soul...to see with honest eyes...what is amiss that you are doing...that needs correcting...and work on those amiss things each and every day. Like me...you will have set backs...still make mistakes...and feel disappointments...but your growth and change for the better is so worth it...because your life is worth it. And yes...some people will not support you or understand what the heck you are doing...but that really is none of your business...or theirs frankly. What is your business...is you...and what you want in life. And if what you want now...isn't what you experienced growing up...or even 2 years ago...then you have the golden opportunity in this moment...to take charge of your life... and reinvent yourself...from the inside... out.
Change...begins with you,
Victoria
FULL MOON...June 2nd
FLOWERS FOR JUNE... Rose...lavender
GEMS FOR JUNE...Topaz..agate
TEACHINGS FOR JUNE... This month is perfect for taking responsibility for your growth...and setting into action what change you want in your life.
FOLKLORE OF JUNE...
"A dripping June brings all things in tune"
" If June be sunny, harvest comes early"
WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE
June 14th...Flag Day in America...June 15th...Father's Day...June 21st...Summer Solstice...June 24th...St, Jean Baptiste Day
DID YOU KNOW...That the month of June ...is National Rose month? America's association with the Rose dates back to the voyage of Christopher Columbus. It is said that while adrift in the Sargasso Sea...one of his crew members found a Rose branch floating in the water...signaling land...and that this sign...of seeing the Rose branch in the sea...rekindled Columbus's spirit and gave him the courage to continue his journey to the New World.
SUMMER SOLSTICE TRADITION
The Summer Solstice is the first day of Summer...and the season of high energy...change and growth.
On the eve of the Summer Solstice...write down four things you are willing to let go of or stop doing...in your life...to make positive changes in your life. When you are complete with this process say a blessing or prayer over your list...and then burn your list in a fire safe container...as a statement that it will be gone forever in your life.
Then on another list...write down what you must now do to make your changes...and then of course you must take the necessary steps to make the changes...each and every day.
SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS
...FOR YOUR HOME
Lavender is one of the flowers for the month of June...so I wanted to share with you some home making tips using this wonderful flower and herb.
Try sprinkling pure Lavender essential oil on cotton balls and then place in your cupboards and even your refrigerator to deodorize and remove unpleasant smells.
Put cotton balls sprinkled with pure Lavender essential oil...in your closets to repel moths.
Simmer dried Lavender flowers in a pot with water on the stove...to fill your home with Lavender's wonderful aroma.
...FOR YOUR HEARTH
June fare is lighter and easy to prepare...and of course seasonal...fresh food is always the best in your kitchen...and for you and your family. Below is a really good shrimp dish...with a bit of spicy kick.
SHRIMP WITH GARLIC...CHILE...AND PARSLEY
serves 4
1 pound small to medium shrimp peeled and veined
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
4 whole small peperoncini (peppers)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup white wine
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
lemon wedges for serving
In a large bowl toss the shrimp together with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil...garlic...and the peperoncini. Set aside to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature,
Heat a large saute pan over high heat until very hot. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil...then cook the shrimp in batches with their marinade... seasoning them with salt and pepper...as you cook them...and also setting them aside as you go...until they are all pink and done.,
Deglaze the pan with the white wine...scraping up any cooking residue from the bottom and then stir in the parsley. Pour this pan sauce over the shrimp and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
...FOR YOUR HEART
Nurture yourself this month...by taking long soaks in essential oils...bath salts and flower petals. Below is my recipe for a Rose Healing Bath...a lovely way to sooth your body...mind...and spirit.
To make your Rose Bath...run your bath water...then add about 12 drops pure Rose essential oil...2 cups Epsom salt... and then sprinkle fresh Rose petals in the bath water. While you soak...ponder all the ways you can love and nurture yourself more...in small healthy ways...beginning with taking this wonderful bath more often.
Those were simple days back then...the whole world seemed to be uncomplicated...my whole future...far out and unknown to me...because small children really just do not think about things like that. Children just want to play and have fun...and never give a thought to change.
I did not have a great childhood...far from it...but those days at the beach made me feel free and unencumbered from all the chaos in my home...that never seemed to change...which is why being at the beach was my safe refuge...and my happy place. I can recall...even now...that feeling I experienced one day...coming home to yet another drama...that somehow I would change my life...and not end up living with the craziness I was having to deal with...in my unstable home life as a child.
My days at the beach ended...sadly...and so did living in California...but in it's place...my life changed...for the better...not by chance...but because I put thought into changing my life...step by step...little by little. Kind of like that little toy train going up the hill... in that child's story book "I think I can...I think I can".
I have made tons of mistakes...did stupid things...all the while forging ahead...to making my life better ... and changing myself from the inside ...out. Because that is what it takes. You...making the changes from within.
And change sometimes takes a life time. Even with the most dire or difficult situation...you can change your life for the better. And even if your life is really working well...there could be something...however small or minor that you can do to make a better you...for you...or those you care about.
This month of June...which marks the beginnings of the Summer cycle...offers you the valuable lesson of growth and change... personally. Without growth and change your life becomes stagnant as well as dull. If you want to change... you have to "dig deep" within your very soul...to see with honest eyes...what is amiss that you are doing...that needs correcting...and work on those amiss things each and every day. Like me...you will have set backs...still make mistakes...and feel disappointments...but your growth and change for the better is so worth it...because your life is worth it. And yes...some people will not support you or understand what the heck you are doing...but that really is none of your business...or theirs frankly. What is your business...is you...and what you want in life. And if what you want now...isn't what you experienced growing up...or even 2 years ago...then you have the golden opportunity in this moment...to take charge of your life... and reinvent yourself...from the inside... out.
Change...begins with you,
Victoria
FULL MOON...June 2nd
FLOWERS FOR JUNE... Rose...lavender
GEMS FOR JUNE...Topaz..agate
TEACHINGS FOR JUNE... This month is perfect for taking responsibility for your growth...and setting into action what change you want in your life.
FOLKLORE OF JUNE...
"A dripping June brings all things in tune"
" If June be sunny, harvest comes early"
WORLD TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE
June 14th...Flag Day in America...June 15th...Father's Day...June 21st...Summer Solstice...June 24th...St, Jean Baptiste Day
DID YOU KNOW...That the month of June ...is National Rose month? America's association with the Rose dates back to the voyage of Christopher Columbus. It is said that while adrift in the Sargasso Sea...one of his crew members found a Rose branch floating in the water...signaling land...and that this sign...of seeing the Rose branch in the sea...rekindled Columbus's spirit and gave him the courage to continue his journey to the New World.
SUMMER SOLSTICE TRADITION
The Summer Solstice is the first day of Summer...and the season of high energy...change and growth.
On the eve of the Summer Solstice...write down four things you are willing to let go of or stop doing...in your life...to make positive changes in your life. When you are complete with this process say a blessing or prayer over your list...and then burn your list in a fire safe container...as a statement that it will be gone forever in your life.
Then on another list...write down what you must now do to make your changes...and then of course you must take the necessary steps to make the changes...each and every day.
SEASONAL LIVING AND TIMELESS TRADITIONS
...FOR YOUR HOME
Lavender is one of the flowers for the month of June...so I wanted to share with you some home making tips using this wonderful flower and herb.
Try sprinkling pure Lavender essential oil on cotton balls and then place in your cupboards and even your refrigerator to deodorize and remove unpleasant smells.
Put cotton balls sprinkled with pure Lavender essential oil...in your closets to repel moths.
Simmer dried Lavender flowers in a pot with water on the stove...to fill your home with Lavender's wonderful aroma.
...FOR YOUR HEARTH
June fare is lighter and easy to prepare...and of course seasonal...fresh food is always the best in your kitchen...and for you and your family. Below is a really good shrimp dish...with a bit of spicy kick.
SHRIMP WITH GARLIC...CHILE...AND PARSLEY
serves 4
1 pound small to medium shrimp peeled and veined
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
4 whole small peperoncini (peppers)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup white wine
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
lemon wedges for serving
In a large bowl toss the shrimp together with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil...garlic...and the peperoncini. Set aside to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature,
Heat a large saute pan over high heat until very hot. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil...then cook the shrimp in batches with their marinade... seasoning them with salt and pepper...as you cook them...and also setting them aside as you go...until they are all pink and done.,
Deglaze the pan with the white wine...scraping up any cooking residue from the bottom and then stir in the parsley. Pour this pan sauce over the shrimp and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
...FOR YOUR HEART
Nurture yourself this month...by taking long soaks in essential oils...bath salts and flower petals. Below is my recipe for a Rose Healing Bath...a lovely way to sooth your body...mind...and spirit.
To make your Rose Bath...run your bath water...then add about 12 drops pure Rose essential oil...2 cups Epsom salt... and then sprinkle fresh Rose petals in the bath water. While you soak...ponder all the ways you can love and nurture yourself more...in small healthy ways...beginning with taking this wonderful bath more often.
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