Look what came for me today!!!

I was beyond excited today when I stopes by the post box at the end of the road and found a package waiting for me inside!

My dear friend Vibeke from A Butterfly in my Hair had sent me the most wonderful gifts! Thank you sweet friend!

Happy holidays ahead!
Sending you all virtual smiles and hugs where ever you might be!
xoxox

The past few days have really forces me to think about things that are so seemingly simple at first glace, but it is the onion effect where there is layer upon layer once sliced into.

There are things that I think about as just an everyday part of life,

part of relating,

part of being.

Things that I think I have taken for granted.

Things that I think I deserve.

There is so much push and pull in life,

I guess that is how we are balanced.

There is not light without dark,

no happiness without sadness,

it's the very definition of harmony and balance.

But as we all know, and sometimes I seem to forget,

this is a hard thing to maintain and accept sometimes.

Everything worth anything in life seems to take time and patience (something that I am continually working on having more of).

There is a fine detail to everything in ethos.

The Universe unending shows in unexpected ways how we have strings connected to everything

and everyone.

And yet we are all still human.

I am still human.

Sometimes it is hard for me to remember this.

And sometimes I have to remind myself that I am blessed to have to work so hard at this balance that I am trying to maintain,

to work so hard to continually have the gift of laughter ever present in my life.

I like to be connected.

To have connections.

To have people that smile back at me in my life.

I feel like when I am out about about I am an anthropologist of sorts,

always observing and entertaining ideas about the lives and culture around me.

Observing how and why...

I am fascinated by people.

It helps me to connect.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and maybe take a little time to connect with someone new or someone you already know with open eyes.

***

There seems to be unavoidable shifts going on in my life,

the kinds that even if I wanted to protest or put a stop to it there is no option,

time keeps moving on,

and yet standing still.

I am endlessly happy, but also have some sadness in my heart.

These are things that I grow stronger and better from.

I am learning to let go of control and just trust myself in return...

I have been living by the new Feist album.

It seems to be covering all the emotions I am feeling

and evoking all of the strength that my spirit needs.

I can't even really put it into words.

Lately I have been thankful for my knowledge of using plants as medicine,

Elderberry (syrup) has been a real comfort for this obstinate cough that seems to persist

and for the numerous herbal tea concoctions that I combine for health and for pleasure...

Have I ever mentioned how grateful I am for tea?

In my mind it is a perfect and invaluable medicine,

both for the body and the soul.

When I do consultations or educate others about herbal medicine

making tea is always the first and foremost remedy that I teach.

It is a wonderful way to be present in the process of your own healing.

It requires more than just swallowing a pill or gulping down a tincture.

You have to have patience,

to wait for the time to pass and then slowly sip...

There is a need for purpose.

The plant world has helped me find purpose.

It is a lifestyle and a passion, not just an interest, hobby or job.

It is steep in passion which creates relationships with these green spirits.

A quick Elderberry syrup recipe:

1 cup fresh (or 1/2 cup dried) elderberries (always the blue ones!)

3 cups water

1 cup honey

In a saucepan bring elderberries to a boil in the water, then reduce and simmer for 30-45 minutes.

When done, smash the berries and strain the mixture through a fine cheesecloth.

Add the cup of honey (or honey to taste, which is what I do because I never really measure anything!)

Bottle and store in the refrigerator.

Should keep for a few months.

*Optional to add while simmering:

Ginger

Echinacea

Astragalus

Happy medicine making!

...

Things that I am grateful for today:

-Tea.

-That spark in my solar plexus that makes me want to create...

and have a dance party, even if I'm all by myself.

-Knowledge... Of any kind, this directly connects us to the universe, to spirit.

-Laughter and good friends to share it with.

-Music that speaks directly to my soul.

What are you thankful today?

(photos from my walk on a sunny day...)

Today is gray and a wee bit soggy.

But I don't mind,

I like the rain.

It calms my mind.

I like to hunker down

and let my spirit create what it needs.

...

Things seem to be happening in my life and around me

that I don't always have control over,

but it's ok.

I'm ok.

And that's what's important,

I do believe.

Well, I'm off to be inspired by the moment...

Although it has been unseasonably warm,

most of the trees have finally let go of their leaves.

However, there are still a few holding on to their blazingly bright leaves.

Knitting Night at Abi's House

Once a month, my friend Abi invites friends to gather at her house for a night of knitting.

There is food, drink and laughter.

So good for the soul.

NEW! (what I've been working on...)

Some of the newest nuno felted scarves.

Thank you to my friend Abi for patiently modeling for me,

I have another photo shoot this morning with my friend Evie for the last few scarves...

And of course, veda had to get in on the shoot just a little bit.

She was keeping Abi's cowl that I gave her warm while she modeled.

Some of these are in the Present shop downtown

(if you are local, don't forget about Ladies' Night tonight!!!)

and a couple might make their way into my etsy shop.

This weekend is my last fair, it is at the Winthrop Elementary School Holiday Boutique in S. Hamilton and I will definitely have some there as well...

I hope you are enjoying this lovely day!

xo