Grandmothers Can Tell It Like It Is

When I worked as the Retreat Manager at a silent, contemplative retreat center in a holler out in the mountains of WNC about 10 years ago, the (amazing) cook gifted me this book. I haven’t picked it up in years. I opened it up and turned directly to this page. Sobering words, but words we … Continue reading →

The Forgiving Oat Bar

The amazing teacher that led my daughter’s parent-child, outdoor program this past year gave me this recipe.   She gave me the scaffolding, shall we say?  And, I made it my own. Like she promised, it is a forgiving recipe.  Too moist?  Cook it a bit longer. The batter too dry?  Add more wet ingredients. It’s … Continue reading →

Brand Names and Small Crafters for Clean Threads

Something shifted in me around the time of my pregnancy back in 2017.  Even though I had owned my share of hemp and organic cotton clothing…and steadily sifted through the endless racks of thrift and consignment store shops for second hand threads…fibers…all of a sudden…became more of an interest for me. There was something about … Continue reading →

Kitchen Scrap Color, Plant Dye Explorations

I’ve been exploring plant dyeing lately and it is so much fun.  I think I’ve dyed everything cream, white, or off-white in our house.  My husband is considering hiding some of his boxers that are white. It has become a bit of an obsession, I admit. As an herbalist, I often looked to plants to … Continue reading →

Growing Color, Plant Dye Explorations

I’ve been working with plants ever since my permaculture design certificate course that I took in San Francisco in 2003.  The course made me look at my world in an entirely new way.  Where did my water come from?  What was the watershed I was in?  Where did the water go?  Which direction is east?  … Continue reading →

Another To Do List

Another To Do List In this one, good life… …if you are able to protect some land. Protect it. Better yet, fall in love with it… Be sentimental about the trees and the plants and the creatures that call it home. Be vulnerable when walking on the land. Let it work on you in mysteriously, … Continue reading →

Deforestation, Gut Health, & Microbes

What does deforestation have to do with human health? Here’s what I think. When I went through psychosis back in 2001, I met brick walls when trying to get help from doctors. I was terrified for my life, severely depressed, having heart palpitations, losing sleep, experiencing dizzy spells and tingling in my eyelids and lips, … Continue reading →

Cheater Chai: The Spicy Sequel

Yes, the hit movie has been Traditional Chai for many, many years…ahem…well, centuries, really.  As it should be.  Chai spices should be simmered in water to really get all the elegant tastes to bloom in your mouth later when sipped.  If you want your chai to give you a little gitty-up, black tea should be … Continue reading →