Words, Doodles & Cocktails

... 'nough said.

A Dispensary Day

Today was a Dispensary day. I made several balms for winter skin care from the oils I had infused this summer. I blended a fresh batch of wood cleaner-n-conditioner and actually polished some furniture. I pulled out my recipes for creams which I'll review and revise for a batch I plan to whip up in the next few days.

I'm facilitating an Essential Oil Basics workshop tomorrow and so made a final review of my notes, pulled together my demo items, browsed through some of my books, made copies of the handouts, all the while sipping tea - cup after cup after cup ...

That's what I made today.

Structure from Chaos

I invested most of my day in my dispensary. If you've visited this room lately you will know it has been as outta control as its even been. Granted, it is a work room and so is always in a state of flux from project to project, research to research, task to task, and on occasion it can really get out of control. Managing this room with the harmony it (and I) deserve is a thorny challenge in this physical realm of mine. Well, the realm of home and hearth.

So today I sorted and organized and cleaned. I created a sense of structure where chaos once ruled and restored that fluid sort of structure that serves me so well. Now that my workbench is cleared and cleaned I'm ready to start measuring, mixing, blending, and re-growing those thorny vines of work and love, and love and work.

A Spirited Harvest

There's still plenty of swiss chard and kale in the garden, and that pleases me. I'll be able to continue harvesting the kale even in the snow. I did pluck the final few carrots and more dandelion root. I left the last of the cabbages in place for today since the weather is still cooperating ... the leeks too. I'll get them another day. But most of the sedum is cut back now, along with the bee balm, mints, sweet peas, peonies, and a host of other plants. Mulch was spread and my little acre is starting to look ready for winter. But as I cut back what was left of the Artemisia vulgaris stand I salvaged a bit of new growth, a final late-season offering to dry and use ... when the spirit moves me.

Kitchen & Fiber Magic

Today I made bread, pasta sauce, chicken soup. I jarred up the sauerkraut that is ready for cold storage. I pickled some cauliflower. I strained the calendula oil, not without incident, but we don't need to go there. I got some beans soaking so they may ferment over the next couple days. And I finished these two little crocheted bags and have a pale green one in the works.

That's what I made today.

☮Peace☮

No matter where you look ...

... there it is.

Acknowledge it. Honor it. Ingest it. Absorb it. Nurture it. Express it. Share it. Be it.

A Wee Pouch

For some wee cards.

Peaceful Creations

Every November I revisit my relationship with Peace. Through writing and other artful expressions I explore its meaning as it relates to my life and the choices that make. I reflect on my own peaceful actions and choices as well as of those I share this life with. I ponder the ways that I might enhance its presence in my world and in the lives of others.

One thing seems certain, peace is born deep in the flames of the hearths of our hearts. If we don't nurture it there, we will not find, tend or create it elsewhere.

That's what I made today.