Lavender Delusions...

I have always loved the scent of lavender, and am intrigued by the way this herb makes its presence known in my garden.  Definitely a “Center Of Attention” type of herb.  Subtle, but none the less, one cannot look and not notice it.  There is a variety of lavender out there suitable to your climate conditions – I highly recommend adding it to your garden or lawnscape.

 

I consider this a romantic herb, as it recalls vintage happenings, earthy connections, and sweet visions that occur when resting the eyes.  A memory is sure to appear on your mind screen when a waft of lavender is carried your way on the edge of a summer breeze.

Lavender has so many uses: 

·         A natural muscle relaxant - use the essential oil, a few drops mixed with two teaspoons of olive oil, to soothe sore muscles or pain associated with arthritis

·         A marvelous scented perfume

·         A disinfectant

·         A deodorant

·         An aphrodisiac

·         An insect repellent

·         A calming, soothing tea – warm lavender tea as a compress can help relieve headaches

·         Lavender oil in the bath helps relieve tension

·         Lavender is edible, so try adding it to salads, soups and stews.  Use it as a seasoning or  bake into cookies – find a new way to use this delightful herb

·         Lavender is deer resistant

There is a never-ending list of positive uses for this admirable herb, and my plan is to experiment with many of them.

This week’s experiment is creating Lavender Dream Sachets.

First, I boiled some water on the stove top in a medium sized pot, and added some dried lavender.  The aroma was wonderful, finding its way throughout the house, touching and filling every crevice with its light, aromatic scent.  It was dreamy – seriously.

I then let it boil for 15 minutes, adding several of my white sachet bags the last few minutes, making sure they did not float, and that they got well coated with the tea coloring.  I then turned the burner off, set the pot aside, and left them in there overnight. 

The next morning, I drained the water out of the pot, and the lavender.  I then rinsed the sachets in cold water and wrung out the excess fluid, and set them aside to dry.

After they were dry, I ironed them flat.  Because I frequently have ideas that are in the moment, I decided at this point that I wanted to draw a dream symbol on the bag with henna.   Having had a stash of three cones of henna in the freezer, I thawed one out overnight.

The next day, I used the henna to draw a dream catcher on a couple bags, and the Chinese symbol for dream on the other two.  This was all freehand, and not with precision, but with intention.  Just what flowed out at that time.  Now, to let it dry overnight.  Yep, this is a process, but the end result will be an amazing one of a kind Dream Sachet to insert into your pillow.  Something about knowing something is made with tender loving care makes it mean that much more, and seems to increase the value.  Good Energy, Love and Spirit goes into the process.  I thank God often, for the things I am able to do.  It just seems necessary for me to do so.

Ahhhh…the final steps.  I measure and mix 2 parts lavender, 1 part mugwort and 1 part valerian, to insert into each bag.  This is a great mix of natural sleep aid remedies ready to help you drift off into a long awaited sloom, leaving you well rested and ready to take on the world the next day.  This is also a healthy alternative to sleeping pills or other medicines – give it a try.

If you would like to purchase one from me, let me know!  I would be happy to make one just for you.  Three great things about these sachets:  One is that it makes a wonderfully scented dream sachet to tuck into your pillowcase.  Two, the cloth tea bag is reusable.  You can use it to make your own concoctions, or use it for steeping your own teas.  Completely resuable and washable (I would wash in cold water). The third is that you can use a teaspoon of the herbs mixed with one cup of water for your own Sleepy-Time Tea.  If you do this, make sure you mix it up well to distribute the herbs evenly, as some herbs may settle at the bottom of the bag.  Great for baby showers, Bridal showers, Girl’s Night Out gifts, or if you know of someone who needs some restful shut-eye.  Personal gifts are a great way to share and show someone you care.  Contact me at moonstruckmaiden@yahoo.com if this may interest you.

Wishing you wistful, nostalgic, and world changing dreams.

Love and Light –

Moonstruck Maiden

A Walk on Water

This is my favorite back yard walk at the moment. Notice that it is winter and overcast. This is not uncommon. It is the season of hibernation, the season of STAY WARM, and the season of "humphf....I don't FEEL like it". In fact, it is a very beautiful time of year to experience a walk you cannot take in other seasons. This 1/2 -1 mile  walk is on the St. Croix River and is available for anyone to experience. Of course, there is some danger to it, but since the river does have a pretty nice thick layer of ice now, and since I follow the shore-line, I convince myself that I am pretty safe. At least safe enough (or unsafe enough) to have this be one of my all time favorites until late February or so.  The short version begins in Gaylord Nelson Park, in St. Croix Falls, and continues through the National Scenic River-way Center's grounds. They have a lovely dock out back on the river.

Everybody's Back yard

 

 

If you follow the path and step over a trickling stream
(yes,trickling)

You will eventually come to the River.

Stay away from the inlets!

Red Willow

leaching tannins? Plant Pee?

Beauty eh?

When I am on these walks so close to the town center, I cannot help but notice that my husband Mike and I seem to be the only humans in the world. Is this beautiful wintery experience so secret? I say it should not be...put your winter stuff back on ( it'll still be at least a month before we get to complain...) and get out there!

Mermaid in Wisconsin

I must mention that swimming is my other big passion. When I was 8, I clearly remember coming up with a theory that we must have dormant abilities that would enable us to learn how to breath underwater. I had always had very vivid dreams about it, and upon waking, I almost remembered the secret process. Of course I tried, and failed on multiple occasions. But I did learn to hold my breath a very long time, and pretended that I was a mermaid. Still do, actually. If I concentrated hard enough, could I will my body to grow gills?

Because of my love of water, I have had a long affair with it, including swim team, both high school and at University of Colorado. It was what first taught me about the power within myself. Since my mermaid days, I have been a swimming teacher consistently throughout the years. Non-swimming babies to elders, nervous people, swim team members (both USA swimming and Masters), and triathaletes have all benefited from my perspective in water.
I feel more comfortable in water than I do on land.
I use it for my meditation. And when I can't go swimming one place, I will find another. It is especially nice to add a hot tub (either before, or after, or back and forth), but my favorite of all swimming accessories is the sauna.
Swim, sauna, cold shower, swim, sauna, cold shower, swim, think, sauna, shower......ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I know that chlorine isn't good for your skin and hair. I hope that new pools are built with alternative systems, because I can't stop. I have arthritis in my right shoulder and a broken body, but I can still swim. Maybe this is another reason I was drawn to this River Valley. I have been in many a body of water in my lifetime, and I have never felt as invigorated as I am when I swim in the St.Croix River.

But when I can't swim in the river, or when I need to concentrate on exercising (and not on what monsters might lay beneath....) I go to the pool. One of my favorite places for a relaxing swim is actually The Dalle's House Motel, because of the sauna thing, and that is where it is comfortable to teach swimming one-on-one.

When I do need to concentrate on exercise, or work out an athlete, I go to the Osceola Middle School Pool. It is close to St. Croix Falls, and the atmosphere and locker rooms are nice. The pool is heated by solar power. And it has a nice hot tub as well. I like to come in the early swim hours and see the sunrise from the hot tub.

Many people question why a pool sounds like a good time in the middle of winter. When its cold outside, the last thing you can imagine wanting is being wet and cold. But conversley, the opposite happens. When you exercise and move your body in water, all your parts must help.That warms you up, and when you add the warming effects of the hot tub or the sauna, the effect can last for hours. Using water this way helps me bear the winters. If I miss swimming, I notice my body chilling. The opposite happens in summer. I have been known to have a little hot flash problem if I do not swim. These places have been my favorites, but since I do think that having somewhere close to go is important, there are a few more that exist in the area:

Holiday Inn has a workout center with their hot tub/pool combo and offers a nice monthly price for all three.
Unity School Pool is a popular choice for those East of St.Croix Falls.
Chisago Middle school is closer for those in the West.
Luck Country Inn has a heated pool for people North.

The next time you are craving something different in your routine, try swimming!
If you can't swim, but would like to learn, contact me!

The Valley Dances

Yes, this St. Croix River Valley DOES dance - to the music of the River accompanied by vocals from  songbirds and the crazy sound of loons and sandhill cranes.  The Valley Dances in rhythm to seasons, sunrises, and full moons.  It dances in the treetops with a summer breeze.......But that's not what this article is about.  This article is about The Valley Dances. You know - fiddles, banjos, feet-stompin', swing-yer-partner.  Yes, Dancing!

The Valley Dance series is the brainchild of fellow blogger Kelley Hagenbuch. Among her many activities in the St. Croix Valley, she is on the board of directors for the Lamar Community Center and is the founder of Lamar’s Community Dance Project, bringing inter-generational dance to rural residents. This Project features 3 different bands on 3 different dates as a way to get families and neighbors together for some good, clean, healthy fun.  My husband Dan and I attended the first event on January 19, not really knowing what to expect.  (Can you dance with all the lights on and no beer? ) 

It was ridiculously cold outside, I'm sure the windchill was eleventy-nine below zero, but the West Denmark Lutheran Brotherhood Hall was warm and inviting.  We weren't sure what kind of music this was going to be, and when we walked in and saw the fiddle and banjo Dan turned to me with a look that said "oh THAT kind of music".  (We're children of the 70's and like that good ol' rock and roll.)  But you know what?  We had a blast.  We saw, hugged and visited with many of our friends and friendly acquaintances.  Oh, and yes, we danced......There is something comforting about this particular type of dancing - I'm sure there's a name for it, but I don't know what it is.  The guys playing the music tell you what to do, everyone's dancing with everyone else, the little kids join in, we form circles and lines and spirals and do twirly things and clap hands and stomp our feet.  The music was lively - alive - and the collective movement of the dances created a sense of connectedness, like we were all part of one living thing, with many parts, moving in rhythm and harmony.  

Yep, turns out you CAN dance with all the lights on.  And no beer. AND have fun!  We're looking forward to the rest of The Valley Dances, hope to see you there!  

February 16, 2013: Duck for the Oyster plays at West Denmark Lutheran Brotherhood Hall in Luck, 7-11pm.
April 20, 2013: J. Willy Williams plays at the Hungry Turtle Farm Barn in Amery, 7-11pm. 
For directions and more info email: lamar.community@gmail.com

Native Healing...

Moonstruck Maiden Awakens:

So…here I am again, my nose in another Native American book. 

It started out quite some time ago (20+ years ago, many moons ago) – researching my background heritage of Comanche.  I began by reading about who they were - Lords of the Plains.  Asking questions, visiting my Nation in Oklahoma.  Reading, looking, searching.  I have always been interested, and have been connected to the Comanche Nation for most of my life, thanks to my Mother.  She is the one who pursued the effort to connect us to our heritage.

My Father wanted us kids to just know ourselves as being “American”, and would not teach us or talk about his heritage (or his family).  He was ½ Comanche and ½ Mexican.  He was fluent in Spanish and could write it, as well.  For him, it was more important for us to know that we are "Americans".

My Father's Grandfather was one of the last Comanche Chiefs (Chief Tabananika – Voice Of The Sun) to surrender at Fort Sill.  Ironic, as my Father joined the US Army, at 17 years old, and his base camp was Fort Sill. 

My brother, Jim, did an enormous amount of research and genealogy and gave all us siblings a family tree, and history of those on that tree.  I can’t thank him enough for his efforts.  He is amazing and incredible.  Comanches were excellent horsemen, hunters, and warriors.  I got caught up in the pride and honor – the stories of wins, of losses, times of peace and harmony, how they were one with land, to times of encroachment and lifestyle changes.  The latter causing an “ache” in my Spirit.  Anyway, there is a lot more about my heritage than what I am going to post here – but I continue to learn and gain knowledge about this very special part of me and am on a never ending journey to reconnect with my roots.

While this “ache” still lingers, and is drawn out every now and then, I tend to listen to it more.  To me, there is a healing that needs to occur.  To right wrongs.  To live in the present, not the past.  To do my part – whatever that role may be. 

The past 15 years, my reading and interests turned toward healing.  All different aspects of healing.  Physically , emotionally, mentally, and Spiritually.  Mostly alternative medicines.
 

Even more recently, my interests have me headed toward Native American healing.  If it is not Native American Herbal remedies, it is herb uses or Nature’s weeds.  Honestly, working, playing, and finding herbs fascinates me to no end.

I also connect intuitively to healing.  I have always had a “different” belief in healing aspects, and never really shared my “ways”, as I thought folks may think I am weird – as I am so NOT mainstream.  I did not know of any others who did this, or if they did, they felt like me and did not share.  Negativity to things one is not familiar with is an awful path to be on, so I did not share what I do with anyone, as the reaction of others tended to be this way.  I have done the laying on of hands to my children to help heal them.  The Higher Power working through me.  I have meditated within, and told my body what it needs to do to cure ailments I have had myself (Biofeedback – I recently read about…).  These are both practices that are normal to me.  Natural to me.  This has always been hard for me to talk about or explain to others.  It just IS for me.  I have no fear of the unknown.  I don’t need analysis or data to support this.  It is like a Universal Law.  Like gravity.  If someone stepped off a 30 story building, and did not believe in gravity, it does not mean they will not fall.  It really doesn’t matter if you believe it or not – it just IS.

 

With this background, it seems a natural fit for me connect to healing aspects, so that is the path I am on in this moment.  I have created herbal tea blends, with great reviews, and plan to continue to experiment, create, and play with herbs, weeds, flower essences, etc…This blog is where I will document and share this journey.  From creative uses, to medicinal purposes, to recipes, to artful inventions, I will utilize this space and time, including places and ways to enjoy nature.  The Outdoors is my Cathedral, so to speak.  I invite you to come with, or take a peek now and again, when you have a chance.

Peace, light and love.  Always.

Barbara A. Vidana Luepke

Back Yard Tenacity

Hi there…I am the newest contributor to Backyard Nomads. I specialize in knowing what grows in our literal back yards, and what this uninvited presence means to our entire well being! When I began my career as a chiropractor in 1988, I was all serious scientific business. I scoffed at the others who were interested in more “energetic” styles, and stuck to the good old fashioned notion that an adjustment was all anyone would ever need.  Slowly but surely, my philosophies about health care, mind-body medicine, and the power of intuition have shifted intensely over the years.  As I have always enjoyed nature, it was inevitable that I become curious about traditional plant medicine. As soon as I began to learn about the plants surrounding me in my own back yard, the landscape made a drastic change in my perception.  It was as if I had been wearing foggy goggles through forests of green. Suddenly, plants came into focus and called to my inner being.

When I moved to the St. Croix River valley, the variety of plants available convinced me to change my practice focus entirely.  Walking along the frozen river, practicing my tree bark identification, and hiking in the many local parks in the warmer seasons, I am always in awe that there are so many medicinal plants growing here that have been used historically for thousands of years. They are tenacious in their insistence that we notice them. I became a Master Herbalist in 2008, and began applying some techniques of intuitive examination to help with herbal recommendations, namely Applied Kinesiology and Pulse Testing.

Both of these methods help to concentrate on which herbs someone’s body chooses for them. I do believe that intuition tells us what we need to be doing in many ways. We just need to learn how to pay attention and be better listeners.

Please join me for my upcoming workshops on how to use these techniques, and learn about your own intuitive powers:

                            http://www.doctorweedmaster.com/newdocuments/naturalbodywisdom.pdf

Don't forget to keep checking in on upcoming workshops on the webpage. It will keep you informed of the plant identification walks, wild food foraging (including mushrooms!) and other exciting activities planned this season.  My passion is to share this ancient knowledge with as many people as possible, so that this simple and powerful information is not lost because of political funding issues, medical prejudice or plain old ignorance.

Tea Drunk

It was the shiny packet that caught my attention at the checkout counter at Fine Acres in St. Croix Falls. I like shiny things, so I picked it up. “Apple River Tonic” is what the packet said, along with a list of herbs. Mmmm, herb tea, I like herb tea. Cedar Lake Reflections, out of Star Prairie,Wi. Hey, that’s not very far from here, how come I didn’t know there was a tea place in Star Prairie?! The tea was delicious, so I looked up the website and decided to send an email with a compliment. A reply soon came, with an invitation to visit and sample some more teas.

So, Moonstruck Maiden and I went together and spent an entire morning chatting with owner Nolen Chew, and office manager Liz Roberts. They welcomed us warmly into their small workspace, located behind This Old Store on Main Street in Star Prairie. It was immediately apparent that both Nolen and Liz are passionate about teas and herbs, and greatly enjoy creating new blends and taste sensations. I loved the fact that ALL of the teas and herbs are organic, and many of the herbs are local. 

We started off with their new Christmas Tea, a caffeine free Rooibos blended with Cinnamon and other spices. So tasty! Following were a dizzying array of delicious white, green and black teas. As they brewed and poured, Nolen and Liz shared their stories and knowledge. Nolen and his wife, Kathy, decided a few years ago to 'go native' on their 40 acre Cedar Lake homestead by planting native grasses and plants. Some plants thrived and some didn't. In researching which plants were which, Nolan became interested in the edible and medicinal properties of many of the plants he was raising. Teas are easy to make and experiment with, and a new passion was born. Before long, he was mixing all kinds of herbal brews and herb/tea blends - some just for flavor, and some by request for different ailments such as sleeplessness or colds and flu. And just like that, Cedar Lake Reflections was born. We learned all kinds of things that morning.

Did you know that a beverage made with herbs isn't really "tea"? Real "tea" comes only from one plant - Camillia Sinensis, and it grows in China, India, and other far-away places. The different types of tea - white, green, and black - are determined by how the tea leaves are handled after harvesting. Office manager Liz Roberts was a wealth of information, inviting us to look at and smell many of the bulk teas and herbs. She taught us the reason that white tea is so special - the unopened buds and first tender leaf is harvested for only 2 days of the growing season. It is delicate, delicious and not as expensive as you'd think.

Not only are the teas organic and (some) local, the gorgeous photographs on the package labels are too. Well, sort of. Kathy is a photographer, and all of the labels carry her original artwork. She and Nolan have created a stunning calendar as well, featuring beautiful, glossy photos of local and regional flora and fauna.

Though herb teas typically don't contain caffeine, black, green and white teas do. As the morning progressed, we definitely were feeling a caffeine buzz. I have to say, though - a tea buzz is way different than a coffee buzz. After our visit, Moonstruck Maiden found the term "tea drunk" on a blog, and we feel it's very fitting. Awake, yet relaxed. Mellow with an edge. A visit to them is highly recommended - by US. Happy Tea Trails to you!

Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage. ~ Catherine Douzel

*Special note: Cedar Lake Reflections have since relocated to the basement of Jet's Coffee Bistro at 244 S. Knowles Ave, New Richmond, WI. 54017. Their teas will be available at Jet's, as well as at Coffee Time located in historic downtown St. Croix Falls, WI. Cedar Lake Reflections can be contacted at 715.246.7339. You can also "Like" their Cedar Lake Reflections page on facebook!