I recently found myself taking pictures and emailing them to friends and family. Rather than clogging up their email in boxes, I created this blog.
The blog is also for my inner 7 year old witch to express herself however she wants now that she fired that inner censor.
From the folks at Cornell's ornithology department - even the birds are getting into the Hallowe'en spirit! Cornell has a funky nest contest and this nest was one of the winners.
I took this photo of a Herring Gull nest on Swinburne Island in New York City using my blackberry on 30 May, 2009. I conduct the annual colonial waterbird surveys for the New York Harbor and get to see a lot of urban nests with interesting refuse incorporated into them. Balls such as tennis balls or baseballs are a common sight in the nests of ground-nesting birds. We believe these birds roll them into their nests instinctually. This rubber skull was a first for us :)
by Elizabeth Craig: Graduate Student @ Cornell and Research Associate at NYC Audubon, Ithaca, NY
One of the things I like about snapping photos of flowers or other gifts from Nature is realizing how little I know of the plant and how much I can learn. Google surfing takes me many places, some of them interesting, others, not so much.
One of my sisters gave me this oxalis plant; it hangs outside and seems to be happy with its little pretty flowers. Other than knowing the plant is a bulb and needs to be brought in for the winter around here, I found out that they are part of the sorrel family and are edible, in small quantities. I also read about their magical properties, something I knew nothing of - and fun to find out!
Oxalis is bound to Venus and Earth. Venus is the planet of love, and earth signifies home and hearth. As an herb that stays close to the soil, spreading and running deep roots in its territory, Oxalis is a moderately powerful magical herb that can be used in rituals and spells for home, hearth, family, and wellness.Put a glass of water by the bedside with leaves and flowers for speedier recovery for yourself or ill family members. The leaves and flowers close at night, promoting restful sleep. Place a few flowers at the foot of baby's bed for comfort and relief from colic or discomfort, and restful sleep. Add tasty lemony leaves to meals for family members to promote togetherness and love. Dry leaves and ground to powder for sprinkling around the house for affection and family togetherness. Add to similar herbs for more powerful effect in any spell or ritual.
Oxalis is an herb of of fortune ruled by Venus. Oxalis has long represented good fortune. This herb was part of the myths surrounding the Celtic Sun wheel. The simplest method of adding luck to one's life is to grow Oxalis in one's garden, or pot it and grow it as a houseplant. Oxalis flowers and leaves may be added to sachets and charms for luck. The dried leaves and flowers may be burned as incense during spells to increase your fortune.
She rides the seething, fiery tide Bubbling, boiling, hissing, Waves that only Pele can ride, Embracing, loving, kissing. In the midst of a mighty volcano, In the lake of liquid fire Rhythmically flowing from side to side Swim eruptions of hate and desire. Ebullition from the deepest depths Symbolic of nascent power, Creator, destroyer, which shall she be named As she restlessly churns in her tower? Expression in definite form and direction Is given at her command. Only the humble and wise can escape The power of her hand. Beware the disguises from fire that rises Deep from the cauldron within. A spark from the heart, like a fiery dart Tempered with love's not a sin.
No, that's not Nancy's painting - you'll have to click on the links below to see them.
I think I've mentioned that my friend, Nancy, is a gifted artist. A few days ago, she posted one of her paintings of pears. Of her "edge" series of pears, this one was my favorite. I asked her if she ever painted Red Bartlett pears and she responded by posting a painting of one today.
O M G - it is so beautiful! The colors actually glow. This "edge" painting is now my favorite.
Red definitely becomes you, Nancy! I may have to buy these two works of art as a birthday present to myself ~ if they go up for sale!
Well, I still have a few fuschias hanging on. I'm not sure for how long - the weather is cool now, which they can tolerate, but not the freezing stuff. I'll enjoy them while I can.
The Song of The Fuchsia Fairy
Fuchsia is a dancer Dancing on her toes, Clad in red and purple, By a cottage wall; Sometimes in a greenhouse, In frilly white and rose, Dressed in her best for the fairies' evening ball!
This is the very same mushroom I posted yesterday - I wonder if the Mushroom Faery returned to harvest it for a special mushroom pie? It appears she used her magic knife to take a perfect slice - and I missed seeing her cut it!
I've been interested in mushrooms for years - first, for their culinary uses. They are delicious - I especially love the Shiitake mushrooms. Then, I found out about their medicinal value when I worked at Whole Foods. The New Chapter rep, Brian, came into the store and noticed that I was sneezing and clearly suffering from seasonal allergies. He offered me a bottle of New Chapter's "Breathe." I asked him what it was and he told me that it was a formula of mushrooms that helped allergies. I rolled my eyes, but took the bottle because I was already a fan of New Chapter vitamins, having taken them for a few years.
I took 2 of the capsules and went about my business. About an hour later, I realized that my sneezing had stopped, that my breathing was much clearer and that I had more energy. I was impressed. The formula included both Cordyceps and Reishi mushrooms, both noted for providing stamina to mountaineers, Olympians and Himalayan guides. I've taken them since whenever allergies strike. (I was kind of upset today when I went into the New Chapter site and noticed that the mycomedicinals were no longer listed! I'm waiting to hear from them about why - I sure hope that they haven't discontinued making them.) Paul Stamets is the man who provides the mushrooms to New Chapter. He is an amazing mycologist and fascinating to listen to when he speaks. I'm embedding a You Tube of him explaining how mushrooms could help save our beautiful Earth. It runs about 18 minutes and is so interesting. I hope you enjoy it.
My newest blog, Nature ~ Beauty and Terror, was created primarily as an online journal to document, for myself, my deepening connection with Nature with words and pictures ~ along with some of the other subjects in which I am interested.
Years ago, I read a very magical poem called 7 year old witch. Reading it made me smile for it felt like the author could see my inner, secret kid who just never grew up! The poem was an entry in the 1996 Celebrating Women's Spirituality calendar. I saved the calendar, but it is still packed away from my move across country several years ago. When I unpack that box, I'll post the poem. I've tried numerous Google searches and simply cannot find it online.
I've been taking lots of pictures since I moved from the SF Bay Area to this little town in which I grew up. Some of them are posted on Flickr and can be found here. Many of them find their way into my posts, which is the original reason I started this blog!
From the folks at Cornell's ornithology department - even the birds are getting into the Hallowe'en spirit! Cornell has a funky nest contest and this nest was one of the winners.
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