---Shop News---

Happy Friday!  I am starting a new feature on my blog, each Friday I will update you with what is going on in my Etsy world.  I will also include some of my favorite picks from Etsy each week.  This week I am featuring the MAINE TEAM with a focus on GARDENS!  That is where I will be most of this hot weekend ~~~ planting my tomato teenagers (no longer babies!).

Very busy with Garden work so this will be quick.  

I have opened a third shop ~ www.injoyecocutie.etsy.com ~ This shop will be filled with my handmade things I feel are on the cutie side.  All items will be made with environmental and upcycled materials.  The shop is just getting going...I have a GRAND ETSY PLAN...it will take most of the summer to get implemented...so stay tuned!

My first EcoCutie Creations are these Star Trek Trading Card Buntings.  My son is letting go some of his collections, I grew up a Trekkie, the new movie came out (which I got to see last weekend...very fun) = this creation!

Here is my Shop Description!

Bunting Banner Star Trek 1991 25th Anniversary Trading Cards

My buntings are unique. They are strung on a cotton cord so you can rearrange them or hang each flag individually. The trading cards slip into a pocket in the back so you can take them out and admire them or change what is in the pocket. Wallet photos would fit too.

Each Pendant Flag is handmade by me with "eco-fi" Felt which is made in the USA from 100% polyester made from recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. I also use a polyester interfacing for added strength.

This Listings Include the 6 vintage 1991 Star Trek 25th Anniversary Trading Cards Shown.

Each Flag is about 6 inches X 8 inches Total Length of the bunting is around 36 inches with plenty of extra cotton cord for hanging.

I have to admit to being a bit of a trekkie. I grew up with the original star trek. With the new Movie coming out I wanted to make something to celebrate! 

Command ~ Gold
Science ~ Blue
Expendable ~ Red

IN DEFENSE of DANDELIONS

A moment of relaxation.  A drizzly day today after 2 VERY busy sunny days, which were preceded by 2 days of downpouring rain. I think I may have just barely caught my breath.  A lot of work done, a lot more work to go.  But before the moments passed on into summer (next 4 days in the 80's! then back to the 50's) I wanted to share one of my late spring delights~~~ dandelions!  

One of my favorite flowers is the "ordinary" dandelion.  The first blooming in the spring is the most spectacular.  Dazzling fields of yellow!

They seem to be in a hurry to grow, to make their mark before the first mowing.

This is part of our lawn.  I know folks go to great lengths to rid their yard of these "weeds".  Not me I love them!  My Grandpa Bill used to say that, God made the dandelions so there would be plenty of flowers for children to pick.  I loved to make dandelion necklaces when I was a girl.  Making slits in the stems and carefully threading the flowers together until my hands were sticky with the milky sap.  My parents paid us penny a dandelion that we pulled from our lawn. Now before you think that is an unfair wage...I grew up in a time that I could bicycle to the Albertson's and get an ice cream for 10 cents!  Of course, we had job security because those who do not know their botany are doomed to relive it...the least amount of root left behind will regenerate another plant. 

Besides their beauty these flowers have many uses.  They are edible.  The early greens are the best...I have to admit to being so busy eating asparagus this time of year I don't always get to them.  But when I do they are yummy spring tonic! The roots can be dried and used as a coffee substitute.  Dandelion wine is a real thing!  They benefit the soil by drawing up minerals with their long tap root. And what kid doesn't like to blow the puff balls spreading these wonderful weeds further afield!

A tribute to this tenacious garden interloper.

Here a poem I collected when I was 15 years old.

Along with a dandelion I pressed at that time!

IN DEFENSE of DANDELIONS

(to a gardener)

In defense of Dandelions (to a gardener)

I must say: They are consistent,

Leaving in autumn and coming in May

("so?")

In defense of dandelions

I reply that unlike the rose little

water isn't

A factor in whether they live or die.

("who cares?")

In defense of dandelions 

I 'm really defending me and my

right to grow

wherever I want and 

Remain wild and free.

("I see")

Marcia McNair age 16 1975

Don't you think this looks like a dandelion constellation!?

The Great Dandy Lion

~~~Gratitude~~~

We are having a lot of rain! Outside is not too nice for photography.  I have better things to do than dry out my camera.  I am getting out each day...dog walk...duck chores...checking on my drowning early plantings...oh well....

No worries though...lots of other things to do inside!  Here are couple of the things I have managed to do during the soggy, drizzly days....I am grateful for rainy days during the busy spring time...a change is as good as a rest!

A little crockpot over dyeing of handspun yarn.

YUM?

Just got a hankering for some different colors and to fixed some "ugly" yarn.

A pretty easy method if you aren't concerned about repeating the formula (guess what? I rarely try!)  I follow this recipe for oven dyeing and adapt it to the crock pot.  Soak the skein in some hot water with a squirt of Dawn dish soap in a separate tub.  In the crockpot add a bit of hot water, a cup of vinegar, a heaping tablespoon of non-iodized salt, and the dye powder (be sure to wear a particle mask for this part)

Then I dip my damp skein in to see if I like the color and add more dye to adjust.  Put the skein in the crockpot and pour the dawn water to fill the pot.  I usually do 2 skeins at a time.  Give it all a good stir.  Leave the pot on high for about 3 to 4 hours.  Unplug and allow to cool overnight or all day.  The dye will be exhausted and the water should be clear.

Here is how I block and dry my yarn.  Two old mop sticks, gallon water jugs and bungee cords.

My Cellar ~ Like my steps?

A new idea for a scarf on the little loom!

Runa & Vern blowing of some stuck inside steam!

Grateful for Fiber Fun!!

It is my intention, each Sunday, to share something that fills me with Gratitude. 

I write ~~~Gratitude~~~ with the wavy lines to represent the gratitude ENERGY~~~~~! 

I hope you will join me and share your gratitude moments. 

~~~Amen, Blessed Be, Namaste'~~~

{pause & see}

Spring is slowly turning to summer here in Maine.  I paused to see the last remnants of autumn and winter.  Enjoying the the random placements by nature and things that seem beautiful just where they are.  This feather and leaf 180 degrees from each other.  I am quiet...marveling....then...... 

CRRROAACKOK

It is friend Raven!  Again, when my camera is ready.  I keep my eye on Raven and begin our mimic talk.  Raven croaks 3 times, I croak 3 times.  This goes on for a bit when I hear the swoosh of wings behind me.  I spin and snap this photo...it is another Raven!!

I turn back and Raven #1 is still sitting on the branch speaking.  Then from behind this Raven another Raven materializes!  3 Ravens or at least that is how it appears to me.  I stood there croaking with my friend for a bit more.  I was overcome with a feeling of "YES" and "THANK-YOU".  Raven took flight and I was alone....well as a lone as you can be when connected to the "All is Oneness".  I had to call for Runa for over 5 minutes as she had taken my distraction as an opportunity to have her own adventure!  (stinky dog!)

Reiki Story

My Reiki Practice was called Three Ravens Reiki until I took on the experiment of an office in the Town of Waterville.  I thought "Reiki with Orah" might be more explanatory...better---"branding"---something I have learned from Etsy.  Back in 2006 when my son was entering puberty and there was a clear shift going on as my role as mother I started to desire something else...  I was in a hungry exploring stage.  I thought of going back to school to possibly become an RN.  But nothing was really shaking out.  

I had a friend at the time going through a relationship struggle.  Before a visit she asked if I could help her figure out her animal totems since I was "into that sort of stuff".  So I bought "Power Animal Oracle Cards" by Steven D. Farmer, Ph.D. at Amazon.  I read the directions (I am a direction reader that then proceeds to free form it ~~~my ying-yang).  

I decide to pull a card for my Self.  I shuffled the deck and pulled the Raven Card. Raven is "Own your power...Trying to keep yourself little by denying your power so you won't be a threat to anyone merely keeps you in a false bubble of safety. Of course, at least that way you won't get noticed much or stand out.  Well, that trick has worn out its welcome....So stop doubting, worrying, or making excuses, and own your capacity to be a powerful magician.  Use these gifts to help make this a better world for all beings."  Well, I said aloud...this card is not for me!  So I shuffled the deck again. (only one of each animal in the deck) I pulled Raven again.  This sent chills up my spine.  But my type A science self shuffled the deck again...you guessed it I pulled Raven.  Then I said "ok! I'm listening".

I went to visit my friend.  On the way home I saw THREE RAVENS on the side of the road!  The word REIKI popped into my head.  I swear, I didn't know what Reiki even was...but I found out!  And synchronicity, after synchronicity lead me to where I am today as a Reiki Master Teacher with a very fulfilling home based Reiki practice.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I had been thinking that Waterville situation wasn't compatible with me or my practice.  I do not enjoy being in town so much.  Plus, my Reiki practice doubled at home, even with fewer hours and a moderate rate increase. (I only charge $30 for a full session in my home).  So back when I saw Fox I started "feeling" I should let go of Waterville and return to my Three Ravens Reiki name. Seeing the 3 Ravens was confirmation.  As I have been writing this morning I have received 2 calls for Reiki appointments and Raven has swooped by my window.  I am surrounded by truth and wonder!

http://injoyemporium.blogspot.com/2013/04/fox-thoughts.html

This a regular feature I plan to include in this blog.  I try to see something new each day.  It is part of my practice in "seeing".  The art of seeing is essential to any creative work in my humble opinion.  My favorites are the ones that stop me in my tracks!  Like so many folks I have a very busy mind that I struggle to quiet.  But by creating this practice it has given me many opportunities to pause and be with a new wonder.  I love to wonder about wonders.  These little seeings can be just the jolt my creative process needs to get out of a rut.  But mostly they provide a pause which is that moment of peace I need to heal from a frustration. These seeings are grounding for me and bring me to the present.  I will admit to laughing out loud with joy over some of these discoveries. They are a moment of childlike wonder!  

~~~gratitude~~~

I am grateful this week for mowing.  It may seem odd as one who is so much for nature and the environment.  But even more than that I am for the truth.  Though I love the wild I do love many things about the mowing.  There is a great beauty in the the "order" it creates, we humans seem drawn to that sight.  Plus, who doesn't love the scent of new mown grass?  

There is a very pragmatic side as a gardener that enjoys the bounty of mowing that = MULCH....we have a sweeper that  "gives" me grass MULCH!

But, by now, you must know it is process that moves me more than results.  Mowing is a time I connect with the one I love on a deeper--- on a separate level.  He mows, I weed whack, he sweeps, I spread the love of his swept up works.  Together and Apart we create a life.

I have LOVED this poem since I was a girl....never thinking I would truly live it.  I guess what we love is attracted to our life.  This for U who wishes to remain blog~nonymous   <3   I am GRATEFUL for all you do to make this place a wonderful experience!

The Tuft of Flowers

BY ROBERT FROST

I went to turn the grass once after one

Who mowed it in the dew before the sun.

The dew was gone that made his blade so keen

Before I came to view the levelled scene.

I looked for him behind an isle of trees;

I listened for his whetstone on the breeze.

But he had gone his way, the grass all mown,

And I must be, as he had been,—alone,

As all must be,' I said within my heart,

Whether they work together or apart.'

But as I said it, swift there passed me by

On noiseless wing a 'wildered butterfly,

Seeking with memories grown dim o'er night

Some resting flower of yesterday's delight.

And once I marked his flight go round and round,

As where some flower lay withering on the ground.

And then he flew as far as eye could see,

And then on tremulous wing came back to me.

I thought of questions that have no reply,

And would have turned to toss the grass to dry;

But he turned first, and led my eye to look

At a tall tuft of flowers beside a brook,

A leaping tongue of bloom the scythe had spared

Beside a reedy brook the scythe had bared.

I left my place to know them by their name,

Finding them butterfly weed when I came.

The mower in the dew had loved them thus,

By leaving them to flourish, not for us,

Nor yet to draw one thought of ours to him.

But from sheer morning gladness at the brim.

The butterfly and I had lit upon,

Nevertheless, a message from the dawn,

That made me hear the wakening birds around,

And hear his long scythe whispering to the ground,

And feel a spirit kindred to my own;

So that henceforth I worked no more alone;

But glad with him, I worked as with his aid,

And weary, sought at noon with him the shade;

And dreaming, as it were, held brotherly speech

With one whose thought I had not hoped to reach.

Men work together,' I told him from the heart,

Whether they work together or apart.'

This a big ol' tuft of Flowers!  Thanks for feeling the same way about this very old apple orchard on this land that need to be left in peace.  

It is my intention, each Sunday, to share something that fills me with Gratitude. 

I write ~~~Gratitude~~~ with the wavy lines to represent the gratitude ENERGY~~~~~! 

I hope you will join me and share your gratitude moments. 

~~~Amen, Blessed Be, Namaste'~~~

I haven't forgotten....

Helloooooo...Yes I am still here and I still plan to blog...but it has been just so very, very, very nice outside.  I have been distracted.  So much is happening...like my son going to prom with a big case of senioritis...getting ready for graduation...but there is also the "usual" busy-ness and beauty to divert my attention.  For one wild cherry blossoms...so fragrant and pretty!

Or plants not so baby-ish anymore that need my attention as we wait for warmer weather.  

New little plant pea babies that make me squeal with delight!

And finally a baby carrot has emerged!

Everything is greening up nicely...little oats sprouting as cover crop!

There are dew drops on lupines to ponder and sip!

I nearly missed the wild trillium bloom...yikes!

Runa and I still have our daily walks....

...because there are interesting patches of sun to bask in!

So, please BE patient and "forget me not"!

~~~Gratitude~~~

My Mother's Day was to start with the promise of breakfast in bed made by my boy.  This is a photo of a fun breakfast of the past, so you can see why I look forward to this! I was hoping for a day off from the kitchen.  

Unfortunately, my son woke up feeling sick. So instead of no cooking I made my "Cure what Ails you Garlic Soup"

Fortunately, I had made  chicken & rice for dinner last night.  I had cooked the leftover chicken into a broth.  I still have a few heads of my homegrown garlic so after a bit a chopping the soup was simmering.

"recipe"

Broth...Chicken or Vegetarian Chicken 

4 heads of Garlic

1/2 teaspoons of hot pepper flakes

one onion

4 carrots

heaping tablespoons of

basil

oregano

rosemary

salt to taste

Ok that is done...I went to check my FaceBook and found this post by my boy...

"Happy Mother's Day to the woman who's taught me to be who I am. We've certainly had our rough times, but that doesn't take away an iota of the respect I hold for you. You support me when times are hard, you've pushed me towards my potential, and most importantly you've backed off to let me be who I am. You have put up with all my eccentricities and taught me to be a more kind and compassionate human being. Love you mom, thanks for all the little things you do each day. —"

TEARS!  And he posted it publicly!  The teen years have been a bit of a struggle between he and me.  So this post is the very best!  I am grateful for the chance to be the mother of this challenging and interesting person.  I am grateful for the possibilities that the future hold for this young man.  It is a privilege to learn from this experience called Mother.

And my Dear Husband made me a swing that I have been wanting for years!

I am a Happy Gal!

Happy Mother's Day

It is my intention, each Sunday, to share something that fills me with Gratitude. 

I write ~~~Gratitude~~~ with the wavy lines to represent the gratitude ENERGY~~~~~! 

I hope you will join me and share your gratitude moments. 

~~~Amen, Blessed Be, Namaste'~~~

Speak softly & wear LOUD socks

It is such a busy time!  I have lots of bloggy thoughts but not enough time to get them written...bare with me, hang in there, a lull will come...have I ever mentioned I love idioms?  Anyways, this was this morning's "catch"!  

One of my mottos is ~~~ "Speak softly and wear LOUD socks" ~~~ I have the sock part down...anyways..

Two Poems for today for your pondering on grey day here in Maine.....

Duck Eggs and Keats Instead of Grace

By Anna Selby

Why can’t it always be like this?

Opening the door of a car
left in sunshine.

Eating olives at night and arguing
about apostrophes.

Leaving in the dark hours
of the morning.

Reciting Keats, instead of grace
over frittata.

Finishing your glass,
and finding it full

and finding it full again,
and finding it full.

Asparagus by Margaret Atwood

This afternoon a man leans over
the hard rolls and the curled
butter, and tells me everything: two
women love him, he loves them, what
should he do?

The sun
sifts down through the imperceptibly
brownish urban air. I'm going to
suffer for this: turn red, get
blisters or else cancer. I eat
asparagus with my fingers, he
plunges into description.
He's at his wit's end, sewed
up in his own frenzy. He has
breadcrumbs in his beard.
I wonder
if I should let my hair go grey
so my advice will be better.
I could wrinkle up my eyelids,
look wise. I could get a pet lizard.
You're not crazy, I tell him.
Others have done this. Me, too.
Messy love is better than none,
I guess. I'm no authority
on sane living.

Which is all true
and no hep at all, because
this form of love is like the pain
of childbirth: so intense
it's hard to remember afterwards,
or what kind of screams and grimaces
it pushed you into.

The shrimp arrive on their skewers,
the courtyard trees unroll
their yellow caterpillars,
pollen powders our shoulders.
He wants them both, he relates
tortures, the coffee
arrives and altogether I am amazed
at his stupidities.

I sit looking at him
with a sort of wonder;
or is it envy?
Listen, I say to him,
you're very lucky.

Spring Inspiration

Hope springs eternal in the human breast;

Man never Is, but always To be blest:

The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home,

Rests and expatiates in a life to come.

– Alexander Pope, An Essay on Man

Spring is a time of inspiration for me.  Every seed that is planted, every flower that blooms is potential for inspiring thoughts and feelings.  Sure, folks who know me have commented on how I seem to live in a state of inspiration.  But spring is inspiration renewal time.

Winter's introspection is tempered with spring growth.  

It would be so easy for me to go deeply within and never come out...

Growth sometimes needs outward expression inorder to flourish.

Let decay bring on new creations!

Beauty spark revelation!

Then there is the just plain yumminess of spring!!!

Yesterday's Blog inspired a poem from one of my reader~friends...

Betsy Headley of Belfast, Maine

Onions

What I love about onions
is the way their tendrils
wiggle in every direction
untamed, expressive
catching bits of sunlight
like tiny solar panels

growing with abandon
spreading across rows
of tilled burnt umber

smelling of gardens past 

and your broad hands
skin roughened from planting

while underground globes
swell in thin white layers
pushing outward
each fruit of your labors
an offering from the earth.

THANK-YOU BETSY!