The essence of Autumn~Beeswax dipped leaves and Staghorn Sumac tea.

Heat beeswax in a double boiler and dip colorful autumn leaves, allow to drip, and place on wax paper.

Sumac tea tastes like lemonade, and has a lovely pink hue. We gathered the ripe red berries of Staghorn Sumac and stripped them from the stem, bruising slightly. The acidic flavor comes from little hairs on the berries. Cover about 2 bunches with 1/2 gallon cold water, and leave overnight. Strain through cheesecloth or a coffee filter, add sweetener to taste (we used Vermont Maple Syrup!)

The Merry Month of May

May is so divine in Vermont. The birds are singing, the lilacs are blooming- the air is filled with the heady scent of blooms. My yard is adorned with lilies of the valley, violets, and my friends the dandelions.
We have been hiking in the woods and searching for land for our farm. We have been looking at a parcel, and we went for a walk there the other day and saw bear tracks, Trillium, and a lovely creek.

































In early May we opened our showroom in ST Johnsbury, Green Mountain Organics, next to my friends yoga studio, Heart Space Yoga and
Movement Center. It is so nice to have a beautiful space to have people come to view our wares. I have a Savvy Rest mattress set up there, bedding, a smattering of other things and a kids play area with playstands and a few toys. I am still getting the hang of working from home, and having most of my inventory in the shop, where I am open during some yoga classes and by appointment. It is so nice to have all of that out of my house though! I have no idea how it all fit here in my house, as I am still overflowing!



I have been hearing from friends and astrology buffs that mercury is going retorgrade again this month- from about today (May 26th) through the end of June. Not a good time to make any major purchases, there may be communication breakdown, etc. I wanted to find out about some positive things to do during Mercury retrograde, so I read Susan Millers astrology zone, which was recommended by an online friend. This is a good time to go through drawers and closets, get rid of clutter and donate useful goods to charity. You may even find something that you have been looking for.

Just the other day, right around the full moon, I made a divine new body butter- "Vermont Sun Butter" . I am really excited about the formula and the fact that it is chock full of the gifts of the green world, harvested by me here in VT or purchased from organic growers.
http://www.greenmountainorganics.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=22_39


Ok, off to the garden, and perhaps for a walk in the woods.

Greetings from Northern Vermont, veiled in white,

It has been a very contemplative time for me...a time to define my
ideals and how to best create the path to walk with my family.

The desire to create an agricultural endeavor has been an interesting
one for my family. We dont come from recent farming stock but our
desire to be agrarian artists fills our hearts. I am building my
market before working the land, while searching and saving for land.
We will grow calendula for our balms, nettles for our teas, create a
home for bees, grow mushrooms and blueberries perhaps even raise sheep
for wool. Starting all on a small scale but any one thing may grow and
flourish, or compost. I hope to create a local market that is as
vibrant as my online one. Creating community all the time...

This is the time of year that I re evaluate my ideals and examine our
daily rhythms. Perhaps a shift here, a letting go there, some new
attention here. I give thanks for our blessings and plant seeds for
the future.

Yesterday was Imbolc, Candlemas or Brigids Day.

"The Celtic Imbolc, or Brigid, is a time for purification and new
beginnings. Besides being a time of warming and melting snows, Imbolc
is a time of mental and physical cleaning, as well
as spiritual renewal. Imbolc anticipates spring, although the vernal
equinox is seven weeks away. The word Imbolc refers to the pregnant
condition of ewes at Midwinter. Their fertility was a good sign to the
ancient Celts who depended on sheep for food and clothing.
This day is also called Brigid in honor of this Celtic Triple Goddess.
She is also the goddess of fire, poetry, fine arts, smithcraft, and
the healing arts including midwifery.
It is also good time to clean out your physical environment including
cluttered personal space, overflowing desks, and closets."


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc

http://christopherushomeschool.typepad.com/blog/2008/01/candlemas.html

midwinter blessings and happy renewal
michelle
www.greentaramama.com
www.greenmountainorganics.com
weleda still on sale!
http://www.greenmountainorganics.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=22_40