Spring has arrived and our yard has exploded in dandelions and violets. And in these uncertain times, you need to maintain the skills of foraging food and enjoy the bounty that nature provides. In his recession punk style, Mark cooked up some dandelion jam. It has a light floral flavor, and it’s the golden color... Continue Reading →
In Greek and Roman mythology, Hygieia was the goddess of health, cleanliness and hygiene. She was associated with the prevention of sickness and the continuation of good health. Her name is the source of the word “Hygiene”. And with a pandemic sweeping the world, it seems like an excellent time learn more about this Goddess... Continue Reading →
Made honey infused with vanilla beans and my house smells divine! Vanilla and honey have health benefits and the combination is an excellent way to infuse magical energy into your day. Real vanilla bean adds a warming, sweet, and floral flavor that compliments just about any sweet treat it’s added to. This is a great addition to... Continue Reading →
Last spring Mark bought a second grow tent to start seedlings for our backyard garden. This tent was narrower than the first one, only 4x4 feet. He sold several of his young pepper plants to coworkers and neighbors, which covered the cost of the second tent. This year he's bought a third tent, another 4x8,... Continue Reading →
The daffodils are starting to poke their leaves out of the soil. So excited for spring to arrive!
I made an political sign/image mashup of the two witches I most admire from literature: Minerva McGonagall from JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books & Granny Weatherwax from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books. I would have them run as equals of course, but I put McGonagall first because, as Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts school, she has more... Continue Reading →
Imbolc is the midway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, the marker that Spring is returning, and a celebration to honor the goddess Brigid (Brighid, Bride, Brigit). This is a time to honor Mother Earth as she wakes from her winter's recovery of giving rebirth to the Sun King at Yule. Imbolc is mentioned... Continue Reading →
Norse Goddess Frigg and her Maidens. From ‘Asgard and the Gods; the tales and traditions of our Northern ancestors, forming a complete manual of Norse mythology’, by Wilhelm Wägner, 1800-1886. Frigg (old Norse “beloved one”) is the queen of Asgard and wife to Odin the all-father. Frigg is a sorcerer and associated with love, marriage,... Continue Reading →
A beautiful Fire Drake light fixture outside Chicago’s famous Drake Hotel. A Fire Drake or wyvern is a legendary two-legged winged dragon, a creature of Teutonic mythology, with a tail often ending in a diamond- or arrow-shaped tip. The drake is an important symbol in heraldry, and it is a popular creature in European literature... Continue Reading →
This years Christmas jam flavor is Cherry Pineapple Peach. It tastes like a tropical cherry pie.
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