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In the event of an emergency and people are hurt or sick do you have the knowledge to help them? 

I would like to encourage you to grow your knowledge on herbal first aid, wilderness first aid, first aid, wilderness survival, in the event that you can not get medical help. Meaning no hospital, no doctor, no EMT's  and/or you are many hours away from help.  

Ask yourself these questions.  

Do I know what to do if someone is bleeding really bad?  

Do I know what to do if someone has a broken limb?

Do I know what to do if someone is shot?  Shot in the chest?

Do I know what to do if someone is impaled by an object, such as a knife in the leg?  

Do I know what to do if some one is bit by a Snake?  Brown Recluse?  

Do you know what to do if someone reacts to a bee sting?  Anaphylactic Shock and there is no epi-pen? 

There are many more questions I can ask you, but are you ready to deal with any of those?  If not then it is time to educate yourself.   

Self Defense comes in many forms and protecting yourself, loved ones, friends and neighbors by knowing how to help them in the event of needing first aid in my opinion is vitally important.     Protection comes in many forms and First Aid is definitely one of them.  

I am compiling a small list of herbs for this particular blog.  I am trying to keep this list as local as possible.   I feel if we are using herbs for first aid, sickness or other health issues that are not local, and then something happens, what will you do if you do not have the knowledge to use the plants in your area or the ones you have grown.  

I feel these days people are always looking for the popular herb, the in herb or the cure all herb.  Most of the time these herbs are coming from far away.   People get excited about TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) , Ayurveda Medicine (is a system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent) but forget the Native American Indians used many plants on this continent.  We should also remember that the Europeans brought over the healing plants and seeds that they used.   We have beautiful healing herbs right in our own backyards, in our cities,in our mountains and out in the desert.  Plus, the herbs coming from TCM and Ayurveda Medicine are testing high for toxins.   It is time to bring ourselves back to the plants that are here, that know us better and what are needs are.   

Take a first aid class.  Learn what to do if the above questions happen in your life.  There are going to be situations that require first aid applications before herbs so, in the event of an emergency, example, someone bleeding severely, herbs are going to be used as a secondary action your first action is compression badge.  

As with all healing modalities apply the first rule, "First Do No Harm.

Herbal First Aid Basics: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/herbal-firs...

First Aid Kits and other products: 

Emergency Medical Roll (Bag) 

https://www.lapolicegear.com/emmerobl.html?utm_source=emmerobl&...

Medical Bag Ideas: 

https://www.pinterest.com/explore/medical-bag/

First Aid Kits Plus

http://www.bookbind.net/First-Aid-Kit-Plus-p/e-first-aid-plus.htm

Interesting Perspective On Invasive Plants:  I Do Agree With It

https://gathervictoria.com/2015/09/21/ending-the-toxic-costly-and-u...

Medical disclaimer: always check with a physician before consuming wild plants, and make positive identification in the field using a good source on Medicinal Plants.   There are many great herb books on identifying plants, such as Michael Moore  and in his books there is a glossary of medical terms in his books, and maps in later editions. 

Local  Herbal First Aid

But first I need to say this.  This list is not all the way tested and there are no guarantees of how they may work.  What I am saying is part of this list is my thoughts and ideas of what to use when we do not have anything else.     I am at the experimental stage of some of these local herbs.  We have many many medicinal local plants around us and I want to tap into their healing power.  More then ever, this year  I am focusing on using what we have available in the wild and what I can grow.  I Love researching what to use for first aid and taking classes on it.  But, every time I take a class, the instructor uses herbs I can not get to, which, makes since because they are using what resonates with them and what they have harvested.     A couple awesome first aid plants are chaparral and prickly pear  but we can not find those plants in our area.   My daily weekly curiosity is what I can  use around me.    I guess you or I could try growing them but in the mean time what do you use in the event of a first aid emergency?   

Again there are no guarantees because some of them I have not used and when a first aid situation happens in my family I will try them out.  So before the shit hits the fan, try some of these plants, when a very minor first aid situation happens and only if you feel good about it.  Plus YOU SHOULD research the plants you would like to stock up and use.  Don't just take my world for it or anyone else.   Knowledge gives you confidence  and if your are confident, you can handle the situation.  

This compiled list is a local list of herbs to use for first aid for our area, which means within three to four hours of where we live (McMinnville, Yamhill County) 

Japanese Knotweed:   This is not a forest growing weed.  It has many many medicinal uses.  It is super invasive and there are places where you might find this.  

Devils Club: 

http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue62/article2697.html?ts=15...

Rose:   Anti-depressant, antiseptic, antiviral, antispasmodic,  aphrodisiac,  antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cholagogue (promoting the flow of bile) , antibacterial, hemostatic (stop bleeding),  uterine, nervine and emmenagogue(promotes menstrual discharge).

Flowers: Make a strong tea out of the flowers for a skin wash to stop bleeding from cuts and wounds.  Also a gargle to relieve sore throats, use it to heal mouth sores and tighten bleeding gums.  Flower tea  to relieve diarrhea ,calm the nerves and/or lift the spirits.   

Rose Hips: The fruits slightly aperient (used to relieve constipation) and good in treatment of female ailments.  They are very rich in vitamin C.  Great tonic helps with exhaustion  Culpepper's book, dried powdered and taken in white wine, they will remove strangury (painful urination in which the urine is emitted drop by drop to muscle spasms of the urethra or urinary bladder) and to strengthen the kidneys.  Can help in cases of mild gall-bladder problems.  Boiled in a strong decoction of the roots they are good for venomous bites.   The hips made into a conserveand eaten occasionally, help digestion and dry up the moisture from a cold. They will help the body's defences against infections and the development of colds.  

Leaves (wood rose):  The Okanagan-Colville Indians used the leaves as a poultice for bee stings and added to smoking mixtures.   Thompson Indians made a tonic for general illness from the stems.  

Juliette de Bairacli Levy book says,  use the flowers leaves and fruits.  Treatment of catarrh, diarrhoea, haemorrhages.  Tuberculosis.  Eye ailments. The fruits all female ailments including leucorrhoea (vaginal discharge, could be normal discharge or possible infection), and metritis (Inflammation of the uterus).  The essential oil of roses is an active stimulant of the nervous system and the uterus, it is an important nerve heart and brain tonic, and is also a tonic for he ovaries and uterus.  Petals of white rose for sore inflamed eyes.  

Side Note: In an emergency situation, you are not going to find rose essential oil.  Essential oils take a ton of plant matter.  Example, it takes 60 roses to make ONE DROP OF ESSENTIAL OIL or 10,000 roses to make a 5ml bottle.   

I personally feel if you have oil and fresh or dried roses you can make a simple infused medicinal oil to use.   

Pine Trees:

If you don't have pine, you can use Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Spruce, Other firs.  Most of the Pinaceae Family.   

Do not use the yew which is the Taxaceae family  

The cypress family there are some trees in the cypress family that you can use for certain health problems, but caution should be taken with this family.  Examples juniper, cedar and redwoods 

Northfold Island Pine (do not use) is not a pine it is in the Araucariaceae family

Pine

Parts Used: bark, needles, pitch, pollen, young green cones

Pungent, bitter, dry and neutral

Has the ability to warm or cool, depending on the situation

Medicinally:  analgesic, antibacterial, anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic 

Pine, along with the spruces and firs, has traditionally been used for food, medicine and shelter.  

Nutritionally pine needles contain super high vitamin C.   They also have calcium, beta carotene, iron, potassium thiamine (B1) riboflavin (B2) niacin (B3), sodium, phosphorus, protein, carbohydrates and fat.

Jethro Kloss, Back To Eden: 

White pine is a very old reliable remedy for chest ailments such as bronchitis, coughs, colds, croup and influenza.  It is excellent for use in tonsillitis, laryngitis and sore throats.  Found useful in rheumatism, kidney troubles and scurvy. 

Pine Needle Tincture: 

For treating coughs, colds and other respiratory conditions.  It is antibacterial, antiseptic antiviral and expectorant. Opens the sinuses, breaks up stuck phlegm, increases secretions to clear the lungs of mucus.  Will dry up excessive flowing mucus, resolve respiratory infections,coughing and soothe sore throats. 

Adults:  15 - 60 drops 4 x a day

Children ages 2 to 6 - 2 - 10 drops 

Pine Needle Vinegar:

Use as a liniment or as a tonic and can be used in place of balsamic vinegar.  Add to water with some pine needle syrup or infused honey and you have a yummy tasting tonic. 

As a liniment it as analgesic (pain relieving), antispasmodic (relieves spasms) properties and acts as a rubefacient (increases blood flow to the area).  It can energize the body (stimulate) and can be used as a tonic.  Pine has antioxidant benefits, so it may help protect cells against the effects of free radicals. 

Pine Needle Vinegar Recipe: 

http://www.thegreenkitchen.co.nz/recipes/sides/kahikatea-pine-needl...

Pine Syrup Made With Honey:

http://www.herbgeek.com/winter-medicine-evergreen-syrup/

Pine Pitch: is antibacterial and antiseptic.  Chew pitch to release warm aromatics into the lungs.  Use like you would pine needle tincture.  Pitch is warm.  Soft pitch is pliable and  you can put directly on the skin pulls out splinters, other foreign objects and insect bites.  Works for small cuts and wounds. Because of its antiseptic qualities it acts as a natures band aid by keeping out germs, facilitates healing and eases pain.  

Infuse the pitch in oil and you can use as a chest rub, relieve or soothe sciatica, boils, spinsters, sore muscles, sprains, strains, bruises and some skin conditions.   The pitch oil can be made into a salve and use the same was as the oil.  

How To Make Pine Pitch Salve

https://theherbalacademy.com/make-pine-resin-salve/

Pine Needle Tea: 

Super high C tea.   I personally would use it the same as the tincture, making it a gentler medicine that really is  a strong medicine that heals.   Plus, if you don't have alcohol, you can't make tinctures.  

Pine Needle Tea: 

https://www.wildedible.com/pine-needle-tea-natural-vitamin-c

Fir Spruce and Western Hemlock Tea: 

http://wildfoodsandmedicines.com/fir-hemlock-and-spruce-tips/

Pine Bark

Can be used as a  powder for urinary track infections.  Because of its diuretic and demulcent properties it is used for kidney and bladder problems.  

More on Pine Bark 

https://draxe.com/pine-bark-extract/

Harvesting Wild Pine Pollen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9pimnqbU54

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ2YewIdUnQ

Pine Pollen For Sale:

https://harmonicarts.ca/product/pine-pollen-powder-wild-harvested/

Pine Needle Steam for Congestion: 

Make a strong tea and use as a steam and inhale for sinus and congestion 

Make A Compression Bandage Out Of Pine: 

Pine Pitch Glue Recipe:

If you do not have charcoal powder you can use wood ash.  

http://willowhavenoutdoor.com/general-survival/how-to-make-pine-res...

http://www.pugetsoundknappers.com/how_to/pine_pitch_glue.html

Pitch Varnish

Dissolve about one part crushed pitch to four parts rubbing alcohol 

Make A Compression Bandage

When you can't get to a hospital and you need a compression bandage. 

1 Pound of pine (conifers), branches with their needles

1 Gallon of water 

Put pine and water in a big pot

Boil until it is reduced by half

Then: 

Strain and boil until a thin syrup forms

DO NOT PUT THE STRIPS DIRECTLY AGAINST THE SKIN

Wrap the joint in a soft clean cloth. Follow with a layer of cotton, cat tail down or other soft filling 

Dip strips of flannel or muslin into the syrup

Now you are ready to make a compression bandage

Make sure the sprained joint is in a good position

Put the wet cloth strips, so that they form a firm but not overly tight bandage.

Part Two Will Be Coming Soon 

Today's Breakfast: 

When I cook, most of the time I just throw things together.  The spices I use depend on the mood I am in, what I have in stock and what country I feel like eating from.  Today, I had some snow peas from the garden so the mood was Asian stir fry.   There are no exact measurements here.   I am thinking that I should have added some  freshly grated ginger and saute it with the celery.  

What would you add to this?  

From our garden: 

Snow peas, celery, garlic chives,arugula, cilantro, salad greens and mustard greens.

Other Ingredients: 

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 Tbl. sesame oil/or more

sunflower oil 

2 tsp. balsamic vinegar/or more

2 tsp. miso

sushi rice

I blanched the snow peas in boiling water for 1 minute, strained

Stir-fry:

Add celery, onions and chopped garlic- stir fry about 2 minutes

Add snow peas- stir fry 2 minutes

Add 2 tsp miso, sesame oil and balsamic vinegar stir until blended

Add sushi rice mix well

Serve on a plate and top with chopped cilantro and chopped arugula

Ready to eat and enjoy it with a big salad 

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” 

 Nut flour crust, wild weed pesto, my own canned sauce, mozzarella cheese and all organic.

The wild weed pesto is made out of dandelion leaves, plantain leaves, nettle leaves, yellow dock leaves, olive oil, raw cheddar, dehydrated ground up nuts and raw garlic.   

Plantain

Yellow Dock

Dandelion 

Nettle 

Collected and Ready to Make Wild Weed Pesto 

1 cup or more of edible weeds (make sure no one has sprayed any chemicals on or around them!!)

1/2 to 1 cup organic olive oil 

1/2 cup organic raw cheese of choice

1/8 cup ground nuts or seeds

3 cloves raw garlic ( or more if you are a garlic fan) 

Blend in a  mixer 

Use on crackers, rice, meat, pizza dough or as a veggie dip. 

What is in your meat:

http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/08/25/horses-beaver-may-both-be-in-your-burger?cmpid=tp-ptnr-gfnl

To The Market We Go..

Building Connections In Your Community

Tis the season, to support your local artisan,  crafter's, knitters, honey bee farmers and farmers.  I would like to challenge you to go to farmers markets, craft markets, arts and craft markets and local artisan markets,  This weekend.................

There are  Saturday Markets and Sunday Markets.  

Supporting  small local business owners will give you such an empowering feeling.  You are face to face with the person that  has either made or harvested their products.  You can ask questions directly, without punching in numbers or waiting on hold forever. You will build community in your life by supporting these people at the markets.

Community is what all of us need, this builds strength in our environment. 

Some of us even have great local organic even bio-dynamic winery's around us.  Take advantage of this and go check it out.  I love going to Maysara and purchasing my wine and talking to them directly!   I also have some friends in Pacific City that have a wine tasting room and sell their wine, (Basket Case).  You can also purchase their wine at  the PSU Market on Saturday's  

My daughter Sophia will be selling Christmas Wreaths at the Market At The Grange.  Her wreaths are beautiful and a great price.  She will also be selling her lip balms, tinted lip/cheek balm and a new Body Butter called Summer Bliss.  I will be selling different Salves, a massage oil and a Body Butter called Heavenly Holiday. Heavenly Holiday Smells incredibly good! Not only am I there selling herbal products, I am  there to offer help, if you would like to stop by and ask some questions about health and herbs please do.  At this market you can find all kinds of gifts from gorgeous cutting boards, knits, necklaces, wood pens and pencils, organic produce, canned goods and local honey (bee keepers are right there to talk to).

Sophia and I will be at the Market At The Grange this Saturday:

Information on Salves and Body Butters:

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/salves-balms-and-massage-oils-available-for-purchase

Date: Saturday December 21st. 

Time:  10:00 am - 3:00 pm 

Where:  Market At The Grange, on SW Old Sheridan HWY 

The next thing you should support this weekend is your local small businesses in your area.  This does not mean your local Walmart, your local Costco,  your local Safeway or your local Starbucks.  None of these are local, they all belong in the big box category.  They are the big, the bad and the ugly.  If you have a down town strip, go check our what is there.   Our downtown is very cute, with lots of little stores.  We even have a small  locally owned, toy store, called Hop Scotch. 

Farmers and Crafters Market At The Grange: SW Old Sheridan HWY 

Map To The Grange

http://itouchmap.com/?d=1639207&s=OR&f=building

Facebook Page For The Market At The Grange

https://www.facebook.com/McMinnvilleGrangeFarmMarket

Hop Scotch Toy Store: 

http://www.hopscotchtoys.com/

McMinnville Downtown:

http://www.downtownmcminnville.com/

Maysara

http://maysara.com/

Basket Case Wine - Pacific City

http://www.twistwine.com/basket-case/

PSU Market - Portland Oregon 

http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org/markets/psu/

HOW TO FIND A FARMER OR MARKET NEAR YOU: 

http://www.localharvest.org/

Remember Tis The Season Is About

Helping Each Other Out in Your Community

This Is How We Build Strength 

A Christmas Wreath Is A Symbol Of Strength 

Circular shape represents eternity,

For it has no beginning and no end

It is a symbol of growth

A wreath over the hearth brings a warmth to our hearts as we Stop to reflect upon what is the  true meaning of this very Special day

Mountain Mama CSA

Mountain Mama Weekly Wellness Box . 

CSA stands for community supported agriculture, where individuals pledge support to a farm in return for high quality food and farm products. Members, also called shareholders, invest in a local farm by funding the whole season’s budget in advance. In return they receive a proportion of the harvest throughout the growing season. CSA farming creates a very strong relationship between the consumer and producer, which benefits all that are involved.

What it means to you:
Your weekly Harvest Box will be filled with fresh-picked, top-quality produce every week for 20 weeks starting June 8th through Oct. 19th. You will pick up your share/box every Wednesday at the Wild and Weedy Apothecary from Noon - 6:00 pm 

I use no herbicides, no insecticides no pesticides, no fungicides. I grow food using permaculture ideas, bio-dynamic practices and old school methods, there are no toxic chemicals ever used.  I do  not use any chemical applications or synthetic fertilizers.. 

Each box comes with an on-line newsletter with recipes and news from the farm. 

Save shopping time because your produce is already gathered and ready to pick-up.
Feel a closer connection to nature as you see the progression of the seasons in your Harvest Boxes.
Your membership helps keep our family farm contributing to a vibrant local economy

How the farm benefits from your membership
As we share our produce with you, we receive respect and appreciation directly from you. That feels awesome! 

Your membership fee paid in the spring allows us to afford all of the up front costs of bringing this high quality produce to you during the harvest season. There are no government subsidies for small food producers like us.
Your support encourages us to continue sustainable land stewardship. Remember my farming practices are holistic and chemical free. 
 
Our box relies heavily on familiar items. A seasonal assortment of vegetables, greens, roots, and herbs. Again, Recipes are provided for less familiar vegetables.

How many people will this harvest box feed? 

This is by far the most common question we get.  We have found that the amount of produce a household consumes varies greatly. This depends on how often people eat out or entertain, whether people are vegetarians, vegans, or omnivores, and whether they are going to supplement their diets with things like bananas, oranges, avocados and other things that don’t grow in your area.  
We only offer full shares, If you think a full share could be to much for you then one option that might work for you is to find a friend or neighbor who would like to share it with you.

There are lots of families that will find that their wellness box suits their needs. Others will love our Wellness box, but will desire more produce than we provide, so they purchase additional local produce at the farmers market.

Honestly if we were eating the amount of veggies we should be eating on a weekly basis, a full share is really not enough.

The fresher your produce is, the more vitamins and minerals it has. We do not use machinery or chemicals. On that note here are some things to consider. I want this to be a great experience for you and me, Again I want to remind you that we are a small farm and your food is local , no chemicals and very fresh,

Depending on what you are used to there could be some produce that you do not like or have never had. This can be very hard for some people. The people who will enjoy our wellness box the most are those who enjoy most kinds of produce and like trying new things.  I want you to keep in mind that I make no guarantees that you will like everything in your box.  It is important that I make that clear right from the beginning. 
If your primary goal is to get the most nutrition out of your produce for your dollar then this is the place for you.  Welcome aboard.

The 2016 Season: Sign ups start in June 
Starts June 8th through Oct 19th That is 20 weeks of receiving a wellness box     
The price for  a full weekly wellness box share is $725.00 for the full 20 weeks. If you break that down it is only $36.25 a week or approximately 5.17 a day.   That's less than most peoples coffee drinks a day.  


You can pick up your weekly wellness box every Wednesday. Pick up time is from Noon -  6:00 pm at the Wild and Weedy Apothecary.  Once you sign up you will receive more information about pick up.  
Call or email our farm if you have any more questions.

To sign up: 
Call 503-503-472-6656

E-mail:  wildweedyherbs@gmail.com

Make Checks payable to: Wild and Weedy Apothecary,llc

 Wild and Weedy Herbal Wellness Box 

This is a great way to build your herbal medicine chest and stock your kitchen pantry with nourishment.  This is a six month journey into the beauty and benefit of herbs.  It goes from June to November

Let us be your person guide on your journey to wellness . 

Monthly wellness boxes will be either seasonal or have a theme.   Herbalism creates a deeper connection to healing for most people than other methods.  It provides nourishment to your body to prevent disease in the first place.

It is ideal for anyone who would like to use natural healing on a more regular basis, through nourishing their bodies and boosting their immune system.  The wellness boxes will help to build your herbal medicine chest. As we all know being prepared when illness and injury hit is half the battle.   You will  receive items that will help with your kitchen cookery. Becoming a better cook puts  you on the path of taking responsibility with your health and builds  your immune system.  All items are petroleum free products.  

You will receive 3 items , handmade new products each month. Often times these ingredients will be wild crafted or grown on our farm.  

Items range from: pesto, elderberry syrups, tinctures, elixirs, powders, creams, salves, soaps,  fun teas, cold and flu products, infused oils, infused vinegar, body care products, medicinal teas, infused salts and more. 

You will learn more about new plants and herbal products

All products made with intention and love

from your local herbalist.  

 This is a six month commitment to learn about natural ways to boost your immune system and care for yourself. With the cost of health care on the rise, this truly is one of the best decisions you can make for you or your family's health.    

This is an investment in your health 

March to May is a 3 month commitment

Cost:  $180.00 

USPS Mail Shipments Add  $27. 00 for the 3 months

June to November Is a 6 month commitment

Cost $360.00 

USPS mail shipments add $54.00 for the 6 months 

The morning was cool, (35 degrees) calm and misty.  Feeling a bit low on energy I decided to move manure first.  I knew after several wheel-barrel trips my mind and body would warm up and wake up.   Robbins are one of my favorite birds and I love how they arrive when spring is about to happen.   I heard a Robbin, and I felt a stir of excitement.  I was not sure if it was one of the few that hang out here for the full winter, or will it be one of many that will bring the song of spring.   The  Robin landed in the Hawthorn Berry tree in front of me and sang a song, this led me to many thoughts.

 I stood there in silence and observed nature.  Nature gives such unconditional love, it gives calmness, it gives serenity, it gives happiness and it lets you know you are alive. 

Climate change, is a change that is happening all across our solar system.  The climate change that is happening on earth is a reminder to humans, that change is happening with or without us.  There is no doubt the tragedies caused by weather can be scary and take life.  These tragedies let us know we are alive, by waking us up, like having ice cold water dumped on you.  These weather patterns give us a chance to change what we are doing. It is a chance to wake up, pull together and save our planet.  All the planets in our solar system are heating up and going through climate change and  these planets have no humans....

 The climate change that is happening on our earth has nothing to do with  humans... 

What we are doing to our planet is killing it.  Killing the water, the micro-organisms, we are giving the planet and all it's species cancer.  This cancer is growing at an incredible rate.   It is not your cars and the cows farting away.  It is your way of life that is making our planet a red planet..  It is your detergent, Teflon, plastics, soaps, paints, chemical agriculture, GMO food, cell phones, shoes, synthetics, the gadgets no-one needs, it is the dollar store mentality,  it is our lack of concern, our selfishness, our lack of growing our own food, our lack of walking more, it is our lack of support for our seniors/elders, it is our support of massive water in bottles, it is the Costco's, the Petco's, the Walmart, the soda, the fast food, the video games, the lack of caring about nature, the lack of being out in nature, therefore you do not care about nature, it is the generations, that complain, but do nothing, it is the generations that are all about selfishness, it is the generations that have let TV raise their kids,  it is the kids who love getting for Christmas, but do not give, Christmas is not for consuming, Christmas is not for greed, Christmas is not Walmart and cheap crap from the Dollar Store, Christmas is not a new big screen TV, Christmas is not junk food, new video games, more plastic toys, more barbies, more dolls, more candy, more candy, more candy, more red dye, more rushing, more need to want, more stress, more stress on the earth, more trash for the earth, more trees cut down, more soda, more fast food because you are rushing around shopping, more junk, more junk more junk, that ends up in the dump..... in the ocean, in the bellies of birds and animals, in the blood streams of the world, including your body.  Is this what we as humans are all about??

It is easier for all to think we are having climate change, to let the government tax us, controls us and blame us.. To truly change what we need to change to save our world, we will need to change how we  live on a daily basis.   If the government was really concerned about our world, they would out-law chemical agriculture, and outlaw bottled water production, outlaw petroleum made products that humans use on a daily basis.  The climate change the government speaks of is the change they want in their greedy pockets, to make off of you.  They see this $$$$$$$$ 

Nature lets you know you are alive, by wind, ice, snow, freezing temperatures, extreme heat, tornado and hurricanes.  All elements that bring life together and can give life an end.  Elements that give tragedy, but these tragedies bring miracles, bring people together and wake people up. 

Tragedies and Rebellions bring change, it is these moments in the circle of life that these energies connect people.  At these moments we have been given a chance to react in a positive way and care, or react in a negative way, not care.  Who are we..

"WE" are a  world that is raising a population of I wants who are unattached to nature. .....

Remembering to breath, and to only allow peaceful intentions in my mind, body and spirit. 

Thoughts of spring, it is coming soon

Thoughts on  celebrating the "Return Of Light".  Winter Solstice is near... 

My eyes caught a big figure flying across a field, a blue heron,  there seems to be more around here for the first time in years, this year.  As I watched this blue heron fly across an old hay field that needs lots of love, I dreamed of some day having my own hay field.  I dreamed of how I would farm it, how I would weed it, how I would harvest it.  It would the old ways, hard, but worth every blister and sore muscle that came with it.  Someday I will do this and it will make my spirit proud.  The land, animals, micro-organisms will be grateful for the light, love, gentleness and nourishment I will bring.  

The chick-a-dees were out,  more robins arrived and were eating the hawthorn berries,

Fresh air, peaceful intentions, love being sent out into the universe.  Deep breaths of thankfulness 

Early spring...

they're still flocks of geese hanging around, more robins today, blue herons hanging around. 

Just maybe an early spring

I am excited, thoughts of seeds, and new crops, new fences, building beds, bees and flowers

I stood silently taking nature in, 

Last night I herd, the Great Horned Owl Hooting, a little early for mating season.... 

Thoughts of early spring 

Thinking of my actions of this past year

I am thankful

I am thankful for knowledge

I am thankful, I read every label of every-purchase I make. Where does it come from, how is it made, what is in it ??? 

I am proud of the way that I live, I have taken more plastics out of our life,  we eat organic,  I am growing my food and herbs, I strongly support local organic farmers and a great CSA (growing wild)  I am becoming a stronger herbalist 

I am proud that I rarely buy produce from the store

I am proud that 99% of our meat is sourced local organic 

I am proud that I raised a lot of meat for my family

I am proud that I work on living lightly on this earth

I am proud that I did not overly consume again this year for Christmas

Proud that each family member will only receive one gift from a local artisan some food and my special tea 

Proud that I have not set foot in a Walmart or  a Mall in over 12 years

I paused, my  thoughts, for my goals for  next season

I think in seasons, not new years, what will I do for the next season

Keep decreasing plastic in our life.  I want to get to a 5% goal

I will not ever, never ever purchase CFL Bulbs for my house, it is either leds or candles.  I refuse to be apart of the Mercury poisonings to this world from CFL bulbs. I hope you will join me on this one.  Imagine 313.9 million houses across america, (minus me), will be contributing to the mercury poisonings to the world and themselves.  Remember if you break a CFL in your home or anywhere else, open the windows and leave immediately and do not come back for 20 minutes. While you are at it make sure you hold your breath while opening the windows. 

I will.....

 build a rocket stove, 

 bake more bread

  hike more

 make more herbal remedies

 teach others about herbs

put more food away at the end of the summer

grow, more potatoes

 figure out how to feed my dogs,  by making their own food.  

 sign up on the Woof-USA Program again, this will bring helpers( as long as they are scent free) to our farm.  We will be able to teach them sustainability and receive extra help. 

continue the Saturday Market, selling herbal products

add more art in my life

add more sleep to my life

cut down computer use

help others with health

I have to make a lighter foot print .......

Lighter Foot Prints, Can You?

Our would is raising a population of I wants, who are unattached to nature and nurse off of video games TV screens, get empty calories through sugar, sucking off a straw of big gulps, soda pop, energy drinks, boxed food, frozen food, toxic fat and fast foods which is in return.. growing a nation of obese or skinny fat zombies 

Could you use this time that you gather with  families and friends this holiday season and talk of how you can be more giving, , how you can support your local organic farmers, set a goal to grow herbs or some food items together, to hike more, to be outside more, to put the TV in the closet,  to give up big box store shopping, to give up video games, how to give up fast food, junk food, unhealthy food,  give up bottled water, give up soda, how can you as a community help your community become a community that gives, grows and is not toxic.  

Take a pause, be still, reflection of  thoughts for last season and the new, stand,  silent, and observe.  Remember ....All things are connected................

What you do, purchase, speak, act, eat, will affect all in this world, your choices will either harm or heal the connection to others and this planet. 

We are at a critical time in the history of the Earth.  We are apart of shaping the future we want for ourselves and for future generations.  We are all responsible for creating a new future based on a culture of peace, universal human rights, economic justice and respect for all life on Earth. 

Money is a kind of energy .  Every single thing that your money buys supports that product.  It support the way that product was made, the people who were involved in making it and, unless it was produced by a cooperative or was fairly managed, it supports the person at the top who makes the most money.  Consume less and consume consciously, with awareness of how each product came to you.

We enter the new season and the return of light, pause and take a moment to look back on your last seasons journeys, what have you completed and what are your insights?  It is a great time to look at the new journeys and new dreams.

It is time, to set your new path, new goals, new creations, for next the seasons journey.  Who do you want to be, what do you want to give, how can you help your world, what can you change,  these are the questions I will ask myself

New paths, new foot prints, new journeys, new life, the seeds are being planted, last years energy is being cleared and this years energy is coming soon.  

This Season Is The Season To Pause, Be Still, Reflect, Be Silent, Observe, To Help, To Care, To Grow, To Support, To Be Free, To Be Healthy, To Be In Nature, Be Happy, Life Can Be Good With This List Of Be's ....... 

Seasoning Blessings  And Peace To All...

This film is not your usual doom and gloom experience it gives great optimism for the world and what ORDINARY PEOPLE CAN DO -Michael Burton, New Zealand

Modern agriculture causes topsoil to be eroded at 3 million tons per hour (thats 26 billion tons a year!). Human mass (waste) is replacing biomass and other species. The carrying capacity of the earth is almost spent. To maintain our comfort zone lifestyles we will soon need five earths to sustain us in the style to which we have become accustomed. The mantra of free trade has failed the worlds poor. There is a better way. Biodynamic agriculture may be the only answer we have left.

Trailer 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfuW0UCUgUI

You can watch all the movie on YouTube:

Here is part one: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y1xMauClzU

This site has great information about health.  From illness to kids consuming to much.  Check it out and share the education.  

http://www.foodmatters.tv/content/newsletter-archive?A=WebApp&CCID=4629&Page=1&Items=7

Peace to you and have a beautiful day! 

Sue 

Today. was my first day of my Mountain Mama Wellness Box Delivery.  I am sending all of you my information I gave out, because you can shop for organic/no spray food at your local farmers markets or you could look for a local organic/no spray farm that offers a CSA and join and  then use this information.     Eating lots of organic/no spray veggies on a daily basis will keep you healthy strong and mindful.   The herb information will keep your immune system strong.  It is your investment in a wellness program for yourself and your family.  It is a form of health insurance, true HEALTH INSURANCE, not sick insurance. 

I strongly believe that if we really want to change our world  one of the things  we have to do is look at our food system and what we eat on a daily basis.   

I will be sending out health information and recipes on a weekly basis on seasonal foods and herbs

I am here to help you, so please if you have any questions or need some help e-mail me.

Seek in your life, the "slow food",  a meal that is remembered by the taste-buds of your tongue, food that gives conversation, food that makes you feel alive, awake and energetic.

Peace to all and may the green of veggies come your way everyday.  

Click on link below for recipes and health information: 

http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mountain-ma...

First I want to give you a few quotes by one of  the most incredible women you could know. 

“You are not Atlas carrying the world on your shoulder. It is good to 
remember that the planet is carrying you.” 
― Vandana Shiva

“In nature's economy the currency is not money, it is life.” 
― Vandana Shiva, Earth Democracy: Justice, Sustainability, and Peace

“Nature shrinks as capital grows. The growth of the market cannot solve the very crisis it creates.” 
― Vandana Shiva, Soil Not Oil: Environmental Justice in an Age of Climate Crisis

Because I am full of fire and have a strong personality, I look into things, I research, I ask a lot of questions, I read alot, I am alone 80% or more, I am with nature, animals and plants which makes me go deep in my mind, heart and intuition. Today as I am doing some research, I can't help but get angry and feel depressed. What is happening to our food system at an incredible rate is more than sad. The corporate food corruption alone gives my heart to much anger. On days like these I can not help but think being a sheelple would make life seem so grand. But, ignorance may be bliss it gives nothing but a sad spirit inside that has be broken and only finds water by being led. Today is a reminder and know my life is grand, I have my animals, and nature spirits for them I am thankful. I am thankful that I work on only having purity in my life and that I can listen to the right side of good and light and I pray that I can somehow help before it is to late... Thank you Great Spirit for the new changes that are about to happen in my life, I am thankful for the knowledge. I still have things I could give up. The hard road is not easy but here I go.

Today seems to be a day I am frustrated with the American People I say American because this is where I live. We are concerned about bullying but yet WE as Americans let, yes WE let our own government bully the world. Teen suicide is UP, and people are concerned and want to find the problem, the problem is, in my eyes to much screen time, to much cell phones, really bad food so it makes it impossible for your brain to function right, to much busy life, extinct family time? Family time seems to be something that is becoming extinct. A few weeks ago I was sitting at Whole Foods with my daughters and one of their friends. We were laughing, talking and eating great food. No cell phones came out, no lap tops etc. We stopped for a moment to look around, it was a sad picture everyone in there was starring at their cell phone screens. That is not family time. Watching a movie together is NOT family time. American food? I see and talk to people who are against Monsanto and biotech food, yet these same people who know about bad food eat out. They eat out a lot. No concern for the earth, themselves, and the toxins they are supporting that pollute the rivers and our air. My air, your air, animals air. I have a chemical injury do to these same people who support these various toxic things. People complain they are tired and stress out but yet they will blame everything except the vary thing that they put in their mouths which supports their body that gives either good energy or bad energy. I just read this morning that our organic packaged (processed) food is being polluted with toxic ingredients that our government has given company's the permission to not list it on the food labels. WHAT! I do not buy much packaged food, but I do buy organic oat milk, butter and the occasional canned beans. Now I am calling organic tilth to see what the heck. I have a lot of research ahead. Earth day is coming up, why is it one day a year? Does this honestly make you feel good because you did something for one day but yet you pollute on a daily basis's? Folks I do not want to offend but it is time to re-think what we do in our world. Turn your screens off, get rid of the cable TV, have family game night, require you child to only use their cell phone for emergency only. If you go out to eat make a point to not bring in your cell phones, when you are having family time turn off all ringers put and cell phones in another room. Pick up hobbies together, plan family hikes, sign up for a race together, if you want to not contribute to the toxic chemicals in this world, stop eating out unless it is only organic or from a local farmer who does not use petroleum based products, if your toddler or teen is acting up what have they eaten? Pay attention to your world, make it beautiful because our government will not, it is up to you to actually really change and that change needs to happen soon.

A few paragraphs from Farm Wars,  I left the links below: 

When did we learn to accept anything less than the best? When did we acquiesce to inferiority? To the endless compromise of our food supply? Why do we think that we somehow deserve to be robbed blind, lied to, poisoned for profit, and cheated every step of the way by the corrupt corporate system that acts like a black hole – sucking in everything and giving nothing back in return except abject misery? And why do we seem to like it? Why do we keep going back for more instead of ridding ourselves of these pariahs? Do you really want to know why? Because we have been trained that way! That’s why we accept “organic beer” made with conventional hops, and USDA Certified “contains organic ingredients” food items that have been poisoned with the likes of Neotame. We accept these things because we have been conditioned to think that this is somehow okay. It’s time to change our way of thinking.
It’s time to stop bowing to multi-national corporations who may or may not be what we think they are. Know your food producer. Know what you are eating. Become a food warrior, and fight for the right to not be deceived. Know how to read labels and figure out what the ingredients really are. The more people that wake up to the reality that we are surrounded by people who couldn’t care less about our health and are actually out to do us harm as long as they can profit by it, the better our chances of survival. Make no mistake about it. We are in a food war, and that is a war for our very lives.

http://farmwars.info/?p=4913

http://farmwars.info/?p=4897

“Gandhi is the other person. I believe Gandhi is the only person who knew about real democracy — not democracy as the right to go and buy what you want, but democracy as the responsibility to be accountable to everyone around you. Democracy begins with freedom from hunger, freedom from unemployment, freedom from fear, and freedom from hatred. To me, those are the real freedoms on the basis of which good human societies are based.” 
― Vandana Shiva

One more for the night:

“Globalized industrialized food is not cheap: it is too costly for the Earth, for the farmers, for our health. The Earth can no longer carry the burden of groundwater mining, pesticide pollution, disappearance of species and destabilization of the climate. Farmers can no longer carry the burden of debt, which is inevitable in industrial farming with its high costs of production. It is incapable of producing safe, culturally appropriate, tasty, quality food. And it is incapable of producing enough food for all because it is wasteful of land, water and energy. Industrial agriculture uses ten times more energy than it produces. It is thus ten times less efficient.” 
― Vandana Shiva

This weekend make it a point to go buy local organic produce.  Make it a point to not buy feed lot meat from the supermarket, Make it a point to read labels,  Make it a point to not buy processed food.  Make it a point to not buy boxed or bagged juke food for your child, teen or family anymore.  Make your treats homemade.  Homemade does not come from a box. 

Picture blow:  Even Oregon State University, the extension office and government DO NOT EVEN KNOW WHAT A VEGETABLE ARE!   

Peace to all 

My chickens have started laying.  I am very excited.  The chickens only get organic food and their food is soy, corn and canola free.  

It's incredible the difference you see and taste, between a real farm organic egg and big farmed eggs.  

Big farmed eggs are runny, pale and  lack good protein. 

Local farmed organic eggs have three layers of nutrients and have very colorful yolks. 

Seek out sources of pure organic food and this will  feed your body lots of beneficial vitamins, minerals

and fats.