Praying For...Oakley, a dear, nearly 6-year-old granddaughter...this summer at our reunion she was so sweet. She said, 'I'm going to hug you every day, Grammy. I love you so much.' Also, I pray for the hungry and homeless everywhere. I know it is impossible to eliminate all suffering until Jesus comes again. Even so, it would be lovely if evil and violence stopped. It would be lovely if everyone had a garden to learn patience and peace. It would be lovely if everyone were as sweet and loved children as much as Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, Mr. Rogers, and of course Jesus.
Meditations of Jesus...
Cucina Fresca..."neatly arranged like the blue jars in an old-fashioned apothecary shop" is a line I read in Van Loon's Story of Mankind. I don't necessarily like the book with its evolutionary bend, but I do like this line. He was speaking of bells, but I imagined exactly what I want my kitchen to look like some day. I spend many hours imagining my unattainable, but lovely in my mind, Lilliputian, craftsman, dream cottage with its south-facing attached greenhouse as part of the wrap-around porch, water-frontage, garden, orchard, and steeply gabled roof. One part is the kitchen with its open, white, scallop-edged shelves that reach to the ceiling, lined neatly with cobalt-blue (if they can be found) jars of herbs, grains, seeds, and legumes contrasted by stark white dishes.
Dr. Ginger Medicine Woman...my new insomnia/intestinal healing formula is working marvelously for my test subjects. I have tried and failed for the last three years to find a good formula to finish up my master herbalist certificate. I think this one will finally complete this assignment. The Incurables Program seems to be the only way I can stay healthy. After these many weeks, I sometimes feel tremendous appetite, eat something off the program, and then pay mightily. When I was prompted to begin the Incurables, I had no idea it would be a permanent way of life. Usually, this is OK, because I feel energized and pain-free, sticking to it. Changing my outlook, I need to get it through my head that appetite or cravings are not the same as hunger.
Bibliophilia...Sending Oakley a copy of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle as I did Sammy. 5 through 10ish is the perfect time to read this series. Well...I never read them until my 20s and loved reading them to my children. I used to be so prideful of the fact that I read to my children. Actually, I was feeding my own selfish albeit delayed love of children's literature. As a child, books weren't a big part of my life. When my own children came along, I got hooked after reading The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease.
Brush and Pen...this week I'll of course be sending a card to Oakley and likely my mother. I haven't chosen my subjects yet though. Drawing and watercoloring are delightful.
Garden Gate...the video instructions for hydroponic microgreens were developed and shared by someone in a very dry, desert climate. After several failed attepts due to mold, I'm working to tweak the method for my chilly, damp, grey climate.
Viewing Pleasures...have been enjoying a clean and wholesome show, Lark Rise to Candleford, which is available on Amazon Prime....that is except for it's well hidden (sometimes) socialist agenda.
