tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80362233304031871442024-03-04T23:58:10.413-08:00the DianaverseExplorations in Herbalism and Artthe Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-56211918374459951632015-05-14T10:37:00.000-07:002015-05-14T10:37:01.850-07:00Interested in plants? Study!<div style="text-align: center;">
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I recently returned from seminar at the <a href="http://www.planetherbs.com/">East West School of Planetary Herbology</a> and I'm now officially ready to start coaching herbal clients.</div>
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If you have a passion for plants and herbs (or for any subject, I suppose) you will learn a lot by joining with other people who share that interest and from teachers with experience in that subject. I've learned so much more in the last two years since I started taking courses than I had strictly studying on my own.</div>
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Learning from an experienced teacher in your local area is invaluable for plant id and getting to know your local plant allies. Besides the course above, I've also done a year- long apprenticeship with <a href="http://cedarmountainherbs.com/">Cedar Mountain Herb School</a> ......</div>
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These courses are reasonably priced, although they require a commitment of study and time. Learning in group like this is lots of fun and everyone brings some of their knowledge into the fray.</div>
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If you're just dipping your feet into the water, so to speak, or more of a weekend warrior, there are likely lots of one or two day workshops and classes in your area. Some great resources for those in the Seattle area are<a href="http://www.dandelionbotanical.com/"> Dandelion Botanicals</a> and <a href="http://rainbownatural.com/">Rainbow Natural Remedies</a> . Individuals who give classes are also worth seeking out. I just took a wonderful workshop with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ravens-and-RoseHips/627774180586774?fref=nf">Ravens and Rosehips</a> in Port Townsend. There seems to be guided plant walks offered by various people regularly, sometimes free, sometimes for a fee. <a href="https://www.bastyr.edu/civicrm/event/info?id=1412">Bastyr University</a> is having their annual public event in a couple of weeks, and Jenny McGruther of Nourished Kitchens will be one of the keynote speakers, <strong style="background-color: white; color: #364146; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Graeme Tobyn will be the other</strong> .</div>
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Another option for learning is in joining a like-minded interest group in your area. Here in Seattle, I belong to the Seattle Herb Society, which meets weekly for an activity. </div>
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If you're more of an internet studies, when you have free time, kind of person, there's <a href="http://www.herbmentor.com/public/">Herb Mentor</a> , <a href="http://planthealermagazine.com/">Plant Healer Magazine</a>, which has a free sample from each issue, if you sign up for the newsletter, and of course the <a href="http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/">American Herbalist Guild</a>, which also has informative magazines it puts out.</div>
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I'd love to create a page with resources for studying and workshops on the blog here. If you have local schools, stores with classes, or local groups or teachers; post them in the comments below to share with others, and I'll compile a page for them on the blog. </div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-83435079538988674812015-04-13T09:23:00.002-07:002015-04-13T11:09:58.666-07:00Ode to the Dandelion<div align="center">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Calibri;"><b>Rooting the Chakras
with Dandelion</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Root chakra is
located at the base of the spine, anchoring us to the Earth and the present
moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Breathe in…. feel the
double helix rainbow of the energy coming up from the Earth… into the base of
your spine… bringing grounding energy and vital nourishment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Breathe out…. Sending
down anxiety and anything toxic we have accumulated. When we poop we send
toxins and debris back to the Earth where it is transformed back into
nourishing energy. Dandelion will help you poop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dandelion stores the
Sun energy in her roots all summer and fall, saving it up all winter in order
to spring that energy on the world in the Spring. We sip on this liquid
sunshine to release the toxins we've taken on that slow us down. Dandelion will
put a spring back in your step. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We need a strong root
to sustain the growth of our plans; all that we will into being in the yellow
third chakra is built on the foundation of a strong first chakra, like the
vibrant yellow flower that pushes forth from the Dandelion’s root. With time
the flowers turn into seeds that float on the breeze …what thought seeds are <u>you
</u>sowing? Pay attention, for they soon create roots of their own and take
hold and thrive. Use this root tea to release any toxic or negative thoughts,
memories or imprints or anger, so that only your <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">best </b>thoughts and plans take root. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dandelion is not just
a survivor, she thrives wherever her seed lands, laughing at those who try to
get rid of her. Have you ever noticed that the biggest happiest Dandelions
bounce back on land that’s been cleared or sprayed? Left even the slightest
little root She will grow back, large and in charge. In fact She is a guardian
of disturbed land, a first responder to damaged Earth, preparing the way by
repairing the soil, digging Her roots deep and pulling minerals up and shedding
them with Her spent leaves, on the surface of the ground for daintier plants to find later; all
the while shining Her yellow face to reflect the Sun. While the Dandelion <u>is</u>
firmly rooted, She is also a free spirit, moving freely with the wind as it disperses
Her seeds like little helicopters in every direction. Be rooted and strong, but
also float where the winds of Life take you,.... make your wishes, then anchor
yourself in each new situation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Drinking Dandelion
tea is said to draw spirits to you, which spirits would you like to invite?
They will stay with you until you pee, which with dandelion won’t take long, so
invite them quickly!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you re-post my writing in part or whole, please provide a link back to my blog, thanks.</span></div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-34952798919053528712015-03-20T10:18:00.001-07:002015-03-20T10:24:24.805-07:00Happy Spring Equinox<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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May the warming of Spring</div>
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light a fire under your arse</div>
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so that you rush off to bring</div>
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your dreams to reality....</div>
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Welcome to the Spring Equinox... and a dramatic one at that! With a full solar eclipse, lining up almost exactly with the changing of the astrological year.Time for new beginnings and time to get going on new projects!</div>
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This is a great time to set new intentions that you follow with actions. </div>
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It's also a great time to begin a Spring cleaning/detox/ re-nourishing regimen. </div>
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I don't believe in harsh detoxes; given proper excercise, diet and rest, the body is pretty efficient at de-toxing itself. However, after the winter we may feel a bit sluggish and we live in a world that's full of toxins humans haven't had thousands of years to adapt to, so a mild cleaning of the system may be in order. If you have access to a Panchakarma program, this is a great time to do it. Or clean your system with alterative herbs.</div>
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Alterative herbs are a great addition to your routine. Astragalus is an easy herb to incorporate into your day in the form of tea or added to soups. I've been sipping on Cleaver's tea to get the lymphatic system moving. Chickweed is another great herb, as are stinging nettles for this time of year. So many plants that are good for us can be found right out in the back yard! Dandelions help the liver process built up debris. Dandelions are one of my favorite plants. There's so many plants to like, but Dandelion is amazing, all parts of it are edible and tasty; add raw leaves to salads, cook them with other greens, batter the flowers and fry them, roast the roots for a coffee like tea. Just make sure that you forage in a clean area, ie, not sprayed or close to busy roadways. </div>
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My next post will be something I wrote in honor of Dandelion, so check back, or enter your email on the right side to get posts sent to you.</div>
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Along with herbs, moving the body more helps clear stagnant gunk and funk we've accumulated. As the weather gets nicer, go out for walks. Just the fresh air and spending a bit in time in Nature can clear the head and body of toxins. When it's cold or rainy out, have a party in your living room! Put on some favorite music and dance! Even a few songs will get the blood moving. Exercise is free Qi medicine. When trying to get things done and feel positive and happy, it helps to pick happy bouncy music, just sayin' <br />
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Here's one I like:</div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-86820935387885597112014-02-14T17:29:00.001-08:002014-11-26T16:35:07.519-08:00Happy Valentine's Day<div style="text-align: center;">
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Happy Valentine's Day!</div>
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I love chocolates, but besides being more health-conscious these days, I have food intolerances that keep me from buying the cute little boxes at the stores. </div>
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So, this year I decided to make my own. </div>
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The first batch I did were pretty simple; I made a mix of cocao butter, coconut oil, anise extract and honey, and spooned them into a heart shaped silicon mold. I let that harden for about an hour and placed a toasted almond on top and then spooned some melted dark chocolate over them to finish. I let them cool in the fridge overnight before popping them out of the molds. I had a little trouble with the honey separating out of this one, not sure if it's an issue with the cocao butter, .... anyone work with cocao butter?</div>
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Cute, huh?!?</div>
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The second batch I made was a variation from a recipe from the Chestnut School that I may have posted before;<a href="http://blog.chestnutherbs.com/lavenders-medicinal-and-aromatherapy-uses-and-lavender-truffles"> Naughty Lavender Truffles</a>, the recipe is towards the bottom of the page.</div>
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I love, love, love these!</div>
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I substituted coconut milk for the cream and coconut oil for the butter. </div>
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Here's the batch going into the fridge to chill:</div>
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and here are the finished truffles!</div>
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These came out great!</div>
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Really, it wasn't very hard to make my own chocolates, and I can put what I want in, or more importantly skip the ingredients in commercial chocolates that are unhealthy.</div>
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Hope your evening is filled with fun and love or at least chocolate!</div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-53966021157315172062014-01-04T14:18:00.000-08:002014-01-04T14:19:57.884-08:00Ceramic Garlic/ Ginger Graters<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before the holidays, I started making ginger/ garlic graters. A friend picked one up at a sale; I used it and fell in love.... so I made my own! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I use mine almost daily....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's great for ginger, garlic, turmeric, anything small of somewhat soft texture that's gratable...Is that a word?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can hold it in my hand over a pot and grate right in, and then if it's going into liquid, swish every last bit into the pot, since it's ceramic, it's very durable.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCK9IeIKFoyqrceXeM1woAkPbJ_AKi6zVL_ZW3LDYxRyrEnh5VaU-gDct-8p0ZeNBJQzvUgLC9B5KSAStg8j3zshvcSSfFqmeJk9U5-pGZatkE2duPqVCnhsbZ3LTJJe4bnbR4rENVmQ/s1600/IMG_6999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCK9IeIKFoyqrceXeM1woAkPbJ_AKi6zVL_ZW3LDYxRyrEnh5VaU-gDct-8p0ZeNBJQzvUgLC9B5KSAStg8j3zshvcSSfFqmeJk9U5-pGZatkE2duPqVCnhsbZ3LTJJe4bnbR4rENVmQ/s320/IMG_6999.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had several designs, but either sold or gifted most of them around the holidays. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will have more in stock in a few weeks, but for now just have these two left.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmREbRjXDsMGFWaCFk_3KRtXlLuvZYKWh7LtAa5B9nPQSosoFkpUhhjpK_XoyAW3I2dzKOAIhEHq2IvllwBZEYGiPXdtaLwd2JfFgLJU0wFJOxGgPozfjGxKP5ZfKYO0clXoLyhXhZVg/s1600/IMG_7003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmREbRjXDsMGFWaCFk_3KRtXlLuvZYKWh7LtAa5B9nPQSosoFkpUhhjpK_XoyAW3I2dzKOAIhEHq2IvllwBZEYGiPXdtaLwd2JfFgLJU0wFJOxGgPozfjGxKP5ZfKYO0clXoLyhXhZVg/s320/IMG_7003.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love being able to make my own garlic and ginger paste fresh. It's a bit coarser than the store bought paste, but added to food, I don't really notice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever used one of these type graters? What was your favorite thing about them?</span></div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-75611177336024601062014-01-01T11:35:00.000-08:002014-01-01T11:37:36.351-08:00Happy New Year and Welcome to 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJKRtGwd1gZj0mdfxhdHJv72OaTOUSNjb-1oD6qNbxv9JU-YRIXclUQaTbKc0mFDoZnf5IAdAPOp-cPHIaDC9gjd5WHzElJ_QwGcVBoCwEzebrBzsVcr_CCOVlBjkxL7hFUI8SF5jTt4/s1600/Jan1+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvJKRtGwd1gZj0mdfxhdHJv72OaTOUSNjb-1oD6qNbxv9JU-YRIXclUQaTbKc0mFDoZnf5IAdAPOp-cPHIaDC9gjd5WHzElJ_QwGcVBoCwEzebrBzsVcr_CCOVlBjkxL7hFUI8SF5jTt4/s640/Jan1+2014.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy New Year and welcome to 2014!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope you all had a wonderful Holy-days season.... and now it's on to the start of a new year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you follow astrology at all, you're already aware that this January 1 is also a new moon; so, aside from the classic intention setting activities for the date, the stars are saying "do it now!", too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have layers in timing and purpose...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With Venus still retrograde, we're still mulling over past relationships and events, romantic or otherwise, and possibly dealing with surprise visits from the past, even though the dark of the year is supposedly moving forward. Chiron in Pisces helps us heal that old karma once and for all, and for deeper stump removal.... look past the memory that first knocks on your door, to way, way back, when you first felt this kind of feeling...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For me, it's been manifesting as mentally reviewing everything I've ever disliked about people I've known... ugh... and not very flattering to my ego to catch myself doing it.... what does it matter to me how people live their lives? In fact, they seem to be doing just fine without my input... ahhh, so that's it; I'm feeling just a little unimportant to some people who used to be a bigger part of my life... note to self: make more new friends in 2014, odd hint well taken..... and also, I've stopped the internal rants now that I understand what was going on, facing down shadows hurts a bit, but feels oh, so much better afterwards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've also seen a resurgence of ailments I haven't had for a decade... are the two things related? Maybe... being critical certainly creates tension in the body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Winter is the time of year to nourish the kidneys, adrenals and spleen according to Chinese Traditional Medicine and also to check in on your Life's Purpose. This new moon in Capricorn is a good time to get on track in a practical sense, and set a grounded course of action. With Mars in Libra until next July, it's time to speak your truth and move forward, but take a moment to check your delivery, because how we fit that with others is key to doing it successfully. Anywhere we're out of balance will reflect right back to us and with Lilith activated we may come across harsher than we intend as we release that old karma... Again, Chiron in Pisces brings us some closure and final healing of the wounds of the past, individually; but also hopefully for the world at large. With so much pushing us forward to success, it would be a shame to stay stuck... If you do manage to get your foot stuck in your mouth at times, just pull it out, acknowledge (ie apologize) and move on. There's too much to accomplish to get impaled on your ego....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take the Middle Road when things are going to extremes and you'll surf this energy wave for the next 6 months or so.... and maybe get a nice payout from Jupiter sometime around August.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Maybe I can create a lovely birthday season for myself a few months hence....</span></div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-41674818262634329622013-12-21T08:44:00.000-08:002013-12-21T08:44:22.222-08:00Blessed Solstice<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFAlfwvBJSQurztV6v-r02OznD6ejMeKmvSbiL1QrWsoMp6zZFl3djpo4gSKqjDd88udGLnrDqgu1veiqhGzx1GmGrZwm8n6RBZaVvYoQVVKIr3NPknijSeS-W04Nfsby2ahYYZhhMeE/s1600/Solstice+Card+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFAlfwvBJSQurztV6v-r02OznD6ejMeKmvSbiL1QrWsoMp6zZFl3djpo4gSKqjDd88udGLnrDqgu1veiqhGzx1GmGrZwm8n6RBZaVvYoQVVKIr3NPknijSeS-W04Nfsby2ahYYZhhMeE/s640/Solstice+Card+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-38175266477433153352013-12-14T11:55:00.000-08:002013-12-14T11:55:59.838-08:00Ecoprints on fabric - Getting Hammered<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The posts on ecoprinting with fall leaves continue....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time I hammered the leaves onto fabric to transfer the images...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is on pre-mordanted fabric, so I'll see how the colors hold up, and maybe try it with some non-mordanted fabric next fall just to see if there's a difference. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The colors transfer very nicely! In my experience, natural pigments tend to brown over time, but I'm fine with the prints being as ephemeral as the leaves themselves.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-J8KxNQzep0kC_GvEvWSEa8VcKOld0mfasXYwBXeOxgnHwcQTFmM1PjQSVC54p-5cdkdZQio9f5MFocLW21kWjUHWJQtBy_Q2qv9nBLLVoSovDpQPltr-zOPg2hMteYJgkeYPmI8HCI/s1600/ecoprint+bunting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-J8KxNQzep0kC_GvEvWSEa8VcKOld0mfasXYwBXeOxgnHwcQTFmM1PjQSVC54p-5cdkdZQio9f5MFocLW21kWjUHWJQtBy_Q2qv9nBLLVoSovDpQPltr-zOPg2hMteYJgkeYPmI8HCI/s320/ecoprint+bunting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made these small prints into a bunting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isn't it cute?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leave me a comment about my prints or link to some of your own....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More nature prints to come.....</span></div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-55163279108181207682013-11-28T09:31:00.000-08:002013-11-28T09:31:10.355-08:00Happy Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNHphf5w3WD5WlGOrj7UbXrniucdf19mX8-LVp5XZeFr0SIyp6-lCrfaQRWGLInv2GyIaovPe8vinzQPJAmMvjhbBXPbgWIKcEhsVtqdwvy3_vtj4Qd3mSFYBIUsidWLM0m1bRm1PcnM/s1600/IMG_6872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNHphf5w3WD5WlGOrj7UbXrniucdf19mX8-LVp5XZeFr0SIyp6-lCrfaQRWGLInv2GyIaovPe8vinzQPJAmMvjhbBXPbgWIKcEhsVtqdwvy3_vtj4Qd3mSFYBIUsidWLM0m1bRm1PcnM/s320/IMG_6872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a happy day;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> being grateful for friends, loved ones, Nature and the planet, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and this brief moment we are given called "Life"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope I can capture snapshots of the beauty of this world</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to reflect back to others, so they remember it too....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm thankful for all of you out there in cyberland, some of whom I know</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in "real life", lol, and especially my friends and family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be full of life and merry!</span></div>
the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-50830816391514564822013-11-14T20:40:00.000-08:002013-11-14T20:42:37.959-08:009 of Wands<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other day one of my favorite Tarot sites, <a href="http://angelpaths.com/">Angel Paths</a>, posted the 9 of Wands as the card of the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like this site, because it gives quick, concise meanings for cards as well as some positional information, and uses different decks, which is fun....... I get a lot out of the different, creative imagery people use for the cards. Btw, I find tarot cards to be a great resource for self study; to use to ponder things in my daily life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not so much of the psychic reading variety........ I like to pull a daily card to think about.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cards draw upon common collective unconscious and personal themes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 9 of Wands represents an ongoing struggle, in which one has the fortitude to persevere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started thinking about how this card might apply in my own life, and suddenly remembered working with some "wands" myself the day before......... bamboo poles....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went out to my garden and looked..... sure enough, I had 9 pole placements (if you look carefully, there are actually 10 poles, with 2 in one spot at the gate in the middle). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love when life is synchronous like that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Those bamboo poles indeed represent the culmination of of a struggle.... one to keep a very persistent chicken out........... she can dig a hole 2 feet deep in about 3 minutes flat and was destroying my plantings! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The suit of wands represents, energy, force and movement. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See the moving chicken....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think I've outsmarted her......... for now..........</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Magic often happens in the mundane events of daily life......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can you remember any time when tarot or magic has intersected with your daily life? </span></div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-8614005101974911182013-11-10T09:43:00.002-08:002013-11-10T09:52:40.654-08:00Pretty Bit of the Day<br />
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Today, slow down and take notice</div>
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of the ordinary beauty,</div>
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hiding in plain sight,</div>
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for those with eyes to see. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP60qRfGoaTEbUUhzBFMz4at5MqAanNI2rcv_jgSmwRIQtyKVOnrSgw1AY4jPd5jH_6Y3cyCQ7WgBhD-igfSIRMzJEhenRL8D4fhdr94fVWF57Lj4YGdIE99zkSdwP7EOynJsAsy7Ngrs/s1600/blog+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP60qRfGoaTEbUUhzBFMz4at5MqAanNI2rcv_jgSmwRIQtyKVOnrSgw1AY4jPd5jH_6Y3cyCQ7WgBhD-igfSIRMzJEhenRL8D4fhdr94fVWF57Lj4YGdIE99zkSdwP7EOynJsAsy7Ngrs/s320/blog+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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with wonderment,</div>
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say "yes" to Life.........</div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-10479645794297810962013-11-08T12:34:00.000-08:002013-11-08T12:34:37.168-08:00New Ceramic Pot<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a new pot fresh from the kiln......... this one is for orchids</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">dandelions are my favorite plant, so look for them to be on lots of pieces in the future!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSAB50w5AO7AYtYE-X54XrVsd6gL0H8cPrWnORNmSV1dNnL0xiMg52UAiJStaXQU6nZ6md1l_HvZsuGbOOlQK8pqdGqX3BjDppP-jynx5IAm3TIiyzcS21Yrec46FYcJvt9FQfER0jpA/s1600/IMG_6899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSAB50w5AO7AYtYE-X54XrVsd6gL0H8cPrWnORNmSV1dNnL0xiMg52UAiJStaXQU6nZ6md1l_HvZsuGbOOlQK8pqdGqX3BjDppP-jynx5IAm3TIiyzcS21Yrec46FYcJvt9FQfER0jpA/s320/IMG_6899.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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holes for drainage, orchids like to be misty, but not really sitting in water...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJolzNdqwO9IqlelJg77zsYt9TvhA2C_4DxpsmmqjGqFfddGgE-tzfkI3aou6KOeD_DoO5FNYa5BxHs76tYXgjOHJ8INWoDAQvjDjIfidPb6q8c8IGQQqn2UrGciqNCRHX_5yut9pDx-M/s1600/IMG_6903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJolzNdqwO9IqlelJg77zsYt9TvhA2C_4DxpsmmqjGqFfddGgE-tzfkI3aou6KOeD_DoO5FNYa5BxHs76tYXgjOHJ8INWoDAQvjDjIfidPb6q8c8IGQQqn2UrGciqNCRHX_5yut9pDx-M/s320/IMG_6903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-81926200355914626442013-11-05T10:57:00.001-08:002013-11-05T11:02:21.055-08:00Playing with Natural Dyes - Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fall colors are winding down....... the colors have been so beautiful, I've been in a state of eyegasm for weeks....ahhhhhhhhhhh!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to capture some of the beauty, so I've been experimenting with dyeing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">fabric and transferring color to fabric directly from the leaves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, I'm sharing some of the dyeing results with you.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2ndY46BnvnDac-JI4tp-TaUXclWpa0-wtQQYW0YWxzpogZo5qrNXxH_hDN8b_Qw3Lfpg8bl1gcEgkDGE5V1X9WTcvKhxVgp3byQoa86QEglD7TtJq-lTvHokbVRR3FnsrJbhBECjxWM/s1600/IMG_6922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq2ndY46BnvnDac-JI4tp-TaUXclWpa0-wtQQYW0YWxzpogZo5qrNXxH_hDN8b_Qw3Lfpg8bl1gcEgkDGE5V1X9WTcvKhxVgp3byQoa86QEglD7TtJq-lTvHokbVRR3FnsrJbhBECjxWM/s320/IMG_6922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you see the Oak leaves? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started out with Oak leaves, because I know that acorns have tannin and so I figured that the leaves would have some as well......... they transferred pretty well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I like the dark impressions from the outer layer of dye. I wrapped the cloth around sticks with the leaves sandwiched in the middle, and then dunked them into a crock pot that I have specifically for crafts. (Never use your crafts appliances for making foods, some of the chemistry may linger and be unhealthy) I'm going to look for some sticks of larger dimension to get more of the dark impressions throughout the cloth, although that will mean dyeing less fabric at a time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been letting them steep in the hot liquid for 1-2 days at a time, occasionally topping off the water level.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8tgA10KYLSJx5oLYyfWOxv0OiLbdowZBNLgV16b-2wfphKQeemDlmUcy_hha8vZCtH-6wr-I1QnijLJX3oayq1ZyBnIKFDGMq90FFBA_0gX1JaeigxgupeiQ-lfCKpGmFzbsR3ydL0o/s1600/IMG_6916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8tgA10KYLSJx5oLYyfWOxv0OiLbdowZBNLgV16b-2wfphKQeemDlmUcy_hha8vZCtH-6wr-I1QnijLJX3oayq1ZyBnIKFDGMq90FFBA_0gX1JaeigxgupeiQ-lfCKpGmFzbsR3ydL0o/s320/IMG_6916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fabric picks up somewhat different impressions on one side than the other, depending on the side of the leaf touching the fabric and how it's exposed to the dye solution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The photo underneath is the reverse side of the photo above.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfWERHqeUNgy36-BYJR8oiGQ1B0Rxys_uWttK2MKw5JUgdiX_pSdN1vzdG4is3kwhzR0WhebatiLfAGg9aMpTTz5eskysXEILesW-uAml8xpYFsWpQbqNqxdCRwqXDhHssPnebX8FJBw/s1600/IMG_6918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfWERHqeUNgy36-BYJR8oiGQ1B0Rxys_uWttK2MKw5JUgdiX_pSdN1vzdG4is3kwhzR0WhebatiLfAGg9aMpTTz5eskysXEILesW-uAml8xpYFsWpQbqNqxdCRwqXDhHssPnebX8FJBw/s320/IMG_6918.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's one done on denim. This was a pre-mordanted fabric and picked up the leaf color well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tried mordanted and non-mordanted pieces, but not of the same fabrics....... so much for the scientific approach! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll have to try that out again with another batch. I'm so impatient to see them, I've been a bit resistant to slowing down and pre-mordanting them. Most of the white fabric is from an old comforter that I'm recycling. I figure it's a bleached cotton and fairly receptive to coloring, but I should try some mordanted just to see if there's a difference</span>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXchv-HC1zsGpNT-gaHAPa6jRA1OvGu03bQvcm-cwFdvpcQ_7kib0VZw2wXg7arPj6yVNi4GFKIecAlZIbgP7RrMcGDog3-kdb0vV4JXFPjG0dSKzzM8tvkHSRcCdZSgdyV0GWeZN-E8o/s1600/IMG_6919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXchv-HC1zsGpNT-gaHAPa6jRA1OvGu03bQvcm-cwFdvpcQ_7kib0VZw2wXg7arPj6yVNi4GFKIecAlZIbgP7RrMcGDog3-kdb0vV4JXFPjG0dSKzzM8tvkHSRcCdZSgdyV0GWeZN-E8o/s320/IMG_6919.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another front and back piece.....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_IYsPx7UfdPVhZo9cF8eDyos8Xxs3SM45CJ609MZcYQS7TngIi9D8LsPWuZr_Dz-0a0LlP3EtozuT65Npm8qygWpnZchy0GRl9-MegYhB5imSMlH_uxsvIolZcIC4m1zBEwdfprefhc/s1600/IMG_6920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_IYsPx7UfdPVhZo9cF8eDyos8Xxs3SM45CJ609MZcYQS7TngIi9D8LsPWuZr_Dz-0a0LlP3EtozuT65Npm8qygWpnZchy0GRl9-MegYhB5imSMlH_uxsvIolZcIC4m1zBEwdfprefhc/s320/IMG_6920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The yellow was where the fabric was closest to the branch, so most likely the coloring is coming from the branch itself. This is a tree in the back yard I haven't id'd yet. Have to ask the landlord if she knows what it is or id it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGDX-S82snI7Ndp_0Ov3KNYLRpthBnyfVkmbVSpuM3LR1i70IT5a5v1ZKQo5kbObHfja_VaZzzYaoJVEuSOMOPfpAgkX2xVNUGP63P9eoySVB55BNrgc3pJSayTNivsPRAk51gHnFtnU/s1600/IMG_6921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGDX-S82snI7Ndp_0Ov3KNYLRpthBnyfVkmbVSpuM3LR1i70IT5a5v1ZKQo5kbObHfja_VaZzzYaoJVEuSOMOPfpAgkX2xVNUGP63P9eoySVB55BNrgc3pJSayTNivsPRAk51gHnFtnU/s320/IMG_6921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a cotton gauze that was mordanted. The color mainly picked up just around the leaves.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsJP4DnDawpuchpMUK8qRbfHwkNWFdonOedEPV62uf3UapVco3MzeCjltY-ijcmehOEZqwtrV_jPrDDllFjmvjmuj9V_jcLEATTQ2E2nl3mmD36RN-Lzkt1VHi-UkTEv14mCLj-PjBz0/s1600/IMG_6923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsJP4DnDawpuchpMUK8qRbfHwkNWFdonOedEPV62uf3UapVco3MzeCjltY-ijcmehOEZqwtrV_jPrDDllFjmvjmuj9V_jcLEATTQ2E2nl3mmD36RN-Lzkt1VHi-UkTEv14mCLj-PjBz0/s320/IMG_6923.JPG" width="159" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A couple more pieces... I experimented with different materials to bind the fabric.... twine.... some old rusty wire. Rust is wonderful for dyeing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjISGTjVL6_0VRJR-3wgBi9_GDirBTqIWUwzoTbvp7mB6gtmEsj4KpA3hC3_ZPDZvLfalRxe1LrwTDtUacu34N903K5heWvP01LI9MPg9IqJgGEnEyfVVzY9oXhV4FY4bHcKkT_Z99zM/s1600/IMG_6925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjISGTjVL6_0VRJR-3wgBi9_GDirBTqIWUwzoTbvp7mB6gtmEsj4KpA3hC3_ZPDZvLfalRxe1LrwTDtUacu34N903K5heWvP01LI9MPg9IqJgGEnEyfVVzY9oXhV4FY4bHcKkT_Z99zM/s320/IMG_6925.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The reverse of the above piece.......</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2-YITgsElMoOBakBY97FuQ2CZgvslplJkgIm4Y79M2BhyJH1MXg-hK664mPqcuCy7zdfJpEb6uKO3h6GeARLQ5d2GhFMqO2OFhsWDbsp879cF98BqJQgjbPgst4660IwtQNKr7Kz_D0/s1600/IMG_6927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2-YITgsElMoOBakBY97FuQ2CZgvslplJkgIm4Y79M2BhyJH1MXg-hK664mPqcuCy7zdfJpEb6uKO3h6GeARLQ5d2GhFMqO2OFhsWDbsp879cF98BqJQgjbPgst4660IwtQNKr7Kz_D0/s320/IMG_6927.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm having so much fun with this that I'm trying out other leaves, so more photos in a following post. I've also collected a big bag of leaves, so that I can keep going even after the falling leaves are done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bf is super-excited to have bags of leaves in the garage- hahaha</span></div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-13808974955201062372013-10-26T21:31:00.001-07:002013-10-26T21:31:39.266-07:00Pretty Bit of the Day- Light in the Shadow<div style="text-align: center;">
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Light in the Shadow</div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-70179610680443568012013-10-23T09:45:00.000-07:002013-10-23T09:45:22.113-07:00Starry Goblet - new ceramic piece<div style="text-align: center;">
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Here's a goblet that I made recently......... </div>
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The stars remind me of the magical feeling of drinking a glass, or two, even, of wine in the evening. Hopefully, with good company.</div>
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Sadly, I spent so much time on this goblet, that I can't sell it; it would be too expensive for anyone to want to buy.</div>
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Happily, I love this goblet and don't want to sell it, lol. </div>
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The bottom of the cup has a surprise in it:</div>
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It's been suggested to me that a goblet made of ceramic may be too heavy . </div>
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As someone who has (more than once) knocked a glass over, I like the idea of a cup with a little weight. </div>
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Leave me a comment on your thoughts about the weight of a goblet and whether a lighter or a heavier cup appeals to you and why.</div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-1452461385980876612013-10-10T14:44:00.000-07:002013-10-10T14:44:41.131-07:00Pretty Bit of the Day 10/10/13<div style="text-align: center;">
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The Last Sunflowers of the summer!</div>
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Dedicated to Saraswati in this season of <a href="http://www.drikpanchang.com/navratri/ashwin-shardiya-navratri-dates.html">Navratri</a></div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-33484168829810762722013-10-08T11:38:00.000-07:002013-10-08T11:38:20.498-07:00Plant Markers<div style="text-align: center;">
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Planning for next year's garden season? </div>
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I'm always thinking about ways to improve my garden; probably because I start out with good intentions to be organized and end up like a plant fairy scattering seeds randomly wherever there's space and then wondering what the heck is coming up. </div>
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So, once again, I am planning to do better next year, and designed these cute plant markers to try to keep track of my manic planting. If you, also, would like to be more organised, you can get these plant markers in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/165146448/ceramic-plant-markers">etsy shop</a>, in pre-made sets with: carrot, pea, lettuce, bean, squash, and radish; or order custom sets of markers with the names of plants that you want.</div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-19974368686354012492013-10-05T18:52:00.000-07:002013-10-05T18:52:07.063-07:00Where the Light Gets In -New Ceramic Sculpture<div style="text-align: center;">
So happy to be doing ceramics again after all these years. </div>
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Mixing a bit of the abstract in with the practical.</div>
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This new piece is called "Where the Light Gets In". </div>
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It's inspired by a variety of impressions; Leonard Cohen's song "Anthem", the Rumi quote " the wound is where the light enters", and a curiosity about a bird's experience upon making the crack to leave the egg...</div>
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The two separate pieces of the sculpture were made with impressions of real crow feathers.</div>
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The egg opens at the crack to hold a tiny light that shines from the inside outward.</div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-7959911441362037402013-08-16T20:04:00.000-07:002013-08-16T20:04:47.087-07:00Dark and Light<div style="text-align: center;">
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What if light and dark don't equal good and bad? </div>
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What if they are in a dance; like music......... </div>
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light equals sound; dark, the silence between the notes...</div>
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and bad is an occasional dissonent note, soon fading away- </div>
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life passes through us like a sound wave, a rythym</div>
the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-55646352955610537322013-08-06T10:20:00.003-07:002013-08-06T10:50:25.753-07:00Pretty Bit of the Day - Shadow Scissors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Shadow scissors to cut the shadow cords</div>
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Let light shine unbound.........<br />
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Welcome to a new moon in Leo.....</div>
the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-66092849210660178012013-05-20T14:14:00.001-07:002013-05-20T14:17:09.751-07:00Four Directions Bowl<div style="text-align: center;">
New work. </div>
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I made this bowl as a test tile because it came out a bit lopsided,but the glazing came out wonderful.</div>
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I was so happy when I saw it come back from the kiln.</div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-57812991496328570172013-04-21T14:03:00.001-07:002013-04-21T14:12:47.217-07:00Dandy Veloute over PolentaDandelions; the plant people love to hate. Sadly, I've seen many of my neighbors out spraying Round up on them numerous times. If the overspray could only be contained to their yards...... the city of Seattle frowns on using herbicides, but until they ban them from sale, like they did the plastic bags, people will use it.<br />
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But why spray dangerous chemicals on the ground when you have a free source of nutritious food popping up? Dandelions were brought over from Europe for their food and medicinal value. You can eat the whole plant from root to flower. The roots make a tasty coffee substitute and an environmentally friendly one, too, as they are right out in your yard rather than in a far off country. The leaves can be used in salads or as a cooking green. The flowers can be used to make wine or fried as battered fritters or sprinkled in salads. They're often an ingredient in bitters, which I plan to try to make one day.<br />
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A breakdown of the USDA listing of nutrition is<a href="http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2441/2"> here</a>. They are particularly high in vitamin K and have lots of minerals. If you are avoiding iron you may want to limit your intake. The French nickname piss-en-lit describes its somewhat diuretic effects, however, dandelion also replaces the potassium loss that happens with prescription diuretics. The word "Dandelion" is a variation from the original French name of the plant, Dent de Lion; lion's tooth, because of the serration of the edges of the leaves, although different species have quite a bit of variation.<br />
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Dandelions are in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteraceae">asteraceae</a> family, which is a ginormous family of plants that also includes sunflowers, and Cat's Ears which are fuzzy and also edible; their leaves don't get as bitter as dandelions, but they also have somewhat less nutrition, I've been told.<br />
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This recipe is somewhat foodie, but also comfort food. The Dandy Veloute is somewhat bitter, but the perfect complement to the bland polenta and somewhat sweet carrot puree. I used a broth I made from the shells of 1 lb. of shrimp, but you could use any broth. I like to find multiple uses for my foodstuffs and see just how many things I can come up .<br />
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Dandy Veloute<br />
<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/thedyhanaverse/dandy-veloute-over-polenta">Printable Recipe</a><br />
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Ingredients: Carrot Cloud<br />
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6 large carrots, chopped into large bits<br />
1 large russet potato, chopped into large bits<br />
1 tbs. lemon juice<br />
5 bay leaves<br />
rest of can of coconut milk after dividing, see Dandy Veloute<br />
3 tbsp. coconut oil<br />
salt to taste<br />
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Broth<br />
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shells from 1 lb of shrimp<br />
1/2 cup white wine<br />
6-7 cups of water, you want to end up with 6 cups after simmering.<br />
or just use 6 cups of broth of choice<br />
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Dandy Veloute<br />
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5 loosely chopped cups of dandelion leaves<br />
1/2 onion, chopped<br />
1/2 cup white wine<br />
1 cup broth<br />
1/14 cup coconut milk<br />
2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil<br />
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Polenta<br />
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2 cups dry polenta<br />
5 cups broth, 1 cup water<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
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for the carrot puree cloud: in steamer pan add water and 5 bay leaves to bottom. Steam carrots and potatoes until tender. Add them and the rest of the cloud ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Put into a holding container, try not to devour it while making the other parts of the recipe.<br />
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for the broth: simmer the shrimp shells white wine and water for about 1/2 hour. Strain out the shells.<br />
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for the Veloute: Heat the oil in a large skillet. Sautee the onions until they soften but do not brown. Add the white wine, then 1 cup of the broth and simmer for 10 minutes. Put them in the blender along with the dandelions and coconut milk. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside or in a pot on the stove on low until polenta is ready.<br />
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for the polenta: Put the dry polenta into a large saucepan. Add the broth and water and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer until softened and thick. Stir occassionally to prevent burning on the bottom.<br />
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I sauteed a thinly sliced tomato and about a 1/4 onion in olive oil as a flavorful garnish to put on top. (optional)<br />
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Once all parts of recipe are ready: spoon polenta into a serving bowl; put a tablespoon of butter or butter sub on top. (optional, but yummy) Spoon carrot cloud over polenta. Spoon Dandy Veloute on top. Top with garnish if using.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Let me know if you try this recipe and like it. I see lots of views of my posts, but rarely get comments. I'd love to know how you liked it or what variations you might have come up with.the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-16128165009978591682013-04-20T19:48:00.000-07:002013-04-21T12:43:55.306-07:00Intuition<div style="text-align: center;">
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My latest sculptural ceramics piece was waiting for me at the ceramics studio today. I'm so happy with how it came out, just like I wanted, which if you've ever glazed ceramics, you know it ain't easy. </div>
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Without further ado, I present "Intuition"</div>
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My sculptural artwork has centered around my connection to Spirit and the Earth; and it's timely that I completed this one on the weekend of Earth Day. I'd like to remind people that we are all intimately connected to Life and Nature.</div>
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and the obligatory kitteh shot</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9pqRXw19ZRXd_5I4mMI7qdjrfsYcnmZ_IeVSy351Pirq2jDtGPoRV4hagv7A4PPlshERvKr4AkGULxzS86yta6wVWVDeZRIuhZTdGORmDaGdXTLpALCCKSp4IDCAC-gBlVAmzsLTdT8/s1600/IMG_6533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9pqRXw19ZRXd_5I4mMI7qdjrfsYcnmZ_IeVSy351Pirq2jDtGPoRV4hagv7A4PPlshERvKr4AkGULxzS86yta6wVWVDeZRIuhZTdGORmDaGdXTLpALCCKSp4IDCAC-gBlVAmzsLTdT8/s320/IMG_6533.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-8754560784739352812013-04-04T13:01:00.000-07:002013-04-04T13:01:16.454-07:00Happy /Lucky Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Inspired by one of my classmates, I made this mini well for Happy/Lucky water. It's mounted by my front door so that I can bless myself as I leave the house and remember to feel lucky and be happy. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_8aj_S0O04FBQPU5JAfTCgoXEi-GooOcIX8vfB9aCKra58pqeoVgOOhrzVtsFYpA_i3mXZbfYo-X6RQnIuaHh1jWHGltksnD3jgMcgtZtWT_XJJTuv8N9IZezDHt8NI3X8v1_iZ9GKw/s1600/IMG_6504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_8aj_S0O04FBQPU5JAfTCgoXEi-GooOcIX8vfB9aCKra58pqeoVgOOhrzVtsFYpA_i3mXZbfYo-X6RQnIuaHh1jWHGltksnD3jgMcgtZtWT_XJJTuv8N9IZezDHt8NI3X8v1_iZ9GKw/s320/IMG_6504.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8036223330403187144.post-38822366680219411492013-04-03T16:45:00.000-07:002013-04-03T16:45:33.295-07:00Cedar Groves Tour<div style="text-align: center;">
Last weekend I toured Cedar Groves compost facility in Everett, WA as part of the MCSB (Master Composter/Soil Builder) class I'm taking through Seattle Tilth. It was truly interesting and a beautiful day, to boot. We toured the facility and learned about their process, as well as the triumphs and challenges of composting food and plant waste for a large urban area. The biggest challenge is dealing with all the non-compostables people put in their bins or truck in; things like plastic, broken tools, and items that may have been recyclable or are just garbage. Cedar Grove has come up with all kinds of ingenious ways to try to sift these items out with screening and magnets, etc., but it would be so helpful if people were conscientious about what they contribute; because at the scale of their operation, it's impossible to keep out everything that shouldn't be in there. Cedar Grove provides a very valuable service composting tons of material that can be re-used rather than going into the overloaded landfills. The facility meets very stringent requirements for their output both in their product as well as water runoff and so forth. This is the second largest urban composting project in the US; apparently the largest is in Delaware.</div>
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The industrial feel to the facility would have been fun to just run around and photograph, but there's heavy equipment and trucks all over, so I had to keep up with the tour. These are some of my photos from the morning:</div>
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There were eagles and hawks flying around attracted to critters that are naturally attracted to compost....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJozjlYlFax_Pbz1jkzwAGjmHYo6n0vO8m2kII4OmbLeS7Er7WowbDfzwsEOs1Ab5f2R5tOJjLcX6nlKU4kBt9ZVIBcpBZEtSTDLFRf8kcMOwwzqIs26iQd1G7FZtWIQV7Crcj5nou1M/s1600/DSCF3016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJozjlYlFax_Pbz1jkzwAGjmHYo6n0vO8m2kII4OmbLeS7Er7WowbDfzwsEOs1Ab5f2R5tOJjLcX6nlKU4kBt9ZVIBcpBZEtSTDLFRf8kcMOwwzqIs26iQd1G7FZtWIQV7Crcj5nou1M/s320/DSCF3016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fellow students on tour.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJeAY-6QBaS-Wq1fglA2HCO7gUn1EmThz0PK3SZ0i1N-aGDiKagvXozZ7FC-owyAhb8HBiy5XaGBJO7yP5O-xWDg028gfR5jxt1OnWrpA4q0kqrF_F8LO_ORgz07EzzebIkDiIjMJLDU/s1600/DSCF3028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJeAY-6QBaS-Wq1fglA2HCO7gUn1EmThz0PK3SZ0i1N-aGDiKagvXozZ7FC-owyAhb8HBiy5XaGBJO7yP5O-xWDg028gfR5jxt1OnWrpA4q0kqrF_F8LO_ORgz07EzzebIkDiIjMJLDU/s320/DSCF3028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Beautiful setting...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MURPCm_tLKrBLHcDvxhYHrk3zQ3bdIYUBSxEKDXXnN8lorYB_g4xiY2Bl7EMsU8f9hywhYUQkVCSyEyk_kvuG9D0ewZQHqvgougPDr6QSw5V2_5KXcFr50alVEh8c23MZn9SQbONXzU/s1600/DSCF3020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MURPCm_tLKrBLHcDvxhYHrk3zQ3bdIYUBSxEKDXXnN8lorYB_g4xiY2Bl7EMsU8f9hywhYUQkVCSyEyk_kvuG9D0ewZQHqvgougPDr6QSw5V2_5KXcFr50alVEh8c23MZn9SQbONXzU/s320/DSCF3020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Magnets extract metallic objects before the material goes into the piles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN2Y1kR8GHP9MavVVJnAbkk7GeMFFCCdQmbElduKUCvPVhzhBcDhFzpGIdwq8DoBLpkIOfe49N1U_nWn3UhyDd6k-REBF1nmF8XvbG1ycziQJLf0rdrSUv9CsuyKzz4qupWdNK8nc5VY/s1600/DSCF3024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuN2Y1kR8GHP9MavVVJnAbkk7GeMFFCCdQmbElduKUCvPVhzhBcDhFzpGIdwq8DoBLpkIOfe49N1U_nWn3UhyDd6k-REBF1nmF8XvbG1ycziQJLf0rdrSUv9CsuyKzz4qupWdNK8nc5VY/s320/DSCF3024.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Material goes down conveyor belts that screen out foreign material and then are formed into long piles.</div>
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The piles are covered with Goretex covers that breathe and help the huge piles reach temperatures that kill pathogens. The crane moves the covers back and forth over the piles at the beginning and end of the process.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfNUGkjcVXy2ANMQwIczcs5w5dtorsllCSOOu7vExPyRcwwEGekttTluq0ibBFSQQlSEBW-K8QvMqM6LU0fGcSB2mcJn7PAFfbEz2U6vuYGEFMIH2UEwXXHrysq6STsG7sw9bRebho7Y/s1600/DSCF3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUfNUGkjcVXy2ANMQwIczcs5w5dtorsllCSOOu7vExPyRcwwEGekttTluq0ibBFSQQlSEBW-K8QvMqM6LU0fGcSB2mcJn7PAFfbEz2U6vuYGEFMIH2UEwXXHrysq6STsG7sw9bRebho7Y/s320/DSCF3027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Life finds its way in....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofiVWzH_omkN3VUstxnSB_ZFv2A1IHHq1PjDfmzmGDLIKar0xsgBQhwcKiM7hHbs_x9_xgAVf2PFFFiAqKh7QJFCfO9rFITwfA4Qrc0dmGiqdhzZpmsY_Kspk3UhPd-THvRgCMdazJ4Y/s1600/DSCF3029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofiVWzH_omkN3VUstxnSB_ZFv2A1IHHq1PjDfmzmGDLIKar0xsgBQhwcKiM7hHbs_x9_xgAVf2PFFFiAqKh7QJFCfO9rFITwfA4Qrc0dmGiqdhzZpmsY_Kspk3UhPd-THvRgCMdazJ4Y/s320/DSCF3029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As our tour coordinator said "these piles are done because the weeds are happily growing in this compost" </div>
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the Dianaversehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14682172804687435206noreply@blogger.com0