For multiple years now I’ve decided to choose a word to live by instead of a list of New Year’s resolutions. This has made my New Year’s transition much easier. After reflecting on the year past, choosing a word to … Continue reading
How to Crochet a Hanging Hand Towel
I thought I would share how I crochet my hanging hand towels and handmade buttons. I use cotton yarn for my hanging hand towels; I feel that it doesn’t stretch out of shape as much as acrylic yarn does and you can wash them as you normally would wash hand towels.
Crochet pattern: easy
What you need:
My abbreviations:
Any crochet stitch will work; I prefer the half double crochet. Remember if you use a smaller or taller stitch you will have a shorter or higher/longer project.
First, make about a 2 inch fold on either long side and then fold the top towards the bottom about ¼ of the way down. I like folding them like this because it makes the towel part a bit longer.
After you fold your hand towel you have to make 15 stitches with your needle and yarn across the width of the folded hand towel. Make sure you sew through the last loop you made each time. Kind of like a chain on the h
and towel.
Now it is time to grab a hook.
Row 1: Attach your yarn to the towel with a slip stitch. Chain 2, 15 hdc across the towel. Turn.
First row
Row 2: ch 2, sk st, 13 hdc, sk st, 2 hdc, turn.
Row 3: ch2, sk st, 10 hdc, sk st, 2 hdc, turn,
Row 4-7: continue to decrease as you make your project taller.
Row 8: ch 2, sk st, 5 hdc, turn
Row 9-15: ch2, 5 hdc
Chain 4-8 chain stitches and fasten to the opposite side of the project.
Finished button
Chain 5, connect to make a circle
Round 1: Hdc around the chain 10 times. Pull to make the middle as small as possible. Finish circle with a slip stitch.
Round 2: ch 2, hdc 10-15 times around the first round, finish off the button.
Sew button on the crocheted hand towel, tightly.
Cut and sew in the ends.
Happy Hooking,
Jem
Playing with play dough is a great sensory activity for people of all ages. Play dough helps kids learn how to use their fingers in new ways, also strengthens hand and wrist muscles. Physical therapists assign patients the activity of … Continue reading
Janelle McCoy 2/2/22
I kiss you softly on the crown, so you remember the ground.
I kiss you softly on the forehead,so my love can be read.
I kiss you softly on the eye, for loving sights I wish you to spy.
I kiss you softly on the nose, reminding you to not for get to stop to smell the rose.
I kiss you softly on the cheek, as you smile so meek.
I kiss you softly on the chin, wishing you’d let me in.
I kiss you softly on the ear, for loving words I wish you to hear.
I kiss you softly on the neck, so it will be as strong as the deck.
I kiss you softly on the wrist, letting you know I want to grant your every wish.
I kiss you softly on the hand, asking you to walk across the land.
I kiss you softly on the heart, hoping to never be apart.
I kiss you softly on the belly, trusting you will judge fairly.
I kiss you softly on the knee, so you can be as strong as a tree.
I kiss you softly on the ankle, believing you only receive what you can handle.
I kiss you softly on the feet, praying kindness is what you meet.
I kiss you softly on the toe, for love is what I bestow.
Author unknown.
Before people. Before the creation of Earth, there was “All” the “All” existed in the knowing, stillness, and silence.
The “All”, a Female Spirit was alone.
She created her other half, The Male spirit a intertwined, even through they were now two spirits they intertwined.
They became the two halves of the hole and together they gave birth to the universe.
They made the solar system, stars, moon, and planets.
On Earth, they made water and land; the plants and the humans.
The “All” is both male and female. No one part is better than the other part. The two parts are twins and of equal form.
From their union came the seed of life.
The God and Goddess chose physical symbols to remind us of their presence.
The Goddess chose the moon, radiant and calm, yet changeable; the God chose the sun fiery and bright, the celestial bodies lovingly remind us of All.
Latin Name: Urtica dioica L. SSP dioica
Common names: Nettle, Stinging Nettle, Common Nettle, Devils leaf, Burn Nettle, Burn Weed, Burn Hazel
Family: Urticaceae
Ayurvedic Name: Vrishchikali
TCM name: Hsieh-tzu-ts’ao
Native Region: Europe and Asia
Geographic Distribution: Temperature regions throughout the world.
Botanical Description: Grows from 2-6 feet tall, on a square fibrous stem with deep grooves running along it’s length. Ovate sharply tooled leaves, with a heart shaped base and pointy tip, that grow in opposite pairs and become smaller as they get to the top of the stem. Nettle is covered in tiny hollow hairs tipped with silica. It spreads by rhizomes so each plant has many stems which grows in dense colonies. Tiny inconspicuous green flowers droop in bunches from the leaf axils. Parts used: Stalk, leaves, rhizomes(roots) and seeds
Harvesting Guidelines: Top six inches of the plant can be used in the spring and early summer. Once flowers look fluffy and droop towards the stem. You can collect seeds in fall. Rhizomes when ground is ready in spring or after the first frost in autumn.
Constituents: Vitamins (A, C, E and K), Minerals (calcium, Magnesium, Silica, iron), Amino Acids, Chlorophyll, formic acid, histamine
Uses: Nettle is nourishing. Detoxifies the body by neutralization of acid and elimination of waste. It supports and energizes the whole body. Helps relieves fatigue for a great afternoon pick me up. It supports Anemia, purifies blood, assists the body in nutrients and protein. Nettle supports arthritis, gout, rheumatism, eczema and other skin problems. Helps Stimulate Kidneys to increase excretion of uric acid, softens kidney stones, helps expels gravel from the urinary tract. It is great support for urinary tract, prostate, adrenals and kidneys.Cream can help pain too. Supports Allergies and hay fever.It is recommended for women who are pregnant, postpartum and nursing, because it reduces uterine bleeding, prevents hemorrhage and increases quality of milk.It prevents excessive bleeding anywhere in the body.Use fresh leaves for nerve and joint pain by stinging ones self with the leaves.Studies have shown nettle extract to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes who require insulin therapy. Tea can be used for a rinse or drink to improve hair, nails and skin. Uses as a hair rinse after shampooing for itchy dry scalp issues. Nettle root acts as a restorative tonic for weak or loss of hair. Applied topically nettle acts as a rubefacient to stimulate circulation of blood to the area.
Magical uses: Helps remove blocks of fear and bad habits, encourages leadership, commitment, and strength of purpose. Allows growth and change. Nettle Drives away negativity or unwanted spirits and offers protection. (Masculine, Fire, Scorpio, some say Aries and Mars)
Actions: Astringent, Alternative, Anti-inflammatory, Galactogue, Hemostatic, Anti-asthmatic, Rubefacient, Diuretic, Tannin, Hypoglycemic, and Hyperglycemia
Taste: Astringent and salty
Energy: Cooling and dryingPreparations: You can use nettle in food, vinegar’s, tea, juiced, tincture, seeds and topically.
Dosage: Tincture: 2-5 ml; 3 times a day (1:5 in 40%) Tea: 1-3 tsp to 8oz water; steep 10-15 minutes; 3 times a dailyJuice: 5-10 ml; 3 times a day Seeds: 1 tsp- 1 tbs per day
External: self flagellation with fresh plant as needed.
What helps the sting: Time, Yellow dock, Plantain, Jewel weed, Rosemary, Sage
Safety: Safe, stings hurt, some people may experience allergic reactions. May decrease the efficacy of anticoagulant drugs.
Source:
Making Plant Medicine. Richo Cech. 2016The Herbal Handbook, A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism. David Hoffmann. 1998The Secret Craft of the Wise, Magical Herbalism. Scott Cunningham.2002Nettle. Herbarium. The Herbal Academy. 2017http://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monographs/#/monograph/1023Stinging Nettle. Annie’s Remedy. 2005-2016http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail107.php
JEM’s Plant Stand: Nettle Patch
Honeysuckle
Lonicera caprifolia
Also known as: woodbine
There is over 180 honeysuckle species around the world. These plants can be shrubs or vining plants. The vine maybe invasive.
The aerial parts is most commonly used, to include seeds, leaves, and flowers.
It is a calming relaxant that can uplift ones mood.
Honeysuckle is thought to clear hear wind and toxins from the blood and liver. It is a wonderful cleansing and detoxifying herb.
For the skin it soothes, rashes, blemishes and promotes a youthful glow. Add honeysuckle essential oils to your shampoo and conditioner to eliminate dry brittleness, creating a smoother silky texture.
Honeysuckle can be used in a tea, as a diuretic and improves digestive disorders. It’s antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties can reduce fevers, sore throats, influenza, and ulcers. Is beneficial to those with lung problems and chronic coughs. Some may say it is helpful for staphylococcus and staphylococcal bacterial cases.
The leaves of the honeysuckle plant had astringent tendencies that can be used as a oral gargle and mouthwash.
Honeysuckle is said to promote erotic dreams, uplift ones heart, and promotes peace of mind. Diffuse, to improve sleep, relaxation, and relationships.
Safe to eat, use topically, and defuse.
Citronella
Botanical name: Citronella mucronata
Family: Cardiopteridaceae
Parts Used: oils and aerial parts
Constituents: citronella,
Taste: sour
Action: activating and warming
Specific indications: Keeping bugs away
Uses:
Magical/Spiritual uses: Protects, cleanses, clears one’s aura, strengthens the life force within. Mind clearing encourages self-expression and creativity. Throat chakra
Pairs well with:
Cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass, orange, geranium, lemon, bergamot, and Palmarosa.
Preparations: oils, salves, sprays
Safety/interactions: always dilute essential oils when using them on the skin.
Janelle McCoy 