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Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
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Paradox Passage
November 8, 2017
narrow passage
metallic angel
Between the walls of the ruined buildings plants grew wild
Some metallic angels flew over the houses and smiled
Merry pranksters fell down laughing long after the joke
Any resentment or anger had long ago gone up in smoke
Vintage remnants of times that will not be remembered
Scatter over the narrow path like a fire burned down to embers
#WritePhoto Dream Flow
September 21, 2017
— 7 Comments
Flowing River
The edges of the stones were mossy and slick. When we tried to climb on them we slipped into the rushing current of the river. We were carried swiftly downstream, looking for a jetty or an overhanging branch on which to cling. There were no helpful signs. The river had run away with us, and in our folly we had lost our way deep in the forrest. The adventure had turned into a nightmare without a map or a plan.
This little hike started out with innocent curiosity about where the source of this river . Some said the tributaries trickled down from the whole mountain range, naturally seeking the sea. Others told stories of a hidden artesian spring deep in a cave, which was the main source of all the water we found in between the river’s banks. It had been said in ancient times a hermit guarded the source of the spring, to keep the enemies from polluting it. The folk tales of the valley mention healing powers, even miraculous restoration of wealth and status, attributed to bathing in the river water. The hermits and the shamans kept the secret of the waters for themselves. They stopped healing the sick, and started selling miracles to those in power at the time. After a time the spring ran dry, and the flow of the river was diminished.
We found shelter under tall trees on the shore where we finally landed. We sat at the edge of the water and watched for the others. Our voyage of discovery had been ill-advised to say the least. We now found ourselves miles from our intended destination, wet and without a plan. As the afternoon shadows grew long we heard voices coming from the woods. Our shouts for help were finally met with the sound of our companions calling our names. Once reunited we felt better, but still had no idea where we were. We built a fire and told our individual stories of falling into the current and finding our way to this place until we all fell asleep.
After a long heavy sleep we awoke to find ourselves safe and sound on the shore where we had started our day. We all had strange dreams about the river which we recounted to each other on the way home. It was surprising how similar our dreams had been.
#writephoto
This story is in response to Sue Vincent’s photo prompt in her Echo. Each week writers interpret a photo to share. Join us to read, comment, or write your own piece.
#WeekendCoffeeShare Harvest Time
September 17, 2017
— 3 Comments
reaping what you clone
If we were having coffee this weekend in Tucson I would still be pouring iced beverages for both of us. We finally have a bit of a cold front easing us into the fall season. We had a wacky weather year, and many of the plants are confused. One of my jasmines is blooming again, but my lemon tree dropped all the fruit. I am selling my most productive trees, grapefruit and calamondin, in the lot across the street. I am sure I can strike a deal to buy some of the citrus crop because there are way too many for one family to handle. The sale is taking place before real estate taxes are due, which is a fabulous financial bonus. The family buying it are interesting and cool. They seem like they will make great neighbors.
If we were having iced tea I would try to persuade you to take home a few books, or some art work. The emptying of the barn is taking place for real now. I have a month to do it, but hope to finish before schedule because I have a trip to Phoenix planned for October. I will attend my first cannabis conference and expo at the convention center up there. There are two days of speakers and trade show displays. Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico, will be the keynote speaker. I am sure I will learn a lot about the state of the industry.
Our outdoor crop is being harvested now at the grow. I think it is really fun to work outside for a while. I get tired of the fluorescent lighting indoors. It is nice to have fresh air and natural light for a change. We have a shade cover to protect our skin. The flowers are big and tight, so the growers can take pride in the final product. It is a happy time for all participants. The harvest will continue for months, I think. Perhaps the best news about work is that a tortilla company has bought the building next door to ours. They will set up a tortilla factory there. We will soon be the best smelling neighborhood in the world.
Please allow me to pour you another glass of iced tea while you tell me how your writing is going. I have little to say about my own. My excuse for low levels of production is that I have to focus on the barn cleaning before all else. I have done it for a couple of hours today, and will return to the task later this afternoon. I believe when it is all finished my muse will be happy and inspired to create. I have been listening to books on audible more than writing anything myself. Are you feeling inspired lately?
The linky is down in New Orleans this week. Our hostess Diana at PartTimeMonster graciously holds the party when her internet is working. Use the hashtag #WeekendCoffeeShare on twitter to find the action this week.
#TeaTuesday Soda Pop Substitute
September 12, 2017
— 3 Comments
regional names for the stuff
One of my colleagues at work announced her intention to give up diet soda for her health. She has cut down from an amazing eight daily, but still has a steady habit. I suggested she might be able to switch to tea if she found flavors that satisfy her taste buds. She agreed to try a “tour of tea” I provided in the form of several tea samples from my major stash at home. She accepted the gift and with encouragement from her daughter she is trying the flavors in the starter pack. I gave her some black flavored tea, chocolate chai, lemongrass, and more to pique her interest in this broad field.
I have thought about how much money is spent in the United States on soda pop and similar sugarcoated drinks (usually made with corn syrup). It is shocking when you think about it. Half of us drink soda every day, but the popularity is waining. People are aware of the health risks associated with soda consumption and are making the switch to other beverages. Bottling companies are shifting production to meet the demand for calorie free seltzers and other beverages. The bottler still makes a giant profit on shipping and selling what is mostly water, or in many cases, only water, to the world. Brewing tea at home, especially in the sun which provides free energy and perfect brewing conditions, is a wonderful way to drink very well at low cost. You just provide the water and the jar, then strain it and keep it in the fridge. The range of flavor and health benefits available from tea is wide and deep. The expiration of tea can last a lifetime and constantly be inspirational. I can’t say that for soda.
soft drinks and you
beverage trends
I drink tea because I love it, but I am proud of all the money I save by brewing my own. Math alone should convince you to switch, but I know the pull can be very strong for the old habits. I hope my colleague will be able to happily switch her preferences. If you have a soda addiction you want to kick, I highly recommend tea tasting to all my gentle readers. It is a bargain.
white blueberry tea
#TeaTuesday White Blueberry
August 29, 2017
— 1 Comment
white blueberry tea
I am saying good bye to summer by enjoying berries, plums, nectarines, and all the seasonal fruit that is about to be out of season. To bring the flavors together I am drinking a delightful white blueberry tea from Adagio. I like all the fruit flavored white teas, but this one is a big favorite. The white tea is a natural unprocessed tea, and the blueberries are a perfect compliment to the high notes of the tea. I brew it in the sun, summer or winter, and drink it cold. The caffeine is low, and the flavor intoxicating, but not overwhelming. The ingredients are pure and simple: white tea, blueberries, natural blueberry flavor. It is superior as a thirst quencher and refresher.
white blueberry tea
blueberries
We drink tea every day all day, so variety as well as quality and freshness count in our household. I order form Adagio because they offer a wide variety, including sample packs to introduce new teas. I first bought the white blueberry in a white sampler pack, and it is now the one I like best. White strawberry is a close second in my iced tea book. I recommend the company to anyone who already loves to drink tea, or to those looking to expand knowledge of tea. One of the fun aspects of this company is the option for tea fans to create fan blends, which then become available to all the customers. Try your hand at blending, and taste the mixtures your fellow tea fans lay down. They do a good job of serving the customer community.
Join me in a glass of white blueberry tea and start building your knowledge of tea.
white blueberry tea
The Eclipse From Outer Space
August 21, 2017
— 4 Comments
As millions of Americans look up to the sky to catch the total solar eclipse on Monday, or watch TIME’s live broadcast, astronauts on the International Space Station are gearing up for multiple views of the phenomenon. The crew on the Expedition 52 will not be in the eclipse’s path of totality, but will see…
via How Astronauts on the International Space Station Are Watching the Solar Eclipse — TIME
Beautiful Rustic Food
August 19, 2017
“We find inspiration for photos and recipes all over the world. . . . Breathing the air on a different continent, our hands intertwined.” Susann and Yannic bring ideas home, then share beautifully styled vegetarian recipes from their Berlin kitchen. (In English and German.)
#WeedWednesday Shatter
August 1, 2017
— 1 Comment
One of the concentrates available on the market for medical marijuana patients is called shatter. It is a butane extraction of dried plant material. The solvent butane dissolves and extracts the active ingredients from the plant. After the solvent is evaporated through a distillation process, the product is aged in a vacuum oven to further remove any residual solvent that remains in the product. The highly concentrated shatter can then be used in various ways, including smoking it. It is ready to be absorbed easily by the body in this form, and therefore delivers a fast acting onset. For those who want to smoke very little for maximum benefits, shatter is one way to achieve that goal. A little bit goes a long way.
At our dispensary, Desert Bloom Re-Leaf Center, shatter is available in many strains. The flavor as well as the effects are preserved by this method. The essence of the plant’s active ingredients are harnessed for concentrated use. Start with a single low dose to find out for yourself how best to use shatter for your condition. Your bud tender will assist you in selecting a strain that matches your needs, and show you how to use shatter.
#WritePhoto Last Windmill
July 27, 2017
— 9 Comments
the last windmill
The pump beneath the windmill brings water to the fields
Narrow streams flow gently between the grain and weeds
Sustaining this small patch of land was easier in the past
Today we watch industry sprawl then collapse just as fast
In our youth we did not imagine this could happen here
That the last windmill in service would be held so dear
Ceremonies and pageantry now commemorate the times
When Mother Nature spoke to us in stories and in rhymes
#writephoto
Join writers from around the world each Thursday to respond to the photo prompt generously provided by Sue Vincent on her Echo blog. Read, write, and comment here on last week’e entries.
#WeekendCoffeeShare Downsize Edition
July 22, 2017
— 15 Comments
big car, mini car
If we were having coffee at my house this weekend I would serve you iced tea while trying to convince you to take some of my extra artful objects home with you. I am either giving away or selling as much of my superfluous (high quality) junk as possible. On close examination, I find most of it has become useless and redundant. All of the closets and cabinets in my condo contain gear I do not use. I own a small barn on a lot across the street which is full of things that nobody has seen in years. It is time for me to take an inventory, make appropriate adjustments, and sell the real estate I own across the street. Once I made the decision it was easy for me to sell my big 4 wheel drive Beemer which is all wrong for my lifestyle now. I bought a tiny, darling and sporty Mini Cooper that zips around town. It is perfect for my current needs. I don’t need to become a total minimalist, I just need to carve away the excess from my burden of ownership so that it makes sense today.
The big car is going to be sold to a friend for his son who will take it to college. I made wonderful use of the car. It has served me well, but I am happy to let it go. It will be a safe and functional vehicle for a college student in Utah. Maybe he will use the 4 wheel drive. After the BMW leaves for Salt Lake City my partner will be able to fit his Mustang into our two car garage. The lot across the street has only been serving as a parking place for his car, and a place to store things we don’t really need. We enjoy the fruit we grow over there, but I pay property taxes that are higher than developed land just to have an urban orchard. I can let that go easily. The next owner will enjoy the fruit…and pay the taxes.
We will have to move our firewood storage to the small backyard of the condo, but this is not a terrible sacrifice. We will acquire wood in smaller amounts and when we want to feed the fire it will be right outside the back door instead of across the street. Once I started the chain of events I started to feel very liberated. I can accomplish the give-away/shift in possessions with little effort. The money from the sale of the land will support me for years, so it will be well worth the effort. I will list it right away in hopes of selling it before property taxes are due in October. That would be dreamy. A property tax bill for less than half my current one would be a fabulous way to end 2017.
If we were drinking iced tea I would tell you the monsoon here continues. My rain collection barrel is overflowing. It has been raining every day, but no damaging flooding has taken place. Fires in the forests are contained. My writing is on schedule, more or less. I skipped my fiction post for Friday yesterday in the excitement of trying to get rid of all my possessions. I have enjoyed writing the memoirs, and will continue on Mondays with that theme. I just found a picture in a book that sparked a story idea for next week. What is key for me is keeping the memoir short and time specific. Maybe someday I can expand that range through practice. I also want to “cross over” to historical fiction eventually. How has your muse been treating you lately? Have you been productive? Creative? Ingenious? In my own case the muse is feeling sluggish and lazy from all the humidity. She is around, but kind of flat. I hope yours has been lively and helpful.
#WeekendCoffeeShare
If you want to keep up with the digital beverage party go to Diana’s blog, Parttimemonster to comment, read, or write your own post. Join bloggers from around the globe each weekend for coffee and a chat.
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