ELIXIR Greetings friends of Elixir! What an incredible monsoon season we had. I am still drying out my cellar, but honestly also enjoying the full singing waters in the river that flows behind my home, Konkapot Cottage. I am writing this on the night of the July full moon, and what a beauty she was, rising up, a rosy golden globe of light, over the lake as I took my evening walk. The moon has always aroused curiosity and a sense of mystery. Its influence on the ocean tides has long been known, as well as its influence on people’s emotions. This July moon was named by different indigenous tribes, the Hay Moon, the Thunder Moon, the Summer Moon, and the Buck Moon. The Chinese call this the Hungry Ghost Moon, and believe that during this moon, those who have crossed over the veil, come back to the place they used to inhabit, often with some mischief. The Celts have a few names for this July moon as well…Moon of Claiming, the Herb Moon, the Mead Moon. Other favorites I found whilst digging around were, Pagan named, the Rose Moon,
and the Faeries name, the Dancing Delight Moon. In the herbal world, some of us refer to this as the Mugwort Moon. Mugwort, (Artemisia vulgaris) is abundant and ready to harvest now and throughout history, it has been believed that mugwort’s properties grow in strength along with the moon’s phases. Mugwort is known to promote dreams of clarity and of the natural world. It also tends to make people feel more ethereal. A bitter herb, mugwort is an aid to digestion and a liver tonic, as well as a mild sedative. Just for fun, on the next full moon, if you can find some mugwort, enjoy a cup of its soothing tea and maybe sleep with a handful of its leaves under your pillow. You never know what may be revealed!! Other herbs to enjoy this summer are Lavender, (Lavandula angustifolia), which is very soothing as a tea before bed, in a bath, or as a delicious addition to summer salads; Rosemary, (Rosmarinus officinalis), an anti-inflammatory and memory tonic, always a refreshing addition to the summer potato salads, and Lemon Balm, (Melissa officinalis) for lessening anxiety, soothing digestion and relieving insomnia. It makes a delicious, chilled tea on hot summer days! Have you eaten your flowers today? Nasturtium, Borage, Calendula and so many others are in abundance now, each with their own healing benefits and delicious character …Try them on green and fresh fruit salads! For more information on what to eat and why, contact Elixir for nutritional /lifestyle consultations, private cooking, and instruction on all things healing through herbs, teas, organic whole plant-based foods, and local wild foods. “August of another summer, and once again, I am drinking the sun, and the lilies again are spread across the water.” – Mary Oliver. Elixir - email: organictearoom@gmail.com, www.elixirgb.com, instagram: elixir tearoom, fb: elixir
OIL PAINTING | PINK SUNSET
BIG BLUE SKY 18 X 24
MARILYN CAVILLARI Every day a new vision produces a new painting" I am a contemporary landscape artist working in oils. I paint daily with several paintings going at the same time. I have been in several major galleries over the last eleven years, as well as opening up four pop up galleries in Manchester, VT and Williamstown. I work with very vibrant colors yet viewers often tell me my paintings are very calming. Grateful to the universe for giving me this gift. Contact Marilyn at: 413 458-4087 802 3790759 website marilyncavallari.com marilynmjc@gmail.com
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