I agree wholeheartedly except with the 'dangerous' remark at the beginning about it being ''too hot''. The Meadowsweet made up for it and I can smell it through the screen.
I am in the US and we(my son and I) will be celebrating midsummer tomorrow with our homeschool group. In the US it's hard to know what magical history we should study, perhaps at this point it's about saving it all, or at least all that we can. 💚
Terri, thank you for mentioning the importance of heritage. As an "American" who ancestors came from Ireland, it has been extremely difficult to learn about my heritage and to form a connection to it. Years ago I belonged to a wonderful folk life society in Kansas City, Missouri that had a concert series. Each season the touring Celtic Bands from Ireland, Scotland, Britain and Wales would arrive and we could partake in the music, at least. Over the years some of these musicians became friends, and there would be lively music sessions at someone's house after the concert. This was just one small connection, but the other activities of the folk life society (dance and plays) helped us all gain a grounding in something true and real that somehow offset the "homogenization" of the American culture. It was a mixed bag still for us all, but the important aspect is that we were all hungry for more of our heritage. Eventually, I found other groups focused on Irish culture. There are other heritage festivals in the US - Mexican Festivals, German Oktoberfest, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday prior to Lent, Greek Festivals, etc. ) because heritage is not just history, it is necessary for our wellbeing, on many levels. I hate that this homogenization is being attempted in Ireland -- it's a divide an conquer method as far as I'm concerned.!! I have married friends whose children are half American (whatever that means) and half Chinese - their children attend "Chinese School" for a few hours every Saturday to learn their other language, culture, and stories. I already know so many disenfranchised Americans with Irish lineage who need Ireland to stay strong in maintaining it culture ... our stories can't be lost! Keep strong Terri, and please keep speaking out!
Oh how I loved hearing your story about the Goddess of the Summer Solstice, Áine. I loved hearing that "we can resist and overcome external pressure that tries to have us controlled, chained, imprisoned. We are as wild and free and sovereign as Meadowsweet and the other flowers."
How relevant for our day! In Canada, our government is closing down the health food stores, by merging every home remedy under the drug banner. They want to bastardise nature in order to patent the plants. Let's invoke the goddess, ladies! We shall overcome the tyranny!
I lost my precious companion on Solstice and looking for the right plant to grow on her memorial place. As usual Terrie hit a bullseye in my life. The color the history the scent and the presentation are perfect for Essie's remembrance. The sweets dog I have ever known. This is it. She wants the most healing plant for this time of year. She was a great healer.
Love your garden and healing information. You inspired me to plant my own meadowsweet. I made a tincture with last years blooms, this years will be for tea. Thank you and Solstice blessings!💚
I agree wholeheartedly except with the 'dangerous' remark at the beginning about it being ''too hot''. The Meadowsweet made up for it and I can smell it through the screen.
Thank you, Teri and Lol.
I only meant it was hot within the polytunnel. Believe me, it is not hot here, warm spring temperatures is all we have outside xx
I am in the US and we(my son and I) will be celebrating midsummer tomorrow with our homeschool group. In the US it's hard to know what magical history we should study, perhaps at this point it's about saving it all, or at least all that we can. 💚
Terri, thank you for mentioning the importance of heritage. As an "American" who ancestors came from Ireland, it has been extremely difficult to learn about my heritage and to form a connection to it. Years ago I belonged to a wonderful folk life society in Kansas City, Missouri that had a concert series. Each season the touring Celtic Bands from Ireland, Scotland, Britain and Wales would arrive and we could partake in the music, at least. Over the years some of these musicians became friends, and there would be lively music sessions at someone's house after the concert. This was just one small connection, but the other activities of the folk life society (dance and plays) helped us all gain a grounding in something true and real that somehow offset the "homogenization" of the American culture. It was a mixed bag still for us all, but the important aspect is that we were all hungry for more of our heritage. Eventually, I found other groups focused on Irish culture. There are other heritage festivals in the US - Mexican Festivals, German Oktoberfest, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday prior to Lent, Greek Festivals, etc. ) because heritage is not just history, it is necessary for our wellbeing, on many levels. I hate that this homogenization is being attempted in Ireland -- it's a divide an conquer method as far as I'm concerned.!! I have married friends whose children are half American (whatever that means) and half Chinese - their children attend "Chinese School" for a few hours every Saturday to learn their other language, culture, and stories. I already know so many disenfranchised Americans with Irish lineage who need Ireland to stay strong in maintaining it culture ... our stories can't be lost! Keep strong Terri, and please keep speaking out!
Oh how I loved hearing your story about the Goddess of the Summer Solstice, Áine. I loved hearing that "we can resist and overcome external pressure that tries to have us controlled, chained, imprisoned. We are as wild and free and sovereign as Meadowsweet and the other flowers."
How relevant for our day! In Canada, our government is closing down the health food stores, by merging every home remedy under the drug banner. They want to bastardise nature in order to patent the plants. Let's invoke the goddess, ladies! We shall overcome the tyranny!
That Cat! From spectacular opening shot to final rollover closing is something else.
Your garden is looking like a paradise of holistic health and wellbeing.
I lost my precious companion on Solstice and looking for the right plant to grow on her memorial place. As usual Terrie hit a bullseye in my life. The color the history the scent and the presentation are perfect for Essie's remembrance. The sweets dog I have ever known. This is it. She wants the most healing plant for this time of year. She was a great healer.
Thank you for letting us know about the myriad ways meadowsweet can help us heal. Happy Solstice!
Love your garden and healing information. You inspired me to plant my own meadowsweet. I made a tincture with last years blooms, this years will be for tea. Thank you and Solstice blessings!💚