Mindful Living

Dia de la Muertos – time for harvest

Posted on by Jean Campbell

  I began this post the evening of Nov. 1, the Dia de la Muertos. I have never participated much in this tradition. I've always tended to honor these kinds of things internally, rather than placing much focus on tangible objects or physical actions. I do think it is a really cool practice, though, and am all in favor of folks celebrating the lives of those they've lost in this positive way. It's just not how I do. Today, on the Day of the Dead, I pulled up dying plants and cut back... Continue reading

Allium reincarnation

Posted on by Jean Campbell

I don't know how a vegetable might earn karma points, but you can often persuade a remnant to offer a little more good with a second life! Onions are a great example. Next time you cut open an onion, set aside the bottom bit. You know, the part with the dried-out roots still sticking out. This little piece of refuse has the potential to become not one, but several new onions. Note that this process does not work with every onion. I'm not certain of the rhyme or reason for success. Maybe it's... Continue reading

It’s that time of year… my annual Dandelion Rant

Posted on by Jean Campbell

  What's the deal? Where did all this dandelion hate come from for a plant that adds nothing but value and fun to our otherwise earth-sucking grass lawns? I personally find them delightful. I eat some, I dry some for salves and soaps, and I give some to my bunnies, but I leave plenty of those bright, lovely sunshine heads for the early pollinators who need them. The roots make a lovely tea, but I tend to leave those. They do so much for the dirt with their super-long,... Continue reading

A Valentine’s Day pondering on empathy

Posted on by Jean Campbell

He can't take it away. He can try to erase history, but we will remember. He can try to discourage us, but we will persevere. He will try to be all-powerful, but we will dissent. He can try to silence us, but we will talk. We will write songs and stories in which he will not be the hero. The stories will be of the dystopian leader who tried to change the past and own the future, but he will forever be remembered as foolish, cruel, and greedy. The heroes will be those who refused to follow, who... Continue reading