Canary in the Coal Mine

When one is a "canary in the coal mine" one has difficulty understanding the knowledge being delivered, then determining "so what" while embracing humility in the process. During the ten years of experience healing the autoimmune dis-ease that allowed transformation from a workaholic to a more balanced life focusing on habitat restoration and interconnectedness, I discovered a sensitivity to the imbalances around me that other individuals around me did not seem to be aware of. Toxins in the environment, foods not easily digested (like soy, Brassica family especially raw, grain unless sprouted, and nuts) or foods indigestible by nature (like food prepared in a microwave), acid drinking water, fabric made from synthetic materials-- all these caused, early on in my healing, a violent reaction forcing me to bed and unable to keep anything in my stomach for days. This "canary in the coal mine" warning of what is askew in the web of life on our planet seems far fetched to many people and yet so real to others I encounter in my everyday life. In honoring this sensitivity/gift, the reminder that humility is "noble only when it highly values itself, which is not the same as low self esteem or lack of self worth" is ever so helpful.

Here in the Hessel Area of West Sonoma County there are many deer. Usually in the Fall we see a small herd of sometimes up to a dozen deer, usually with a buck present too. This late Winter past the congregation happened after the rains came and the grass greened and grew. A few days ago such a wonderful spectacle . . . just as dawn lightened the sky there was a deer standing, standing, standing for a very long time, perhaps an hour. And then a small creature was evident in the grass . . . "a baby deer running to mom for a snack" with the doe very attentive to her little one. As the little one finished nursing a second one showed up in the grass, also running to mom for a snack.

"If DEER has chosen to appear to you, it is asking you to encourage 

that part of yourself that is not afraid to be soft, gentle and humble.

     Deer spirit is the humility to not need to be seen or known, which of itself holds 

great value when it comes from a place of inner strength.  It watches from a hidden place 

and is quietly aware, not needing to speak what it knows. 

Deer is the inherent beauty of stillness and simplicity within, 

a gentle nobility that brings peace to its environment . . . "

"Deer Facts

Deer are the most common large wild animal in North America today.

A baby fawn is camouflaged by spots all over its back,

which looks to predators like splashes of sunlight on the forest floor.

Predators cannot smell fawns, for they are born without scent 

which develops after the first week of life.

A fawn can stand at birth and by the end of a week they are able to run.

If a doe has two or more fawns, she hides them in different locations

so that if a predator finds one, the others are safe.

Although generally deer run quickly from predators, 

doe protecting their fawns have been know to fight off

eagles, coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions with their sharp hooves."

Spirit Animals

by Victoria Covell

illustrations by Noah Buchanan

This glorious sight reminds this "canary in the coal mine" that no appreciation from others is necessary; rather resting centered and balanced is of high value at this time on our planet of shifting, chaotic change. 

Heart shaped leaved Hoya purchased in Phoenix from the Botanical Gardens many years ago.
The blossoms are sporadic but gorgeous and drip with nectar.
One can only image what BEing is nourished by this delectable nectar.

Continue to 

What Rose Taught Me

For almost two years now our dear dog Rose has not been with us. I miss her everyday. And Shasta is working her magic by shining her light on the darkness I carry within. Grieving takes as long as it takes.

Last year Chris Boyd made a special marker for Rose's Rest.

Rose taught me a very valuable lesson about pharmaceutical drugs as opposed to herbal medicines.

Yarrow flowers and leaves have been
used for thousands of years. An example
is on the ancient battlefields where the 
leaves and flowers were thickly applied 
to staunch bleeding.

Doctors practicing within the allopathic system have one standard response, or so it seems to me since I have heard it from quite a number medical doctors, to the use of herbal medicines, "there is no quality control."  Herbal medicines do not kill people like those produced by the mega pharmaceutical industrial machine. Nor do herbal medicines have "side effects," which in my way of present thinking is a misnomer for how the drug actually affects the human body.

Homeostasis is a natural process by which the human body rights itself, or in other words, a way to keep the human organism in balance. The drugs, used as a matter of course for almost any ailment a person goes to see her or his doctor about, do nothing to support this process. From Rose I learned that herbal medicines support this natural rebalancing of the physical form. After her leg amputation, the vet who did the surgery sent home with us not only narcotics to control the pain, but pharmaceutical drugs to "fight infection" and "reduce the inflammatory process." None of these drugs was to Rose's liking. She said the antiinflammatory drug actually blocked her "natural rhythm" and the antibiotic caused violent vomiting. I was able to talk the vet into allowing me to use an oil I had made instead. 

This organic olive oil infusion of comfrey, plantain and yarrow flowers, 

Comfrey

Plantain

Yarrow

once applied to Rose's shaved skin around the amputation site, worked magic. Within a few hours of application, she wanted to go out and pee. Well, she had the most huge pee I have ever seen from any of my dogs. From thence forward there was no swelling in the area. There was also no redness and the wound healed incredibly fast. After 48 hours the only medicine Rose found supported her healing was the oil of comfrey, plantain and yarrow.
The vet insisted Rose continue to take an antibiotic.  I insisted on a different one than the original one that caused the fierce vomiting. Rose agreed to take it saying, "if you insist but I do not need it."  All the antibiotic capsules she took as prescribed until they were gone.  

So what Rose taught me was, as any herbalist knows, that herbal medicines made with the whole plant with no man made chemicals will work with the body's natural cycle not only supporting homeostasis but healing as well. Herbs are a part of the interdependent fabric
of all BEings.

"I thank you God for most this amazing day:

for the leaping greenly spirits of trees

and a blue true dream of sky;

and for everything which is natural 

which is infinite

which is yes."

e.e.cummings

As you consider healing choices and "everything which is natural" may you 

California Wildflowers

This Thursday past Dwight and I joined a large group divided into four, each with a leader, to visit the privately owned Van Hooser Wildflower Preserve not far off Arnold Drive in Sonoma, Calfornia. The Sonoma Ecology Center offers walks here to enjoy the spectacular land of which so little remains in Sonoma County.

On our walk we could see the sadly barren landscape on adjacent property where the water was funneled to water grapes and the land plowed. The stark contrast was so telling.

Near the beginning of the four or so mile walk I noted the hugest Buckeye tree I have ever seen. In evidence also were four oak species. The contrast of their leaf color was so beautiful: the deciduous oak leaves were lighter and the live oaks a very deep, dark green.

Wavy leaf soap plant of which many
were visible near where the walk commenced.

Checkerbloom in the foreground
with Sun cup behind.

This Narrow-leaved mule ear is just beginning to flower.
And the Coast mule ears with their wider, darker
green leaves were also just beginning to flower.
The massive number of plants portended a
spectaclar display as the weather warms.

One of many outcroppings of Sky Lupine.

Purple sanicle

Fiddleneck

Pacific snakeroot

Lace pod

A gorgeous huge old oak snag with its many barren branches
 filled with acorns to feed many families of woodpeckers.

One of many Northern California poppy displays seen.

Popcorn flower seen on the descent into the parking area.
See the caterpillar-like seed pod forming?
Caterpillar plant is another common name for this plant.

In evidence also were many blooming Meadowfoam, Tidy Tips, California buttercups, California golden violet, Iris, Blue eyed grass, Storks bill, with Yarrow just beginning to bloom. I was so very happy to see many of the plants that grow here at MuRefuge in their chosen native habitat. Such observation provides so much information about the plant, not only where it thrives but with whom. Such a wonderful outing!

As we did often on our walk, may you