Oh, and for nostr:npub1e2rd2k45ym2jmctnysfadxumrvrr57vqj69ck6trt2y62c40r0kqs9lx8t the wall weaving I did out of nettle fiber. The red is linen. Nettle truly is one of my most favorite herbs for so many reasons 🌿

We are getting ready to bust this 40+ year old cabinet off the wall and put in some nicer open shelving and perhaps a window. I cannot wait to see this come down!

While emptying the shelves, I had a mad dash of inspiration and threw away all of my supplements. I've been taking supplements of one kind or another, even herbs in capsules, for decades. I decided to see how I'd feel NOT taking them, but instead drinking and eating all of my nutrients instead. I know: what a revelation 🙄. I was actually grossed out by the amount of pills and tablets and capsules in the small sack I filled. This is not Real Food! 🤦‍♀️

Felt pretty good cancelling all of those subscriptions and ordering more herbs instead. Going to feel even better growing more of them myself this year 🌿

I did a wall weaving out of nettle once, fascinating fiber

that is gorgeous

I actually had a goat once named Tasha in her honor 🐐

ha! Yes! Are you familiar with Tasha Tudor? She grew her own flax, spun and wove it into cloth, then sewed up her own shirt (by hand would be my guess). As I recall, once was enough for her 😅

I've gotten some great fabrics from Etsy sellers

I just don't like them. Colors fade pretty fast for one reason, and after all that time sewing I want my clothing to last.

I do miss weaving.

I quit just as we moved in here, this cabin in the woods. A very enthusiastic young lady took my loom and generous supplies. She said she'd send a photo of it set up, but nothing ever showed.

Now I have empty pastures waiting for...something. Maybe this time, I start with sheep, then rebuy a spinning wheel, then refind a workhorse loom...

Or...just find a small house in Mexico and spend my days riding my horse around in the sunshine foraging herbs for my apothecary.

Either could happen.

well if you're looking for someone to warn you off that cliff, I am not that one 😂

And sewing doesn't have to be hard. I liked learning from this book, and have made dresses, pants and tops: https://a.co/d/2YIO05X

Elizabeth Zimmerman taught me (via video) how to knit, and I've made scarves, hats, fingerless gloves and sweaters. Her books are still available, and of course there isn't anything you can't learn via YouTube.

The real danger is falling into the rabbit hole of finding good fabric (please not Joanne's just no), then deciding to just weave your own.... 🤪

You can find companies that specialize in natural fabrics but you will pay for the quality. The upside is having a smaller closet with clothing that lasts. I have found most of such clothing either thrifting, handsewing/knitting, on Etsy, or just with paying attention in retail stores (some will offer better fabrics, but some will only carry the plastics and aren't worth looking into). Occasionally I have splurged on a beloved new piece. Just like food, read the labels 😉

whoa, that's a lot of fun for one morning 😬

We are still celebrating Christmas here, in fact only halfway in today. Why have 4 weeks of Advent and only one day to celebrate? We celebrate by having plenty of family time (hikes, new puzzles, board games...), solitude (reading all those new books!), and having people over for brunch, lunch, and suppers. It's a good time to reconnect with God, ourselves, and others.

Yesterday evening I made up a full gallon of Russian Tea. Zounds, it was good. I used orange ceylon tea, 8 oranges, 6 lemons, plenty of cinnamon and cloves, and a bit of pineapple juice for sweetness. It's delicious hot and full of vitamin C! The only way to go wrong with it is to google some recipe and start with some canister of pseudo orange flavored "drink".

Anyhow, good coffee morning and Merry continuing Christmas ☕️

#coffeechain https://video.nostr.build/fbf383cc9511c7b9a5f3e50613a6a93cf501adfb8610b1b27ad207fd1c261d05.mp4

Well the hawthorn has fallen, but I've left it for the wildlife this winter. Same for the old apple tree, where I noticed a rabbit run to for shelter. Winter really is beautiful, and though plenty is decomposing, there is a lot of growth happening under the scenes, waiting for the right time.

We could learn a lot by resting and waiting likewise, trusting that one day spring will come, nourished by the dead parts that have fallen.

A very merry Christmas to you all!

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Ps 30:11-12

I love this

Feeling too sugared out? A cup of broth with plenty of salt in the morning helps to set things aright. I like to add a spoonful of home grown and powdered garlic 😋

thx! pretty inspiring

whoa...you're feeding *only* turnips instead of hay? 🤔 about how many turnips are you feeding per animal per day? veddy veddy interesting....