tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74243055568224438332024-03-04T23:30:13.166-05:00Blackbird's Daughter BotanicalsGuiding your sacred life journey through Nature's healing giftsJessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-34145070130837615992020-03-20T18:49:00.002-04:002020-03-20T18:49:28.868-04:00<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">I've always seen the alternate</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">lives, the faces I might have worn</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">had I left the party with this man</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">or that instead of going alone</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">into the night's soft rumble;</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">had I paused when the golden balls </span> <span style="font-style: italic;">were thrown before me on the race</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">course like Atalanta, instead</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">of laughing coarsely and running on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">-</span>from <span style="font-style: italic;">Brother-less five: truth as a cloud of moths, </span>by Marge Piercy</div>
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Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-29104107682405667742016-05-19T22:12:00.002-04:002016-05-19T22:14:48.727-04:00Wonderful News! First, our <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://blackbirdsdaughter.com/" target="_blank">new website</a> </span>is up and running - and it's beautiful - hooray! HUGE thanks to my wonderful assistants and apprentices for their help - our Green Tribe is a talented bunch, for sure!<br />
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Second, <a href="http://www.blackbirdsdaughter.com/apprenticeships/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">THE NEW APPRENTICESHIPS ARE OPEN</span></a>!<br />
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This year is the first year that I'm offering both a Gaian Herbalism apprenticeship and a Sacred Studies certificate course.<br />
I have so much to teach, and I can't wait to share it with you!<br />
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From its humble beginnings as one or two students following me around in the woods and helping me make gardens to a full-blown year-long, monthly immersion program, my apprenticeships have always been a mix of the sacred and the scientific, the magic within the medicine. That tradition of falling madly in love with the Green World has stayed firm. Won't you<span style="color: magenta;"> <a href="http://www.blackbirdsdaughter.com/apprenticeships/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">join us</span></a></span>?Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-27754500093615594322015-11-10T09:17:00.002-05:002016-04-01T08:26:14.998-04:00Summer Camps and Retreats are open for registration!<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
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<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Payment Option" />Beloveds, we are so excited to offer our first ever Summer Camps and Ritual Retreats! I've been a counselor, director, leader, and teacher, and attendee at summer camps and retreats for years, so you can imagine how tickled I am to have the chance to create these ones:<br />
<b><u>Camps</u></b><br />
Mama Gaia's Herb Camp and the Young Women's Wisdom Camps are designed especially for the <span style="color: #3d85c6;">old souls and goofballs, </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">the daydreamers and free spirits</span><span style="color: #e06666;">,</span> <span style="color: #e06666;">the young people</span> <span style="color: #e06666;">who love nature</span> <span style="color: #e06666;">and yearn to be a part of something meaningful and sacred, </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">and who need a place where they can be proud of being themselves.</span> Kids and teens deserve a magical, safe, and welcoming space where they can be creative and silly and utterly wowed by how cool the world is and how awesome it is to be part of Nature. They need a chance to sink into the sacred. They need to learn the skills they need to stand true to themselves, to practice self care, and to take care of the Earth and each other. And they need to be loved for who they are, how they are, every day.<br />
That's what these camps do.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcivVG_htqK3r1fLTdAAafOeD02lWFcc-ldzKJt8ZO-wpYtpULV3U5sVSESeqaF8loyc0QdIGOMEHOv8MRJKuzeXA-mDDuEyZjoYNMN4eDJPowmFu29LivUVpnl8LtqYZtUYd4iCEmzc/s1600/Young+women%2527s+camps+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcivVG_htqK3r1fLTdAAafOeD02lWFcc-ldzKJt8ZO-wpYtpULV3U5sVSESeqaF8loyc0QdIGOMEHOv8MRJKuzeXA-mDDuEyZjoYNMN4eDJPowmFu29LivUVpnl8LtqYZtUYd4iCEmzc/s640/Young+women%2527s+camps+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
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<select name="os0"> <option value="full payment">full payment $250.00 USD</option> <option value="non-refundable deposit">non-refundable deposit $100.00 USD</option> <option value="Share the love, sponsor a camper!">Share the love, sponsor a camper! $250.00 USD</option> </select> </div>
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<b><u>Retreats: </u></b><br />
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<b><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_467154047" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 25th 10am</span></span>-<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_467154048" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 26th 4pm</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">New Moon Wisdom Weekend: A Retreat for Tweens and their Wise Women</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Calling all moms, aunties, grandmas, and mentors of tween girls (ages 10 to 13) - this is your chance to connect with the special girl in your life as she bridges the gap between girlhood and womanhood! Girls, this is a chance for you to see the adult in your life not just as "nanna" or "mom", but as a trusted friend and guide who can support you on your journey. Together we'll play, laugh, roast marshmallows, share stories, and explore what growing up means. Join us for a magical, tech-free weekend of love, music, craft, and celebration. We'll finish our retreat with a Women's Circle Ceremony, where we commit to respecting ourselves, honoring each other, and supporting our girls as we welcome them into their womanhood!</span></div>
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<b><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_467154049" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">July 23rd 10am</span></span>- <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_467154050" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">July 24th 4pm</span></span></b></div>
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<b>Young Women's Wisdom Weekend: A Ritual Retreat for Teens and the women who love them.</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Moms, aunties, grandmas, and mentors - this is the weekend you've been waiting for! Reconnect with the young woman in your life as she discovers her gifts, stretches her wings and begins to fly. Teenage women (age 14-18), this is a chance for you to bond with the adult in your life not just as "nanna" or "mom", but as a trusted friend and ally who can support you on your journey. Together we'll sing, drum, play games, create art, explore women's healing traditions like yoga, massage, and herbalism, and share s'mores and stories around the fire! We'll finish our retreat with a Women's Circle Ceremony, where we commit to respecting ourselves, honoring each other, and supporting our girls as we welcome them into their womanhood!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 19.2px;">Gourmet vegetarian meals include: 1 breakfast, snacks, 2 lunches and 1 dinner (please let us know if there are special dietary concerns). </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 19.2px;">Tent camping, please provide your own camping materials (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad). </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: 19.2px;">Please bring appropriate outdoor gear. More information will be emailed to you upon registration.</span></div>
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<option value="full payment per adult">full payment per adult $250.00 USD</option>
<option value="full payment for girl/teen and adult">full payment for girl/teen and adult $500.00 USD</option>
<option value="additional girl/teen">additional girl/teen $225.00 USD</option>
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Summertime, here we come!<br />
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New Beginnings: Insight for the Start of 2016<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfcEl5qnDL-kJvGm7lgel9Sivvr4wP2l0137dqQT4KCHyeBycab5xV7Xa8RTFfVYQZsjBGoyHJOdvdvFvjPboxLc7v82706NTdH6_x7sr8aIRW5qh3dn4NbvaSw5UvRNF2yBox2FoN54/s400/IMG_0743.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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<i>Under the cloud-strewn gaze of last year's last full moon, </i></div>
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<i>Among the beach grass and ocean waves,</i></div>
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<i>Mystery perched briefly on my altar,</i></div>
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<i>and whispered in my ear.</i></div>
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<i>"I have a message," She said, "For those who are not here. Will you share it?" </i></div>
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<i>"Lady, of course," I promised, and opening my bag of stones,</i></div>
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<i>pulled the runes she called.</i></div>
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<i>Inguz. Ansuz. Raido.</i></div>
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<i>She stroked their etched and ancient faces, </i></div>
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<i>Leaned close to stoop and kiss my brow, </i></div>
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<i>and left. </i></div>
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<i>Here is what She told me to say to you:</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Inguz:</i> A rune often associated with intuitive and reproductive energy, Inguz is the rune of New Beginnings, of fresh starts, of deliverance from old tensions and uncertainty and that which has been building but which is not yet finished. If you have been stuck in an old pattern, especially within relationships, now is the time to gather your courage and change things. Finish what you've started. Drawing Inguz means that right now, you have the force required to achieve resolution and completion so you can move forward and continue to walk your Path. Out with any stagnant energy - the time has come to break free of any and all such obstacles, especially those you have lived with out of fear. Safety comes from letting go and moving on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Ansuz:</i> The rune of k<span style="text-align: justify;">nowledge, Ansuz also symbolizes wisdom, understanding, listening, speech, and clear communication. Practice the art of listening, and be attentive to the unspoken messages that others might be expressing.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> Is there advice or guidance you need? Answers are everywhere, though you may not know how to recognize them yet. Open your eyes, ears, and mind to the language of the universe. Be on the lookout for signs, signals, and reminders - they are everywhere. Perhaps looking to your ancestors is in order, or perhaps you just need to clear yourself of preconceived ideas and be willing to think outside the box. Don't shoot the messenger, and don't discount the message because you're not comfortable with how it arrives. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Is there something you need to say? </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Think clearly and speak your truth. </span><span style="text-align: justify;">You may need to be creative in how you do so. You have the ability to express yourself with controlled power and the capacity to advocate for yourself and others with clarity and compassion. Continue developing these skills.</span><span style="text-align: justify;">The more you acknowledge your inner truth, the wiser you become.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Raido</i> (drawn in contrary): <span style="text-align: justify;"> Raido is the rune of Journeys and Movement, especially spiritual movement and the quest for knowledge and fulfillment. </span>Drawn in contrary, this stone symbolizes stagnation and warns against <span style="text-align: justify;">lack of movement and failure to progress. Have you been putting off something important? If you've been considering quitting or not starting what you know in your heart of hearts that you need to do, forget it. If fear is the thing that is stopping you, this rune is another reminder that hiding from your truth will no longer keep you safe. Raido reminds us that difficulties and challenges are to be expected, and are inevitable and necessary steps on the Hero's Journey. Taking the easy way out will not strengthen you, so egg up! </span><span style="text-align: justify;">It may mean losing </span><span style="text-align: justify;">contact with someone or lead to unexpected outcomes, but that too is part of your Path - you cannot move forward while staying in the past.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Embrace change and be prepared for these new experiences to shape you into the Spiritual Warrior you are destined to become and which the world so desperately needs.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">When it comes to our sacred life journeys, there really are no shortcuts.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE WHEEL'S TURN: STAYING HEALTHY IN AUTUMN</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">TUNING IN TO NATURE'S RHYTHM</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">As Samhain marked the third and final harvest festival, it is often considered the end of Summer and beginning of Winter, though in my woods I must admit I look at this time as deep Autumn, a chance to welcome the brisk air into my lungs and the Pleiades back into the sky. In the Woods and Fields, the little people are stockpiling the last of their acorns and seeds, most of the trees’ leaves have fallen, and only a few late goldenrods, asters, and tenacious apples add vivid color to the muted wash of late fall’s beauty. The still-green grass lies protected under a blanket of maple and birch leaves. Despite the silver filigree of light frosts, the wild motherwort and mints are vibrant against the unfrozen soil, protected by the hollow stalks of their taller, grassy kin. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For us busy humans, these next few weeks are a time of respite after the harvest and before the chaos of the holiday season. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BURN SLOW, DON'T BURN OUT</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a society, we tend to get very manic around the beginning of Winter, which is the opposite of what our bodies crave. Modern life doesn’t encourage us to stay burrowed and hibernating when the snow tells us to, nor does it allow us to change our pace to the slower, less frenetic pace that our bodies crave. Instead, we go to work and school and the gym expecting to have the same Summer energy levels, and blow through most of our winter reserves before reaching the Winter solstice! No wonder we work so hard to jolly up the season; we’re scared of what will happen when we burn out in January! </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It doesn’t have to be like that. Mama Gaia says that’s not the way the Wheel works. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When a person forgets to honor the seasons, he or she can fall prey to dis-ease. When a culture tries to push through the darkness with an endless stream of buying and decorating and gorging and holiday spice-ing, they too are out of balance. The urge to dance in the dark is very real (and ancient), but taken to extremes, it can leave us even more depleted than if we hadn’t honored the season at all.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WINTER’S EFFECTS ON THE BODY</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qMoop6gv3gKtMtWKxb8sUYfOABxLR7vpW6riPFfUPpR8EtmvC1-BFAjknoIlBQovrMSRJGgF6wXfvZzD230nxDbJvCQ1JG_vQTuWWOD7apKltJYApJxzZK5wkYKOzPZnrYOizz33g0w/s1600/12049678_923166154435617_8731821270545438241_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; line-height: 22.08px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qMoop6gv3gKtMtWKxb8sUYfOABxLR7vpW6riPFfUPpR8EtmvC1-BFAjknoIlBQovrMSRJGgF6wXfvZzD230nxDbJvCQ1JG_vQTuWWOD7apKltJYApJxzZK5wkYKOzPZnrYOizz33g0w/s320/12049678_923166154435617_8731821270545438241_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this cold climate, our mammalian bodies are undergoing some serious changes. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Without the freshness of local fruits and leafy vegetables, our vitamin and mineral intake is lowered. Digestion changes with the seasons to a slower, winterized rate, so probiotics are extra important right now! Metabolism slows to conserve energy. Our circulatory system works extra-hard to keep our core organs warm, at the expense of our extremities. With less sunlight, we have less vitamin D, which causes us to store calories as fat instead of burning them as energy, changes our skin and hair, and especially affects our mood. Our circadian rhythm changes and our wake-sleep cycle adapts to shorter days, making us want -and need!- to sleep more. For people with Seasonal Affective Disorder, lowered seratonin levels and heightened melatonin levels may lead to trouble sleeping, increasing their seasonal depression. Our immune systems, hormones, and endocrine systems respond as well. Joints stiffen and mobility changes. Our respiratory system handles dry, recycled air, and has to work extra hard to stay moist and safe.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">STAYING HEALTHY IN WINTER</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxe0hWuI5BfocyDs5LK7kK2p_n9ybzuW_wEX7afhkp9cBia2dvKV6ip0oBuuCMgqfwWMmduXM2W15D54ICzlwPhG2JbgM_EPdxFuz0OAXR_20bC9e1eSblswauDOZYzJxBxsdXTN5YzE/s1600/11215838_927224884029744_5783915529868570885_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: 22.08px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxe0hWuI5BfocyDs5LK7kK2p_n9ybzuW_wEX7afhkp9cBia2dvKV6ip0oBuuCMgqfwWMmduXM2W15D54ICzlwPhG2JbgM_EPdxFuz0OAXR_20bC9e1eSblswauDOZYzJxBxsdXTN5YzE/s320/11215838_927224884029744_5783915529868570885_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So how do we stay healthy? Ideally, we are sleeping more. We are also taking long walks in the sunlight. Despite the fact that at this latitude the sun is no longer is able to supply us with the Vitamin D it does in the warmer months, we still experience a host of mood- and health-boosting benefits from its presence. We are keeping our cores warm, as well as our extremities. We are drinking lots of nettle and alfalfa tea for vitamins, and we have moved away from cold drinks to hot ones. We are supporting our immune systems by eating cultured foods and supplementing with Vitamin D in mushroom or supplement form (I personally aim for 10,000 IUs a day from now until April, far above the suggested 2,000). </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are also taking adaptogens, such as reishi, ashwaganda, tulsi, schisandra, rhodiola, ginseng, and eleuthero. Adaptogens are a small classification of safe herbs that help the body to handle stress, both short and long term, by counteracting any adverse effects of a physical, chemical, or biological stressor by generating non-specific resistance. They pair well with tonic herbs (such as nettles, milky oat, and rose), nervines (such as skullcap and catnip), as well as herbs that support cognition and mental health (such as bacopa, ginko, gotu-kola, and rosemary).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gW6-8DrJIDurgaVBa5sQFOt_ytVKi1noH77LtzaaswUIxG9obTrKFZGvYg_cOupwl4BtxPqFsGpq5MkjzcaEVodgo-8whtmUyPtXgx8p4aXtrbGqSydNVDNO7-bVm58lb2-Uj8H05pM/s1600/12042970_923166054435627_8849881049174755622_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; line-height: 22.08px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gW6-8DrJIDurgaVBa5sQFOt_ytVKi1noH77LtzaaswUIxG9obTrKFZGvYg_cOupwl4BtxPqFsGpq5MkjzcaEVodgo-8whtmUyPtXgx8p4aXtrbGqSydNVDNO7-bVm58lb2-Uj8H05pM/s320/12042970_923166054435627_8849881049174755622_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And finally -and perhaps most importantly: Just as the plants go inward to conserve and replenish their energy, we are also careful to honor our need for quiet, solitude, comfort, and gentle comforts. Though our culture pushes us to go, go, go, Nature tells us to slow, slow, slow. Honor that rhythm. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_gW6-8DrJIDurgaVBa5sQFOt_ytVKi1noH77LtzaaswUIxG9obTrKFZGvYg_cOupwl4BtxPqFsGpq5MkjzcaEVodgo-8whtmUyPtXgx8p4aXtrbGqSydNVDNO7-bVm58lb2-Uj8H05pM/s1600/12042970_923166054435627_8849881049174755622_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: 22.08px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><br /></a></div>
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Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-90744272673111225652015-10-08T12:46:00.005-04:002015-10-08T12:47:55.618-04:00Woodland Dance Party (and some Autumnal advice)Beloveds,<br />
It is getting colder and darker, that's true, but fear not! In this video I'll share some<span style="color: purple;"><b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlackbirdsDaughter/videos/915431231875776/" target="_blank">loving hints</a> </b></span>to help you stay happy and healthy during this time of transition, Green Witch style! Blessings,<br />
<i>Blackbird's Daughter</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZUKry7wRyqj4bWTXrBH10rS_WAJZxCR8ZOdhBeF43sgkwElwT31XiAFTGqcfR-el_lX7rTnHNNLZSTjJhysjgfX0878kM1tMyo5ck48ojdWaaMHFMiK1cNecx771olZ7YtqWF_9nl-Q/s1600/Photo+on+10-8-15+at+12.14+PM+%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwZUKry7wRyqj4bWTXrBH10rS_WAJZxCR8ZOdhBeF43sgkwElwT31XiAFTGqcfR-el_lX7rTnHNNLZSTjJhysjgfX0878kM1tMyo5ck48ojdWaaMHFMiK1cNecx771olZ7YtqWF_9nl-Q/s320/Photo+on+10-8-15+at+12.14+PM+%25233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-77245593189010119252015-09-02T08:52:00.000-04:002015-09-02T09:37:16.767-04:00Sacred Gaia Herbal Apprenticeship <h2 style="text-align: center;">
Honoring the Wild Wisdom of Nature, within and without </h2>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPq7EjlXGBX7oj9fy_0pLzm8eD65cjal4DrPJErGIWB-Fo2Jahm14AcgHdmHpBh4IV6gvxauOIcbJN6IVa2uuHz-o9FUEDM6eR_j8g5oG6i7IHJjrW3_TDLUo6GWoKrAa5XdUHcN5zSU/s320/IMG_0090%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></h2>
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Have you been craving a spirit-centered relationship with the Earth? Do
you want to grow your practical, sacred, and intuitive skills as an
herbalist, healer, Shaman? Is your soul calling out to Gaia…and is Gaia
calling to your soul? This 12-month Certificate course is open to any
individual who feels drawn to cultivating a deep, reciprocal, and joyful
relationship with the Green World.</h4>
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</div>
<b>Woven naturally through the Year Wheel, we will:</b><br />
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<ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpegg6j5Et60nNv-GmlksoYgMs8-eUh_uM4hf2DjZMZX3Hz1ghPFQehY1YWOiq0Roi2O081kMyXEqOkPA-cdzcZAt6iiTPs2T4-jJ43DBkXd2UWqSCTk3D7RRbHEsuPlea5BtXtTom-Dc/s1600/_DSC1537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpegg6j5Et60nNv-GmlksoYgMs8-eUh_uM4hf2DjZMZX3Hz1ghPFQehY1YWOiq0Roi2O081kMyXEqOkPA-cdzcZAt6iiTPs2T4-jJ43DBkXd2UWqSCTk3D7RRbHEsuPlea5BtXtTom-Dc/s320/_DSC1537.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<li>Explore the ways that the season's patterns influence our own journeys.</li>
<li>Discover the primary body systems through multiple healing
traditions, including Wise Woman, Western herbalism, Native wisdom,
Ayurveda, and others.</li>
<li>Build our own medicine chests of tinctures, syrups, powders, flower essences, teas, and salves</li>
<li>Prepare nourishing foods and drinks including mead, lacto-fermented foods, teas, spices, and wild edibles</li>
<li>Assemble a comprehensive <i>materia medica</i> and herbarium of wild and local herbs.</li>
<li>Create ritual tools including a pendulum, herbal wisdom oracle deck, Sacred perfume, smudge sticks and medicine pouch.</li>
<li>Hone your plant identification and wildcrafting skills</li>
<li>Develop your intuition through dowsing, plant communication, sacred journeying</li>
<li>Explore archetypal patterns and plant and animal totems</li>
<li>Create sacred space and individual and group rituals including
building altars, vision boards, creative journaling, and celebrating
lunar stages, Solstices and Equinoxes.</li>
</ul>
<b>Apprenticeship Includes:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>On-going assignments</li>
<li>Skype and phone check-ins </li>
<li>Working in Jessica’s in home apothecary</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxLyAG2bIdS1mzuYzAWQpADhKr-qTwTIe0ovGfTH4AN7RW4XSbduPxw69-2JAA1mwlKcLjTZiAf7XN-wFKwcRQAeMz1qwFBqsq2H3swywEvQ6Gy6Q4ooA6XdSQ-5EcMaVKZv_X1Dnw1g/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvxLyAG2bIdS1mzuYzAWQpADhKr-qTwTIe0ovGfTH4AN7RW4XSbduPxw69-2JAA1mwlKcLjTZiAf7XN-wFKwcRQAeMz1qwFBqsq2H3swywEvQ6Gy6Q4ooA6XdSQ-5EcMaVKZv_X1Dnw1g/s200/IMG_0091.JPG" width="200" /></a> <br />
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<b>Are you ready to unlock your own Inner Wild Wisdom?</b><br />
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<b>Details: </b><br />
Apprenticeship meets in and around Williston, Vermont on: Sept 26-27, October 24-25,
November 15th, November 25th (Skype Circle), December 19-20th, January
23-24th, February 20-21, March19-20, April 9-10, May 21-22, June 4-5,
July 16-17, Aug 1-2<br />
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<img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiheXx5kw2zl3JhwcdM_x-TxyKCkx84lzwUJPsY85d_0no_7msFgzLDhYgloghDoMTlKLnvkOvIL2xpqDJNObqR-htjJ5rz62jfRZ1LgZCFtWX82T8WPNs5tvk3xrRhF_OBMpDu5VXX0/s200/_DSC1520.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<br />
Cost: $1200. To hold your space, a deposit of
half the tuition is required by <u><b>Sept 16th</b></u> unless otherwise agreed, and
payment plans are available to those who require them. I offer this
program at a low cost with the goal of making this wisdom available to
more people. In return, I ask that participants agree to share some of
what they learn with others, that the cycle of wellness spreads. This
knowledge is our birthright. It is high time we claim it and pass it on.<br />
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<b>To apply, email Jessica at blackbirdsdaughter@gmail.com or call (802) 578-7931.</b><br />
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Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-34589186491851775452015-08-23T16:47:00.002-04:002015-09-02T09:31:15.125-04:00<strike><b>WANTED: Wise Woman's Assistant </b></strike><b>Position Filled</b><br />
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This is a magical opportunity for an aspiring herbalist, healer, wise woman (or man), or green witch who is seeking a unique work-study position. Flexible, part time hours with opportunity to work toward apprenticeship. <b>Job duties include:</b> <br />
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-typing/preparing notes<br />
-compiling recipes<br />
-organizing/inventorying herbs, essential oils, etc.<br />
-blending, labeling, and packaging teas, perfumes, bitters, tinctures, etc.<br />
-designing and creating packaging, labels, etc.<br />
-building wholesale accounts and making deliveries<br />
-writing and posting social media updates<br />
-tending wood path, raised beds, and Sacred Grove (requires clearing/cutting brush, shoveling dirt, snow, compost, etc. Must be able to kneel, trek over uneven paths, use shovels, pruners, etc.)<br />
-wildcrafting, drying, preparing herbs for home use (yours and mine)<br />
-making kombucha, sour kraut, spice blends, extracts, syrups, oxymels, and other real foods<br />
-assisting with vending at shows<br />
-assisting with ceremonies, rituals, and classes (this might look like making sure we have the prepared materials, notes, decorations, etc, assisting with setting up altar, food/teas, greeting guests, organizing as we go, cleaning up afterwards, and tending to a very exhausted and/or elated Wise Woman and priestess post-event)<br />
-talking to (but mostly listening to) plants, mushrooms, etc.<br />
-cleaning, preparing work space, washing dishes, cleaning….did I say cleaning?!<br />
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<b>The perfect assistant will be:</b><br />
<b>-Organized and structured</b> - can you create order out of chaos? The right assistant will thrive on mythic tasks such as separating and organizing unruly piles of herbs into neatly drying baskets or carefully weighed bags.<br />
<b>-Focused yet cheerfully spontaneous </b>- do you both enjoy venturing off the scheduled beaten path to explore something new, and also have the ability to call your (and my) attention back to the original task at hand? Do you take pleasure in Getting Stuff Done AND stopping to smell (and sing to) the roses? <br />
<b>-Accountable -</b> This position requires clear communication and dedication. If you say you’ll show up, show up. If something feels awkward, bring it up. Let me rely on you to be present and grounded when I need to fly, and you can rely on me to be nurturing and supportive as you grow.<br />
<b>-Curious -</b> Can you learn as you go? This is not a structured, apprenticeship, but rather an incredible opportunity to work along-side a skilled, knowledgeable, loving, and usually distracted Wise Woman… time will be given to make sure you understand the concepts behind the tasks, the mechanisms of herbal interactions, etc., but much of your learning will take place through conversations as we work together, recipes and articles we unearth and you catalog, and skills I teach you as they’re needed. <br />
<b>-Self-directed </b>-Can you see tasks that need doing and do them? Are you able to receive direction and run with it independently, but not afraid to ask questions? <br />
<b>-Creative</b> - Do you just know the world is bigger, brighter, and more magical than most of us can see? Are you willing to expand your awareness and learn to connect with Gaia in ways others might think impossible? Do you love playing with nature, blending new recipes? <br />
<b>-Patient and easy-going</b> - the wise woman in question is often temperamental, usually scattered, and filled with more ADD energy than you can shake a smudge stick at. This is NOT an easy combination to deal with! She is also kind-hearted, generous, and an incredible teacher. Flexibility and clear communication are essential.<br />
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<b>Benefits include:</b><br />
-<b>Access</b> to a wide variety of herbs, spices, essential oils, and an ever-changing collection of really delicious bitters and herbal cocktails<br />
-Attendance at all classes, group ceremonies, Wisdom Circles, and other events.<br />
-<b>Herbal skill building</b> - you will learn how to identify, gather, and prepare herbal foods, remedies, and medicines, including teas, tinctures, oils, smoking blends, etc., what different herbs are useful for and how to intuitively blend them<br />
<b>-Wild/whole food skills </b>- you will learn how to identify, forage, grow, and prepare delicious and healthy foods from nature, including spices, kombucha, sour kraut, natural sodas, bitters, etc. <br />
<b>-Inspiration and support</b> - You will quickly start building your own home apothecary, bar, and kitchen witch foods, making medicines for your friends and families, and healing yourself!<br />
<b>-Personal mentorship and support </b>- You are on a sacred life journey, and part of my job is to act as a guide and mentor, supporting you as you grow and develop your own unique skills and passions! I will teach you, laugh and sing with you, but I will also challenge you to grow and learn in ways that will not always be easy - and it will be up to you to do the work.<br />
<b>-Sacred skill building -</b> I will teach you how to dowse, feel energy in the Earth, communicate with plants and mushrooms, practice sacred journeying and meditation, and many other intuitive, magical, and practical skills. You will come out of this more witchy, grounded, wild, and whole than you ever thought possible, and the blessings you learn will be with you for life. It won’t always be easy, but it will be fun, exciting, and intensely rewarding.<br />
<br />
<b>If your soul has been calling out for a chance to live your own fairy tale, then Sister, you may have just manifested yourself a job!</b><br />
<br />
To apply, email blackbirdsdaughter@gmail.com and tell me a little bit about yourself, what draws you to the position, and why you believe you are the assistant I’m summoning. Please include a resume and phone number. If called for an interview, you will need to provide 3 letters of reference. Position open until right candidate is found. Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-4503224342541908692015-04-01T03:26:00.003-04:002015-04-01T03:27:56.692-04:00We've Moved to Williston, Vermont!It's true! Vermont is where I began my herbal studies, and I've held a warm spot in my heart for the Green Mountains ever since.<br />
<br />
So it's no real surprise that this Winter I finally moved back (husband, cat, sacred sage plant and all)! Of course, the apothecary came too, bundled into rubbermaid bins and glass jars, and somehow nothing spilled or broke, and so we're all here, green folks, two-leggeds, and one very loud four-legged, too, all happily living nine minutes down the road from the same cabin I started this blog from all those years ago.<br />
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With seven acres of ferny woods to play in, we're all eagerly awaiting the final frost so we can see who our green neighbors will be! The pine, spruce, birch, and maple are all host to a variety of mushrooms, from turkey tail to tinder conk, and we've crossed paths with owls, deer, coyotes, fisher, ermine, and chipmunk.<br />
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As I hiked up the hill to gather pine needles and mushrooms to help fight off a rager of a spring cold, I marveled at the magic that once again brings my own Hero's Journey to the place where I started from, changed but the same, to continue the work I love - teaching, blending Sacred Perfumes, and counseling people on their Sacred Life Journeys. </div>
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Life is good - and the warm weather is almost here!</div>
Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-59570392885963716012015-03-20T18:42:00.000-04:002020-03-20T19:18:33.988-04:00Wildcrafting: Sharing in Nature<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 1.38; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wildcrafting (v): the act of responsibly gathering plants and fungi from nature for food, medicine, fiber, etc. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wildcrafting is one of my greatest joys, and the root of my work as an herbalist and wise woman. Connecting with the plants in their natural habitats ensures a reverence for each leaf and root that I use. More than vocation, more than pleasure, wildcrafting is about crafting a deep and endless relationship with the wild. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 25.76px;">Crumbling dried yarrow onto a cut finger, my pain is lessened by the memory of pulling my car over to the side of a country road and wading into the knee high “weeds” to reach the tallest of the gorgeous white blossoms. I’d crouched down to observe the dozens of busy pollinators, tiny wild bees and ants, watching as they wove their way among the spiders and mites and beetles. Lulled almost to trance by the loud droning of the insect kingdom, I couldn’t bear to disrupt their lovely home, picking instead some other, less populated but equally lovely plants, which I hung to dry in my car, then took home and garbled with my apprentices. whose dried petals have now already staunched my bleeding finger. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Handing a jar of salve to a grateful customer who depends on it for her eczema, I know the exact cedar tree from which I made the salve. It was a tree I grew up with, and in my mind’s eye I am once again eight years old and resting my smooth, child’s hands against the shaggy, red bark, marveling at the texture and scent of the wood. After decades of standing sentinel to countless bonfires and outdoor meals, our beloved red cedar finally came down last year to make room for a new septic system. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Honoring it with ceremony and prayer, my family spent weeks stripping branches, bark, needles, and berries from trunk, which now waits to be turned into a sauna, perhaps, or other addition to the family home. The straightest branches are curing outside, saved for the Abenaki friend who came to offer ceremony when the tree was felled. He is planning on bringing them to a youth group, to teach the teenage men how to make traditional flutes. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 25.76px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Silky and golden without their bark, the smaller twigs are burned as incense or used in ceremonial art. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 18.6667px; text-indent: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The smaller twigs, are used as incense and in art. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 18.6667px; line-height: 25.76px; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Come winter, the tiny nettle seeds in my tea fill me with energy and bring me back to the late summer day I spent baking under the hot sun in my father’s thirty year old long-sleeve shirt and work gloves, carefully clipping each stalk to avoid their tiny stings. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> These and hundreds of other similar moments of reverence and joy are what make my life as a wild-crafter so blessed. </span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "garamond"; font-size: 18.666666666666664px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wildcrafting imbues every tea and tincture I make with a love of Nature and the understanding that we are all sacred and connected. It enforces responsible stewardship and safeguards against greed, as I will not gather a plant that does not wish to be gathered, nor will I overharvest or gather something scarce, no matter how much I might want to. While I appreciate the bags of organically grown dried herbs that I buy at the farmers’ markets or order from Mountain Rose, gathering most of my apothecary’s plants from the wild gives me a richer understanding of their gifts, as well as the energy that it takes to grow and flourish, to break free of the cold spring soil and sprout into the warming air. It reminds me of the seasons’ changes in all of our lives; the kindness of warm days and gentle breezes, and the adverse weather that both bends and strengthens us, knocking us down or hardening us off. For all of our differences, we are none of us separate, and seeing the individuality and cohesion of field and forest reminds me of the need to treat all of creation with compassion and respect. </span></div>
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Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-89147366260417290252014-11-11T12:14:00.000-05:002014-11-11T12:14:19.131-05:00Autumn reflections<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeRHZV_ZtkLSG4hdlNQkEhc94x7zRib3u3GBuO-ZHI8OncNcNOmBM6i2J3_jaOVxAR3jlddB-bm7NHlSjex_UMNNt24DmofEcm-3Bv-QuDy2FlbGIij49PMUwphQO4UzCPysDL0odoyM/s1600/20141001-171630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeRHZV_ZtkLSG4hdlNQkEhc94x7zRib3u3GBuO-ZHI8OncNcNOmBM6i2J3_jaOVxAR3jlddB-bm7NHlSjex_UMNNt24DmofEcm-3Bv-QuDy2FlbGIij49PMUwphQO4UzCPysDL0odoyM/s640/20141001-171630.jpg" width="360" /></a><br />
Wow… what a year this has been!<br />
The 2014 Sacred Herbalism Apprenticeship ended this month, with a beautiful bonfire ceremony of transformation and prayer, and in a very real way it feels like the end of the year for Blackbird's Daughter Botanicals.<br />
It's a real blessing to feel the energy turning inward in preparation for the coming winter. I know I'm not alone in feeling like the warm weather comes with an endless "to-do" list. From Farmer's Markets and classes to plant gathering and medicine making, the days seemed endlessly full. Add to that a wedding (yes - I got married!), and I can safely say this was the busiest year I've had in long time!<br />
I am so grateful to all of the beautiful beings who participated and guided, dug and gathered, taught and grew and shared with us throughout the past three seasons. And I am especially proud of our graduates, Mitzi and Kensi, who made this the most personal, intimate, and brave group yet. It takes a lot of commitment and dedication to stick with a program this energetically, emotionally, and intellectually intense for eight months straight, and they did it!Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-21550917253123455442014-06-17T19:45:00.001-04:002015-09-08T11:37:49.875-04:00Summer/Fall Class Schedule<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Modern No\. 20"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Big Caslon";">Class Schedule Summer/Fall 2014<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;">To RSVP, </span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 14pt;">call Jessica at
(802) 578-7931. See you soon!</span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Modern No. 20'; font-size: 14pt;">JUNE CLASSES</span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Infuse Your Booze</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Date/time to be determined... check back soon!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">$20.00 per person</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Release
your inner mixologist with seasonal flavors including Cucumber Jalepeño Vodka,
Lemon Sweet Tea Liquor and Strawberry Watermelon Rum! In this deliciously
decadent workshop, participants will learn the fine (and fun!) art of creating
sumptuously impressive adult beverages from scratch. Recipes and all
ingredients except alcohol included; please bring an inexpensive bottle of
vodka or white rum to use and three jars to take home your libations!</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Modern No. 20'; font-size: 14pt;">JULY CLASSES</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Make Your Own: Probiotics</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Saturday, July 12, 10am-12pm</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">$30.00 per person, includes all food materials</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">In
this hands-on (and hands-in!) introduction to lacto-fermentation, participants
will learn about the importance of a healthy gut biome for mood, immunity, digestion,
and overall wellness. Together we will make our own “kraut-chis” and ginger
beer! Bring a notebook and three glass pint jars (recycled is great) and
leave with samples, information, and your own lacto-fermented vegetables and
ginger ale starter (ginger bug). </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Sunday Seacoast Weed Walks</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Third Sunday of each month, 10am-11am, July 20, August 17,
September 21 (Solstice)</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Suggested donation of $12.00 per person, or $20 for families</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Come
to Odiorne State Park for a weed walk and discover a world of medinal and
edible native plants along the beautiful New Hampshire coast. Learn to hone
your plant identification skills and find out which wild plants can be used for food, medicine, and more. Rain or shine.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Modern No. 20'; font-size: 14pt;">AUGUST CLASSES</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Natural Beauty Series: </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
Luxury Facial Products and Techniques for Naturally Beautiful Skin</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Leave
the chemicals behind and nourish your skin organically. In this four-part
series, you’ll discover the simple elegance of using pure, clean ingredients to
make your skin glow. Each week we’ll explore a different topic and create your
own personalized beauty products. Whether your skin is sensitive,
blemish-prone, dry, mature, or a combination of the above, this series will
address your needs and bring you into Fall feeling confident, pampered, and
absolutely radiant.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Saturday, Aug 2, 1-3pm: A Clean Slate: Steams and Honey Cleansers</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Saturday, Aug 9, 1-3pm: The Nitty Gritty: Masques,
Microdermabrasion and Cleansing Grains</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Saturday, Aug 16, 1-3pm: Daily Treatments: Toners and Serums</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Saturday, Aug 23, 1-3pm: A Kiss and a Wink! Care and Cosmetics for
Lips and Eyes</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Complete Series: $200, single class $65.00 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Bootch Kamp (Kombucha 101)</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Wednesday, August 6, 6-8pm</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">$35.00 per person, includes all food materials</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Are
you interested in growing your own kombucha but unsure how to start? Interested
in bringing your current booch to a whole new flavor-level? In this in-depth
and hands-on class we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully and
easily brewing your own; including microbial and environmental safety in
growing and bottling, helpful tools, primary and secondary fermentation,
flavoring, trouble-shooting, and the important health benefits of this ancient
beverage - <i>and</i> what to do with all your extra “boochy mamas” (kombucha
candy, anyone?!). Bring a notebook and a clean glass jar. Students will receive
their own SCOBY and starter liquid and leave ready to join the new Counter
Culture movement!</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Sunday Seacoast Weed Walks</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Third Sunday of each month, 10am-11am, August 17, September 21
(Solstice)</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Suggested donation of $12.00 per person, or $20 for families</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Come
to Odiorne State Park for a weed walk and discover a world of medinal and
edible native plants along the beautiful New Hampshire coast. Learn to hone
your plant identification skills and find out which wild plants can be used for
food, medicine, and more. Rain or shine.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: 'Modern No. 20'; font-size: 14pt;">SEPTEMBER CLASSES</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Eliot Garden Club Wildcrafting Walk and Talk</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Thursday September 11, 12:45-2:30pm</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Congregational Church, Eliot, ME</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">At
this month’s Eliot Garden Clubs’s meeting, we’ll take a walk on the wild side
to learn about the plants that plant themselves, including the often
overlooked native and naturalized herbs that have been feeding and healing
local people for centuries. Learn to make wild tea, a first aid </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">poultice,
and infused vinegar or honey (depending on what we find). </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">All members are
encouraged</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"> to bring a notebook and pencils to make pressings, rubbings,
and notes.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Sunday Seacoast Weed Walks</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Third Sunday of each month, 10am-11am, September 21 (Solstice)</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Suggested donation of $12.00 per person, or $20 for families</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt;">Come
to Odiorne State Park for a weed walk and discover a world of medinal and
edible native plants along the beautiful New Hampshire coast. Learn to hone
your plant identification skills and find out which wild plants can be used for
food, medicine, and more. Rain or shine.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: 'Modern No. 20'; font-size: 14pt;">P.S. -Keep your eyes open for the Sacred Aromatherapy Winter
Apprenticeship!</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Modern No\. 20"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-72196973749077528662014-06-17T11:14:00.001-04:002014-06-24T00:40:26.428-04:00Boomerang Adventures<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Hola Beloveds,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tomorrow afternoon I'll be at Stratham Hill Park with the folks from <a href="http://www.boomerangadventuretrips.com/blog/dayoutings/">Boomerang Adventures</a>, and you're welcome to join us! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Workshop: An Herbal Solution to Bug Season</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Time: Wed June 18 from 5:30 to 7:30</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Theme: <span style="background-color: white; color: #141412; line-height: 24px;"> A relaxed, plant identification walk following an instructional session on how to make our own herbal bug repellant. Pot luck hors d’oeuvres and beverages encouraged. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141412; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fee: $10 (includes take home repellent).</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdKQ1xNXOiCEwHFott4fvmmNY-TUgMtwUOwrethnPttIjySsFP4A2aX5tKdN1_g5atew_o7trkIJ8j9WZly5Hfe5uVE5Zh19DfXM-rWGpck2oxiqhWZbk6_EB1_1zpjqtIW0ziuyzv6o/s1600/FrontPage022414_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdKQ1xNXOiCEwHFott4fvmmNY-TUgMtwUOwrethnPttIjySsFP4A2aX5tKdN1_g5atew_o7trkIJ8j9WZly5Hfe5uVE5Zh19DfXM-rWGpck2oxiqhWZbk6_EB1_1zpjqtIW0ziuyzv6o/s1600/FrontPage022414_02.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As the founder of Boomerang Adventures says:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“When we feel healthy, vibrant and joyful, we can experience much more joy and </em><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">peace in our lives. My strong connection to nature has remained a passion throughout my life. Boomerang Adventures was created from my desire to provide other like-minded adults with opportunities to play outside while maintaining their health – reconnecting with nature and one another.”</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 21px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Boomerang Adventures is an acclaimed local activity group "for Boomers and Beyond", and I look forward to bringing my herbal magic to one of their many fun outings. Hope to see you there,</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jessica</span></i>Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-24786610122491772962014-06-06T19:01:00.002-04:002014-06-17T11:21:52.023-04:00NH Herb and Garden Day -Tomorrow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey lovelies, I'll be teaching up in Concord tomorrow at the.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKayoqMVHJ3U599MRsX7Znce1-OpOVTvckSQ14kJx_8NU-1VQvyRN3RmqY5PjaFiOyN86t8WTpbtb5ibAMquivRITF-037zNuiLsrEfwbh7syrz8IiCHaj1hectrjOuSPcpAzP4NNBFNc/s1600/Herb+&+Garden+Day+Poster+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKayoqMVHJ3U599MRsX7Znce1-OpOVTvckSQ14kJx_8NU-1VQvyRN3RmqY5PjaFiOyN86t8WTpbtb5ibAMquivRITF-037zNuiLsrEfwbh7syrz8IiCHaj1hectrjOuSPcpAzP4NNBFNc/s1600/Herb+&+Garden+Day+Poster+2014.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>Hooray! My class is on Sensual Aromatherapy; I'll also be vending there and revealing some glorious new cocktail products (lilac and rose geranium syrup with pink rose geranium rimming sugar anyone?) so come visit for some deliciously decadent fun!Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-49289760746994945082014-06-03T10:52:00.003-04:002014-06-17T11:22:15.672-04:00Extracting Lily of the Valley Perfume: ancient art in ephemeral times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJF7MElmgcjL3Mca58VODaThrjgaSMK1mojbdRkuqrmShTb02Eqrtg2YQ1CMfLtyLCtPfu7MKCiDFo5MDl6hhY30t5wf9B2m3M5Sh6wGpytZkyO6vfDVmQPcqSvFJbqgdbIEfubrvLiE/s1600/10392285_651383121613923_2178380119671550211_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJF7MElmgcjL3Mca58VODaThrjgaSMK1mojbdRkuqrmShTb02Eqrtg2YQ1CMfLtyLCtPfu7MKCiDFo5MDl6hhY30t5wf9B2m3M5Sh6wGpytZkyO6vfDVmQPcqSvFJbqgdbIEfubrvLiE/s1600/10392285_651383121613923_2178380119671550211_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">My whole life I've loved the smell of lily of the valley. We have a large colony growing around a boulder next to my parents' driveway, and with the exception of their late appearance this year, they always bloom for my mother's birthday. E</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">very year we wait for the first lily of the valleys to bloom as a sign of summer's imminent arrival, and I always look forward to picking a bouquet for my mom the way she taught me, gently sliding the stem from between its two smooth leaves, and reveling in the intense, almost otherworldly aroma.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">For the past two years I've been working on making a perfume from them, a task made more difficult than most of my fragrance creation because an essential oil of lily of the valley doesn't exist. They, like so many of the other intoxicating, ephemeral flowers I love (I'm looking at you, Lilac and Autumn Olive) create their scents continually while in bloom, as opposed the storing them in tiny droplets of essential oils within the petals or leaves. For this reason, steam distillation doesn't work, and even if it did, you'd only get a fraction of the scent that the plant is capable of creating. How then to extract that coveted smell?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ILWJA4SoWYmmBBvzXajIhjxtHKZxgG6lPWTTGRWn879-Rof5J374RK6Zv8km7eg0cRA7hv7MNXUQZAd9o44R_Bfth1NhSm24-xstfjZ1oRdZRl86jPwKo73mWSVUxl3Go_lcJY3UjIM/s1600/10403394_651383071613928_1982506602794639730_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ILWJA4SoWYmmBBvzXajIhjxtHKZxgG6lPWTTGRWn879-Rof5J374RK6Zv8km7eg0cRA7hv7MNXUQZAd9o44R_Bfth1NhSm24-xstfjZ1oRdZRl86jPwKo73mWSVUxl3Go_lcJY3UjIM/s1600/10403394_651383071613928_1982506602794639730_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />In the pictures below I have three different experiments in process: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">maceration, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">alcohol extraction, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">and enfleurage,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">which we will discuss in brief during my upcoming Sensual Aromatherapy workshop this Saturday at NH Herbal Network's </span><a href="http://nhherbalnetwork.wordpress.com/herbday/" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Herb and Garden Day</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">, and in depth during the 2014 Winter Aromatherapy Apprenticeship (come to both; they'll be great fun!). </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"></span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Each method requires replacing the blooms with fresh blossoms every day for several weeks. Do I have the time? Not really, but you know what? I've got the passion. The season is brief. And right now, between the piles of lilacs and wisteria waiting to turn into syrup for tomorrow's Greenland farmers market, and the lemon balm hydrosol I just spent the evening extracting, my house smells like the epitome of early Summer. I'll make the time.</span>Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-86602968826008000562014-05-12T15:07:00.002-04:002014-06-17T11:22:33.944-04:00America's Goji -a secret superfood!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just had a fascinating conversation with a gentleman from New York about a shared botanical passion: namely, the much-maligned and misunderstood Autumn Olive. <a href="http://blackbirds-daughter.blogspot.com/2013/10/wild-foods-in-granite-state-autumn-olive.html" target="_blank">I've written about this invasive plant before</a> with great love and respect, and truly do think about it as America's Goji berry - a superfood that is readily available, self-renews, and has huge antioxidant benefits.<br />
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While not native to the USA, it was planted here in the 1950s with what I can only describe as optimistic hubris, the idea being that it makes a great windbreak, it's an excellent nitrogen fixer for damaged soils, and (they thought) it had a low likelihood of spreading. Well....two out of three ain't bad, right?<br />
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I love seeing the Autumn Olive leafing out this time of year, as its shimmery silver and green leaves add a gorgeous fairy feeling to the highways and byways of my part of the country. I still have the leaves and stems I gathered last year for medicine-making, but in just a few months I will gather the berries by the handful, reveling in their tart sweetness and lovely speckled colors. As always, I will ask permission first and say a blessing to the plants that nourish me, perhaps leaving a bit of dock-seed, sacred sage, or some of my own hair or saliva as a tangible energetic exchange to express my gratitude.<br />
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Autumn olive is a plant that has both yin and yang qualities, with its gentle yet resilient qualities. It is also a plant that works with all dosha types, being a drying yet water-filled berry, sweet yet not overly so, with anti-oxidative support for stressed bodies, minds, and spirits. It's also a reminder to us that even when our best intentions go horribly awry (<i>nah, it's not gonna take over, just plant it and it'll stay put</i>), if given some time and respect, Nature will often find a way to redeem us... the trick is learning to let go of what we expected, and open ourselves to the possibilities we couldn't have imagined on our own.<br />
Namaste,<br />
Blackbird's Daughter<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKjBtttV5IL2i6Ye905n8VO2ZLcCxBDFagT7jXWqhz_eNsa4xQt5xPdco6d5ljM8ThzSfaHpqbY4GogRjzEEBuWnIGuZA0V19dklHFMJpWwVr5z03lK3QXhthDwCxT-iyIpTZg80iP2I/s1600/_DSC1577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKjBtttV5IL2i6Ye905n8VO2ZLcCxBDFagT7jXWqhz_eNsa4xQt5xPdco6d5ljM8ThzSfaHpqbY4GogRjzEEBuWnIGuZA0V19dklHFMJpWwVr5z03lK3QXhthDwCxT-iyIpTZg80iP2I/s1600/_DSC1577.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a>Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-15469761279509809612014-05-10T21:05:00.003-04:002014-05-10T21:07:00.616-04:00Newburyport Healing Arts Craft Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A big, huge happy "thank you!" to the people who came out to join us in Newburyport today! My dear friend (and frequent inspiration) Jenny from <a href="http://www.sootheydesigns.com/" target="_blank">Soothey Designs</a> invited me to share a booth space with her, and just look at how cute it was! </div>
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We ran into a bunch of friends, including the uber-talented woodworker <a href="http://www.stevemcphee.com/" target="_blank">Steve McPhee</a> (the man in yellow in the above picture). He makes the gorgeous crystalized wooden raised garden beds that I've used as a booth at some of my shows. They are incredibly beautiful and he brought one to show off... you can see pictures of them <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1437620459802872.1073741829.1437397926491792&type=1" target="_blank">here on facebook</a>. </div>
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As all you loyal customers and clients know, I love switching up the things I offer at each show. Since leaving the Herbal Path to run Blackbird's Daughter full-time, I've been using shows and fairs to stretch my creative wings and play with lots of different ideas and projects (kombucha and love potions, anyone?!). Today I played it easy with minimal prepared products, focusing instead on custom aromatherapy and holistic wellness consultations, with a few impromptu weed walks thrown in! It was so much fun, and I loved seeing all the happy faces, especially the wee ones! </div>
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If you missed seeing the Soothey-Blackbird's Daughter power duo in action, don't worry - we had such a great time, we're already busy plotting our next adventures together, so stay tuned!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times roman"; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: italic;">-</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">Alan G. Hefner (paraphrasing the Emerald Tablet)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times roman"; font-size: small;">-Hermes Trismegistus</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />I woke up this morning feeling incredibly grumpy - poor sleep, and dreams in which people I trust became unapologetically opportunistic, and I kept waiting in line at an airport to </span>exchange my ticket for a later flight so I could spend more time visiting family, only every time I almost reached the front of the line, I'd rush off to take care of something pressing, and then have to stand in line all over again. Sometimes my subconscious is not very subtle.<br />
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All of which has me thinking about choices and relationships and pruning. Neural pruning, to be specific, and its intimate relationship with walking one's Path; the way it mirrors in minute detail the larger decisions and actions we take. Micro and macro, internal and external. Spirit and corporeal. Art and life.<br />
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The night before I left Vermont, I lay in bed with my youngest godchild as she waited for her mother to come upstairs. Holding our hands millimeters apart from one another, we played a mirroring game I learned in a long-ago acting class, leading each other in slow, synchronous gestures and exaggerated facial expressions. Her sister is already past such games; at thirteen she's busy beating me in Bananagrams and cracking one-liners that I'm shocked she's old enough to say, let alone think up.<br />
<br />
These kids amaze me: the ways they've grown and processed and adapted; the astonishing ease with which they've embedded themselves in my life; their innate ability to render life extraordinary - how is this possible?! This is how children overpower us, playing our own reticent hubris in their personal favor: we meet them in their delicate, thin-skinned beginnings, and they initiate this visceral, totally subtle, and all consuming change throughout our lives. Everything that used to be important pales. Any love you used to have is overshadowed. Years later, you catch site of yourself in the mirror, brushing your teeth with Hannah Montana toothpaste, and have A Moment.<br />
<br />
Knowing children is an alchemy of the most delicious, insidious, and utterly humbling form.Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-73809840518025127182014-04-07T18:47:00.000-04:002014-04-07T18:56:22.055-04:00Good Time Energy Treats<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTNvzJQwaQM07mRBt6KzZJ0EuvFg8zwLhhjGtyHHmIzda_U9xmfep9pBcv4Nfxv4Jd0Fhss8fnA05vzRepDSvTrOSlhp5dZfJjSmhsv4enN8LNwK-B1XbEf-UZZ-BJAIQk72fB_rA5Sc/s1600/ID-10019105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTNvzJQwaQM07mRBt6KzZJ0EuvFg8zwLhhjGtyHHmIzda_U9xmfep9pBcv4Nfxv4Jd0Fhss8fnA05vzRepDSvTrOSlhp5dZfJjSmhsv4enN8LNwK-B1XbEf-UZZ-BJAIQk72fB_rA5Sc/s1600/ID-10019105.jpg" height="320" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">"Date fruit" image by Suat Eman</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: small;">These herbal treats
are a nutritious alternative to candy or energy bars, are free of nuts, soy,
dairy and gluten. Filled with herbs that support digestion, mood, energy, and
decreased stress, they also provide a host of vitamins (including B vitamins,
K, and A) and minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium from the dates, spirulina and tahini. The tahini also provides protein, while coconut oil gives us healthy fats in the form of medium-chain triglycerides, supporting increased
energy, strong muscles, and brain health. Dietary fiber from dates helps prevent LDL (bad
cholesterol) build-up and moves waste smoothly through the digestive system,
allowing your body to remove toxins. Rose Salt is filled with trace minerals that support the thyroid and roses for joy. Best of all, Good Time Energy Treats are delicious!</span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good Time Energy Treats are
great for school lunch boxes or for an afternoon pick-me-up, a hike, or as a
tasty snack with a tall glass of hemp milk or locally pasture-raised cows’
milk.</span></span><b style="text-align: center;"><span div="" style="color: #4c2e86; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13pt;">
</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
Good Time Energy Treats<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">3 cups tahini (drain excess oil from the top)<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">1/3 cup coconut oil, melted<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">1 cup honey<br /> <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">1 cup pitted dates<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">½ cup cocoa powder or carob powder (use more or
less for consistency)<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">2 cups shredded coconut, divided<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">2 oz slippery elm powder<br /> <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">5 oz ashwagandha<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">1 oz spirulina<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">2 Tablespoons cinnamon<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">1 Tablespoon ginger<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">1 Tablespoon cardamom<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">•<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">1/3 teaspoon Blackbird's Daughter Himalayan Rose Salt, ground.<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Mix tahini and dates in a blender until smooth.<br />
<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Blend in coconut oil, honey, salt and powdered
herbs and spices.<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Add 1 cup of coconut and blend. Add cocoa
powder until you have a soft dough.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Pour the rest of the coconut into a wide bowl. Grease
your hands with a little coconut oil, and roll spoonfuls of the dough into
balls. Roll the balls in the coconut, pressing the coconut into the dough so
the balls don’t stick together.</span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; text-indent: -0.25in;">5. Store your treats in the fridge or a cool place
away from moisture. They will last for several weeks.</span><span style="font-size: small;">©2014 Blackbird’s Daughter</span>
Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-16756973540513610002014-03-26T03:00:00.004-04:002014-03-26T03:09:21.918-04:00It's Spring!<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlVVECKi0hCy3-SKV9L8EEYg8qRoStSiLzv5v2k0ZR7ZOFR211uP_nF6WxFXhwDe1UElkEh8F12deKsI2KJwYc1FnrazO2pT3YzAghEy_uSRxCYCNQtSVwqIYP0WYrsmR-ZAZ0QeRnZs/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlVVECKi0hCy3-SKV9L8EEYg8qRoStSiLzv5v2k0ZR7ZOFR211uP_nF6WxFXhwDe1UElkEh8F12deKsI2KJwYc1FnrazO2pT3YzAghEy_uSRxCYCNQtSVwqIYP0WYrsmR-ZAZ0QeRnZs/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacred sage and poke on the kitchen windowsill</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">We may be in for one more good blow of Winter today, despite being almost a full week into spring, and I'm hearing some rumblings among the masses. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I get it. We're all starved for warmth and sunlight and vitamin D and Mama Earth energy.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">We are a hardy bunch, us Yankees, and even we are at our peaked end. Perhaps you feel you just cannot take another shoveling out the car. Perhaps you already put away your heaviest jacket in a fit of magical thinking. Perhaps the extended cold has left you feeling as emotionally vibrant as the last mealy apple in the bottom of the fridge.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Again, I get it. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">So here's some good news, in no particular order:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Winterling-Bluete-70.jpg" style="background-color: white; background-image: none; color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><img alt="File:Winterling-Bluete-70.jpg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Winterling-Bluete-70.jpg/800px-Winterling-Bluete-70.jpg" height="150" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Winterling-Bluete-70.jpg/1200px-Winterling-Bluete-70.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Winterling-Bluete-70.jpg/1600px-Winterling-Bluete-70.jpg 2x" style="background-color: white; background-image: url(data:image/png; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/<br />
File:Winterling-Bluete-70.jpg</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~The tiny yellow Aconite flowers that peak out through the snow by my mother's doorway are here.</span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~I put out a bird feeder two weeks ago and each day we have more visitors - chickadees, cardinals, sparrows, and someone that I <i>think</i> is a tufted titmouse (though the man of the house says that's just because I like saying the words "tufted titmouse").</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~Yesterday I went for a wander down the lane to nibble some pine sap and hug a tree and stroke the newly uncovered moss, and Every Puddle I jumped in was thawed. Every single one. You'd better believe I went back for second jumpsies. I got myself such a good running start, I practically dove in.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIMiuZ-F-3HeOnPnMrbCXNbZSh9l5S92KEf1UZKyB8RDGOwvwGHAGrSn9D-UDIFAQEZKO3U0ZPL1PGf7Dn-vlX-xchpApXQZ_OfLfLkMF5zrZNWI5cNQK4jtUtU7pFpntbt7xz06I8dU/s1600/10001560_730892143610639_671122337_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIMiuZ-F-3HeOnPnMrbCXNbZSh9l5S92KEf1UZKyB8RDGOwvwGHAGrSn9D-UDIFAQEZKO3U0ZPL1PGf7Dn-vlX-xchpApXQZ_OfLfLkMF5zrZNWI5cNQK4jtUtU7pFpntbt7xz06I8dU/s1600/10001560_730892143610639_671122337_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first puddle of the season</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">~And finally, as a reminder of just how precious and lovely our planet is, I present to you... Us. On the Vernal Equinox. <a href="http://www.space.com/25146-first-day-spring-equinox-earth-photo.html" target="_blank">From Space.</a> With love,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><i>Blackbird's Daughter</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-56815298785543074922014-03-20T18:42:00.000-04:002020-03-20T19:31:21.656-04:00<br />
2014 Love Potion #69<br />
This cheekily named elixir is an incredibly small vintage - only 20 bottles were made; just ten are for sale. Presented in a Victorian style bottle with a hand-stamped label marked "DRINK ME"<br />
<br />
It all started with last summer's end-of-season, dripping-sweet peaches... Blended with spices to warm the blood, herbs to inspire latent passions, and no less than THREE kinds of alcohol, this is a tincture like no other, and when it's gone.... trust me, you'll wish there was more!<br />
To reserve yours, send me a private message...Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-86892185790426015782014-03-12T14:27:00.000-04:002014-03-12T14:27:06.964-04:00Apprentices, meet your teachers...<div id="fb-root"></div> <script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script>
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Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-58543738107968797952014-02-06T20:46:00.001-05:002014-03-12T14:28:43.660-04:00Sacred Herbalism Apprenticeship<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Connect
with the Earth. Deepen your roots. Grow your passion.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Beloveds, it's time to sign up for the..</span></span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Sacred Herbalism Apprenticeship</span></b></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRvXauN0vRvS_zB_DcwrnLpQ6xOUw36ihQ3arTlZaj__twR1OrJ7W10OBVTLkjE-W3CNAJs4h1r8OnQu1VEAYswgkHyCVXpGMgNeRZyK_jSqLfgrf7eEmGjJlY_zew1vXtdtxL489CYE/s1600/BDBgathering2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRvXauN0vRvS_zB_DcwrnLpQ6xOUw36ihQ3arTlZaj__twR1OrJ7W10OBVTLkjE-W3CNAJs4h1r8OnQu1VEAYswgkHyCVXpGMgNeRZyK_jSqLfgrf7eEmGjJlY_zew1vXtdtxL489CYE/s1600/BDBgathering2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do
you crave a connection with Nature's healing wisdom that is based on more than just
which herbs heal what ailments and what berries are safe to eat? Do you want to grow your practical and
intuitive skills as a healer? Are you interested in holistic
wellness not just for humans, but for the Earth itself?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSoz_Nt7BX-HvSBkvlPKIrpOK__RwvtQFgnJaCdUaf30Nk7wIJYNqfquEEv39SAv6RKy3-Zn9MokB2HVAzkTrV4ypyHXGDr8X_6RuwU9wq3uTWF9RIOUr6joyJnAqIPNL6o7SKKfr2UY/s1600/deva+faerie+forest+magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSoz_Nt7BX-HvSBkvlPKIrpOK__RwvtQFgnJaCdUaf30Nk7wIJYNqfquEEv39SAv6RKy3-Zn9MokB2HVAzkTrV4ypyHXGDr8X_6RuwU9wq3uTWF9RIOUr6joyJnAqIPNL6o7SKKfr2UY/s1600/deva+faerie+forest+magic.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with tree devas in Maine</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">During
the Sacred Herbalism Apprenticeship program, you will learn to cultivate </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">relationships with the natural world that are reciprocal, joyful, and mutually
beneficial. Together, we will explore:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Wild-crafting,
foraging, growing, gathering, and connecting with reverence and gratitude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Plant
identification and communication.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Creating
your own herbarium & <i>materia medica</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Traditional
healing preparations, including foods, beverages, salves, tinctures and more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Dowsing
and intuitive energy work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Spirit-centered
ways to nourish you, your family, your yard, your environment, and all our
Relations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8wLnDHWwhvboIHWj7oAfgYBZzGvizaX7DAZ7hni5SXnNuUs1XHMu66brlX2I15lAa1JdrLvE6dlv2f04EP2F0zeInXiDbomR3DKP1A3yPvmEIsCjlDeAQQ-0FkMzXZu6fWNl2dHHpGs/s1600/156945_174383439261515_100000695814788_402244_1793546_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8wLnDHWwhvboIHWj7oAfgYBZzGvizaX7DAZ7hni5SXnNuUs1XHMu66brlX2I15lAa1JdrLvE6dlv2f04EP2F0zeInXiDbomR3DKP1A3yPvmEIsCjlDeAQQ-0FkMzXZu6fWNl2dHHpGs/s1600/156945_174383439261515_100000695814788_402244_1793546_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">gathering St. Johns Wort in Vermont</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This course is open to all skill levels, and has two levels:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>4 Month Apprenticeship</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Full-day Intensives: April 6, May 4, June 1,
July 13 (8:30 to 6:30, includes lunchtime potluck with wild foods). A portion
of each day will be spent outdoors; please come prepared with appropriate
footwear, change of clothes (including swimwear), and hydration.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On-going assignments.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Optional phone check-ins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Opportunity to work with Jessica in her home
apothecary, gardens, in the wild, at events, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cost: $500 (see below for details).</span></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1RfWlKo6cuirHAmJ67nhYwX_06HDdZ3fIQQYlK59d0ClIxRztjTzsxPS6ZokJ2Dc1wYr01A_4t8AeU5RwPpN7vzLO5Q8zZdXhFRwrAJuDeIWUS-Dce255ViIldx-NWcCjTIcdMoYpxI/s1600/Linney+picking+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1RfWlKo6cuirHAmJ67nhYwX_06HDdZ3fIQQYlK59d0ClIxRztjTzsxPS6ZokJ2Dc1wYr01A_4t8AeU5RwPpN7vzLO5Q8zZdXhFRwrAJuDeIWUS-Dce255ViIldx-NWcCjTIcdMoYpxI/s1600/Linney+picking+flowers.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">observing the lilies from the Summer garden</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>8
Month Apprenticeship</u></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A Sacred Gathering Weekend in Vermont (August
22-24)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">End of Season ritual and certificate of
completion.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Full-day Intensives: April 6, May 4, June 1,
July 13, August 3, September 14, October 5, November 2 (8:30 to 6:30,
includes lunchtime potluck with wild foods). A portion of each day will be
spent outdoors; please come prepared with appropriate footwear, change of
clothes (including swimwear), and hydration.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On-going assignments.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Optional phone check-ins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Opportunity to work with Jessica in her home
apothecary, gardens, in the wild, at events, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cost: $900 (see below for details).</span></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeaRJfgzfm-_JQT1JLokPIvZwioUJ73Hwovm2wD4r1hlSr-15yy2vDepNzo0DjQ45-9_6BBQQTKYrqkR4ciGL1zsuWGPJjLvh5__TwPfsxa73RXr6PXnouNiFGNGuZQ6kr5MQiuiG5yY/s1600/GEDC0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeaRJfgzfm-_JQT1JLokPIvZwioUJ73Hwovm2wD4r1hlSr-15yy2vDepNzo0DjQ45-9_6BBQQTKYrqkR4ciGL1zsuWGPJjLvh5__TwPfsxa73RXr6PXnouNiFGNGuZQ6kr5MQiuiG5yY/s1600/GEDC0129.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making a bee-sting poultice</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Details: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To
hold your space, a deposit of half the tuition is required by March 15th unless otherwise agreed, and
monthly payment plans are available to those who require them. I offer this
program at a low cost with the goal of making this wisdom available to more
people. In return, I ask that participants agree to share some of what they
learn with others, that the cycle of wellness spreads. This knowledge is our
birthright. It is high time we claim it and pass it on.</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dLWTMk6DAsx4riJn9pXiVbz0KHKPJLe_fg8l9U9rF5jRTbPWsPNaaMJpOrviuXcwAlOH-easGpYKSEV3s_EXcqMJCQSVZIFuBU3w4R-H6Ff0nmKJucwg11nLGStZK8IuPrTe3Vr2skQ/s1600/Jessica+Bellantone+Portraits+120205_15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dLWTMk6DAsx4riJn9pXiVbz0KHKPJLe_fg8l9U9rF5jRTbPWsPNaaMJpOrviuXcwAlOH-easGpYKSEV3s_EXcqMJCQSVZIFuBU3w4R-H6Ff0nmKJucwg11nLGStZK8IuPrTe3Vr2skQ/s1600/Jessica+Bellantone+Portraits+120205_15.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">connecting with tide pool energy at dusk</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For more information and to meet with Jessica, call (802) 578-7931. I look forward
to working with YOU!
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-40011614207782148572014-01-30T23:23:00.001-05:002014-01-30T23:31:18.718-05:00NOFA Winter Conference</span>Blackbird's Daughter Botanicals will be at the 12th Annual NOFA-NH Winter Conference's Green Market Fair this weekend, Feb 1 & 2, at Rundlett Middle School in Concord, NH. This year's theme is We Are All Farmers: Seeding a Common Soil. For more information about Keynote Speakers and the full conference schedule go to </span><a href="http://nofanh.org/events/winter-conference/">http://nofanh.org/events/winter-conference/</a>.</span><br />
<br />
In honor of Valentine's Day, I've blended a few new products that are a delightful mix of the Sacred and...dare I say it....Profane!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANFBYHDvqXOpJQ66MXYMDISObfvIM831VOiLqYQiQlZOhAiVcQAhut4OES_CqYtovedFotu-6ARC9SQGAMSzGE7RSM5E-z9c0z5440nE2FVUBJl2cIr8Eadj7uP9YHOeQn9dJMYjY6kc/s1600/_DSC1407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANFBYHDvqXOpJQ66MXYMDISObfvIM831VOiLqYQiQlZOhAiVcQAhut4OES_CqYtovedFotu-6ARC9SQGAMSzGE7RSM5E-z9c0z5440nE2FVUBJl2cIr8Eadj7uP9YHOeQn9dJMYjY6kc/s1600/_DSC1407.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dare you to try it!</td></tr>
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PLUS, some very special new (and/or newly streamlined) services and items:<br />
<br />
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<b>Herbal Services</b></div>
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-Custom Herbals (includes 5 minute mini-consult/blending lesson)</div>
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-tea blends and DIY tincture blends ($10)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
-herb-infused honeys with raw NH honey ($15)</div>
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-DIY bitters blends ($15) </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
-$1 a minute holistic wellness consults* (pre-register by text at (802) 578-7931 or sign-up at the booth)</div>
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<b>Aromatherapy Services</b></div>
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-$30 custom aromatherapy blends (includes 5 minute consult and essential oil pendant)* (sign-up at booth)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b>Small-Batch and Limited-Edition Herbal & Aromatherapy Products</b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
-Woman In Winter healing perfume, for seasonal: anxiety/self-doubt, mood & hormonal challenges, and general difficulty nourishing oneself ($20/pendant, $40/perfume bottle)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
-Thyme In A Bottle healing perfume pendants, for accessing old memories to make peace and let go of the ones that don't serve and recall the ones that do ($16)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
-Crystal-infused wild Reishi tincture ($14/ounce)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
-Wildcrafted Ringing Cedar Salve ($8)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
-DIY Herbal Kits (night-time tincture & homemade vanilla extract ($15)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
-Bourbon Vanilla Extract ($8/ounce)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
-Wild Whiskey Bitters ($8/ounce)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
-Tropical Vacay aromatherapy bath salts, for unwinding in the midst of Winter ($5), </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<i>...and of course...</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
-Magical Lover's Massage Drops (including Love You Ylang Ylang Thyme and Morning (sandal) Wood) ($6/each, $10/2-pack)</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
-F__k Majik, a <i>powerful </i>aphrodisiac cologne oil to be worn at your own risk of pleasure ($65)</div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
...I did say sacred and profane, right? SEE YOU AT THE CONFERENCE, heehee!!</div>Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-3386103130762757902014-01-14T19:19:00.002-05:002014-01-14T19:19:39.577-05:00Holistic Health FairBlackbird's Daughter will be at the Holistic Health Fair this Saturday in Kittery, Maine from 11-4!<br />
In addition to debuting several new healing perfumes, I will be booking sacred perfumery sessions, as well as doing dollar-a-minute wellness consults and personalized herbal tea blending!<br />
<br />
To learn more about the Holistic Health Fair, go to <a href="http://fdedit.sx.atl.publicus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140113/GJCOMMUNITY_01/140119802/-1/FOSBUSINESS" target="_blank">Foster's Daily Democrat</a>.Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-67849372358735085462013-12-25T22:45:00.001-05:002013-12-25T22:58:59.236-05:00Moustache Contest!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrZPg5YfsA3IS63rwLusmtuR6JKh48uBHpNtI898-HgmnXm2X_PxzwolrbDWrsGhpC6OXTrHrL_PLvl1DN2m3UaqjLOqkGp5eVS9v0be1Phtc85hiX1kQw3YFKDJiuQPji-AL2MfYTE8/s1600/MOUSTACHE+CONTEST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrZPg5YfsA3IS63rwLusmtuR6JKh48uBHpNtI898-HgmnXm2X_PxzwolrbDWrsGhpC6OXTrHrL_PLvl1DN2m3UaqjLOqkGp5eVS9v0be1Phtc85hiX1kQw3YFKDJiuQPji-AL2MfYTE8/s400/MOUSTACHE+CONTEST.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> In honor of my latest invention, I'm holding a contest over yonder on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlackbirdsDaughter?ref=hl" target="_blank">ye olde Facebook</a>. Spread the word. </span>Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7424305556822443833.post-33045533945832886042013-12-16T13:37:00.000-05:002013-12-16T13:37:55.971-05:00Lovely press from our lovely local press!Much thanks to the talented Gretyl Macalaster of the Union Leader, for a wonderful <a href="http://www.unionleader.com/article/20131216/NEWS02/131219467/0/SEARCH" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">article</a><span style="font-size: large;">! </span>Jessica LaBriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00044250658787180249noreply@blogger.com