Cattails are dynamic, yet humble

(This article appears in the April 2018 issue of Take Root Magazine) When you see bunches of cattails lining the edges of water, do you think about using them to weave mats? Stop bleeding? Make pancakes? Stuff life jackets? Bind diarrhea? Ease chest pain? You will now! And that’s the short list of the uses… Continue reading Cattails are dynamic, yet humble

Sanctuary. Do you have one in your neighborhood?

Sometimes sanctuaries are just sitting there. You have no idea. I found one today, just a few miles from where I live. Cortesia Sanctuary is in the woods of South Eugene. Cortesia comes from Cortese, a 900-year-old French word, which means “quiet.” Just kidding, actually, it means “a deep, noble courtesy and reverence for the… Continue reading Sanctuary. Do you have one in your neighborhood?

DIY autumn body wash: Inspire; Release!

The following is a fall aromatherapy body wash based on Chinese elemental theory. The season is: autumn. Time to let go of the old, and take in the new. The direction of this time of year is downward- a quiet movement back into the earth to push nutrients into the soil for next spring. The… Continue reading DIY autumn body wash: Inspire; Release!