These
plants were in the courtyard of the old Community Hospital in Santa
Rosa, CA. The following notes were taken from placards identifying the
plants and their uses. A disclaimer was also posted that many of the
plants could be toxic when used incorrectly, and requesting that no one
'sample' the exhibits.
White Sage: Salvia apiana
Native Americans use this plant for ceremonial purification. I've
burned sage leaves and wafted smoke into the corners of the rooms to
purify them and get rid of "bad vibes."
Yarrow: Achillea milleforum
This plant was used to stop bleeding on the battlefield.It is said to
reduce fever and bleeding. Flowers are antiseptic for urinary tract or
digestive inflammation. It is an external wash for wounds.
Golden Seal: Hydrastis canadensis Popular for the treatment of the common cold. It is a tonic to clear and dry the mucous membranes. Antibiotic.
Vervain: Verbena officinalis
Aerial parts of the plant are used. Noted in Old World magic lore. It
affects the parasympathetic nervous system and is used for nervous
tension. It is a digestive tonic, stimulates the uterus and increases
breast milk. It has applications for liver, gallbladder, skin and
menstruation.
Boneset: Eupatorium perfoliatum
Aerial parts used for colds and flu, especially chills and fever.
Increases white blood cell action. May have anti-cancer properties.
Skull cap: Scutellaria lateriflora
Leaves are used to treat nervous system, headaches, neuralgia,
insomnia, restlessness, nervousness and stress. It alleviates muscle
cramps and convulsions, decreased blood pressure and cholesterol.
Motherwort: Leonurus cardiaca
Gentle sedative, antispasmodic. Used as a "woman's herb" for cramps,
menses, PMS & menopause, post-partum depression and childbirth. It
is also used for high blood pressure, heart palpitations and
tachycardia.
Bee Balm Monarda didyma
This herb is notorious for being the substitute for tea at the time of
the Boston Tea Party (no offense). It has a pleasant aroma and
anti-bacterial qualities. It can be used as an insect repellent. It is
also known as Bergamot or Oswego Tea.
Echinacea Echinacea purpura
Also known as Purple Coneflower, the roots of this plant boost the
immune system. It has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It is
effective when used at the onset of colds and flu.
Lobelia: Lobelia inflata
This plant is a powerful antispasmodic. It stimulates the respiratory
system from within the brain stem. It is used for lung-related illness,
sprains and muscle tension. It is a relaxant and strong emetic.
Passion Flower: Passiflora incanata
Important nervine. The leaves and flowers relax and refresh the nervous
system with a lasting effect. It is used for heart palpitations,
anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, and stress. It eases spasms of
epilepsy and asthma. It's also used for cramps.
Peppermint: Mentha piperita
This herb relaxes the muscles of the digestive system and colon. It is
useful for nausea and irritable bowel syndrome. It is useful for
nervous headache and migraine. It has anti-parasitic, anti-fungal and
anti-bacterial properties.
Lady's mantle: Alchemilla vulgaris
Used by women for menstrual problems. It is an astringent and is good
for diarrhea and gastroenteritis. It can be used externally on wounds.
Valerian: Valeriana officinalis
A cerebral sedative used for insomnia, headache, irritable bowel, heart
palpitations. It has been used against colic in clinical studies. The
root is the active component.
Chamomile: Matricaria recutita The flowers are used to make a soothing tea. It alleviates nervousness and colic in infants. It can be used on wounds.
Lavender: Lauendula officianalis
The buds relax nerves and muscle tension. Lavender oil has many
significant uses. It is antibacterial and reduces pain and
inflammation. Ingested, lavender is used to treat colic.
Feverfew: Tanacetum parthenium
This plant is shown to prevent migraines in European studies. It is
useful in treating menstrual problems and decreasing the pain of
arthritis and rheumatism.
Colts foot: Tussilago farfara
The leaves and flowers are used to treat respiratory conditions such as
laryngitis, bronchitis, asthma and coughs. It is an anti-spasmodic. It
increases immunity and is anti-inflammatory. It can be applied
externally on insect bites and sores.
Angelica: Angelica archangelica
This root of this plant was used as a "cure for plague." It is used to
treat uterine fibroids and endometriosis, flatulence, colic and
respiratory symptoms of colds and flu.
Bugleweed: Ajuga neptans The aerial parts of this plant are used to enhance clotting.
Hyssop: Hyssopus officinalis
This herb is used in Passover cleansing ceremonies. It is a stimulant
that increased urinary output and bowel activity. It is also an
expectorant used to treat colds and flu. It is useful when applied
externally to wounds. Has anti-parasitic properties used for clearing
roundworms.
Marsh Mallow: Althanea officinalis
High-grade anti-bacterial. Used for colds and bladder infections. Good
for mouth and gastric ulcers, also for excess stomach acid, irritable
bowel and gastritis. Root is used to make a paste for skin application.
St. John's Wort: Hypericum perforatum
Used primarily as a tea to treat depression, it was once thought to
"cast out demons." It is anti-viral and anti-bacterial, and said to be
good for treating lungs, urinary tract infections and burns.
Agrimony: Agrimonia supatoria
Stops internal and external bleeding. I can increase blood coagulation
by 50%. It is anti-inflammatory and us used for urinary incontinence,
diarrhea, kidney stones.
Wild Yam: Dioscorea batatas
Roots are anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic and are used for
irritable bowels and as a diuretic. They contain allantoin, which
accelerates cell growth and healing.
Mother Says
Archaeology AIA lecture on Ain Ghazal
'Ain Ghazal
Today I attended a lecture by Dr. Gary Rollefson who has been excavating a site in Jordan known as 'Ain Ghazal. He was hosted by the A.I.A. and spoke at Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa, CA.
Dr. Rollefson stated today that this site has been continuously inhabited since 10,300 B.C. He said it was the "New York City" of its time and represented the first known time that humans took actions to control their environment. They planted crops that were "artificial," which, he explained, meant that they required human intervention for rejuvenation. They had to be picked and replanted.
Goats were raised for food and other products. Goat hair was woven into cloth. Hunting remained a necessity, as only half their meat came from goats.
Many spearheads were found at the site. They were attached to shafts with asphalt obtained off site. There were also many sickle blades found which were used for farming and for cutting reeds, which were used for mats.
Many clay figures of cattle were found. Some may have been toys, but Dr Rollefson stated that some were obviously made by shamans for apparent sympathetic magical purposes, having small flint "killing" shards embedded in their chests and heads. The clay used for the figures was obtained off site and stored in a pit to be used for ceramics. The figures were fired in a fire and were carbonized on the rear portion.
Talismans of pregnant female figures,believed to protect mothers during pregnancy, were also discovered.
There were only 40 human figures recovered. They were stylize ( they reminded me of Cycladic art) and had "CBS eyes" ( Dr. R's pun) of shell.
Dr. Rollefson was impressed by the "magnificent" plaster floors at the site. Producing the floors was a labor-intensive process. He said that the floors were of such high quality workmanship that they could still mop them. Many of the floors had several places where they had been patched after the burial of one designated representative family member per generation. The burials were about 33 years apart, and were of varied sex and age. It is unknown how the rest were buried. Evidence shows that after decomposition, a small hole was made in the floor directly over the skull of the deceased, and the skull was removed ( without the jawbone) to be plastered in the likeness of the deceased, as was also done in nearby Jericho.
Dr. Rollefson theorized about the waxing and waning of the population in 'Ain Ghazal. He talked about the changes in the construction of houses during the years, and believes that overpopulation deforested the area. At some point, plaster floors were no longer used, and multiple family dwellings were constructed. Then, most of the population seemed to move elsewhere, and the population decreased from over ( I'm hoping I remember correctly) 3,000-4,000 at the zenith to around 300.
The lecture was fascinating, and Dr. Rollefson's slides were excellent. Also, he is obviously an experienced lecturer, and managed to pack all of this information into an hour! We are very fortunate to have had this opportunity to hear him.
Today I attended a lecture by Dr. Gary Rollefson who has been excavating a site in Jordan known as 'Ain Ghazal. He was hosted by the A.I.A. and spoke at Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa, CA.
Dr. Rollefson stated today that this site has been continuously inhabited since 10,300 B.C. He said it was the "New York City" of its time and represented the first known time that humans took actions to control their environment. They planted crops that were "artificial," which, he explained, meant that they required human intervention for rejuvenation. They had to be picked and replanted.
Goats were raised for food and other products. Goat hair was woven into cloth. Hunting remained a necessity, as only half their meat came from goats.
Many spearheads were found at the site. They were attached to shafts with asphalt obtained off site. There were also many sickle blades found which were used for farming and for cutting reeds, which were used for mats.
Many clay figures of cattle were found. Some may have been toys, but Dr Rollefson stated that some were obviously made by shamans for apparent sympathetic magical purposes, having small flint "killing" shards embedded in their chests and heads. The clay used for the figures was obtained off site and stored in a pit to be used for ceramics. The figures were fired in a fire and were carbonized on the rear portion.
Talismans of pregnant female figures,believed to protect mothers during pregnancy, were also discovered.
There were only 40 human figures recovered. They were stylize ( they reminded me of Cycladic art) and had "CBS eyes" ( Dr. R's pun) of shell.
Dr. Rollefson was impressed by the "magnificent" plaster floors at the site. Producing the floors was a labor-intensive process. He said that the floors were of such high quality workmanship that they could still mop them. Many of the floors had several places where they had been patched after the burial of one designated representative family member per generation. The burials were about 33 years apart, and were of varied sex and age. It is unknown how the rest were buried. Evidence shows that after decomposition, a small hole was made in the floor directly over the skull of the deceased, and the skull was removed ( without the jawbone) to be plastered in the likeness of the deceased, as was also done in nearby Jericho.
Dr. Rollefson theorized about the waxing and waning of the population in 'Ain Ghazal. He talked about the changes in the construction of houses during the years, and believes that overpopulation deforested the area. At some point, plaster floors were no longer used, and multiple family dwellings were constructed. Then, most of the population seemed to move elsewhere, and the population decreased from over ( I'm hoping I remember correctly) 3,000-4,000 at the zenith to around 300.
The lecture was fascinating, and Dr. Rollefson's slides were excellent. Also, he is obviously an experienced lecturer, and managed to pack all of this information into an hour! We are very fortunate to have had this opportunity to hear him.
Are We Alien?...a post from Perception 9 Paranormal re origin of man
I think the theory of evolution is pretty well set in concrete...for example, when I took an entomology class over 20 years ago, my professor showed us slides of a research project for which he had gotten some notice. He bombarded Tribolium beetles with radiation. This disabled certain suppressor genes which had caused the legs in some segments to evolve into mandibles, antennae, etc. He showed us electron photographs of the offspring of these beetles. Their antennae or mandibles in some cases had reverted to legs, and these creatures had legs sprouting from their heads where antennae or mandibles would be expected. The insects just chewed them off and went on their merry way with whatever they had left.
I saw this lecture over 20 years ago, and my instructor was at least 60 yrs old then, so I imagine he performed the experiment 20 years before that. Science is unraveling and mapping the knots of the mystery of life and the universe that have been explained with superstition or religion for millenia. I believe that there is a ceiling to what man is able to understand, but we haven't reached it by a long shot. I also believe that it's only a matter of time before the paranormal is revealed and explained by scientific inquiry!
Mother Macabre
I saw this lecture over 20 years ago, and my instructor was at least 60 yrs old then, so I imagine he performed the experiment 20 years before that. Science is unraveling and mapping the knots of the mystery of life and the universe that have been explained with superstition or religion for millenia. I believe that there is a ceiling to what man is able to understand, but we haven't reached it by a long shot. I also believe that it's only a matter of time before the paranormal is revealed and explained by scientific inquiry!
Mother Macabre
CCACA Conference coming up in April
Re: Ceramics right now
by MamaMacabre » Wed Feb 10, 2010 12:28 am
They also have several artists of some reputation do demonstrations and
lectures, and there is a big dance party one night. This year it's
April 30th through May 2nd.I've also spent a fair number of hours carving tiny skulls and femurs for my skull & cross-bone jars, and tried out something new I designed...ceremonial bowls on pedestals. They just seemed more ceremonial on a pedestal.
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I was having a hard time coming up with ideas of how to decorate them.
I used the "earth fire air and water" theme of alchemy which I read
about on this website, and I discovered that the 5th element, Aether,
was the name of a Greek god, so I wrote it in Greek letters at the
bottom of the bowl. I just have them bisque-fired as of Sunday, so I
have some more color application and a higher firing ( cone 5) to
finish them. I've been so busy, I haven't had time for pictures, but
I'll post some here and on my website as soon as I get them.
Natural Disasters, God's Will or Science?
I think that as modern humans who no longer believe in Thor's hammer or throwing people in volcanoes, we must move beyond associating natural disasters with the gods or any ( past or current) mythology.
We know the causes of disasters...plate tectonics, weather patterns, microbes...whereas our ancestors did not.
Disasters aren't punishment and it doesn't make sense to think that a deity from ANY culture should stop the wind from blowing, the rain from falling or the tectonic plates from shifting...change is going to happen.
Thinking of bad things as one of the inexplicable mysteries of God's Will diffuses a sense of personal responsibility that might help us to think of ways we can prevent or minimize the after effects.
I think that a mythological belief system is important in helping us get through life and rationalize our eventual death into something we can try to get a handle on, but we can't let it get in the way of practica survival...too often in the past we have. Hopefully, that will change for the better as the world's populations become more educated about science and history, which are equally important in formulating a better plan for the future.
Mother Macabre
We know the causes of disasters...plate tectonics, weather patterns, microbes...whereas our ancestors did not.
Disasters aren't punishment and it doesn't make sense to think that a deity from ANY culture should stop the wind from blowing, the rain from falling or the tectonic plates from shifting...change is going to happen.
Thinking of bad things as one of the inexplicable mysteries of God's Will diffuses a sense of personal responsibility that might help us to think of ways we can prevent or minimize the after effects.
I think that a mythological belief system is important in helping us get through life and rationalize our eventual death into something we can try to get a handle on, but we can't let it get in the way of practica survival...too often in the past we have. Hopefully, that will change for the better as the world's populations become more educated about science and history, which are equally important in formulating a better plan for the future.
Mother Macabre
Herbs, Medicine and Magic
Herbs, Medicine and Magic
If Time is Money, How Come I Don't Have Enough of Either?
About three weeks ago, the last time I did laundry, I carefully spread a sheet on my bedroom floor and dumped about 6 loads of fragrant, clean wash there with the intention of folding it 'soon.' I'm still dressing myself from the pile, and soon I won't have much folding and hanging to do at all. Think of all the time I've saved.
I have tangible goods, delightful object d'art, to show for my domestic neglect. I've made numerous ceramic objects, though not as many as I imagined I would have finished. Nevertheless, some pretty interesting items that took a lot of time and creative thought....unlike laundry. It takes over an hour to carve one tiny little skull for the top of my skull & cross-bone jars once the hollow ball of clay is semi-dried to 'leather hard' stage. I should make a little video showing the process...that would be fun! Maybe this weekend.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are my work days at the laboratory. That is just enough time to keep a baseline income going. I've spent many years working two or even three jobs at a time,sometimes working 16 hours a day and weekends....I've earned time to play.
Aside from making ceramic objects, I've been trying to learn about video editing. That is a can of many, many worms....learning about the camera...learning about the accessories for the camera...learning about the techniques for taking video...learning about the software ( boy, that's a HUGE worm, more like a snake ) for editing the video, and, after all of that, learning about the computer hardware necessary for doing any of that well. It is a large investment of time.
The Mother Macabre website requires attention, and my other site has been pretty neglected....so far.
My two classes: Ceramics and Media (Digital Video Editing), require extra time outside of class time, but that's the fun part...and it's 'play' so it nurtures me creative growth.
I wish I could be two places at once so I could do more things.
I have tangible goods, delightful object d'art, to show for my domestic neglect. I've made numerous ceramic objects, though not as many as I imagined I would have finished. Nevertheless, some pretty interesting items that took a lot of time and creative thought....unlike laundry. It takes over an hour to carve one tiny little skull for the top of my skull & cross-bone jars once the hollow ball of clay is semi-dried to 'leather hard' stage. I should make a little video showing the process...that would be fun! Maybe this weekend.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are my work days at the laboratory. That is just enough time to keep a baseline income going. I've spent many years working two or even three jobs at a time,sometimes working 16 hours a day and weekends....I've earned time to play.
Aside from making ceramic objects, I've been trying to learn about video editing. That is a can of many, many worms....learning about the camera...learning about the accessories for the camera...learning about the techniques for taking video...learning about the software ( boy, that's a HUGE worm, more like a snake ) for editing the video, and, after all of that, learning about the computer hardware necessary for doing any of that well. It is a large investment of time.
The Mother Macabre website requires attention, and my other site has been pretty neglected....so far.
My two classes: Ceramics and Media (Digital Video Editing), require extra time outside of class time, but that's the fun part...and it's 'play' so it nurtures me creative growth.
I wish I could be two places at once so I could do more things.
One thing Begets Another
A few months ago, I bought a new digital video camera. It's worth more than my car.
It's not that I'm a experienced or a professional...it's just that I had ideas about opening a new door to a new creative outlet.
My son has done some animation for a movie that appeared at the local Rialto Theater, and his buddy is a graduate of a film school in San Francisco and actually makes small films ( in addition to working a 'job' like most artists) so I wasn't totally out of my gourd investing in this camera.
However, I have a lot to learn before I'm actually worthy to press the 'RECORD' button. I enrolled in a film editing class at the local junior college. I bought some fancy film editing software, Adobe Production Premium, and loaded it on my computer this weekend. It's pretty clear that if I'm going to do this right, I have to invest in a new computer system as well.
Last Saturday evening, I used the camera for the first time. I started on a project for the class, a documentary about the local Santa Rosa Cemetery Society. I was given permission to film a few interviews at the Lamplight Tour at Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery, but I need to get some supporting interviews and footage.
Learning new things takes a lot of time, but it's necessary to take on new things to stay 'alive' in your head.
It's not that I'm a experienced or a professional...it's just that I had ideas about opening a new door to a new creative outlet.
My son has done some animation for a movie that appeared at the local Rialto Theater, and his buddy is a graduate of a film school in San Francisco and actually makes small films ( in addition to working a 'job' like most artists) so I wasn't totally out of my gourd investing in this camera.
However, I have a lot to learn before I'm actually worthy to press the 'RECORD' button. I enrolled in a film editing class at the local junior college. I bought some fancy film editing software, Adobe Production Premium, and loaded it on my computer this weekend. It's pretty clear that if I'm going to do this right, I have to invest in a new computer system as well.
Last Saturday evening, I used the camera for the first time. I started on a project for the class, a documentary about the local Santa Rosa Cemetery Society. I was given permission to film a few interviews at the Lamplight Tour at Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery, but I need to get some supporting interviews and footage.
Learning new things takes a lot of time, but it's necessary to take on new things to stay 'alive' in your head.
Happiness: thanks, Rob & Joe
Three or four years ago I had just completed a class in managerial finance at Sonoma State University... got an A, by the way. I felt that I was an under-acheiver because I had never gotten a second degree. I had just taken the GMAT, been accepted to the program, and found myself, one day, looking through the skirted suits in a department store. I thought to myself, "I don't want to go here."
Years before, after chucking a brief second career as a real estate broker, I had taken 5 or 6 skirted suits to the thrift store and thrown out all the low-heeled pumps that I had purchased with an imaginary John Malloy nodding approvingly over my shoulder. My briefcase was covered with dust, sitting in the back of the closet. That's just where I wanted to keep it. I realized that I was about to commit myself to an arduous and expensive journey back through the Gates of MIsery to accomplish goals in a value system that wasn't even mine.
I felt stagnate. I didn't know what to do to break out of repetition and an unimaginative life. I had been doing what I had to do for so long, I didn't even remember what I wanted to do. But I knew I had to find a ladder to climb out of the rut I was in.
One day, something triggered a change. Don't laugh, it was a horoscope. Horoscopes, normally, are something like fortune cookies...little throw-away amusements you look forward to every day. However, there is one guy who's weekly horoscopes are a little more like open-ended proddings toward self-evaluation and reflection. His horoscopes are useful. That week, Rob Breszny's Free-Will Astrology horoscope for LIbra assigned me the task of researching the meaning of Happiness.
http://www.freewillastrology.com/horoscopes/
I've always been an excellent student, and love following research threads, so I jumped into the project like it was a final term paper.
I started with an internet search. Being a scientist, I looked for evaluations with a basis in clinical psychology, not just subjective, saccharine or religion-based opinions. I started a notebook, writing down the lists, comments and insights I found helpful. The internet is now choked with every-man's semi-plagarized lists, and the lists range from 9 to 100, depending on how pedantic the author. Here are two that weren't too cumbersome:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiness
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=5787&cn=298
From these sites, I found the titles of several books. I ordered them from the library first to see if they were succinct analyses, or meandering tomes of anecdotes. I hate anecdotes, they never translate exactly to your own situation, and they waste a lot of time.
This is the book I bought, and I gave a copy to my son:
I have restructured my system to value time over money. I use the extra time to create artwork and learn new things. I've learned to use less money and to unload burdens I had placed on myself because of what I perceived to be expected of me. I still struggle to avoid old patterns and situations that could potentially derail my 'train to glory'....but I'm a lot happier and enjoy my life.
Years before, after chucking a brief second career as a real estate broker, I had taken 5 or 6 skirted suits to the thrift store and thrown out all the low-heeled pumps that I had purchased with an imaginary John Malloy nodding approvingly over my shoulder. My briefcase was covered with dust, sitting in the back of the closet. That's just where I wanted to keep it. I realized that I was about to commit myself to an arduous and expensive journey back through the Gates of MIsery to accomplish goals in a value system that wasn't even mine.
I felt stagnate. I didn't know what to do to break out of repetition and an unimaginative life. I had been doing what I had to do for so long, I didn't even remember what I wanted to do. But I knew I had to find a ladder to climb out of the rut I was in.
One day, something triggered a change. Don't laugh, it was a horoscope. Horoscopes, normally, are something like fortune cookies...little throw-away amusements you look forward to every day. However, there is one guy who's weekly horoscopes are a little more like open-ended proddings toward self-evaluation and reflection. His horoscopes are useful. That week, Rob Breszny's Free-Will Astrology horoscope for LIbra assigned me the task of researching the meaning of Happiness.
http://www.freewillastrology.com/horoscopes/
I've always been an excellent student, and love following research threads, so I jumped into the project like it was a final term paper.
I started with an internet search. Being a scientist, I looked for evaluations with a basis in clinical psychology, not just subjective, saccharine or religion-based opinions. I started a notebook, writing down the lists, comments and insights I found helpful. The internet is now choked with every-man's semi-plagarized lists, and the lists range from 9 to 100, depending on how pedantic the author. Here are two that weren't too cumbersome:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiness
http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=5787&cn=298
From these sites, I found the titles of several books. I ordered them from the library first to see if they were succinct analyses, or meandering tomes of anecdotes. I hate anecdotes, they never translate exactly to your own situation, and they waste a lot of time.
This is the book I bought, and I gave a copy to my son:
How We Choose to Be Happy : The 9 Choices of Extremely Happy People: Their Secrets, Their Stories by Rick Foster
Joseph Campbell was the most effective at convincing me that I could actually make a transformation in my life. Campbell was an author and college instructor who investigated the basis of mythology and religion. I had his book, The Hero with A Thousand Faces. His lectures have been taped to help people along to "follow your bliss." I rented his DVD 'The Power of Myth' in which he is interviewed by Bill Moyers. It changed my life. I bought it so I could watch it over and over. I also bought his two DVD sets about the psychology and social value of mythology, Mythos I and II.I have restructured my system to value time over money. I use the extra time to create artwork and learn new things. I've learned to use less money and to unload burdens I had placed on myself because of what I perceived to be expected of me. I still struggle to avoid old patterns and situations that could potentially derail my 'train to glory'....but I'm a lot happier and enjoy my life.
Roses are Food for the Soul
Roses are beautiful, they smell great, their petals are soft, but their thorns are tough...and they're drought resistant. There are many life lessons in a rose patch. Last week I found inspiration and "scento-therapy" in a rose garden near my home.
At one time, I had 80 rose bushes in my yard. I collected a few unusual varieties, like Ink Spots (a small, nearly black and well-formed rose) and Scentimental, but concentrated primarily on buying either A.A.R.S. winners or a particular rose I was fond of. Since that time, Bermuda grass and the encroaching canopy of shade trees have reduced my roses to about 15 plants. Many of the plants I still cultivate were represented in the Burbank garden...classics like Chrysler Imperial, Eclipse ( 1931 AARS Winner), Medallion, Midas Touch & French Lace. They had my Scentimental hybrid tea (HT), a flower striped red and white like a candy cane.
Some of the beauties that I once had in my yard, like Paradise, Double Delight and Angel Face, inspired me to restore the beds in my yard to their former glory. I'll have to find some that may be hard to replace, like Garden Party and Tiffany. There were some varieties I hadn't seen before that I resolved to find and plant in my yard.
If you pass through Santa Rosa, or if you live in the area, take the time to stop at Luther Burbank's house on Santa Rosa Avenue near Julliard Park. Roses bloom about 3 times per year if you cut off the dead blooms. It's a beautiful garden, and it's free, donations accepted.
Catherine
At one time, I had 80 rose bushes in my yard. I collected a few unusual varieties, like Ink Spots (a small, nearly black and well-formed rose) and Scentimental, but concentrated primarily on buying either A.A.R.S. winners or a particular rose I was fond of. Since that time, Bermuda grass and the encroaching canopy of shade trees have reduced my roses to about 15 plants. Many of the plants I still cultivate were represented in the Burbank garden...classics like Chrysler Imperial, Eclipse ( 1931 AARS Winner), Medallion, Midas Touch & French Lace. They had my Scentimental hybrid tea (HT), a flower striped red and white like a candy cane.
Some of the beauties that I once had in my yard, like Paradise, Double Delight and Angel Face, inspired me to restore the beds in my yard to their former glory. I'll have to find some that may be hard to replace, like Garden Party and Tiffany. There were some varieties I hadn't seen before that I resolved to find and plant in my yard.
If you pass through Santa Rosa, or if you live in the area, take the time to stop at Luther Burbank's house on Santa Rosa Avenue near Julliard Park. Roses bloom about 3 times per year if you cut off the dead blooms. It's a beautiful garden, and it's free, donations accepted.
Catherine
Toads, Skulls and Boxes
I fired a new batch of ceramic pieces a few days ago, and am rather pleased with what came out of the kiln when it cooled.
I made four ceramic toads. They are irresistible, if I do say so myself. They are whistles, or "prince calls." if you like. Two of them are blown on the lips and two are blown from behind...and you can stop that giggling immediately. I made my own chartreuse, yellow and dark green engobe for them, and it's a good thing, because the engobe I swiped from ceramics class flaked off of the boxes I used it on. I also used a little satin black on the eyes and lobster red in the mouths. They all whistle quite well...makes them a little more special.
I finished them with a coat of melted and buffed beeswax. It makes them feel really cool, organic and very toad-like.
Ialso made some jars with skull & cross-bone lids with this batch. They might be considered a pirate motif, or Vou Doun jars ( that's VooDoo to You) or just jars to store your wolfbane, mugwort and Datura in. (Please leave the newts alone, there are few enough of them already.) I wanted to try using just red iron oxide as a colorant on two, and the other two I painted with black and white engobe. I coated them all with beeswax because I like the feel of it so much. It also gives them an old, authentic look. But, the beeswax is difficult to get right...if I ever find a glaze that gives the same satiny look and feel, maybe I'll use it.
I tried making some things I could combine with beads for jewelry...three little zombie guys, a couple of pink and white skull beads, some reptilian eye pendants, and a little netsuke Noh mask guy that still needs a satin glaze.
I made four ceramic toads. They are irresistible, if I do say so myself. They are whistles, or "prince calls." if you like. Two of them are blown on the lips and two are blown from behind...and you can stop that giggling immediately. I made my own chartreuse, yellow and dark green engobe for them, and it's a good thing, because the engobe I swiped from ceramics class flaked off of the boxes I used it on. I also used a little satin black on the eyes and lobster red in the mouths. They all whistle quite well...makes them a little more special.
I finished them with a coat of melted and buffed beeswax. It makes them feel really cool, organic and very toad-like.
Ialso made some jars with skull & cross-bone lids with this batch. They might be considered a pirate motif, or Vou Doun jars ( that's VooDoo to You) or just jars to store your wolfbane, mugwort and Datura in. (Please leave the newts alone, there are few enough of them already.) I wanted to try using just red iron oxide as a colorant on two, and the other two I painted with black and white engobe. I coated them all with beeswax because I like the feel of it so much. It also gives them an old, authentic look. But, the beeswax is difficult to get right...if I ever find a glaze that gives the same satiny look and feel, maybe I'll use it.
I tried making some things I could combine with beads for jewelry...three little zombie guys, a couple of pink and white skull beads, some reptilian eye pendants, and a little netsuke Noh mask guy that still needs a satin glaze.
