tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48725501658151786182024-03-05T16:21:32.496-08:00Natures WhispersExploring nature and the cycles of lifeJasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-88428381591464081102011-10-04T05:34:00.000-07:002011-10-04T05:34:51.339-07:00Hey there blog friends. I've had real problems getting access to my blog for the past couple of months. I was frozen out of it but today I thought I'd try again. <br />
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Now that blogger has accepted my mobile number I'm hoping I will be able to give little picture updates from time to time. <br />
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I've missed you and visiting your blogs. Hope you are all doing well xxxJJasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-6865033981606929482011-05-21T12:08:00.000-07:002011-05-21T12:40:04.586-07:00Spring Oak Leaf Wine<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXghunU7l3fzJoJo6GK2DnriToYqLffZQH-rs9DgbtklbG_PYHdTqw-sLRLn5lLKVreGth0kWe0Evn7GMAK15YloWTGJXRDVOk9ttzMYk4n8IASajFabm1TK35Vvwfw8V0YdA4CS5J6ZU/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609249455666274994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXghunU7l3fzJoJo6GK2DnriToYqLffZQH-rs9DgbtklbG_PYHdTqw-sLRLn5lLKVreGth0kWe0Evn7GMAK15YloWTGJXRDVOk9ttzMYk4n8IASajFabm1TK35Vvwfw8V0YdA4CS5J6ZU/s400/jasmine+-+heather+002.jpg" border="0" /></a>Recipe</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">1 gallon of oak leaves (Spring or Autumn)</div><br /><div align="center">4 oranges*</div><br /><div align="center">1 lemon*</div><br /><div align="center">4lbs sugar</div><br /><div align="center">Wine yeast</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="justify">Wash the leaves in cold water removing all woody stalks, damaged leaves, caterpillars and other hedgerow stow aways (I found several green caterpillars and a black and red caterpillar of the White Ermine Moth). Place the prepared oak leaves into a gallon brewing bucket, cover in boiling water and leave over night. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Strain and separate the leaves from the fluid. The leaves can now be composted. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Add the liquid to a large pan, preferably stainless steel. If like me, you do not have a pan large enough, split the liquid between two pans and ensure that you spread the ingredients equally between the two pots. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Add sugar, juice of lemons and oranges, and thin peel. It is important to make sure that there is no white pith on the peel so I grated the white side of the peel until the pith has been removed and the peel is very thin. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Place some dried wine yeast into a glass with a little water that has been allowed to cool until hand hot from boiling. This activates the yeast.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes. When cool pour the liquid through a muslin cloth into a demi John and add the yeast and water. Top up the demi john with cooled boiled water until almost full. Add air lock and bung.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Leave to ferment. When all fermentation has ceased rack off into wine bottles and leave for 6 months. The longer you can leave the wine the better it will taste. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">When ready to drink reserve one bottle to enjoy with friends at a solstice celebration. Enjoy! </div><br /><div align="justify"><br /></div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodoLPbaJ2hmT6-v8Pfbsv7InYFH5BP_6kG9Hh9u1jvGvPZr-N4rtJ5xTA0dsIyCsbL8zFEAZiYScC5FPu8RcJmt8LNcevKnMUOjbE6FRpF2aP_4oEQi8Y9-bQKaE5r5hCxqVIoUFOFd4/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609249449597331730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodoLPbaJ2hmT6-v8Pfbsv7InYFH5BP_6kG9Hh9u1jvGvPZr-N4rtJ5xTA0dsIyCsbL8zFEAZiYScC5FPu8RcJmt8LNcevKnMUOjbE6FRpF2aP_4oEQi8Y9-bQKaE5r5hCxqVIoUFOFd4/s400/jasmine+-+heather+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The same recipe can be found widely over the web and in hedgerow wine books. I used a 1970 copy of the Farmers Weekly Collection. </div><br /><br /><div align="justify">* When making I did not have any oranges so instead used 3 satsumas and 2 lemons. I'm sure it will still taste great!<br /><br /></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-53572039648992622622011-04-27T07:08:00.001-07:002011-04-27T07:16:24.139-07:00Spring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJj-7yGcm6XZevQc7IOuXAjgeaE_fUjz_mZcUeWQWLtne9EivMntAyB4FdXHEHCcymQyYrMy0t4IEyJW3hNp6KxQaxNTwXN9GxNgo7ZPe9RVr756WHU9JfP1QGCrncXOyFiaWNxuqwO0/s1600/April+11+349.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJj-7yGcm6XZevQc7IOuXAjgeaE_fUjz_mZcUeWQWLtne9EivMntAyB4FdXHEHCcymQyYrMy0t4IEyJW3hNp6KxQaxNTwXN9GxNgo7ZPe9RVr756WHU9JfP1QGCrncXOyFiaWNxuqwO0/s400/April+11+349.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600267011243028242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH89fnxVgdmV9aHG5DrD9q85ckg5bSOFQcWGAYa1JcgPFkwT7wPlt_CuQ2vweKT5f3g46x5E8M2OfXW1zGb1hspYlEPpzrhUiUFRoxGUPRhmVi6BAprmu_lhvnYQ8r89gPJeiRaKmyWGQ/s1600/April+11+342.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH89fnxVgdmV9aHG5DrD9q85ckg5bSOFQcWGAYa1JcgPFkwT7wPlt_CuQ2vweKT5f3g46x5E8M2OfXW1zGb1hspYlEPpzrhUiUFRoxGUPRhmVi6BAprmu_lhvnYQ8r89gPJeiRaKmyWGQ/s400/April+11+342.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600266516150311138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3csIL1cbW5jPkBadbfU3frRHqy0J5h_8ovlT7PYhmVEtAHpHjocEdAh7j-2WHwfk9uakoCpwlTfvVzmiwNEIr9uA8MUXkNzbew4yZdtuBcXcbE6OJHH2QB1DOObPmev0qDBbHbq9wbpY/s1600/April+11+346.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3csIL1cbW5jPkBadbfU3frRHqy0J5h_8ovlT7PYhmVEtAHpHjocEdAh7j-2WHwfk9uakoCpwlTfvVzmiwNEIr9uA8MUXkNzbew4yZdtuBcXcbE6OJHH2QB1DOObPmev0qDBbHbq9wbpY/s400/April+11+346.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600266511018216290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwlXZt5shNiOsbehmsuQHUKLTyKaUvYWVXUt2KE6sb1vXAtrGRQwFwa2VW8-HS3H5-VRCLSWN3zShCJMmPUMScTfvhZQR0AQbLrmxFSzuYmR8cGTixLvOGbaxp6njLPmBubmszCGARqI/s1600/April+11+348.jpg"><br /></a>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-30475718400620725272011-04-23T11:23:00.000-07:002011-04-25T15:13:23.968-07:00A wee bit more...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymDrVKabhp1uPRgetWXhVbJB19vofa3aIjMmmpz7XudrMlwfYfbPW3UZMhXZrwz0PpXA6ctbYwXXmYvdy2LeUzbMr_PjGngpFmyjy-fKOALnRaite6yNGQ_azL8wIoS1skCtY-49Bn34/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598847926788348818" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymDrVKabhp1uPRgetWXhVbJB19vofa3aIjMmmpz7XudrMlwfYfbPW3UZMhXZrwz0PpXA6ctbYwXXmYvdy2LeUzbMr_PjGngpFmyjy-fKOALnRaite6yNGQ_azL8wIoS1skCtY-49Bn34/s400/jasmine+-+heather+049.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKlLH228wFIvCAOl1UZ3MfSuRIDrOhD31vC97PlhHb2Z3YaC_LsVmAtKmCOf6aBQlS2D8RgtAgURQGwgc8TFQ3rc7k_OE5q5qMyJ68cI2wGblRtudoTpOXndy-JLRwnBZnor06G9mUY4/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598847906856598274" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKlLH228wFIvCAOl1UZ3MfSuRIDrOhD31vC97PlhHb2Z3YaC_LsVmAtKmCOf6aBQlS2D8RgtAgURQGwgc8TFQ3rc7k_OE5q5qMyJ68cI2wGblRtudoTpOXndy-JLRwnBZnor06G9mUY4/s400/jasmine+-+heather+045.jpg" border="0" /></a><div> </div><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598847918069975234" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB0l12jPJZKBsp9RZcHrDY_tkSwsJ-Za1MwCXJFTXazsnfG9oBm5-iuJQ1iZnd6iS_hKKA7DVN8x1Qc2FAMdBR1GLD3Tn9q5NMmFnQZzAtqKl4-etQUXlWZiF28PpHasFguZmuqz6v0g/s400/jasmine+-+heather+047.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify">Thank you for all that have left comments the past few days. I will answer all very soon. The sun has been out to play and I have a lot of friends and family visiting the island. Happy days :)) </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"></div></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-39611216289456881792011-04-19T15:02:00.000-07:002011-04-19T04:27:03.510-07:00Inspirational Forests<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpL0Mt3zXJdhfPGFa9qPJkXH15I1-XZMd7bD-8xBbpifyNufPC3jfwZ832nsJWi76wgUHVwk-u6w6C16eVlS_4k4c2cpSr62LiTJue56hpDz88vOV4lbv4LCJllBTn-gH5XFH9Aijxvs/s1600/April+11+083.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpL0Mt3zXJdhfPGFa9qPJkXH15I1-XZMd7bD-8xBbpifyNufPC3jfwZ832nsJWi76wgUHVwk-u6w6C16eVlS_4k4c2cpSr62LiTJue56hpDz88vOV4lbv4LCJllBTn-gH5XFH9Aijxvs/s400/April+11+083.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597239150669722226" border="0" /></a>Stepping into a forest<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRr5AwDcsZtS0eMFahPT8h_7K3B7MrXVB1nqPnn1dKXAtOnc7gF773kObppcCq8-86cdBa0ui_kxWfE1UGC2Rqlv33EbuhtPyhULOhSxJcu-Dub-16MpQ11IX3vjj_tdsCucZxsqqWB4/s1600/April+11+124.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRr5AwDcsZtS0eMFahPT8h_7K3B7MrXVB1nqPnn1dKXAtOnc7gF773kObppcCq8-86cdBa0ui_kxWfE1UGC2Rqlv33EbuhtPyhULOhSxJcu-Dub-16MpQ11IX3vjj_tdsCucZxsqqWB4/s400/April+11+124.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597241595002294546" border="0" /></a>Stepping into a dream<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiP-RDsTTSrKSou_b4wRhvl0m44imosFg6b3xWDkP9puehb2AfOoiJ-v7I_QN5_2BVay6NOcs40HmC1x4mdCo6tX-wHz2eGDN5c0jm5kUX6GYmE3Nbwu79jXCcFK9dngVumAvIyBbdXnI/s1600/April+11+079.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiP-RDsTTSrKSou_b4wRhvl0m44imosFg6b3xWDkP9puehb2AfOoiJ-v7I_QN5_2BVay6NOcs40HmC1x4mdCo6tX-wHz2eGDN5c0jm5kUX6GYmE3Nbwu79jXCcFK9dngVumAvIyBbdXnI/s400/April+11+079.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597239146264422130" border="0" /></a>Reflecting lakes<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2AIYlHmaq2339h4di4ikga1aHVZiSMht8z6mAhYwictmR_HRyggVMU0vaW0ajDAOhLdpGKFn9bXNDNMeFvdmxDW8KVKbqqCN1033x4X4v5mYjx4LZnWIct43UKGplOJTli-fVTmqpuA/s1600/April+11+077.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2AIYlHmaq2339h4di4ikga1aHVZiSMht8z6mAhYwictmR_HRyggVMU0vaW0ajDAOhLdpGKFn9bXNDNMeFvdmxDW8KVKbqqCN1033x4X4v5mYjx4LZnWIct43UKGplOJTli-fVTmqpuA/s400/April+11+077.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597248166441964834" border="0" /></a>Textures of moss, lichen and bark<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnul6Xn9aQ4g6q9xlDQ4oHm3piWVOQkL6bHzYlmlT54PlH5mkit7G7jktgFuavbeA6_B2xb-2MivX9Xxtzu7cMPL5zrmorpUXmIZUr8AN8lGTCQGbY5M1ZPbBZhuqW5w4g92IOM-oy9g/s1600/April+11+137.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnul6Xn9aQ4g6q9xlDQ4oHm3piWVOQkL6bHzYlmlT54PlH5mkit7G7jktgFuavbeA6_B2xb-2MivX9Xxtzu7cMPL5zrmorpUXmIZUr8AN8lGTCQGbY5M1ZPbBZhuqW5w4g92IOM-oy9g/s400/April+11+137.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595194828800208290" border="0" /></a>Enchanting birdsong<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zX-PbwjUYBkKxydx2asPM9O7gcbY4HvOSxM1cDQVfF_2Nuk-WSnMVf1KMMwvPmavHrv-uzgpBAsD6dBAkvc0eDoVxI5mBLSxSQ3cmgCbKokAKxh2RFs2YuHgU0OPJv1_N7Z7XcO7xfw/s1600/April+11+156.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zX-PbwjUYBkKxydx2asPM9O7gcbY4HvOSxM1cDQVfF_2Nuk-WSnMVf1KMMwvPmavHrv-uzgpBAsD6dBAkvc0eDoVxI5mBLSxSQ3cmgCbKokAKxh2RFs2YuHgU0OPJv1_N7Z7XcO7xfw/s400/April+11+156.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595194827294230786" border="0" /></a>A breath of life<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpXoWLEX78IlB2RxfL31L3nU1bWKI3Oo-2jbLhyphenhyphen2CdcEcV2m7FNs5Gm2Y5Nr-wcg6Rh_zoDzVCqW522KkpekKUvV7iyeOqJ9QoliAgsjvr7hejifxznbiO8ImDqLfq-jseUBiJbqhJbc/s1600/April+11+224.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpXoWLEX78IlB2RxfL31L3nU1bWKI3Oo-2jbLhyphenhyphen2CdcEcV2m7FNs5Gm2Y5Nr-wcg6Rh_zoDzVCqW522KkpekKUvV7iyeOqJ9QoliAgsjvr7hejifxznbiO8ImDqLfq-jseUBiJbqhJbc/s400/April+11+224.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595194818025671602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This months <a href="http://festivalofthetrees.wordpress.com/">Festival of the Trees</a> is being hosted by Suzi of <a href="http://spiritwhispas.blogspot.com/">Spirit Whispers</a><br /><br />To enter a post please email your posts weblink to:<br /><br />suziscribbles [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] uk<br /><br /></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-27759569809611172872011-04-17T06:23:00.000-07:002011-04-17T06:27:38.578-07:00Slow Progress<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigukcFhkTQKYaxAdojNWR8qICxBYMO0qLK2_MOARNUQU6LeOEWutLQ9ONqbVHEeeHFG_91hzPSVe4YEV6XkUqG28YQeL9_k7fWW3SNy00hg6a1u_acyzofDgfwEV6Wr8s1gEZZlVgw0uA/s1600/April+11+252.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigukcFhkTQKYaxAdojNWR8qICxBYMO0qLK2_MOARNUQU6LeOEWutLQ9ONqbVHEeeHFG_91hzPSVe4YEV6XkUqG28YQeL9_k7fWW3SNy00hg6a1u_acyzofDgfwEV6Wr8s1gEZZlVgw0uA/s400/April+11+252.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596543371154193394" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWymF6eDI3nk8UkEPp932lrx-GYEsAEHpc-0Gi3IypIAvi-Pv5yj1aY0hXG_jKpNNffjEPbqpa-DpaO0jv0QJPnRowyKbmLvTdfqyw0nS9njcgx2F_vt7Sg0GgkbHX6rjgdbKd8ZWR62Q/s1600/April+11+253.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWymF6eDI3nk8UkEPp932lrx-GYEsAEHpc-0Gi3IypIAvi-Pv5yj1aY0hXG_jKpNNffjEPbqpa-DpaO0jv0QJPnRowyKbmLvTdfqyw0nS9njcgx2F_vt7Sg0GgkbHX6rjgdbKd8ZWR62Q/s400/April+11+253.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596543365658310674" border="0" /></a>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-71416605953830716302011-04-14T01:15:00.000-07:002011-04-14T05:02:46.472-07:00Alexanders<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSdwyVkYUYNl-OcgOZcusAARCVEVuoYzlfrLyrl1yugVU1eWaXBmDxd9urVewFtHgVxmuUT1k1YwilJFexIFwTQv4mlJBEGpK76g2ydlqC8ZfO82AIEZSrSxTg-cyVT6qODBI8Z8A7aw/s1600/April+11+249.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSdwyVkYUYNl-OcgOZcusAARCVEVuoYzlfrLyrl1yugVU1eWaXBmDxd9urVewFtHgVxmuUT1k1YwilJFexIFwTQv4mlJBEGpK76g2ydlqC8ZfO82AIEZSrSxTg-cyVT6qODBI8Z8A7aw/s400/April+11+249.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595350593923586946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A couple of posts ago I showed a picture of what I know by the name of wild Welsh Angelica. I posted the same picture onto a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/WildFoodUK">foraging homepage</a> asking for more information. I now know that this plant is known as <a href="http://wildfoodmushroomsfishing.blogspot.com/2010/05/alexanders-roman-parsley.html">Alexanders or Roman Parsley</a>. Like Angelica, it is not native to the UK, instead it was introduced by the Romans and has naturalised over the years and now grows like a common weed all over Britain. Especially near the coastline.<br /><br />The entire plant is edible. The young reddish stalks are meant to taste beautiful gently sauted in butter having an asparagus like taste. The older stems can be used in a similar fashion to angelica stalks. The leaves and flowers are edible in salads and the roots can be eaten like parsnips.<br /><br />I found a recipe for <a href="http://www.eatweeds.co.uk/pickled-buds-of-alexanders-recipe"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pickled</span> Alexanders Buds</a> on the <a href="http://www.eatweeds.co.uk/">Eat Weeds</a> Blogs and have made up a jar. Will let you know how they taste when I open them :)<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqz8OyJSWsOV1zJOnwUxdX9Qghbuy6kOLmcjHxYUtLBzJ6SqwQxQIXm6llZWG2XdXZoDb1-eAZpDw7M2I-wSH6ryqOZQgkIjvq35cqDcdpslDsxY_mChG-lcwxl9bS2stSNd9riK06R8/s1600/April+11+058.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQbeVSaOhDwYnBLVoxsYrgWxfT8GSC34Zs4gzu9WwvkrO76TiKssVNd_TGImJy9x7jpSKEX8pz6KBDk6EgGgrFqCKOEJkjZw6nqg05EVh3vnw1A8oN3f_bZKXtGfgON1ayureoe26y88/s1600/April+11+075.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQbeVSaOhDwYnBLVoxsYrgWxfT8GSC34Zs4gzu9WwvkrO76TiKssVNd_TGImJy9x7jpSKEX8pz6KBDk6EgGgrFqCKOEJkjZw6nqg05EVh3vnw1A8oN3f_bZKXtGfgON1ayureoe26y88/s320/April+11+075.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595403833151179618" border="0" /></a>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-13660738778760034232011-04-12T08:23:00.000-07:002011-04-12T16:10:31.636-07:00Thatching with Heather<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHCW1vnlRDqhvyO3PIKXhcjqMOQp5HRsODZ6L1c5hh9Dlzx_XHKz7dsecQQX3CsHgSjJITpNRqjA0IP2VXcCFHvlcYkt73QYWfQawx9QPmvU8rpvY-eIcN5J9c83-7ZwAgZornyunnFg/s1600/April+11+068.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHCW1vnlRDqhvyO3PIKXhcjqMOQp5HRsODZ6L1c5hh9Dlzx_XHKz7dsecQQX3CsHgSjJITpNRqjA0IP2VXcCFHvlcYkt73QYWfQawx9QPmvU8rpvY-eIcN5J9c83-7ZwAgZornyunnFg/s400/April+11+068.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594786283751288866" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoghxLbbVyF_g_Zgucc7CGcPhaqTVecNdOZw0IzYoKfTj2FOpD4zvKJndsVt54mrI6tAv1kw-1s76NZuXom1f84czRAxpcoRNbundBNpuL5LtXCU0yXgZOLElN8Jo5IoAZLpODkudh1Q4/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593976511770773378" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoghxLbbVyF_g_Zgucc7CGcPhaqTVecNdOZw0IzYoKfTj2FOpD4zvKJndsVt54mrI6tAv1kw-1s76NZuXom1f84czRAxpcoRNbundBNpuL5LtXCU0yXgZOLElN8Jo5IoAZLpODkudh1Q4/s400/jasmine+-+heather+035.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiqiExTTURoy5Mcan8gSPBD6dgs_cXTk5OQEI3-z2niVf9aPgtoPawEHuvXQL6UzqdDL4Y9BiU32QsPJpTGGcJEgtBFbPkCBmvTQLdMfWKJqFX9OXXx0XAmgCWSs0NmvFJtqTVVC_uXs/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+036.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593976502144643938" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJiqiExTTURoy5Mcan8gSPBD6dgs_cXTk5OQEI3-z2niVf9aPgtoPawEHuvXQL6UzqdDL4Y9BiU32QsPJpTGGcJEgtBFbPkCBmvTQLdMfWKJqFX9OXXx0XAmgCWSs0NmvFJtqTVVC_uXs/s400/jasmine+-+heather+036.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnD-dhAZQnG10MfBQL7Jd4Q_WptrJYby3TRfDZ-Sby8FXv7MBVZ4WoTfTiQZmvy_fDnxbJYzJEKm9LIPzm91HXL2RZvATTAdJjLcHwyLAw-zmgwrrdtJlFWq1J57p97e-KuDAgswemp4/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+034.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593976520741729794" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnD-dhAZQnG10MfBQL7Jd4Q_WptrJYby3TRfDZ-Sby8FXv7MBVZ4WoTfTiQZmvy_fDnxbJYzJEKm9LIPzm91HXL2RZvATTAdJjLcHwyLAw-zmgwrrdtJlFWq1J57p97e-KuDAgswemp4/s400/jasmine+-+heather+034.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAqp1wFg1J-tsTmmZ_a8Um-X5YvRShR41hDPwrDYfJiAHTR7nOgIHQJtSZOigysBR8VySxlpIP_-6uFdIeTbdsjt5IpxYWk4tFWs8WjqNaJ68BFHpzrsvuBZmla3_LiHbQYFL3IYpZbs/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593976495717805762" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAAqp1wFg1J-tsTmmZ_a8Um-X5YvRShR41hDPwrDYfJiAHTR7nOgIHQJtSZOigysBR8VySxlpIP_-6uFdIeTbdsjt5IpxYWk4tFWs8WjqNaJ68BFHpzrsvuBZmla3_LiHbQYFL3IYpZbs/s400/jasmine+-+heather+037.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ptyofjNyJBsJteowVj6Uq5F6CPjpxziE_cELEZyACbOKkhS26m2HoRF46kWlRFpvqnPNI-LO5Op8-FglC_pzDyEC4BLlbQoLS26bkuDnrorLf2ploLqTyLBJgeFdF5Uj5y28X_5M-8Q/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593976487987032210" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 300px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ptyofjNyJBsJteowVj6Uq5F6CPjpxziE_cELEZyACbOKkhS26m2HoRF46kWlRFpvqnPNI-LO5Op8-FglC_pzDyEC4BLlbQoLS26bkuDnrorLf2ploLqTyLBJgeFdF5Uj5y28X_5M-8Q/s400/jasmine+-+heather+039.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-16523295080942921392011-04-09T04:35:00.001-07:002011-04-09T06:50:35.911-07:00Heather<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4RuMyjBglQtGqS7twf5M-S6bVTS7hboXEf9IebdNmlKfFIZsAn68ihUS1xIS-IB2Gd9eewAFTRQsQ11EiR_xLqngNWkxCCHkIDKDexWMqF_EyFBG0kkhwL8SO4YazRFCMBL2bPuQQEk/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593563394607150306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4RuMyjBglQtGqS7twf5M-S6bVTS7hboXEf9IebdNmlKfFIZsAn68ihUS1xIS-IB2Gd9eewAFTRQsQ11EiR_xLqngNWkxCCHkIDKDexWMqF_EyFBG0kkhwL8SO4YazRFCMBL2bPuQQEk/s400/jasmine+-+heather+015.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><div align="justify">The coastline of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Anglesey</span> is abundant with heather and gorse. Wild angelica is starting to line every country lane and wayside, the brambles a creeping forth and wild <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">vervain</span> (not to be confused with the medicinal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">vervain</span>) is starting to sprout. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Anglesey</span> is a joy to behold in Springtime. </div><br /><div><a href="http://www.electricscotland.com/gardening/heather.htm"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593548899991149554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00qUjTS_fDTq7bERPgF6euPbS4VIE99_i_N1GStwanKIoxSkPG_OhSB3_ffFL3ft1F92ZvZADXg6R0Pc9-RhhxBf1M9YZ4Fds0JysYabLWBTR3qRl1za6mMHknZqyaGXYTYrtRiJg1cA/s400/jasmine+-+heather+012.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div align="justify">Right now, the heather tops are a glorious green, ideal for dyeing wool. I've been doing a lot of research into the uses of heather and stumbled across the below wool dyeing recipe whilst looking into methods for heather thatching. Click on the link below to see wealth of knowledge and lore collated by <a href="http://www.electricscotland.com/gardening/heather.htm">Electric Scotland</a>.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.electricscotland.com/gardening/heather.htm">A Traditional Recipe for the Dying of Wool</a></div><br /><div align="justify">Gather the tops of the (Barr An <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Fhraoich</span>) Heather. Gather when they are young and green, and growing in a shady place. Place a layer of wool and heather alternately on the bottom of the pot until the pot is filled. Then add as much water as the pot will hold. Put on the fire to boil, but do not allow to boil dry. The wool will dye a lovely yellow colour which is a good basis for green when indigo is added. If a moss green is require, add gall apples and iron mordant towards the end of dying. Purple and brown tints can be obtained by using old heather tops.</div><br /><div align="justify">If wanted for winter use, the tips of the heather plant should be picked just before they come into flower. If it is to be used fresh, it can be gathered as long as the flower is in bloom.</div><br /><div align="justify">The resultant dye is a mordant dye which means the fibre requires special preparation before it can absorb the colour. The treatment is 4oz alum and 2oz cream of tartar to every 1 lb of wool. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXaYU5rkvNY3-kWPy4TfwPOsSSOGKRFsyNq9W5pzeCoE-hHPjnl8JLmBsVFiytBqtZgcAHGubDYIcszYCtL_VTV4VDb61RrRnqVKBqyfPX_BrKt2EoBd8yH-9PFinIn_viqtLaDYleAs/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593548885021019202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXaYU5rkvNY3-kWPy4TfwPOsSSOGKRFsyNq9W5pzeCoE-hHPjnl8JLmBsVFiytBqtZgcAHGubDYIcszYCtL_VTV4VDb61RrRnqVKBqyfPX_BrKt2EoBd8yH-9PFinIn_viqtLaDYleAs/s400/jasmine+-+heather+003.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I've been out collecting heather for thatching my aunt's gazebo with. I have a feeling I am going to be collecting heather for quite some time. I don't mind though, collecting heather or gorse or other free food and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">dyepot</span> materials is always an enjoyable task. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Its too early to collect heather for wine or tea but I think I'll have a go at making a besom :) </div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CWrTWbO-ZCCt3xS4WHRnsLF9F-7zEyKvJBIX7z0HxxxJn0x54p2vxGEJRkwSjRCEh46XFQmMCbqzdn_SOvyFDocItMh8KESN3cRqcAKm_twyl3XN8fBl7CaJXcxzYLMHGxtdXSHGils/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593548226184657810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CWrTWbO-ZCCt3xS4WHRnsLF9F-7zEyKvJBIX7z0HxxxJn0x54p2vxGEJRkwSjRCEh46XFQmMCbqzdn_SOvyFDocItMh8KESN3cRqcAKm_twyl3XN8fBl7CaJXcxzYLMHGxtdXSHGils/s400/jasmine+-+heather+026.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">My uncle made this gazebo himself. Its beautiful isn't it. Can't wait to see it with its heather thatch. I'll post more pictures as the project progresses. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnrI5R9o5H-5pZ3X2fOOxRX0df2jdo4L6sw6D7kEvG1JhLcnigIN3qNs7JgicUPO8ZJNEKrk4cJ-fd8qzXZrQiqQff1HeWW4XM0lmbWf5yZUreOGczsW2cpuLr_L03Z1zv1c4ALXq8HY/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593548220737020962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnrI5R9o5H-5pZ3X2fOOxRX0df2jdo4L6sw6D7kEvG1JhLcnigIN3qNs7JgicUPO8ZJNEKrk4cJ-fd8qzXZrQiqQff1HeWW4XM0lmbWf5yZUreOGczsW2cpuLr_L03Z1zv1c4ALXq8HY/s400/jasmine+-+heather+022.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">Here is a picture of Welsh Angelica. I have some of the garden variety North American Angelica growing in my garden. Its a lot bigger than the Welsh Angelica and has not yet come into flower. I have plans to harvest it later in the year and make some into Angelica Liqueur. I'm trying to find out if this wild Welsh Angelica is edible too. Maybe it can be used in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">dyepot</span>? I'm going to look into it as it grows so freely around here I'd love to think of it having a culinary or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">dyepot</span> use. I recently found an article on the Wild Colour website explaining how rhubarb leaves can be used as a mordant. I'm not very scientific so don't know the botanic make up of rhubarb, maybe angelica will work on the same principles? </div><br /><div></div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593579537255249650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_327GN5GMutkQrNrW98VQ-RFBm4gclbsRJB6QcIZ9IdzaEpvv-ekHGY2J7UmEuI1HnRXvNDHGbdDrqzS8POrZJJk0WCJtesBStR2Qi6GOA61wCDo76qNkKknW7bw4-3ANDGZ6eJae_mQ/s400/jasmine+-+heather+027.jpg" border="0" /> <br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I've been noticing lots of these round balls growing all over the oaks. My granddad calls these 'oak apples'. Can anyone tell me if these 'oak apples' are also 'oak galls'. I've been reading about dyeing with oak galls so am keen to give it a try.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxwab-tq-AbOiOq4hlBEVG5PiYEFLErDzKNaVSrcr-V5lRGgAH7DPf1FjQhfrBccAxdv6_AcfARXD4D686LnjcBIRZZYOj2kpn1KHVChW9X1EFJz7N1noXtXln5-TD18dTJlH9WrF5nc/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593548216907774626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxwab-tq-AbOiOq4hlBEVG5PiYEFLErDzKNaVSrcr-V5lRGgAH7DPf1FjQhfrBccAxdv6_AcfARXD4D686LnjcBIRZZYOj2kpn1KHVChW9X1EFJz7N1noXtXln5-TD18dTJlH9WrF5nc/s400/jasmine+-+heather+025.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">The past week or so I have been noticing dandelions springing up all over the place. I read somewhere that St Georges day is the traditional date for collecting dandelions. There are so many culinary, healing and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">dyepot</span> uses for the dandelion. I think I'm going to have a go at making dandelion wine and using some roots for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">dyepot</span>. I have read that dandelion roots can give a red/purple colour in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">dyepot</span> but also that this is a debatable fact. There's no harm in giving it a try to see what happens. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39DloMR2v7MiHKAMzz9s_rFIga_JSu4tWsVwlLzJwxdlTr-1yH_GoK7WuwXVr-vPdu27PpfcjJdH_tqv9Ppt14gq1kEIpPH6-iBkH66BMPNHQPHwh7VmSFSL_ATUNY4invbJYCmJG_Q4/s1600/jasmine+-+heather+019.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593548213743422258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39DloMR2v7MiHKAMzz9s_rFIga_JSu4tWsVwlLzJwxdlTr-1yH_GoK7WuwXVr-vPdu27PpfcjJdH_tqv9Ppt14gq1kEIpPH6-iBkH66BMPNHQPHwh7VmSFSL_ATUNY4invbJYCmJG_Q4/s400/jasmine+-+heather+019.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br /><div align="justify">I tried solar dyeing with the beautiful wild <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">vervain</span> last year. I didn't get a very vivid colour, but I will try again this year. There are so many techniques for dyeing I'm not going to be put off by one failure. Above you can see the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">vervain</span> just beginning to surface. In a few weeks these plants will be waist height and displaying the most magnificent red and cerise flowers. </div><br /><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593548905134351330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ETOCtzFDJzOkCfXfETqJobKtmt2zQlMrNrbRZjGBUH4Zwxmo0yCYQSxVk4-4VJ0B6xHwiV2Q_y0OaIKuKHZXkG3neVztX3qHrvQzReMdeS1zqMSY5s30bepMcWHyA3odJy8dcBTII4M/s400/jasmine+-+heather+008.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">I hope to have more to show you soon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">xJ</span></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-10652459145587718052011-04-04T11:24:00.000-07:002011-04-04T13:09:57.125-07:00A Wakeful Green<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MXBw2kWTbmL-zzjs5RKYEjZ6BWCcBIM4_X5l0Kn6MRBH2pMwMoq1DV0jM-WA725748oU-9UfNNT4SJV1XJ9GWyEq07FFjSKnsGWg1vYci3D7VI_FMBnGVlgwYoLhoMpk27iPXVuEiAU/s1600/April+11+018.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MXBw2kWTbmL-zzjs5RKYEjZ6BWCcBIM4_X5l0Kn6MRBH2pMwMoq1DV0jM-WA725748oU-9UfNNT4SJV1XJ9GWyEq07FFjSKnsGWg1vYci3D7VI_FMBnGVlgwYoLhoMpk27iPXVuEiAU/s400/April+11+018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591804507187318914" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTbvdi0m711Fk1eVctUHpanBlyV5W-QnY2-yauyjvomyk8ERBur-e0Z-IrA8ovsfga3LmFBeseBf83MTQeUvGdQ0B5QLwOqIlDKhaZu5he5LVPQmwMW-UhmkGx2UCU1EfkGjlPtwoFA8/s1600/April+11+023.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTbvdi0m711Fk1eVctUHpanBlyV5W-QnY2-yauyjvomyk8ERBur-e0Z-IrA8ovsfga3LmFBeseBf83MTQeUvGdQ0B5QLwOqIlDKhaZu5he5LVPQmwMW-UhmkGx2UCU1EfkGjlPtwoFA8/s400/April+11+023.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591804512981191010" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAA5QpxjT8A_TYwSsRVFYlTWKHemnAYUeEH2QUmXe54XKazpRP27c7zcUHFZesLc6gCqr5qIRQ4CDFNnN4y3GcHkzjUgjf5Cm-kmApaIq6UoEtcPKAIt5pBcvCN8-cGmT51QLQ4hqc4c/s1600/April+11+007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAA5QpxjT8A_TYwSsRVFYlTWKHemnAYUeEH2QUmXe54XKazpRP27c7zcUHFZesLc6gCqr5qIRQ4CDFNnN4y3GcHkzjUgjf5Cm-kmApaIq6UoEtcPKAIt5pBcvCN8-cGmT51QLQ4hqc4c/s400/April+11+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591803795642182498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4W-oBlB7QYI6tXqHKOqDjpmeeO4h9XPrKmSQ1j8DXDonofr6_jlrtvbyHzWKBHYljbOSAOa9H4Vy5ciYX_oWJG3Q32R_qa2k-cnoJ-KYmbJ1emCEy7b4bXevFddIGsLwUAUbpWgRx6hM/s1600/April+11+015.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4W-oBlB7QYI6tXqHKOqDjpmeeO4h9XPrKmSQ1j8DXDonofr6_jlrtvbyHzWKBHYljbOSAOa9H4Vy5ciYX_oWJG3Q32R_qa2k-cnoJ-KYmbJ1emCEy7b4bXevFddIGsLwUAUbpWgRx6hM/s400/April+11+015.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591804500253919010" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUz2nnwFKNGTleGY48bH7-ksNvtl9is8pbKwMjaZAr29lEpYb-yjAlpAhN2tZIuA9JbUvkv3pDbE-C15yWMsHR6GC1qIOW5AefdgozArwo5S0pmLATS9fVZaTxBTKFlo8fx79Ybx-X9wE/s1600/April+11+012.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUz2nnwFKNGTleGY48bH7-ksNvtl9is8pbKwMjaZAr29lEpYb-yjAlpAhN2tZIuA9JbUvkv3pDbE-C15yWMsHR6GC1qIOW5AefdgozArwo5S0pmLATS9fVZaTxBTKFlo8fx79Ybx-X9wE/s400/April+11+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591804483583400594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKrllxYJC6j-moREcTpqGSbVoXaNksnk5wB7tjiI8cgJJoHlLo-OFaqAhgc7TMkulywxOVRo1qshiQLnawOj_JaNYwo7mwatZZtfXmFZ2iEqxvqRWrnTP1YRzuGAdowWGeDHudhnxgoo/s1600/April+11+028.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeKrllxYJC6j-moREcTpqGSbVoXaNksnk5wB7tjiI8cgJJoHlLo-OFaqAhgc7TMkulywxOVRo1qshiQLnawOj_JaNYwo7mwatZZtfXmFZ2iEqxvqRWrnTP1YRzuGAdowWGeDHudhnxgoo/s400/April+11+028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591804519529013458" border="0" /></a>Forests have seasons all of their own. Today, wandering through the forest I listened to the call of the sparrowhawk, I heard the wind rustling through the trees and watched the tall slender saplings bending and swaying to a rythmic dance.<br /><br />My two favourite seasons are Spring and Autumn and today I felt I was walking with each side by side. Gold and rust coloured leaves littered the floor and my eyes rested upon the russet hues of last years bracken while all the while leaves are unfurling, the brambles are tentatively marking out their territory and ferns are still enchanting with their fossil like curls. So <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">much</span> is happening.<br /><br />I miss this forest feel. I spent so much time gazing at the dreamcatcher/medicine wheel like patterns to the log rings whilst my friend could not help noticing the runic symbols scattering the forest floor. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Newborough</span> Forest lies at the other side of the Island to me and I get the impression that large forests are not natural to the isle of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Anglesey</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Anglesey</span> is essentially a small island known for its farming history and 200 miles of magnificent coastline. I am blessed with miles of hedgerows, gorse and heather lined <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">fields</span> and coastal paths, wildflowers <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">and</span> alpines unique to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Anglesey</span> with unusual healing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">properties</span>.<br /><br />Having so much outdoor beauty to focus on I find that I have not been creating art or pieces of felt but instead have been occupied with creating willow domes, tending to my garden, going on long walks and getting inspired by foraging. I have been adding gorse flowers o my salads and have made the gorse flower cordial, which is delicious, and dyed wool in gorse. I have plans to flower pound gorse flowers through a stencil. I quite like the idea of making a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">CND</span> stencil to pound through, and later in the year if i am feeling more adventurous I think making stencils of peace symbols with a rainbow of different pounded flowers.<br /><br />Next, I think I will be making a study of heather. I am going to help my aunt and uncle create a heather thatch roof for their pagoda, I think I'll make a heather besom, some heather tea for my mam to use as offerings at her Buddhist Centre, some heather wine and of course use heather as a natural dye.<br /><br />I'll keep you posted with lots of pictures. Until then enjoy your spring and thanks for sticking with me during my silent unproductive months <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">xJ</span><br /></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-85701066021850957492011-03-29T03:44:00.001-07:002011-03-29T04:07:57.992-07:00Tunnel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfmhaRt9pFqES4M2D4LP28GFQxBCt_7yuq_aoG9fpn342VIM6oOgFkqX52wcSG9U_cTRXITar0akUWSJozCtBIpHLn7aUuhbVR-5ARjk8D8eLU6vsR87RoEjuvgwJmGk58CQRiKFs5qk/s1600/March+11+dslr+485.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfmhaRt9pFqES4M2D4LP28GFQxBCt_7yuq_aoG9fpn342VIM6oOgFkqX52wcSG9U_cTRXITar0akUWSJozCtBIpHLn7aUuhbVR-5ARjk8D8eLU6vsR87RoEjuvgwJmGk58CQRiKFs5qk/s400/March+11+dslr+485.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589451419111889058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3Q5jhStBxJGV0rzXe0hFjgEidkzIH9fqC1qhEXezohRf9ttCcwqHfPhJTsrC6R_Oh_KH-EwR8g19gIf6NjaP-I-oCvk6c9Wwlu-qTVFRfHDG-7gsesrZkcY0rIwHXDrQTx-Zg3MkzpQ/s1600/March+11+dslr+484.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3Q5jhStBxJGV0rzXe0hFjgEidkzIH9fqC1qhEXezohRf9ttCcwqHfPhJTsrC6R_Oh_KH-EwR8g19gIf6NjaP-I-oCvk6c9Wwlu-qTVFRfHDG-7gsesrZkcY0rIwHXDrQTx-Zg3MkzpQ/s400/March+11+dslr+484.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589451413832322018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GnpaUEsW7zTBB9TXHVElFoMYSiMqfb8Vfu_WR95Sa-nwwVd6hmJG3U-z2ZMAlobzLr8vsS0bjuQWzAstfPHQPayS7k_wSjBt9fmkcELaTg3TLkRuKZmmTbdcFVsEVCGM9VbcYvBaE64/s1600/March+11+dslr+481.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GnpaUEsW7zTBB9TXHVElFoMYSiMqfb8Vfu_WR95Sa-nwwVd6hmJG3U-z2ZMAlobzLr8vsS0bjuQWzAstfPHQPayS7k_wSjBt9fmkcELaTg3TLkRuKZmmTbdcFVsEVCGM9VbcYvBaE64/s400/March+11+dslr+481.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589451409567647938" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The dome has begun to green up a little and I have been planting out lots of bulbs seeds and seedlings around the entrance to the dome. I' ve even divided and taken cuttings from some of my herbs and flowers so when my little girl is playing in her dome she will be surrounded by colour and fragrance. A lot of the plants are good companion plants for a vegetable plot and some are culinary, sources of natural dye and healing too. There is sweet pea, sunflower ,enula, borage, cornflower, marigold, iris, sweet cicely, nasturgeons, daffodil, fennel, oxeye daisy and chocolate mint. Next I will have to hang the pirate bunting on the inside of the dome and the Jolly Roger flag to the wall behind the swing.<br /><br />I managed to squeeze in a little time to finish off the tunnel yesterday. I wanted to create a sensation like climbing down the rabbit hole when entering the tunnel for the willow dome. The tunnel is curved and taller at the entrance and considerably smaller at the point which it meets the dome.<br /></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-14361499957394335182011-03-24T13:31:00.000-07:002011-03-24T14:26:11.121-07:00Dunes & Texture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_OQlQ-C6T4b9mbTSC8JnbVbbNsmebCwmiXVHGgEg8lObcvuZPqPRE-wHjBnM9a1o-QIN-6R-z344zSmgc08krFhQoNXNEOFpw0C5Rx50NzvptGzSEO4XFdKPvBuJoBXnpFFihFVCt9U/s1600/March+11+dslr+095.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_OQlQ-C6T4b9mbTSC8JnbVbbNsmebCwmiXVHGgEg8lObcvuZPqPRE-wHjBnM9a1o-QIN-6R-z344zSmgc08krFhQoNXNEOFpw0C5Rx50NzvptGzSEO4XFdKPvBuJoBXnpFFihFVCt9U/s400/March+11+dslr+095.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587759086475910306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRTFjRMBPoucAfXXciL8HBkqN60qr0Gep0c94vsxQTRVVfD0KaO4dmqJ_R3DbeBaZSR4DjaaOBkaEMMrsug7YfLFR1b5M91WzRmVYTU8saF282y_jstLI88GX11HsMYgJQ4GeVEJ2zow/s1600/March+11+dslr+090.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRTFjRMBPoucAfXXciL8HBkqN60qr0Gep0c94vsxQTRVVfD0KaO4dmqJ_R3DbeBaZSR4DjaaOBkaEMMrsug7YfLFR1b5M91WzRmVYTU8saF282y_jstLI88GX11HsMYgJQ4GeVEJ2zow/s400/March+11+dslr+090.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587759075342017314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDIOf70hvc6kQedELMzWY4dB3SDueVAE4h_xj5LZsaiS9a6YwYOcsBonY300TPpt2Glx4dKl0pi7Z7TwSF78qzYLK8dNSnA-goTHqY3uVSpTgfpHGGVUz5XPwi72LeSwLHIqlV2yHISg/s1600/March+11+dslr+078.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDIOf70hvc6kQedELMzWY4dB3SDueVAE4h_xj5LZsaiS9a6YwYOcsBonY300TPpt2Glx4dKl0pi7Z7TwSF78qzYLK8dNSnA-goTHqY3uVSpTgfpHGGVUz5XPwi72LeSwLHIqlV2yHISg/s400/March+11+dslr+078.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587759070111709138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsJoA5eIBoTvD_XnsVCosCLptDNJqnpFj2WomGzmE9EDVkilrwd1rMsO4xYFOU1dClt3eMASBJgx2XoudauuZUdoCAp8oYo3QBr7-dkMqccb9JzuuafJIa6DTmNfl2VDyp5okaJ0QhmY/s1600/March+11+dslr+119.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsJoA5eIBoTvD_XnsVCosCLptDNJqnpFj2WomGzmE9EDVkilrwd1rMsO4xYFOU1dClt3eMASBJgx2XoudauuZUdoCAp8oYo3QBr7-dkMqccb9JzuuafJIa6DTmNfl2VDyp5okaJ0QhmY/s400/March+11+dslr+119.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587759061127005666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs1NQ5ZJBNl2A1-Pr2hLJZ41JmbERxS4tnr-5LUTAdliLWHMBkvqWBIaibDmmQVX6foVwKXdhyaaAYTdmiGbNL59F6hhwyTGHdIg9bqZoWyn0wC1gX-kiRrjXRvm5lRtc9JmSwZgqESQ/s1600/March+11+dslr+103.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifs1NQ5ZJBNl2A1-Pr2hLJZ41JmbERxS4tnr-5LUTAdliLWHMBkvqWBIaibDmmQVX6foVwKXdhyaaAYTdmiGbNL59F6hhwyTGHdIg9bqZoWyn0wC1gX-kiRrjXRvm5lRtc9JmSwZgqESQ/s400/March+11+dslr+103.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587748991845093138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13MEPT6xw44ZXGJNgFT012qV_xWWfJcHN3OrM9ScI7PloebhA9vILOyTQVSgw3RDPTvJ9ePGI7tIkEfnJISIoEKsLhPQTzSlJcf2_OFS5AgbVkp4qhocDGWaf1oG1Udb4BHU4ESk3U98/s1600/March+11+dslr+136.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13MEPT6xw44ZXGJNgFT012qV_xWWfJcHN3OrM9ScI7PloebhA9vILOyTQVSgw3RDPTvJ9ePGI7tIkEfnJISIoEKsLhPQTzSlJcf2_OFS5AgbVkp4qhocDGWaf1oG1Udb4BHU4ESk3U98/s400/March+11+dslr+136.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587748989202819090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvep03XngsErr4zG3Yp03F3PcdI1mi95z0Fpa3SGuK1TvY2lFBtTN0DryzVmHC9jUJ1d6TUHzWj84xMF18tjD6sRoMz79BNgkUe7zTIn9jYj3_SKkBrABUx_maqwMIpIOu5z7MV9c4hs/s1600/March+11+dslr+137.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvep03XngsErr4zG3Yp03F3PcdI1mi95z0Fpa3SGuK1TvY2lFBtTN0DryzVmHC9jUJ1d6TUHzWj84xMF18tjD6sRoMz79BNgkUe7zTIn9jYj3_SKkBrABUx_maqwMIpIOu5z7MV9c4hs/s400/March+11+dslr+137.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587748981646866338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uIt1LB401SNfLMIP2CM-UKwcwMPdRkd1vSBLaaadpEXR-Svpj2Apvu2Nx6F1WNK5wNZs_i3YI-At8BNUJXIh7IZpelYOYniE4exND72HGk59WAAfL5dht1b3z0-VsjC4Sc43NKBIf-0/s1600/March+11+dslr+055.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3uIt1LB401SNfLMIP2CM-UKwcwMPdRkd1vSBLaaadpEXR-Svpj2Apvu2Nx6F1WNK5wNZs_i3YI-At8BNUJXIh7IZpelYOYniE4exND72HGk59WAAfL5dht1b3z0-VsjC4Sc43NKBIf-0/s400/March+11+dslr+055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587748963717598450" border="0" /></a>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-80756207673155365952011-02-20T08:38:00.000-08:002011-02-20T09:22:20.612-08:00Getting Started<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIO0JX8KDAUSma_b0x1KpblNspOBc-D3IaCfjGVTpPWls8ofVgMg3q_cUtUG7C28kc5Zj1BAueJk7EwRIlXXRcG4Db2jILu-NjKEnx8ik8ylBBSK03EZ44p68DK1M8quycatVvwLfQ4p0/s1600/Jan+11+088.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIO0JX8KDAUSma_b0x1KpblNspOBc-D3IaCfjGVTpPWls8ofVgMg3q_cUtUG7C28kc5Zj1BAueJk7EwRIlXXRcG4Db2jILu-NjKEnx8ik8ylBBSK03EZ44p68DK1M8quycatVvwLfQ4p0/s400/Jan+11+088.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575817122574075922" border="0" /></a>I've been spending a lot of time outdoors this year. Taking long walks, collecting <a href="http://www.nmessences.com/essences/gorse.html">gorse</a> flowers for the dye pot and for culinary uses. I've found recipes for <a href="http://www.eatweeds.co.uk/gorse-flower-cordial-recipe">gorse flower cordial </a>and for using the flowers in salads but so far the call of the dye pot has been strongest. The gorse gives the wool a lovely buttery hue but I do have a feeling that I may achieve a vibrant ochre if I use a higher ratio of flowers and less water. I'll have a play about and show you the results when I have done some more dye pots.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhBo1717uie2zS4rrfg9_XVoEZ-NLdNXf2IssKTuah1oFqdigBKTGHaBcKF5Hd0gvvDrGTs6PX7Sr7UpbV1vhdC-7zDnPnbHcJz52KvMN_nGwSmEjNaim7to7Zew3TiizYDIIok5eFO5g/s1600/Jan+11+088.jpg"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPs4OleQap1v480dsRV5e-vTM4U62YI47_4JoX2EMKzqIoCUxYeQRtZubakkqTxrWPdSc2EaZAfxsdnhEXA3Rb3V9aauyny76pOhzfXjZUY_kIPPy6-Jbu6XE8IHNU583yzIHsW1HZWc/s1600/Feb+11+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPs4OleQap1v480dsRV5e-vTM4U62YI47_4JoX2EMKzqIoCUxYeQRtZubakkqTxrWPdSc2EaZAfxsdnhEXA3Rb3V9aauyny76pOhzfXjZUY_kIPPy6-Jbu6XE8IHNU583yzIHsW1HZWc/s320/Feb+11+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575813241173040130" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Today we started the willow dome that we are building for Naomi. Naomi helped out marking the size and shape out with finger paints.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOrDP1YRYV43BWJvOdQu1sWKQIGfBAuCiTEptLs9kGoWM_b2rHOX0zRwM8wQ31W82OfVBIzwOqANivXa2PL_Iv3dAfdkYh3szgqjPLGCY83_rhbjf5YfmJd2n7RxBbWV5-XXnMkHkcas/s1600/Feb+11+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOrDP1YRYV43BWJvOdQu1sWKQIGfBAuCiTEptLs9kGoWM_b2rHOX0zRwM8wQ31W82OfVBIzwOqANivXa2PL_Iv3dAfdkYh3szgqjPLGCY83_rhbjf5YfmJd2n7RxBbWV5-XXnMkHkcas/s320/Feb+11+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575813833384385250" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The living willow structure is at the bottom of the garden at the end of the path. The plan is that she will have to crawl through a tunnel to get to the door. Then she can enter the dome and exit by a back door that leads to the swing. She likes her secret areas of the garden best :~)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuw4hAcfx7oG32HcuCrVs4rR-IP4A1Fcer396NIbyjLf3smu74-6cWNjNHBvyOaPnFq6-UnQZc4TLKifsUbwNYWjc-0gYN5KaCwllCjppvId-CmHldv_Tha96w4piQL4x44YKscuvTyU/s1600/Feb+11+006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuw4hAcfx7oG32HcuCrVs4rR-IP4A1Fcer396NIbyjLf3smu74-6cWNjNHBvyOaPnFq6-UnQZc4TLKifsUbwNYWjc-0gYN5KaCwllCjppvId-CmHldv_Tha96w4piQL4x44YKscuvTyU/s320/Feb+11+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575813828913088370" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Here is a picture of the dome half done. I have made the basic structure, added 2 doors and one window. Tomorrow, I will make the tunnel; leading up to the door, strengthen the roof and weave around the base. When its all finished we will line the base with bark chippings and eventually plant runner beans, nasturtions and marigolds around the dome to brighten it up.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwvmuyKgrN3iukfBXwV6PF0D3V42uomwSuuM72JZbn44HRnWL4JKDZUAM5mwNzs3BcpKydicaK2yqBVlE6q_PDk9ubuVV5bBYhoBam605ZcQ2r84MalRFvgg0yegl3fG-lWym0wO_ZBQ/s1600/Feb+11+007.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwvmuyKgrN3iukfBXwV6PF0D3V42uomwSuuM72JZbn44HRnWL4JKDZUAM5mwNzs3BcpKydicaK2yqBVlE6q_PDk9ubuVV5bBYhoBam605ZcQ2r84MalRFvgg0yegl3fG-lWym0wO_ZBQ/s320/Feb+11+007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575813837128483122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKpM1jAoJJwTQdAZtWHiGsnFiWMt41FozWfOTZV3u1ERC_U3CNbUek0lm-t5guNf1C9phD9V2jNQWhH9GKyKWfKhIC_qSoFPWAdnR0S1lMy1hKSwHBuFT_xMJm19PqZzGALws2EnurgI/s1600/Jan+11+061.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Last month I planted lots of willow cuttings. Its nice to see that they have settled in and are sprouting nicely :)<br /></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-22984532926581291662011-01-23T08:02:00.000-08:002011-01-23T08:20:54.867-08:00Stepping Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5Yb77aVHnjC36BEK2d2GsMFN052VAFDM3A8C4BXU84NhCQ6g57VFfFRkFwzgwy1KVF_OJy3Kk_6s4f4Vug2t-FHgtox2TS_1BmDBkkD3AkjWzyRvo6UQhYQda4WM23zCup3rZJ67xdA/s1600/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5Yb77aVHnjC36BEK2d2GsMFN052VAFDM3A8C4BXU84NhCQ6g57VFfFRkFwzgwy1KVF_OJy3Kk_6s4f4Vug2t-FHgtox2TS_1BmDBkkD3AkjWzyRvo6UQhYQda4WM23zCup3rZJ67xdA/s400/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565416077580055762" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhhvk0lAesVVar_y-ymj4HZPdyNXzQKGLCnNX-wzQ1oP1WBvBOe0ZFHDRyNr2V_m28MXvJl-Ex-aO3RrFiITFwt8GNbba-vvbeXJKKIQ34ppehOZ1-b8mFEy9TAfhV2qzO553yr8GzYA/s1600/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+012.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhhvk0lAesVVar_y-ymj4HZPdyNXzQKGLCnNX-wzQ1oP1WBvBOe0ZFHDRyNr2V_m28MXvJl-Ex-aO3RrFiITFwt8GNbba-vvbeXJKKIQ34ppehOZ1-b8mFEy9TAfhV2qzO553yr8GzYA/s400/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565414304831988450" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfw-Y7TSp6rS2AajHGpLmdwokxNDmPmpf4Uqi1qP7aAVtemitvB-ozZXQM84eSLc-Eo_1qwVxc3NRc8HluHUxv2NVXjtXhIUublnK9lwa6J1eNnWvi9idFJh1VX1eQ-VBq8k7XFscGpP4/s1600/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+045.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfw-Y7TSp6rS2AajHGpLmdwokxNDmPmpf4Uqi1qP7aAVtemitvB-ozZXQM84eSLc-Eo_1qwVxc3NRc8HluHUxv2NVXjtXhIUublnK9lwa6J1eNnWvi9idFJh1VX1eQ-VBq8k7XFscGpP4/s400/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565416066994743426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazQV6Yj5YgjMZ0AFNwj8C2mi-BgnS6iy5zkzmgaGLSAZ0ECXymfq4WurzJe-rOOY96w73TqfUW5f3NqrkWsh_4MbDX4ZhblThFB__EL9ZSu2vKNOKP6PY6VmO44puUFBmSLomSWsqix0/s1600/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+018.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazQV6Yj5YgjMZ0AFNwj8C2mi-BgnS6iy5zkzmgaGLSAZ0ECXymfq4WurzJe-rOOY96w73TqfUW5f3NqrkWsh_4MbDX4ZhblThFB__EL9ZSu2vKNOKP6PY6VmO44puUFBmSLomSWsqix0/s400/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565414296541210978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZP-d1NiGXXlFuVwGgBu79hM7uqIMHsXHNJZ6raM0fUfCb71BBUlkUG-aJvKqRn92YydMnxagAv5IJo5sxk_o05vNgll_K_HwhtMOfxKK6nvmFEclN4W_x6-OiMQoKtLLLMuqItJmZW6g/s1600/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+025.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZP-d1NiGXXlFuVwGgBu79hM7uqIMHsXHNJZ6raM0fUfCb71BBUlkUG-aJvKqRn92YydMnxagAv5IJo5sxk_o05vNgll_K_HwhtMOfxKK6nvmFEclN4W_x6-OiMQoKtLLLMuqItJmZW6g/s400/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565414306350912322" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8Il5Fb8l6_X04YfTayWQZLlNMZdfqBn70JwCZkcxkDptoYmFQ8RbM70U6Q6TdauOe6wsv6jXs21Kvn5JGdT4NsgxtMPKDADgS-6RUI_9EatwLoE6SfpMLc-5TrTrSDhQ84lTpM5rQd0/s1600/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+061.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8Il5Fb8l6_X04YfTayWQZLlNMZdfqBn70JwCZkcxkDptoYmFQ8RbM70U6Q6TdauOe6wsv6jXs21Kvn5JGdT4NsgxtMPKDADgS-6RUI_9EatwLoE6SfpMLc-5TrTrSDhQ84lTpM5rQd0/s400/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+061.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565416065919741826" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeu0hLRMe2uEAiBn0osD36jjLike8Pk7d3JaoaNg9YSqrTybRDWxT29FupbLyvw5KuXlNmCz_u0GMwAt7Jgf6pXnNSIJz6skA5yPM_yQsP5W3og8rNnjTK9fWc5URIR9lKULrj_QPg3c/s1600/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+076.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeu0hLRMe2uEAiBn0osD36jjLike8Pk7d3JaoaNg9YSqrTybRDWxT29FupbLyvw5KuXlNmCz_u0GMwAt7Jgf6pXnNSIJz6skA5yPM_yQsP5W3og8rNnjTK9fWc5URIR9lKULrj_QPg3c/s400/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+076.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565414318938483106" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82ixTYRAVsAiFREi0SLUSJBtBgz_sM8UXYmYGj8xUG3DPrLpiM7j9Aeik8XF9OLDnwABJQQrGu9rTA_6ulzsS5legrm_6bqvxAUE62ktzpFBB84cHsPtU-mF9V4V4Ekf3LnBnuT2Jjxw/s1600/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+087.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82ixTYRAVsAiFREi0SLUSJBtBgz_sM8UXYmYGj8xUG3DPrLpiM7j9Aeik8XF9OLDnwABJQQrGu9rTA_6ulzsS5legrm_6bqvxAUE62ktzpFBB84cHsPtU-mF9V4V4Ekf3LnBnuT2Jjxw/s400/Parys+Mountain+Jan+11+087.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565414314241686178" border="0" /></a>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-7451794316132111062011-01-09T04:08:00.000-08:002011-01-10T08:36:11.591-08:00Dreaming Tree Shapes<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4T1P5gMsII8?fs=1" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Hosting the January edition of <a href="http://natureswhispers.blogspot.com/2010/12/festival-of-trees-2011-international.html">Festival of the Trees</a> has been so inspiring for me. Reading through so many blog posts of science, environment, word play and arts has awoken something that has been sleeping inside of me for so long.<br /><br />One of the submissions to the <a href="http://festivalofthetrees.wordpress.com/">Festival of the Trees</a> was a collaborative project in which a Willow yurt was constructed and felted with raw fleece during a festival and the summer solstice. The yurt has caught my imagination so vividly. I have been pricing willow for planting in my garden, researching willow structures and daydreaming all kinds of magic for the making. Did you know that willow can be at full height within 4 years and that a 3"x3" area planted with Willow will produce enough fire wood for one household for an entire year? Such a great way to nurture the environment, wildlife, and self sustainability ideologies as well as creating materials for crafting and play. I do however have to remember to stay grounded and centre myself. When I see video clips of elven style structures as the one above my imagination runs wild. The possibilities!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.curbly.com/uploads/photos/0000/0003/1168/garden_large.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 407px;" src="http://www.curbly.com/uploads/photos/0000/0003/1168/garden_large.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Living, breathing, art! For more tree candy visit the Grand Master Tree Shapers of <a href="http://pooktre.com/">Pooktre</a>. You won't be disappointed.<br /><br />Trees refresh the soul, clean the air we breath, inspire, calm, nurture. They shelter, feed, warm, heal, give colour, and provide hours, days, lifetimes of pleasure.<br /></div><br />What would we do without them?<br /></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-73025583054338604992011-01-08T08:33:00.001-08:002011-01-08T11:42:46.656-08:00Wrapt Trees<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizhrj7DkHS5_fLWj0D4J-SVR8SThcCQjOWTOW-msr_d_PRbeyOmAQ5sEeByUeQNX4_1bR7ptc8VSN7F62HRT29M9iHBayYqzVlC65gtn-30-GmzWFKkzDCvlW00YdN3NBX9VrTEwYRi8/s1600/Dec+10+-+jan+11+038.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizhrj7DkHS5_fLWj0D4J-SVR8SThcCQjOWTOW-msr_d_PRbeyOmAQ5sEeByUeQNX4_1bR7ptc8VSN7F62HRT29M9iHBayYqzVlC65gtn-30-GmzWFKkzDCvlW00YdN3NBX9VrTEwYRi8/s320/Dec+10+-+jan+11+038.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559856481662535362" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KbjYIekI3VB3sspEV2VmtAzsqB6Eul49az8GlnEg7-TYRBXP-I0nMphPB-zQdbDI9GIxanuCaLb2gim7oaeOdxHZGFu79MMr9lpoZXC8nPc1naEogdKHAEapNb8oactm9aKC-_NTubQ/s1600/Dec+10+-+jan+11+012.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KbjYIekI3VB3sspEV2VmtAzsqB6Eul49az8GlnEg7-TYRBXP-I0nMphPB-zQdbDI9GIxanuCaLb2gim7oaeOdxHZGFu79MMr9lpoZXC8nPc1naEogdKHAEapNb8oactm9aKC-_NTubQ/s200/Dec+10+-+jan+11+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559854826793413122" border="0" /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJxIOHKWYKIg148W1rSFW3ptjjslSAbFh7Q6cXQYfecMXSSQNR-nBSA9p2FwsVyQTVM12s02W_llteVhy9OmSMJ1z3A0XevjuYv0EyWvkj8-yk2AEXoISgctl3ZcroPAPX3kF01sQ-38/s1600/Dec+10+-+jan+11+040.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJxIOHKWYKIg148W1rSFW3ptjjslSAbFh7Q6cXQYfecMXSSQNR-nBSA9p2FwsVyQTVM12s02W_llteVhy9OmSMJ1z3A0XevjuYv0EyWvkj8-yk2AEXoISgctl3ZcroPAPX3kF01sQ-38/s200/Dec+10+-+jan+11+040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559859640282112546" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwA8SXSHlHGQoUwb-HGdSUhQyIA-qB6UwV0DLuDv4X9LtCaQe7kFPV5WhyphenhypheniEtmYldp34DBYpIm6ySIqJEQfIuVLX1r6YhBiKyDKVhMtyCPwjZ0OxyqtomBROjTzNoU-Sp9XwkB6YZsjns/s1600/Dec+10+-+jan+11+041.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwA8SXSHlHGQoUwb-HGdSUhQyIA-qB6UwV0DLuDv4X9LtCaQe7kFPV5WhyphenhypheniEtmYldp34DBYpIm6ySIqJEQfIuVLX1r6YhBiKyDKVhMtyCPwjZ0OxyqtomBROjTzNoU-Sp9XwkB6YZsjns/s200/Dec+10+-+jan+11+041.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559855954840957426" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fywP4qrMapVBqulXYBwRxxL7wyQMy0FeDmOPw5bhSMJLBzwv4ThuBrshwyDkALWcUZ0HWKjVBpqXW0fwH1ZtBU2n7ln0zJuBlq1QupKLJwxCuUxh5zVsDhg5R6tkVwxqENQi5aElsVk/s1600/Dec+10+-+jan+11+028.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fywP4qrMapVBqulXYBwRxxL7wyQMy0FeDmOPw5bhSMJLBzwv4ThuBrshwyDkALWcUZ0HWKjVBpqXW0fwH1ZtBU2n7ln0zJuBlq1QupKLJwxCuUxh5zVsDhg5R6tkVwxqENQi5aElsVk/s200/Dec+10+-+jan+11+028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559854830567047362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Continuing with the Theme of United Nations <a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/iyof2011/">International Year of the Forests</a> and feeling very inspired by the posts contributed to the <a href="http://natureswhispers.blogspot.com/2010/12/festival-of-trees-2011-international.html">January edition of Festival of the Trees,</a> I have decided to wrap some of the trees in my back garden and let nature and time work their magic. This type of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">eco</span></span> art is a game of patience. I have been very inspired by <a href="http://ateliercolore.web-log.nl/ateliercolore/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Martine's</span></span> </a>collaborative <a href="http://wraptrees.blogspot.com/">project</a> and just had to give it a try.<br /><br />Above, you can see a Sycamore wrapped in an old cotton sheet. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mordanted</span></span> the sheet and wrapped the tree in it while it was still wet.<br /><br />This Sycamore seemed a natural choice of tree to wrap. When I met this tree was tightly bound with ivy. I cut the ivy down, revealing deep grooves and notches where the ivy had constricted around the trunk. This species grows so quickly you can see the mischief that a simple washing line had caused this tree. I have hopes of interesting patterns and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">eco</span></span> prints emerging from this wrap. Under some of the layers I placed leaves from what I think may be a Rhododendron at the bottom of the garden.<br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgDMJDdzTOB5XDZszqkJe9ZkXnlz2PyWSMDUCoiVgcYYUCHevk39lKXG68DnDMMMBBCDQPWSVJsmMZR2lEx_b0gKrMIU6KK_yDKSq4AGuQzQ-MQrZ_9AX05ruSnM-Yy5NIzXwpFjk79M/s1600/Dec+10+-+jan+11+048.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgDMJDdzTOB5XDZszqkJe9ZkXnlz2PyWSMDUCoiVgcYYUCHevk39lKXG68DnDMMMBBCDQPWSVJsmMZR2lEx_b0gKrMIU6KK_yDKSq4AGuQzQ-MQrZ_9AX05ruSnM-Yy5NIzXwpFjk79M/s200/Dec+10+-+jan+11+048.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559855938716798626" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs9U-l7n_bxyZ0odgiURHonU-4rMETmKrZOixx0YGLY5AyW2Q9qVgUOr0mnleuxWvMM56QRLfIcRVKy1lxjuFLHlhw270QPSoGIBcOHekil9Gv5Nv4E9PJSV4oDeEAZZ6GvK4mp6N_Oo/s1600/Dec+10+-+jan+11+044.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs9U-l7n_bxyZ0odgiURHonU-4rMETmKrZOixx0YGLY5AyW2Q9qVgUOr0mnleuxWvMM56QRLfIcRVKy1lxjuFLHlhw270QPSoGIBcOHekil9Gv5Nv4E9PJSV4oDeEAZZ6GvK4mp6N_Oo/s200/Dec+10+-+jan+11+044.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559855947028026370" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I also wrapped two Holly trees that are growing out of the dry stone wall at the edge of my veg patch. When I first moved here we also removed ivy that had wound like rope as thick as your arm all the way up the tree and the crown was being suffocated. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Despite</span> our efforts there is evidence that the ivy is taking a hold once more. I have wrapped some of the Holly and the Ivy between the layers of the cotton on these trees. Holly is very sappy and I expect that the wrappers will be explored by many insects. Who knows what patterns or colouration will be born from these trees.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZXatYOzJn-yzsEEsg18vFKg6h_alyR5gBkjFyQY4FWRJqE6qXJEY3CDVFoAWc4zucpBtVRo1ovPKEIjsIUWI1AenjgjlEOZrJnnDCAlajk9t0wXSQ6YxoBD3KQUg8AB3orCMuX92jUc/s1600/Dec+10+-+jan+11+047.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZXatYOzJn-yzsEEsg18vFKg6h_alyR5gBkjFyQY4FWRJqE6qXJEY3CDVFoAWc4zucpBtVRo1ovPKEIjsIUWI1AenjgjlEOZrJnnDCAlajk9t0wXSQ6YxoBD3KQUg8AB3orCMuX92jUc/s200/Dec+10+-+jan+11+047.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559855940605777954" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Lastly, I wrapped an Elder covered in moss and Lichens.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8u46T6ewoSBMVRO9JYZwEcGAap4UYLbFgUD5ODnvzj-qgHks1hRlc7NyJxeWYQZQM5dG2JiXqU1TWGPRVr_ZhK6al6BkHCkmg9bP1lZZ_WMjewVnkVQS7WEu0rL7udmsdXnqgmT0PoQ/s1600/Dec+10+-+jan+11+051.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8u46T6ewoSBMVRO9JYZwEcGAap4UYLbFgUD5ODnvzj-qgHks1hRlc7NyJxeWYQZQM5dG2JiXqU1TWGPRVr_ZhK6al6BkHCkmg9bP1lZZ_WMjewVnkVQS7WEu0rL7udmsdXnqgmT0PoQ/s200/Dec+10+-+jan+11+051.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559854834790367138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It will be interesting to see how the passing seasons will decorate these cottons. Will they weave as much intrigue and character into my cotton as she did to the bark of the trees? I wonder what the different species will offer?<br /><br /><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Patience!</span><br /></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-16408393019762894592011-01-08T08:00:00.000-08:002011-01-08T08:40:51.836-08:00Festival of the Trees 55 - 2011 UN International Year of Forests<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs350.ash2/63070_1303338482498_1801580651_586660_3007246_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 540px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs350.ash2/63070_1303338482498_1801580651_586660_3007246_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Yule, the Oak King gives way to the young Holly King</span></span> <span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />Used with the kind permission of artist <a href="http://www.sacredcircles.co.uk/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cherrie</span></span> Button</a></span></span><br /></div><br />Welcome to <a href="http://festivalofthetrees.wordpress.com/">Festival of the Trees</a> 55 and to 2011, The United Nations <a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/iyof2011/">International Year of Forest</a>s. It is exciting to know that all over the world increased energies will be channelled into creating, maintaining and celebrating forests. Awareness will be raised on behalf of our forests and young and old alike will have love kindled and warm memories forged.<br /><br />The forests need our help every bit as much as the earth needs our forests. With global economic collapse, recession and changes in political power, charities, humanitarian projects, wildlife and forests are under threat. In the United Kingdom, the Conservative Party plan on selling <span style="font-weight: bold;">ALL</span> of our ancient forests. Once they are gone, they cannot be redeemed. In order to carry out these environmentally unpopular sales, the government is rewriting laws written in <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/government-plans-huge-selloff-of-britains-forests-2115631.html">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Magna</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Carta</span></span></a> that have protected woodlands and ancient forests since 1215.<br /><br />The forests, beauty spots and wildlife of this shared earth belong to us all and we have the shared right to take an interest in the environmental impact such atrocious action will have on our trees, wildlife and planet whether you live in the UK or not. I ask you <span style="font-weight: bold;">all</span> to show support by signing an online <a href="http://www.38degrees.org.uk/page/content/save-our-forests-campaign">petition</a> opposing the sale of Britain's ancient forests for once they have been sold they cannot be restored. I ask you all to raise awareness on your blogs websites, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">facebook</span></span> and twitter pages of the threat to Britain's ancient woodlands and/or other woodlands across the globe that are in need of immediate help. <a href="http://www.handsoffourforest.org/information.html">Hands off</a> our <a href="http://www.handsoffourforest.org/">Forests!</a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.treeblog.co.uk/viewpost.php?id=380"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 281px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5169/5238594052_66564c3be0_d.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Snow beautiful (part one) by Ash of</span><a style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.treeblog.co.uk/viewpost.php?id=380"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Treeblog</span></span></a><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;">But this is not the first political, or natural threat to our forests. <a href="http://stellapierides.com/blog/international-year-of-forests">Stella</a> reminds us of the fires of Athens of 2009 bringing back clear memories of the national outrage of the destruction of Greek heritage in the name of development. The fires of Athens brought about such high feeling both within and outside of Greece that new <a href="http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_100004_27/10/2009_111915">legislation</a> was proposed to on 27 October 2009. This legislation would suspend all construction activity on burned forestland in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attica" title="Attica">Attica</a> and other parts of Greece until authorities draw up comprehensive forest maps.<br /><br />Nature has always had setbacks and hurdles to tackle yet we need only to look to the desert to see the remarkable resilience and ability to cope in even the most water starved of locations. Deserts and Beyond show the aftermath of the recent <a href="http://desertsandbeyond.blogspot.com/2010/12/palm-oases-firethats-my-world-122010.html">Desert Palm Oasis fire</a>. <span style="font-size:100%;"> <a href="http://desertswest.blogspot.com/2010/11/treesabc-wednesday-120110.html">Desert South West</a> shows us the beauty of desert trees and Barb teaches us about the art of <a href="http://my-magic-camera-ride.blogspot.com/2010/12/xeriscaping.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Xeriscaping</span></span></a> and the wonder of the Smoke Tree.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.vianegativa.us/2010/12/a-year-for-forests/">Via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Negativa</span></span></a> reminds us that </span>'It’s easy to get depressed and forget that whatever happens, however stark a desert we make, it will still be beautiful.'<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFY0DTVND_YwqsqG65sSh-BPG_kxg0BxytiJMdnWrGmQuuDLzYd66byuURPqG3I_EQ55hVN0PiW2rfifcWEJdxalG3QFkKHiKnh_NCt_sEaNDWKUVvniyAWN9myzqn0G5dQCXeafIG-E/s1600/silverlodge.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFY0DTVND_YwqsqG65sSh-BPG_kxg0BxytiJMdnWrGmQuuDLzYd66byuURPqG3I_EQ55hVN0PiW2rfifcWEJdxalG3QFkKHiKnh_NCt_sEaNDWKUVvniyAWN9myzqn0G5dQCXeafIG-E/s320/silverlodge.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558102387862706690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://silverlodge-gems.blogspot.com/2011/01/festival-of-trees.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Glenveagh</span></span> </a>National Park in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Donegal by <a href="http://silverlodge-gems.blogspot.com/2011/01/festival-of-trees.html">Silverlodg Gems</a><br /></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><a href="http://blog.growingwithscience.com/2010/04/arbor-day-musings/">Growing with Science </a>tells how some losses wound us more deeply than others whilst remaining optimistic and sharing her knowledge of how to plant a <a href="http://blog.growingwithscience.com/2010/12/seed-of-the-week-pecan/">Pecan</a> from seed. Vicky shares <a href="http://tgaw.wordpress.com/2010/12/06/a-lesson-from-the-american-chestnut/">Lessons from Nature</a>, the deep involvement and persistence needed to save a species of tree and exactly why love of nature takes its honoured place in her <a href="http://tgaw.wordpress.com/2010/11/22/wedding-american-chestnut/">wedding celebrations</a>. Long may your American Chestnut thrive!<br /><br /><a href="http://anybodyseenmyfocus.blogspot.com/2010/12/snow-in-field.html">Anybody Seen My Focus</a> shows us beautiful images of snow in the field. <a href="http://oxyengrowsontrees.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-first-millson-forest.html">Oxygen Grows on Trees</a> invites us to monitor the progress of the 11 year old Forest that he planted back in 1999. Robert Barnes shows us his contribution to the<a href="http://www.americanforest.org/resources/xbigtrees/register.php?details=3639"> National Register of Big Trees</a>. Notes from Sun Rising share experiences of <a href="http://sunrisingburialground.co.uk/blog/2010/12/17/tree-planting-in-snow/">Tree Planting in the Snow</a> and reminds us of the wildlife that lives around trees in <a href="http://sunrisingburialground.co.uk/blog/2010/12/05/trees-and-tracks/">Trees and Tracks</a>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Valerianna</span></span> enchants us with the magical tracks she encounters on <a href="http://ravenwoodforest.blogspot.com/2010/12/winter-walk.html">a Winter Walk</a>, and <a href="http://ravenwoodforest.blogspot.com/2010/12/santa-shamans-solstice-circle.html">Stories in the Snow</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://dendroica.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-trees-and-environment.html">A DC Birding Blog</a> considers the debate of a real <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Christmas</span> tree and the benefits to the environment. Jules shares pictures of her <a href="http://adventuresinthread.blogspot.com/2010/12/festival-of-trees.html">favourite trees</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTP3D2XuzngPQEwHyImN7jV93N91tbLgTXtco76qabOk23lXlAdBDR6ZnMCpO93jbBY-vi0OJeKqGSsMnX5Pw9vJmXmoYU6MvVGNMgy6s_JTIsw-iMI3h2a9um7WMtb6fbLmv7trmb4YU/s400/DSC_4972.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTP3D2XuzngPQEwHyImN7jV93N91tbLgTXtco76qabOk23lXlAdBDR6ZnMCpO93jbBY-vi0OJeKqGSsMnX5Pw9vJmXmoYU6MvVGNMgy6s_JTIsw-iMI3h2a9um7WMtb6fbLmv7trmb4YU/s400/DSC_4972.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>For the children and young at heart we have Oak Leaf Ice Flags from <a href="http://inannashamaya.blogspot.com/2010/12/merry-christmas-and-happy-new-year.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Inanna</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Shamaya</span></span></a> and Oak Leaf Mobile's by <a href="http://www.marghanita.com/oak-leaf-mobile-outdoor-christmas-fun-for-kids/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Marghanita</span></span></a>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Raph</span></span> enthralls with the adventures of <a href="http://raphs-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/12/which-way-neckst.html">Giraffes</a> in <a href="http://raphs-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/12/lost-and-safe-in-tree.html">Trees</a> and <a href="http://gaiamoon.blogspot.com/2010/12/bos-herbalenchantment-grimoire-drawing.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Gaiamoon</span></span></a> teaches how to draw power from Trees. Lucky Dip Lisa delights us by making <a href="http://lisasarsfield.blogspot.com/2011/01/walkn-under-trees-in-cool-summer-breeze.html">gifts of nature</a> from natures gifts and generously shares her New Years <a href="http://lisasarsfield.blogspot.com/2010/12/festival-of-trees.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Treesolutions</span></span></a>.<br /></div></div><br />Trees, textiles and art feature strongly in my New Years Resolutions. I draw so much inspiration from Mother Nature and the mediums she offers. In 2011 I intend plant and tend trees, explore natural dyes from bark, bloom, fruit, leaf, root and twig of tree. I would like to spend more time <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/WildFoodUK">Wild Food Foraging</a>. Making, jams, chutney's, wine s and cordials from the fruits and berries of trees. In doing so I wish to observe, to learn from the hedgerows and wildlife across the seasons learning how best to honour the birds, trees and natural wonders that I see. I would like to teach my little girl the names of as many trees and techniques of natural crafts as she has the patience for. I endeavour to know the magnificent trees of my new home, partake in the <a href="http://www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk/ancienttrees/">Ancient Tree Hunt,</a> learn the identifying hallmarks of ancient trees and register as many trees for protection as possible.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQ4MNAiFYoaXITS5TdY6AiCxViKUguPd4bCmv4h6LjB-cnjI68OmDC1xe1VEs8lv4j2N4FVAT2uKjwo9v2MG2_0AMURaYSUr1MlRbS71_xGkjZQdzU1tU2_nSnNwnl2y2k1YoIc-GljOv/s400/thedreamofthehare2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQ4MNAiFYoaXITS5TdY6AiCxViKUguPd4bCmv4h6LjB-cnjI68OmDC1xe1VEs8lv4j2N4FVAT2uKjwo9v2MG2_0AMURaYSUr1MlRbS71_xGkjZQdzU1tU2_nSnNwnl2y2k1YoIc-GljOv/s400/thedreamofthehare2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Tree Spirit by</span></span> <a href="http://thefabricofmeditation.blogspot.com/2010/12/tree-spirit-baumgeist-lesprit-de-larbre.html"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Sara <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Lechner</span></span></span></span></a><br /><br /></div><br />With this in mind you can see how enthralled I have been with the inspiring posts presented in this edition of the Festival of The Trees. We are blessed with more offerings of beautiful textile collages from <a href="http://caterinagiglio.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010-journal.html">La <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Dolce</span></span> Vita</a>, perfection from <a href="http://kaylacoo.blogspot.com/">Kayla Koo</a>, Knowledge from <a href="http://growingcolour.blogspot.com/2010/12/creating-colour-to-combat-chrsitmas.html">Growing Colour <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Tyfu</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Lliw</span></span></a>, we learn the art of patience from <a href="http://wraptrees.blogspot.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Wrapt</span></span> Trees</a>, Dorie says Thanks to her <a href="http://dovadi.web-log.nl/fiberfusing/2010/08/thks.html">Whispering Willow</a> and we are offered a delightful Peace Angel Cloth by <a href="http://art4moi.blogspot.com/2010/12/embrace-new-year.html">Art4Moi</a>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Below you can see a yurt felted over a frame of willow shoots. during the <a href="http://www.salixslinger.nl/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Salixsli</span></span></a><a href="http://www.salixslinger.nl/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">nger</span></span></a> festival. There was a wood fire stove inside, you can see the chimney sticking through the roof. The yurt holds enough room to sit about 20 people. <span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Ludy</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Feyen</span></span>, </span><span>Petra v/d <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Bergi</span></span> and friends made the yurt during a three day show which was performed during the midsummer solstice</span>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1211.snc4/156383_118590694874729_100001713980928_126863_6009881_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 358px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1211.snc4/156383_118590694874729_100001713980928_126863_6009881_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Greenwhisper</span></span> gives <a href="http://greenwhisper-ing.blogspot.com/2010/12/trees.html">Trees</a> and words of inspiration. The talented <a href="http://zainaanwar.blogspot.com/2010/12/poem-fragment-vi-symptomatic-of.html">Indigenous Dialogues</a> writes of Freezing Nights and and <a href="http://zainaanwar.blogspot.com/2010/11/poem-indifference.html">Indifference.</a> Moving Poems shares <a href="http://movingpoems.com/2010/12/an-elm-we-lost-by-marvin-bell/">An Elm we Lost by Marvin Bell</a>. <a href="http://irishgumbo.blogspot.com/2010/12/winter-poetry-slam-patuxent-river_23.html">Irish Gumbo </a>shares haiku and thoughts of <a href="http://irishgumbo.blogspot.com/2010/12/every-light-my-love.html">yuletide love</a>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OmzR7y0XcxckphuCXpt81rP9ev-pKXEvENiS1kB8uZtevHjyVEZ2TnCSQYOcc0GOhuOgE7qLRv5kIKZNZR7cNrV0SEfRWj9Pu-mB3yg-xXqKhDw2IJJLNL8rCcdCC8ZB4nPSJoTSaUPT/s320/felted+bird+nest+k.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OmzR7y0XcxckphuCXpt81rP9ev-pKXEvENiS1kB8uZtevHjyVEZ2TnCSQYOcc0GOhuOgE7qLRv5kIKZNZR7cNrV0SEfRWj9Pu-mB3yg-xXqKhDw2IJJLNL8rCcdCC8ZB4nPSJoTSaUPT/s320/felted+bird+nest+k.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Finally I leave you with a magical felted bird box crafted by <a href="http://cornit-felt.blogspot.com/2010/11/hanging-felt-vessel.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">CorNit</span></span></a>. I love this bird box because it is felted, because it is beautiful, because it is functional and designed with nature in mind and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">because</span> it reminds me of the playful innocence of Edward <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Lear's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">'The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Quangle</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Wangle's</span> Hat' and the parallels to a tree canopy and the life it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">emanates</span>. Thank you all for your wonderful submissions, for sharing your love, knowledge and talent with us. May 2011 be good to you all and kind to our forests!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />On the top of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Crumpetty</span></span> Tree<br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Quangle</span></span> Wangle sat,<br />But his face you could not see,<br />On account of his Beaver Hat.<br />For his hat was a hundred and two feet wide,<br />With ribbons and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">bibbons</span></span> on every side<br />And bells, and buttons, and loops, and lace,<br />So that nobody ever could see the face<br />Of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Quangle</span></span> Wangle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Quee</span></span>.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Quangle</span></span> Wangle said<br />To himself on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Crumpetty</span></span> Tree,--<br />'Jam; and jelly; and bread;<br />'Are the best food for me!<br />'But the longer I live on this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Crumpetty</span></span> Tree<br />'The plainer that ever it seems to me<br />'That very few people come this way<br />'And that life on the whole is far from gay!'<br />Said the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Quangle</span></span> Wangle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Quee</span></span>.<br /><br />But there came to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Crumpetty</span></span> Tree,<br />Mr. and Mrs. Canary;<br />And they said, -- 'Did you ever see<br />'Any spot so charmingly airy?<br />'May we build a nest on your lovely Hat?<br />Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Quangle</span></span> Wangle, grant us that!<br />'O please let us come and build a nest<br />'Of whatever material suits you best,<br />'Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Quangle</span></span> Wangle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Quee</span></span>!'<br /><br />And besides, to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Crumetty</span></span> Tree<br />Came the Stork, the Duck, and the Owl;<br />The Snail, and the Bumble-Bee,<br />The Frog, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">theFimble</span></span> Fowl;<br />(The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Fimble</span></span> Fowl, with a Corkscrew leg;)<br />And all of them said, -- We <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">humblyy</span></span> beg,<br />'We may build our homes on your lovely Hat,--<br />'Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Quangle</span></span> Wangle, grant us that!<br />'Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Quangle</span></span> Wangle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Quee</span></span>!'<br /><br />And the Golden Grouse came there,<br />And the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Pobble</span> who has no toes,--<br />And the small Olympian bear,--<br />And the Dong with a luminous nose.<br />And the Blue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Babboon</span>, who played the flute,--<br />And the Orient Calf from the Land of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Tute</span>,--<br />And the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Attery</span> Squash, and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">Bisky</span> Bat,--<br />All came and built on the lovely Hat<br />Of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">Quangle</span> Wangle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">Quee</span>.<br /><br />And the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Quangle</span> Wangle said<br />To himself on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Crumpetty</span> Tree,--<br />'When all these creatures move<br />'What a wonderful noise <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">there'll</span> be!'<br />And at night by the light of the Mulberry moon<br />They danced to the flute of the Blue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Babboon</span>,<br />On the broad green leaves of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">Crumpetty</span> Tree,<br />And all were as happy as happy could be,<br />With the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">Quangle</span> Wangle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">Quee</span>.<br /></div></div><table><tbody><tr align="center"><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="center"><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="center"><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="center"><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="center"><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="center"><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="center"><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="center"><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="center"><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="center"><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="center"><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="center"><td><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-24531911071561993402011-01-01T14:29:00.000-08:002011-01-03T15:20:25.315-08:00HANDS OFF OUR FOREST OF DEAN: Public Bodies Bill, a guide<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FeMPJnZI3Zw?fs=1" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-6265774093821477752010-12-24T13:18:00.000-08:002011-01-02T16:11:04.371-08:00Yuletide Blessings<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbBAzdJLJBVX4uX_19L5KkBYL8P4bHMV9GNuSWQ6jJjOy_3bwp-9lPkVVR5QeTliQcaMxt_dNMtHRK9hJofLEoH333wH8ORuDTzImkWG8zNnzARbZkAd7s8dzF2UB2inEA64WjUOC2Zo/s1600/P1018437.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554362992881763554" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; height: 400px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbBAzdJLJBVX4uX_19L5KkBYL8P4bHMV9GNuSWQ6jJjOy_3bwp-9lPkVVR5QeTliQcaMxt_dNMtHRK9hJofLEoH333wH8ORuDTzImkWG8zNnzARbZkAd7s8dzF2UB2inEA64WjUOC2Zo/s400/P1018437.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="justify">Happy Yuletide and post Solstice Blessings.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I have been snowed in on my tiny coastal Island that has not seen snow like this in more than 30 years.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">The birds have been desperate and I have found many new visitors to my garden including Willow Tit, Pied Wagtail, and Long Tail Tit. So beautiful. I have found myself raiding the baking supplies and making <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fatballs</span> out of marzipan, cherries, cranberries and so many other ingredients.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">As my cupboards empty with no chance of shopping I worry more about the birds. Every night of this extreme weather they lose 10% of their body weight and need to eat 40% of their body weight each day to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">survive</span> the evening.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Luckily for the birds, my freezer broke and I have been giving them all they care to eat <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">from</span> potato waffles to boil in the bag fish. It is all thankfully welcomed. Yet still, they grow thin.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Spare a thought for the wild birds of your gardens this Yule and reward their presence with food. But please be aware, that turkey fat can kill many garden birds (don't ask me how i read this on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">RSPB</span> website) so refrain from giving them the Christmas dinner scraps.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I will be hosting the January 2011 Festival of the Trees. The Theme will be the UN 2011 International Year of the Forest. Do you have any tree related New Years Resolutions? Do you have plans to plant trees in 2011. Do trees dominate your art and writing? If so email me a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">weblink</span> or leave it in the comments box below.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I will be delighted to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">receive</span> all offerings. Maybe you have some tree centred art, poetry, textile or writing that was created in 2010? If so share the link. This is the season to reflect.</div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">Until then, Stay warm and safe and may your days be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">filled</span> with love and inspiration <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">xJ</span> </div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-91624384024479362032010-11-19T03:22:00.001-08:002010-11-19T03:48:36.075-08:00Thank You Lisa x<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK7i_PlvIgUvVto4xThv_cpUmwXB7APBVMAHsf-zIGne_v0yxRQ81JjvhoAsaoxchNhHebgBOOcrL8ucWMUeV6x_QTAla1HvguaCRq7CAgWjQ1KzwmTMssziSy75gxb9LdBtHk_RhMIU/s1600/November+2010+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK7i_PlvIgUvVto4xThv_cpUmwXB7APBVMAHsf-zIGne_v0yxRQ81JjvhoAsaoxchNhHebgBOOcrL8ucWMUeV6x_QTAla1HvguaCRq7CAgWjQ1KzwmTMssziSy75gxb9LdBtHk_RhMIU/s400/November+2010+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541219828327700546" border="0" /></a>This morning the post man delivered this beautiful fabric collage. <a href="http://lisasarsfield.blogspot.com/">Lucky Dip Lisa</a> of New Zealand made this collage for B<a href="http://lisasarsfield.blogspot.com/2010/10/blog-give-away-international-blog.html">log Action Day 2010</a> to the theme of Water. My gift also included a beautiful <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">batik</span> tree which was found in a charity shop and a card reading;<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">war is not healthy for your children and other living things</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://lisasarsfield.blogspot.com/">Lisa's blog </a>is beautiful and has a green ethos that I find heart warming. Please pay <a href="http://lisasarsfield.blogspot.com/">Lisa</a> a visit, you will like what you see :)<br /></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTSQwbnPrJZE8V0Tld7w0bJHP-TTWWCsFCI3AsMKFevRtUAK1kwHgtOpwlaId7qZbACNRJBDdzAj5NV2TWH6sGI1-7EQKdkfc5-wJ6R_y2uDKzItp1zO6GYh8xw1cGD72K8fTJhwR554/s1600/November+2010+001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTSQwbnPrJZE8V0Tld7w0bJHP-TTWWCsFCI3AsMKFevRtUAK1kwHgtOpwlaId7qZbACNRJBDdzAj5NV2TWH6sGI1-7EQKdkfc5-wJ6R_y2uDKzItp1zO6GYh8xw1cGD72K8fTJhwR554/s400/November+2010+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541220013917046786" border="0" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 204, 255);font-family:courier new;"><em>Recycled/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">repurposed</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tea towel</span>, ladies handkerchief (clean!) silk scarf,net curtain, </em></div><div class="separator" face="courier new" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(51, 204, 255);"><em>fabric scraps, second-hand shop lace and ribbon, cotton <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">doilie</span></span>, white beads from an old necklace, </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);font-family:courier new;" >second-hand blue beads and netting. Hand stitched and attached to a piece of heavy cardboard recovered from an old book. </span><br /></em></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you Lisa<br />I feel blessed this morning x<br /><br /><br /></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-83385674673812850592010-11-16T03:00:00.000-08:002010-11-19T03:21:15.005-08:00Sharing Treasure #3 Burial Chambers and Iron Age Hill Forts<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Bryn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Celli</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ddu</span></span> Burial Chamber</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amgueddfacymru.ac.uk/media/3/1/7/2/thumb_140/57-5l.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs924.snc4/73780_142542805792767_100001111455787_187186_2273928_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 410px; height: 546px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs924.snc4/73780_142542805792767_100001111455787_187186_2273928_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Bryn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Celli</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ddu</span></span> is one of the most spectacular burial chambers that I have come across. Most, if not all, burial chambers would have been mounded over like this one. The burial chambers that you see showing the exposed stones and top caps like in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bodwyr</span></span> below have been excavated and would have been hill like originally.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjSWzh0F1kHw2H7jl8E4Yx_ATYxd7fugqUCIXr4d1ftcyLezbsChYgj6Nq6i1QUCjQsox7WEQuXTa1j6dbqS297JUxNSXRgXPmRRmQ7yA6PG_BA1IA2kFXX4kyENd-NK1bzn6rvaIRxY/s1600/october+2010+065.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjSWzh0F1kHw2H7jl8E4Yx_ATYxd7fugqUCIXr4d1ftcyLezbsChYgj6Nq6i1QUCjQsox7WEQuXTa1j6dbqS297JUxNSXRgXPmRRmQ7yA6PG_BA1IA2kFXX4kyENd-NK1bzn6rvaIRxY/s200/october+2010+065.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540033319573372354" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Bryn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Celli</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Dddu</span></span> is one of the most exciting and pleasing burial chambers that I have ever visited. Not just because the mound like hill covers it, or because you can walk (standing) right into it or that you can see straight through one side to the other, or because my friend found a love letter to a departed soul saying how much they were missed and how sorry they could not be all that was needed during the period of illness before departing or that because when you lie with your feet at the top of the mound and your head above the door plinth you feel like you are going to slide down the hill so quickly you could be on a sledge in snow. I love this burial ground for all of those reasons, and many more besides. Its one of those places that you just HAVE to visit, and once you have, you will want to again and again.<br /><br />This burial ground may be Britain's oldest sundial. It was originally a henge and then the burial chamber was added later. There is an area a few yards away from the entrance of the door for ox burial. Bryn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Celli</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ddu</span> was built before Stone Henge and is 500 hundred years older than the Pyramids of Egypt. Historians have film footage of the internal chamber flooding with light at sunrise on the morning of the summer solstice. It is thought that may have been to warm the bones of the buried. This film is now <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">exhibited</span> at the National Museum Cardiff.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TLEzQ5U1yG9Pu6RAB14Qv-WbFF28Jtj-LKppMm7XuMNoRFFcRPvAcTnYUXwUC5qxAT1KESqHo0rBkKBbTAy9bn8tKBPX3y3HkFEB8hXADBZn4VTrqRgLDEu4N5LcFCDMRDPpr9FXmcM/s1600/october+2010+052.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TLEzQ5U1yG9Pu6RAB14Qv-WbFF28Jtj-LKppMm7XuMNoRFFcRPvAcTnYUXwUC5qxAT1KESqHo0rBkKBbTAy9bn8tKBPX3y3HkFEB8hXADBZn4VTrqRgLDEu4N5LcFCDMRDPpr9FXmcM/s200/october+2010+052.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540034339273629442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>In the picture above you can see a free standing stone outside of the entrance to the chamber. This stone is a replica as the original (below) is now exhibited in <a href="http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/cardiff/">The National Museum Cardiff.</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/media/8/5/2/2/thumb_250/Bryn-Celli-Ddu-tomb-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 381px;" src="http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/media/8/5/2/2/thumb_250/Bryn-Celli-Ddu-tomb-1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ph</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">oto</span></span> by </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/">National Museum Wales</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> where the stone is now exhibited</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The stone has amazing carvings on it. There are other carvings in the burial chamber, but none so spectacular as this one. Maybe you have noticed the grooves cut into the plinth of the doorway on the first photo? I'm not sure what they signify but I do have a feeling that they are not random.<br /></div><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.megalithic.co.uk/a558/a312/gallery/wales/anglesey/thumb/qg_rsz_xpt15.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 120px;" src="http://www.megalithic.co.uk/a558/a312/gallery/wales/anglesey/thumb/qg_rsz_xpt15.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:78%;">image by Ray The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Mapman</span></span> of <a href="http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=24">The Megalithic Portal</a></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Above you can see a diagram of the carvings on the original standing stone. Beautiful aren't they. They would make amazing designs for felt. I know after having tried that I am not skilled enough to do Celtic knot work yet. Maybe if I practice some more? But there is something so appealing to me about stone art and cave paintings that makes me want to work with that style. Dorie of <a href="http://dovadi.web-log.nl/fiberfusing/">Fibre Fusing</a> has already made some outstanding felt based on some of the French cave art, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">i'd</span></span> just love to make an Eco dyed Welsh equivalent. Mind you she is one very talented lady i have a very long way to go to catch up!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrwc3vygd6ebpCr7-FO1iWhBqHyjVJdX92K6P-xqDXDdaRdgVzEjjsFmDpwbQk-KOsudJNl4uoDFlNRP7vWhcTcagMtB7wRZ0r98SD4tqkk4uDPYGjkTKnS9joouROPCW-GacUMmP5xY/s1600/october+2010+055.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrwc3vygd6ebpCr7-FO1iWhBqHyjVJdX92K6P-xqDXDdaRdgVzEjjsFmDpwbQk-KOsudJNl4uoDFlNRP7vWhcTcagMtB7wRZ0r98SD4tqkk4uDPYGjkTKnS9joouROPCW-GacUMmP5xY/s200/october+2010+055.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540033331350567026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Do you love this chamber? I know I do :)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg817laTYJKSK7fzzlVOkNd-HTxVgyWkncfgvafr7dZfjy1kmUIUICRXqX_6XFojESILAEiQgNEbK3TagKrKlbYdV5J0oN_F-xq5rkf2FfEWymyVPOdtlTr20h75MbDENxD_om6Q8xN_5g/s1600/october+2010+051.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg817laTYJKSK7fzzlVOkNd-HTxVgyWkncfgvafr7dZfjy1kmUIUICRXqX_6XFojESILAEiQgNEbK3TagKrKlbYdV5J0oN_F-xq5rkf2FfEWymyVPOdtlTr20h75MbDENxD_om6Q8xN_5g/s200/october+2010+051.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540033302107553026" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhms5EmlfhUg66emo6zJkJMVOIjPgPAVCs70gTddHYQvOMqbrd9-iyesE4p-kgemtId7zE1NnrSdgrDln5z4TSmlNQErEvjbENVprxM26fef7Ir-mgUsn_qKmHGcDwR9KfK1_DEFmQk9M0/s1600/october+2010+061.jpg"> </a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Bodowyr</span></span> Burial Chamber</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhms5EmlfhUg66emo6zJkJMVOIjPgPAVCs70gTddHYQvOMqbrd9-iyesE4p-kgemtId7zE1NnrSdgrDln5z4TSmlNQErEvjbENVprxM26fef7Ir-mgUsn_qKmHGcDwR9KfK1_DEFmQk9M0/s1600/october+2010+061.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhms5EmlfhUg66emo6zJkJMVOIjPgPAVCs70gTddHYQvOMqbrd9-iyesE4p-kgemtId7zE1NnrSdgrDln5z4TSmlNQErEvjbENVprxM26fef7Ir-mgUsn_qKmHGcDwR9KfK1_DEFmQk9M0/s200/october+2010+061.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540033328928023186" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHpmMEGR7nVmGbG2QjLrX8Ts828tPsDUSHAbLzNX6Ggex4BbdfALrPausDhpVuFSlS6hmH1a0wVahFMOvj0_3U1jO3sQaEa-od14Vfcf42TWya7TS5uVhb5dX-8ghUVNTqX7QY5FFOzE/s1600/october+2010+045.jpg"> </a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Bodwyr</span></span> is a neolithic communal burial chamber dating from the region of 4000-2000<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">bc</span></span>. its small and quite cute. As always with sites like this, I searched the web for folklore and mythology connecting to it. Rhiannon, contributor to <a href="http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/121/bodowyr.html">The Modern Antiquarian</a> website, tells that this is one of the sites associated as being the final resting place of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Branwen</span></span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Branwen</span></span> is known in both Welsh Mythology as a Goddess and in Literature as daughter of a High King of Britain. The tale of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Branwen</span></span> goes that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Mathwlych</span></span>, King of Ireland consulted Bran (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Branwens</span></span> brother) with ideas of marriage. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Branwen</span></span> married <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Mathwlych</span></span> but after 3 years <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Mathwlych</span></span> tired of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Branwen</span></span> and sent her to work in the kitchens. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Branwen</span></span> spent the next 3 years rearing and training a stag whom she later charged to swim across the Irish Sea and carry a message to her brother Bran. On receiving the message, Bran sent an army to rescue <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Branwen</span></span> and a bloody battle ensued leaving many killed or injured. the tale can be found the medieval <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Book_of_Hergest" title="Red Book of Hergest">Red Book of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Hergest</span></span></a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Book_of_Rhydderch" title="White Book of Rhydderch">White Book of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Rhydderch</span></span></a>.<br /><br />In the distance you can see the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Snowdonia</span></span> Mountain Range that lies across the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Menai</span></span> Straits. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Menai</span></span> Straits is a <a href="http://www.menaistraits.net/boat_trips/boat-trips.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">SSSI</span></span></a> with a wealth of marine life including Puffins, Seals, and even Dolphins.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Caer</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Leb</span></span></span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHpmMEGR7nVmGbG2QjLrX8Ts828tPsDUSHAbLzNX6Ggex4BbdfALrPausDhpVuFSlS6hmH1a0wVahFMOvj0_3U1jO3sQaEa-od14Vfcf42TWya7TS5uVhb5dX-8ghUVNTqX7QY5FFOzE/s1600/october+2010+045.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHpmMEGR7nVmGbG2QjLrX8Ts828tPsDUSHAbLzNX6Ggex4BbdfALrPausDhpVuFSlS6hmH1a0wVahFMOvj0_3U1jO3sQaEa-od14Vfcf42TWya7TS5uVhb5dX-8ghUVNTqX7QY5FFOzE/s200/october+2010+045.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540033295182679378" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFnEMKfkS0RStugCHdGN_uYFj79RPmZdJqe3pont96QL7mXwtG0nMkMh-v1FkEUsnJk8kvLoTYKWVDJYG-MT4Jp4C2BjDujj1VlvH8Xs1HXvZgpluWMB8JZDq6vb1hCF8KfV-5A9iY0dg/s1600/october+2010+046.jpg"> </a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Caer</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Leb</span></span> is an iron aged hill fort dating back to 200 BC. There is not much to look at here. The site was excavated in 1865 revealing a stone hut dating from 400ad indicating that this site has been occupied over many centuries similar to Din <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Lligwy</span></span>. I like the feeling of continuation to these settlements. Established roots meaning that the site was a good one and people found what they needed to live safely and hopefully happily.<br /><br />The settlement is the shape of a slice of bread and is double walled due to being built on marsh land. We visited in the last week of October. There had been some rainfall that week so we needed walking boots. It was quite boggy in places but definitely worth a visit. The sun was shining brightly and their was a wonderful feeling of peace to site . I felt content ambling around the site skimming through mole hills looking for naturally upturned artifacts (a tip from an archaeologist friend who has found pottery this way).<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Caer</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Leb</span></span> is very close to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Bodowyr</span></span> Burial Chamber and Bryn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Celli</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Ddu</span></span> and we managed to fit all three sites and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Beaumauris</span></span> Castle into one morning, although I could have happily spent the entire day at all four sites if time had allowed it.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Bwrdd</span></span> Arthur (Din <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Sylwy</span></span>) Hill Fort<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs889.snc4/72279_448107141492_543096492_5781771_5524868_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 195px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs889.snc4/72279_448107141492_543096492_5781771_5524868_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We stumbled across <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Bwrdd</span></span> Arthur whilst trying to find another site on the way to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Penmon</span></span> Priory. We hadn't intended to visit this site, but well if you pass it, you may as well stop and visit right? The Hill fort is on top of a very steep hill and feeling invigorated by the glorious weather we decided to completely ignore the gently winding footpath and took the direct approach in a vertical line up the hill. Phew, I certainly felt a sense of achievement when I got to the top!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXTGpdDlqBux6vQavK3fbYcEJubOv2MO5ntlpXCfocS0rdla4NR0O1tF3jNDpW8vw0LwKbmPQlsMP2IFIMWkNi4psiIYR3kYz-LFSwYaP1ZGtXA17VF-yPX3Pwoh92RYyyVZmV7Zf1rQ/s1600/october+2010+050.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXTGpdDlqBux6vQavK3fbYcEJubOv2MO5ntlpXCfocS0rdla4NR0O1tF3jNDpW8vw0LwKbmPQlsMP2IFIMWkNi4psiIYR3kYz-LFSwYaP1ZGtXA17VF-yPX3Pwoh92RYyyVZmV7Zf1rQ/s200/october+2010+050.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540034348146379954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We had been looking for remains of walls or other signs of a hill fort (as the name may indicate) and did find lots of stones, but nothing that screamed hill fort at us. Later I looked the site up and found that the name (as Arthur would indicate) is said to be Arthur's table and if you look you can see where the table had been and a stone for each seat. I suppose it helps to know what you are looking at when you visit places like this. I will happily return again though to check this out. The views are second to none, and yes, as the pictures show, even four year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">olds</span></span> love this kind of outing. Hills, walls to climb on, burial chambers to climb in and picnic's! What could be better? I've begun to notice that four year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">olds</span></span> are very much like hobbits. They crave breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper. Although to my knowledge most <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">halflings</span></span> do not like mushrooms!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdHl4dNIyr6bKoACYhZrVk_GCRkZehGt1GBqQArkJrhTFAZ5R6AO7Fe_uO0DKgF2DGp-OgLJlfGttBQPcJOvZVl4EmuQ1VHarymdwSUFw8p259ifUYD_5rTppf0arFGM2xyAJI7umLZk/s1600/october+2010+059.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdHl4dNIyr6bKoACYhZrVk_GCRkZehGt1GBqQArkJrhTFAZ5R6AO7Fe_uO0DKgF2DGp-OgLJlfGttBQPcJOvZVl4EmuQ1VHarymdwSUFw8p259ifUYD_5rTppf0arFGM2xyAJI7umLZk/s200/october+2010+059.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540203360268208242" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The first two pictures show views out to the Irish Sea and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Snowdonia</span></span> Mountain range. The third shows views across to Red Wharf Bay. The views are so spectacular up here that I could easily spend an entire day in good weather, maybe with a mini easel or a sketch book. It is just so stunning, and again as with so many sites here on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Ynys</span></span> Mon (The Isle of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Anglesey</span></span>/Mother of Wales) the feeling of sanctuary, of bright spirits and peace are mesmerizing.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">_________________________________________<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Please join in the fun by sharing pictures, poems, stories or any other form of creative media about a place local to you and close to your heart. Add your post to Mr <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Linky</span></span> below :)<br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /></div></div><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/easylink.php?owner=natureswhispers&postid=16Nov2010&meme=6183"></script>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-68856038528445046932010-11-10T10:03:00.000-08:002010-11-10T10:18:01.675-08:00Sharing Treasure<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs491.ash2/76448_448111256492_543096492_5781878_6857145_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 435px; height: 325px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs491.ash2/76448_448111256492_543096492_5781878_6857145_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My computer came back from repair today. It is so refreshing to be able to switch it on and read emails again. It is weeks since it caught the Malware Virus.<br /><br />While I've been away from the computer, I've not had much time to express myself creatively. I'm missing art more than I did the computer. I have however been blessed with house guest after house guest and had some wonderful trips around the Island visiting burial chambers, castles, iron age hill forts, Celtic wells and sites of outstanding natural beauty. I will be writing about one or more of the places I have visited in Shared Treasure #3.<br /><br />I will write a post on Monday and add the Mr Linky Widget. Please join me by writing about a favourite location in your area. I know its hard to get the day trips in when its so cold outside so by all means take this opportunity to tell us about somewhere you visited in the past. Drag out those snap shots, or take the time to make a piece of art or creative writing/poetry about a place close to your heart.<br /><br />Until then, I will be slowly making my way round your blogs and catching up with you all xJ<br /></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-78062492822835537172010-11-06T11:09:00.000-07:002010-11-06T11:13:09.104-07:00Hello<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS9NJ2Nz9bWbXoULGiDuP1wUQaXGWteVVMuma9dERe_LqU9GImAeDDX1U6KsScla9vUbxXeOVhFsQi-LqCnOrNsiruPkRQsz-U80h5wHUX5zx_9RzsAgKDc45QO6oLPWodbQEBZZG_yQ/s400/Anglesey+June+2009+191.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS9NJ2Nz9bWbXoULGiDuP1wUQaXGWteVVMuma9dERe_LqU9GImAeDDX1U6KsScla9vUbxXeOVhFsQi-LqCnOrNsiruPkRQsz-U80h5wHUX5zx_9RzsAgKDc45QO6oLPWodbQEBZZG_yQ/s400/Anglesey+June+2009+191.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Hello, Just a quick note to say thank you to all that have sent emails asking where I am. I have had a lot of computer problems and find myself using a laptop which will only allow me access to facebook. My computer is being repaired and I hope to have it back very soon. I have not been able to see your sites either so apologies for not visiting. <br /><br />I hope to see you all very soon xJ<br /></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-43988764918080238232010-10-15T01:33:00.000-07:002010-10-15T03:17:36.142-07:00Water<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span>Water</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Cooling</span>, <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Refreshing</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Quenching</span>, <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Cleansing</span>,<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> H2O</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Sustaining</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >LIFE</span>, <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Creating</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Life</span>, <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255); font-weight: bold;">Water</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Wonderful</span>, <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Gurgling</span>, <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255); font-weight: bold;">WATER</span>. <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Babbling</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Hydrating</span>, <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Trickling</span>, <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Raining,</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Precipitating,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Life</span>,<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Perspiring</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">,</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">Irrigating</span>, <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Bathing,</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Swimming,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Washing,</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">WATER</span>. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Droplets,</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Tears,</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">Saline,</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Serum,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Drinking, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sustaining,</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Watering</span>, <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Soothing,</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;">Water</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Flowing,</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Tidal</span>, <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Salt Bodies of</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Water</span>,<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> Brooks,</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"> Seas</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">Streams,</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Rivers,</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Oceans</span>, <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">Estuaries,</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Reservoirs</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"></span><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Canals,</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Ponds,</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Lakes</span>,</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 255);">Transport,</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Sport,</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;">LIFE</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">,</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Sustaining</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">Water</span>, <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);" class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Monsoons</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);">,</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">Kissing the</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">Soul,</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Nurturing,</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;">Life</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Giving</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204); font-weight: bold;">Water</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">LIFE</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Begins</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">With</span> <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Fresh</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Water</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/anupam_mishra_the_ancient_ingenuity_of_water_harvesting.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Anupam</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mishra</span>: The ancient ingenuity of water harvesting | Video on TED.com</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://blogactionday.change.org/">Blog Action Day 2010</a> - <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 0, 102);font-size:180%;" >Water</span><br /><br /><br /></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4872550165815178618.post-21445553919820949772010-10-14T09:54:00.000-07:002010-10-14T10:06:28.216-07:00Peace Felt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikS5EXUKanpHrfKUHfGc9KT1bM_nC5SmLK_J7OgTwL3Xw760cBypx1wHBnOkN5srGBA0txs6rms6VAsOSK-eUNRoo7kOQM_0pt1hDYpDNpbczWpL6M72V1R5roeEQjjhFfdGI4_XqFms/s1600/October+2010+035.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikS5EXUKanpHrfKUHfGc9KT1bM_nC5SmLK_J7OgTwL3Xw760cBypx1wHBnOkN5srGBA0txs6rms6VAsOSK-eUNRoo7kOQM_0pt1hDYpDNpbczWpL6M72V1R5roeEQjjhFfdGI4_XqFms/s400/October+2010+035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527948209376730962" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the Peace Felt that I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">received</span> from mixed media Fibre Artist <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sharen</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Eninger</span>. I love the hessian and different textures. Thank you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sharen</span>.<br /><br />If you wanted to know what happened to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Peace</span> Flags that I made, then please visit <a href="http://needlefeltedart.blogspot.com/2010/10/peace-felt.html">Robin Joy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Andreae</span> </a> and her amazing needle <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">felted</span> animals.Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07101808317736275755noreply@blogger.com12