“There are many ancient superstitions regarding this herb. Its name Hypericum is derived from the Greek and means ‘over an apparition,’ a reference to the belief that the herb was so obnoxious to evil spirits that a whiff of it would cause them to fly.” ~ Maude Grieve, A Modern Herbal, 1931 Tracy’s not the only person […]

The hills spread out in all directions, undulating into mountains in the distance. It is dry and cold. The weeds crisped by overnight frosts. The breeze is chilly, but not as frigid as expected for late November. I’ve never been to this part of Idaho. Two of us walk through the valley on a old […]

Some tidbits from our newsletter and upcoming events below! The word “medicine” as we know it today is derived from older words such as the middle English word “medicin,” the old French word “medecine,” and the Latin word “medicina.” These words meant “healing art,” “a remedy,” and “a physician’s shop.” Up until the last few hundred […]

I started writing a song or prayer many years ago. It’s very short, only 4 lines, and sometimes one of those lines changes. But it carries the depth of poetry because the meaning of it depends on what is going on at any given moment. In this version of it, I honor the life and […]

I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart: I am. I am. I am. ~Sylvia Path, The Bell Jar The senses are vital to foragers of wild foods and medicines. Sight, smell, touch, or taste reveal a plant’s identity; giving way to a deep knowing of the land. Many […]

Since the fire, I’ve been having a hard time dealing with electrical objects and have only recently started updating the events at the Trillium Center or other events at other places in our community. So. Here it is. An update. And some photos of a hyper-local current event. Some classes include a focus on St. […]

Back in December, Tracy Maier, a good friend of mine crossed over into whatever follows this life. It was unexpected. Tracy was a humble easygoing person who laughed long and hard. I learned a lot from him, but if I ever said so, he’d wave his hand at me like he was waving off an […]

Weekend in the Woods: Herbal Sensing Herbal Field Intensive June 29-July 1 Feel it in your gut, feel it in your heart, taste it, smell it. Herbal Medicine. The third Herbal Field Intensive will explore the diverse terrain of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The HFI is a 3-day educational retreat in the woods and […]

I was 6 or 7 years old when the fire started. Something ignited in the back of an El Camino or maybe it was a pick-up truck. My 7-year old mind didn’t hold on to such details. But I do remember that the fire started in the bed of this vehicle. I remember voices screaming […]

Early Bird Discount is extended until February 15! These are some of my favorite pictures from the four years that I have been teaching the community herbal intensives. I have been so happy to work with all these lovely people as they expand their herbal knowledge. They all brought insight and experience to classes that […]