The Nature Writer's Digs

The Natural Healing Talk Newsletter, 30 September 2012

2012-10-05T22:22:00.002-03:00

Natural Healing Talk
30 September 2012, Vol., 7, #8
Published by Laurie Lacey
http://www.naturalhealingtalk.com

I enjoy your comments!

If you like this newsletter, please
share it with friends. Thanks!

==============================================
Hi Everyone, Greetings!
==============================================
I'm pleased to be back with another issue of the
newsletter!

Looking back over the past summer, one of the most
satisfying things of note, were the abundance of bees
and hummingbirds that tended our gardens. It is so
wonderful to watch the bees crawling over the thyme,
and to observe the hummingbirds frequenting the
morning glory and various flower beds.

In this issue, I've decided to talk about art, natural
healing and the outdoor experience.

When I began painting in a serious fashion, back in
the 1980s, I would often pack a lunch and go off to
paint at one of the many scenic locations near where
I live. In fact, that first year I did a total of 154 paintings,
of which approximately 50 were painted on location.

I would often remark to myself and others, about the
special nature of painting on location, and how that
"special" factor, if you like, is somehow translated into
the painting. For instance, when I look at a landscape
painting, I can frequently tell whether it was done in the
studio or out on location.

On one occasion, I remember packing my paints and
lunch, and canoeing over the lake to a group of islands.
I decided to paint near an island that has a variety of
weather-beaten pine trees, of various shapes and
sizes, all clinging to life on the rocky landscape.

The outing was wonderful! I painted a representation
of rocks, trees, and water. During the excursion, I took
several breaks to relax in the warm sun and beauty of
the summer day. It was a personal, natural healing
and wellness experience.

So, I want to emphasize several points:

1. Nature and art combine very well in creating a
wonderful therapeutic experience. You can experience
the benefits of nature and art with a sketch book and
a pencil.

2. You don't need the aid of a professional therapist
to incorporate nature therapy into a wellness routine.

3. A nature and art experience can benefit children,
adults, and those with special needs, or persons who
are suffering from some form of addiction.

I encourage you to enjoy the natural world, while also
expressing your artistic skills. And, please, don't say
that you lack artistic skill! We all are artists, in the
sense that we express ourselves in unique, creative
ways.

In my case, I plan to paint on location in the coming
year, like I used to do.

==============================================
Quote:

"There is something beautiful about all scars of
whatever nature. A scar means the hurt is over,
the wound is closed and healed, done with."

~ Harry Crews ~

==============================================
Here are some articles and a video:

Articles:

Does Glucosamine Really Work: Use it the right way -
you win, use it the wrong way - you lose
http://goo.gl/kXJMS

Confirmed! Flu Vaccine INCREASES Risk of Serious
Pandemic Flu Illness - http://goo.gl/Xbg9k

Study finds why antidepressants work better for some
http://goo.gl/Dehlz

Medical apps promote patient self-care, could ease
burden on health system - http://goo.gl/eKWDm

Video (with notes):

“Safe” levels of GM Maize and Roundup can cause
tumours, multiple organ damage and premature death
in laboratory rats, finds first peer-reviewed lifetime
feeding trial - http://goo.gl/UCkc3

Good medicine always,
Laurie

Let's be "Friends" on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/LaurieLaceyMedicineMaker

Follow me on Twitter
http://twitter.com/LaurieLacey

==============================================
Notices:

Enjoy a plant/tree medicine walk at my place! I'm
booking morning medicine walks for October. The
rate is $40.00 for a personal (individual) outing.
The group rate is $25.00 per person.

==============================================
Laurie's Mini Catalogue
==============================================
Check out my books:

The Healing Power of Manuka Honey (Kindle
bookstore, $0.99).
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008G0EOAI

The Nature Therapy Pocket Book for Stress Control
and Self-Growth (Kindle bookstore, $0.99).
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00838ASEY

Micmac Medicines: Remedies and Recollections
Nimbus Publishing, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
ISBN # 1-55109-041-4 -- Available at Amazon
Books, http://goo.gl/SMRQ (Note: the Revised
Second Edition may not be available on Amazon.
However, it is available in many bookstores)

Medicine Walk: Reconnecting With Mother Earth
Nimbus Publishing, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
ISBN # 1-55109-306-5 -- Available at Amazon
Books, http://goo.gl/DBFi

==============================================
General Info
==============================================
Natural Healing Talk © Copyright 2006-2012.
Laurie Lacey, except where indicated otherwise.
All rights reserved world-wide. Reprint only
with permission from copyright holder(s). All
trademarks are property of their respective
owners. All contents provided as is. Advertisers
are solely responsible for their ad content.

To subscribe:
Visit http://www.naturalhealingtalk.com and
complete the subscription form to join my list.

If you use excerpts from this newsletter, please
give credit with links to the websites below:

http://www.naturalhealingtalk.com
http://www.wildworldofplants.com

==============================================
Disclaimer: The material in this newsletter is
for information purposes only, and is not meant
to replace professional medical advice and
treatment. Any use of information in this newsletter
for treatment or self-treatment is strictly the
responsibility of the individual(s) involved in said
treatment.

Natural Healing Talk is a double opt-in ezine
available by subscription only. I neither use
nor endorse the use of spam.

Thank you for reading the newsletter!

I'm Back Blogging With the November Moon

2011-11-09T00:44:00.001-04:00

Well, it's good to be back with another blog post; in fact,
this is the first post in quite a while. I even debated whether
to continue with the blog, as I hadn't written any posts for
so long. In the end, I got sentimental, and figured I should
give it another effort. Who knows, I might catch fire, and
write posts regularly.

Perhaps the moon is the reason I'm continuing with the blog.
I've taken walks in the moonlight on three of the past five
nights. It inspires me! This is the effect of moonlight
consciousness. So, why not write about it.

It seems that I always find myself stopping by a particular
field, to admire the beauty of moonlight on grass, of dark
shadows, and the sound of lake water in the background. On
occasion, the atmosphere is such that I feel I've moved back
in time, and half expect to feel a lantern in my hand, or to
hear a horse with wagon approach along the old road.

As I type this post, I realize that I am still high with moon
energy, and that its light is dancing in my body. Flashes of
transcendental light, bits of cosmic energy, and food for
moon dreams as I sleep through the night.

Sweet dreams....

Laurie

Celebrating the Writer and Reader With the Kindle Wireless Reading Device

2010-11-12T13:38:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Yes, ebook reading devices such as the Kindle Wireless
Reading Device, and online self publishers such as Amazon's
CreateSpace, have, to some extent, liberated the writer
from the whims of traditional publishers, their editors,
and their publishing decisions.

Online publishing has opened the world to the consumer of
literature, as well. I think it's great for everyone concerned,
both readers and writers.

As a writer, I have more choices now. I still will be involved
with traditional offline publishers, but I will also explore
online self-publishing. They both represent great potential
for my writing career.

If you are interested in having more information on the Kindle
Reader, and on free Kindle reading applications, check out my
links, below.

Thanks, and happy reading and writing!

All the best,
Laurie

Halloween Walk

2010-11-01T23:50:00.000-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, last evening I went for a Halloween walk. It was
dark and somewhat overcast on the south shore of Nova
Scotia, which gave the evening a spooky atmosphere. I
must say, it made for an excellent Halloween.

My walk was brisk and uneventful, except for one moment
when I thought I heard something rustling in the bushes.
I listened attentively for several seconds, and concluded
that the noise was made by the breeze blowing through
the bushes near the roadside.

In any event, I continued walking without further
disturbance.

I may go walking again, tonight. It's quite dark, but
the sky is clear, with a canopy of stars from horizon
to horizon.

All the best to you,
Laurie

Walking in the October Moonlight

2010-10-24T02:33:00.000-03:00

Just back from a moonlight walk on the road by my place.
So much beauty tonight! Leaves rustle with wind moving
in and around poplar, maple, and oak trees. Breezes
sing in pine, spruce, and balsam fir. I witnessed the
peek-a-boo moments of grandmother moon, as clouds drifted
past her.

Even porcupine is out and about, and crossed my path.

Oh yes, nature blesses those who walk tonight and in this
moon period.

Regards,
Laurie

Back Again...Moonlight Walking

2010-10-19T00:08:00.000-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm back again, and hope to begin posting on a
regular schedule. I'm sorry for neglecting the blog,
but hope to do better in the future.

I'm enjoying the October moon, and plan to resume my
moonlight walks tomorrow evening. As we move further
into the autumn season, the days and nights are
growing cooler, but very refreshing. Actually, the
autumn weather and temperatures are very conducive
to walking and hiking.

So, I will go for now, but will be back in a few
days with another post.

All the best,
Laurie

Natural Healing and Wellness Through Harmony With Nature

2010-08-02T23:58:00.004-03:00

There are many things we can do to take
responsibility for our health and wellness. A
couple of things immediately come to mind - diet
and exercise. In paying closer attention to what
we eat and drink, and our exercise regimen, we
empower ourselves. In other words, we make
choices and perform actions that directly affect
our well-being.

Cultivate a sense of harmony with nature. This is
an excellent way to promote the natural balance of
the body, mind, and spirit. Take walks in natural
settings, if possible. Make this part of your exercise
regimen.

Walk in areas where your feet make contact with
the earth. In this way, you are more apt to receive
beneficial earth currents, and, besides, walking
on earth and sod is less shocking to the feet and
legs, than walking on concrete and paved areas.
When you walk on hard surfaces for long periods
of time, you place excessive stress on your feet.
Running on concrete sidewalk or pavement is
especially stressful, and increases shock and
wear on the hips, legs, feet, and joints.

As you walk along, focus on your steps and the
impressions of your feet as they make contact
with the earth, over and over again. Then,
continuing to walk, imagine yourself gaining a
deep harmony with Mother Earth. I say, "imagine,"
because, while some people are able to sense
and feel this earth connection, it is difficult for
others to do so. But, the power of imagination
can be of assistance in this regard.

In time, the imagination will tend to create a
sense of harmony in your mind. It is a harmony
that you would not experience, otherwise. Then,
as you continue your walks and your interaction
with nature and the natural landscape, you will
eventually experience a mental peace and
harmony without the aid of your imagination.

This indicates progress on a couple of levels.
First, that you have conditioned your objective
consciousness to respond to your walks in nature
and the natural environment, with a sense of
well-being and harmony. As well, it indicates that
on deeper, subjective levels, you have achieved
a connectedness and sense of harmony with
the earth, and with nature generally. Those are
positive things that will benefit your overall health.

When cultivating wellness in the above fashion,
it is important to enjoy yourself, and not to
proceed simply from a feeling of duty and
obligation. You should approach your activities
from a perspective of joy. Proceed from that
perspective and great benefits will result in your
life.

Good medicine always!
Laurie

Note: This article appeared in an issue of my
Natural Healing Talk newsletter. You can find
the subscription form to the left of this article.

Summer Solstice 2010

2010-06-21T00:46:00.003-03:00

Happy Summer Solstice Greetings to everyone
here in the Northern Hemisphere!

May the Great Spirit bless your life, and
the lives of all your relations.

Good medicine always!
Laurie

p.s. I will be back, soon, with another
post. I will do my best to post often, over
the summer months.

Have you heard the chant of Mother Earth?

2010-04-22T11:17:00.002-03:00

Have you heard the chant of Mother Earth
As she whirls through space?

The sound she has made since her creation.
The music of the spheres.

Musica universalis....

On this Earth Day, let us love our beautiful home.

Let us do one thing for her, as a gift of appreciation.

Let us meditate and attune to Mother Earth,
As she sings with all creation....

musica universalis!

Blessings!
Laurie

How to Control Stress the Natural Way

2010-04-12T17:19:00.005-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, I spent part of the weekend completing the
update of my report, "How to Control Stress". If
you aren't familiar with the report, let me just
say that it's a natural approach to the control
of stress. More specifically, I give three nature
therapy exercises that you can use to help aid in
reducing the stress in your life.

You'll find the link on the left side panel, to the
left of this post, under "Notices!". But, heck, you
don't have to go there. Just click HERE.

I've been pleased with the distribution of the
original report. I think it's been downloaded
several thousand times since its release in 2006.
I hope you enjoy the latest version.

I'll be back shortly with another post.

All the best,
Laurie

Do Orbs Like Molasses Cookies Or Were They Just Visiting? :)

2010-03-19T15:58:00.005-03:00

Hi Everyone,

This year, over the Christmas Holidays, I
decided to prepare and bake old-fashioned
molasses cookies. Now, the recipe has been
in my family for at least 100 years, and,
believe me, the cookies are very tasty!

However, the main reason for making this
post, is to show you a digital photo taken
by a friend during that wild molasses cookie
mixing and baking scene.

There are a number of orbs in the photo, as
you will see from close examination. Hence,
the title of this post. :) So, do orbs
like molasses cookies, or were they just
visiting?

Spring Dreams of Kayaking

2010-02-28T23:00:00.001-04:00

As spring approaches, I am dreaming of new
kayaking adventures in Mahone Bay Harbour,
and in and around the islands on Minamkeak
Lake.

Last spring began in a promising way, as I put
my kayak in the water early, and had planned
to kayak often prior to blackfly season. But then,
circumstances changed, and I was unable to
kayak for a variety of reasons. I simply failed
to get my act together.

In any event, as spring approaches, I am once
again excited and enthusiastic, and hope for
many enjoyable outings on the water. When I
kayak or canoe about the islands in Minamkeak
Lake, I am always enchanted by the interesting
rock formations, and by the diversity of plants
on the islands and along the shoreline.

Let's celebrate the approach of spring!

All the best,
Laurie

Natural Healing Talk Newsletter Excerpt, January 31, 2010 Issue

2010-02-01T01:00:00.004-04:00

I'm pleased to post an excerpt from my Natural
Healing Talk newsletter. if you are interested
in subscribing, complete the subscription box
on the left side or side of this page. Thanks!

Now, here's the "General Comments" section
of the newsletter:

Hi Everyone,

Well, I'm writing this newsletter on a cold,
full moon evening, here in Nova Scotia. We're
in our first major cold spell of the winter!
However, later this evening, I plan to bundle
myself in warm clothing, and take a moonlight
stroll along the old gravel road that passes
near my home.

There is a special feeling when walking on a
moonlight night. It's very soothing and healing
to body, mind, and spirit. I like to call it
moonlight consciousness.

Moving along, almost every week there seems
to be more information about the benefits of
vitamin D for our health, especially D3. The
latest news I've read, is that a lack of D3 may
result in an increased risk of various Central
Nervous System disorders, including multiple
sclerosis, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease.
As well, some medical researchers state that
sufficient levels of D3, helps to ensure the
normal development and functioning of the
central nervous system.

Here are several links for your examination:

Iodine Supplements: The Four Best Kinds to Use

10 Foods That Detox The Body

Is Your Medication Raising Your Cholesterol?

Also, here's a recipe for Black Bean Soup.

Finally, I will soon have an announcement about
a new 9 month program I'm developing, that may
interest you. At the moment, it's still a secret! :)

Best regards,
Laurie

A Beautiful, Sunny, January Day!

2010-01-12T14:45:00.004-04:00

Although it's rather cool, today, the sun
feels warm in sheltered areas. This morning
I went outside, sat on a chair, and enjoyed
my hot coffee. The sun bathed me in its
beautiful rays, as I sipped my coffee. I
was sitting on the south side of the house,
and sheltered from the cool, northwest
breeze.

So, now, I must go and walk to the balsam
fir grove. I'll be back soon with a post
regarding my walk.

All the best,
Laurie

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T23:48:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I want to wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS
and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hopefully, I will be back in 2010 with at
least twice as many posts as I had in this
past year.

All the best,
Laurie

A Frosty Full Moon Walk

2009-12-02T00:30:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, what a wonderful full moon we are having
tonight!

It's around midnight and I just returned from a
moonlight stroll along the old mines road. The
night is frosty and the landscape glitters under
a clear, bright sky.

I sometimes muse how the quality of my life
would suffer without these moonlight walks.
They are the source of much inspiration in my
life, and contribute to mystical consciousness
and impressions that I would be hard pressed
to explain.

So, I'll leave it at that....

However, if anyone who reads my words cares
to follow my footsteps in moonlight, then you
may reach a point where you clearly understand
without the need for further explanation.

All the best,
Laurie

Childhood School Memories

2009-10-29T19:17:00.004-03:00

Hi Everyone,

This week I've taken regular walks along
the old country road. This morning, I was
walking along the road when the school bus
passed by, on its way to picking up kids
further along the way. That bus sent my
thoughts scurrying back to childhood days,
of riding the bus, and of my hatred for
school.

Oh yes, I hated school, with the exception
of my final year. In fact, I quit grade 7 for
three years running. One year, I did manage
to attend classes for 28 days.

Even as early as grade 5, I would hide from
the school bus. I'd leave for school, but run
away into the forest before reaching the bus
stop. There, I'd climb a tree, and watch the
bus pass by. Later, near mid-morning, I'd
make my way back home.

So, anyhow, that's a brief glimpse into my
childhood, courtesy of the yellow school bus
that passed me on the old country road this
morning.

All the best,
Laurie

Blog Action Day on Climate Change

2009-10-16T00:43:00.004-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well October 15th is Blog Action Day on Climate
Change, and I want to contribute a few words to
the event.

You know, some of the most effective environmental
action can start at the individual level, and
gain momentum until it becomes a broad based, grass
roots movement.

So, do some research and determine how you can
contribute in some small way to minimizing
climate change. It'll make you feel good, and
you'll be contributing to the health of our home,
the earth.

All the best,
Laurie

Natural Healing and Wellness in the Natural World

2009-10-07T23:07:00.008-03:00

Hi Everyone,

I've lived most of my life in the rural landscape
of Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. Over the years,
I've gained a keen appreciation for the healing
and restorative potential of natural landscape
and nature.

I know that a beautiful natural setting, and a
quiet walk through forest and field, or along a
country road, has as much or more potential for
healing and wellness as does a prescription
medication.

Actually, that's mainly the reason I started my
Natural Healing Talk newsletter. I wanted to
communicate my feelings and insights about nature
and the natural world, as they relate to healing
and wellness.

Just last night, I took a walk with the moon
shining brightly overhead. I often take walks
on moonlit nights, and frequently talk about
them on this blog. I enjoy writing about those
outings, and my other nature experiences, and
love communicating with people from all over
the world.

I hope you'll visit my blog, often!

Good medicine always,
Laurie

Moonlight Stroll in Nova Scotia

2009-10-02T01:44:00.003-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, I just returned from a moonlight stroll.
It's a beautiful night here on the south shore
of Nova Scotia. Rather cool, though, with the
temperature hovering around 10 Celsuis.

I love the harvest moon of October. It stays
fairly high in the sky, all evening, and into
the late night hours.

As I walked along the old dirt road, a
porcupine moved out from the bushes, sudden
like, at about twenty feet in front of me. It
didn't seem the least bit disturbed by my
approaching figure or the sound of my
footsteps, but simply moved over the road and
off into the bushes.

I figure Porky was on his way to an apple
tree in the nearby field.

So, now, I'm back home, and sipping a cup of
tea as I write this note. I'll post it in a
minute or so, then finish my tea, and head
off to bed.

All the best to everyone,
Laurie

p.s. I'm on Twitter. Follow me and I'll follow
you! :)

Late September Roses

2009-09-27T22:50:00.004-03:00

Hi Everyone,

I have never known a rambler rose to bloom this late.

There are several old rambler rose bushes on my front
lawn. The bushes have been there for longer than I can
remember. They are probably at least eighty years old.

This summer they went through their usual blooming
cycle, which was beautiful, as you can imagine. But,
now, I have an autumn bloom! See the photo, below.

So, as you can see, it's a beautiful bloom, and adds
a nice touch to the front lawn.

I'll return soon, with another post. In the meantime,
I hope you enjoy the last few days of September!

All the best,
Laurie

I'm Back!

2009-08-29T22:49:00.002-03:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry for being absent for so long, but,
rest assured, I'll be posting on a regular
basis, now.

The former tropical storm system, "Danny,"
is passing over Nova Scotia tonight. We're
getting lots of rain and wind! However, the
good part of it, is that I was inspired to
steep tea and romance the rain, while the
storm raged outside. Simply delightful!

So now I go, but will return, soon.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

All the best,
Laurie

Apple Blossoms

2009-07-07T00:23:00.004-03:00

Hi,

I haven't been blogging for a spell. I thought I'd get back into it
by publishing this beautiful photo of apple blossoms on my field,
that was taken back in June of this year.

Enjoy!

I now have a chair under the largest of the apple trees, where I
can sit and relax on sunny days. :)

All the best,
Laurie

Ground Hog Passing Through The Area

2009-06-05T00:01:00.002-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, a few weeks back I saw a Ground Hog near my
stone wall. We even had a wee conversation, when I
went poking around to see where he or she had hidden
amongst the rocks. They make a most amazing sound!
In part, it's much like the call of a bird.

Quite wonderful!

Anyhow, it looks like Ground Hog was just moving
throught the area, as I haven't seen it for well over
two weeks.

Below is a picture of Ground Hog by my stone wall.

Be back soon!
Laurie

It's A Rainy Night

2009-05-05T23:47:00.001-03:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, just thought I'd stop around this evening. I had
hoped to get outside walking tonight, but we're having
some rain here on the south shore of Nova Scotia.
So, it's not a good night for walking!

However, as many of you know, I enjoy a rainy night.
It's so nice to lie in bed, listening, as the rain hits against
the roof, overhead. Truly, one of the simple pleasures
in life.

I must go now. Will return again, shortly, with another
post. In the meantime, if anyone would like to follow me
on Twitter, here's my link:

Follow Me on Twitter!

If you follow me, I'll follow you! :)

All the best,
Laurie