Decorating for Christmas Naturally (2009)

December 9th, 2011

Since 2009,  I have created more new natural decorating ideas and gifts that I posted in a new & current article! Just click on the link below!

http://noticequietnature.blogspot.com/2011/12/decorating-for-christmas-naturally-2011.html

Thank you to everyone around the world who has come to visit this article.  I do hope that it inspires you to create and enjoy the nature that surrounds you!  ~Sherry

I admit it! I have had an artificial Christmas tree since finding out many years ago that my youngest son was allergic to trees and mould.  For most of my adult life, decorating the tree was more about my need to artfully decorate the tree according to the popular trends in magazines.  Although I have gone through several themes and complementary colors, there has always been a cherished collection of ornaments that decorate our tree every year.

With high expectations and a full time work schedule, it typically took about 3 days to get that tree up with branches poised and with the lights balanced. (I used to have a thing about the lights being properly positioned on the tree). Then on another day I’d decorate with the main theme. Only then could I enjoy watching the boys decorate and finish the tree with our special ornaments.

A couple years back I got tired of struggling with that whole procedure of setting up this massive artificial tree in a small living room. Teenagers are not much help either! Therefore we graduated to a much smaller tree. You know, small enough to sit on a table.  I donated that huge tree to our neighborhood school where hopefully it could be decorated to the satisfaction of young children.

After last Christmas in 2008, I challenged myself for the New Year to create some interesting Christmas decorations inspired by Nature and without duplicating the more familiar Old Fashioned or common 1970’s homemade craft ornaments. Nowadays I suppose we can call it, An Organically Decorated Christmas Tree Theme.  

My most relaxing creative time has always appeared between Boxing Day and New Years Eve. I work rather slowly so this goal may keep me going for a couple years too.  I’d like to share these ideas, although I readily admit the sources of my materials are not really sustainably practical.

These are some samples of decorations that I created this past spring!

I created various styles using Poppy seedpod lids!  The smaller one on the right was decoupaged with Hydrangea flowerets. The bulb on the right is decoupaged Wasp nest paper!

Below is a container that I decoupaged using Wasp Nest paper.  

Yes, that's right.. Wasp Nest paper!

How do Wasps do that you ask?  

Social Wasps use wood pulp etc. to construct their nests. They collect wood fiber or particles with their mandibles by scraping it from worn fences or buildings or even cardboard boxes.  They chew this wood and mix it with saliva and after a period of time they add the paste to the nest structure and spread it out. When it is dry, it is a tough durable paper!!

I was so pleased with the results that I used a little wasp nest to decoupage this bulb ornament! Take a good look and you will see a blue line and some yellow lines! I find this fascinating because the blue comes from the old blue paint on my window frames! Yes! It's true!  The yellow comes from the old yellow paint on my neighbours house siding!   

I love the subtle beauty of the tops of miniature 

Poppy seeds that remind me of French Parasols!

These larger Poppy seed Parasols have a subtle contrast with green and beautiful designs.

Below I decorated some bulbs with dried wild Lupines that I bought in an antique glass canning jar at a farm yard sale!  The periwinkle blue colored flowers easily separated into three parts which I sorted and decoupaged into three complementary ornaments.

 Surrounding the ornaments is a garland of dried Rosehip berries strung on some fine wire that adds a natural punch of contrasting color.

Beneath the ornament work you may be able to see my tabletop design that is a clear epoxy encasing objects from the forest floor such as leaves, peeled bark and feathers etc.

Hanging outside are larger globe ornaments decorated with moss, feathers, poppy pods, bark curls etc.

Below are some wild Rosehips after the frost.

Happy Solstice

~

Merry Christmas

 Have a Safe and Happy New Year!!!

May you wander outdoors and take time to discover 

natural treasures to admire or spark your imagination!

Land of the Singing Clams

I am re posting this Blog article because right now, I wish I was on a holiday at the ocean!!

(This article was first posted in November 2009)

Recently I travelled to Cortes Island which is located in the Strait of Georgia across from Campbell River, Vancouver Island and Quadra Island, BC. When I got off the ferry I had some extra time before checking into my retreat, so I chose to go explore Manson’s Landing.

I noticed a young woman wandering around an almost empty cove perhaps picking up Oysters and placing them in her bucket. This reassured me that I too could go out there with my camera and find some treasures of my own!  So I wandered out onto the wet sand tiptoeing around and over various shells and jellyfish.

The sunlight made the water and dry sand sparkle. The air and ocean was still and quiet except the only sound I could hear was tiny high pitch squeals that seem to surround me. This was new to my ears.

Whether I wandered into the clear water or on the wet sand and squatted to curiously peer at things, this squeaky chorus remained the same.

There was an abundance of empty clam shells, which were contrasted by live Oysters. I wondered if the sound came from the million tiny holes in the wet sands.

At times I had to step cautiously to avoid the glimmering rubbery jellyfish patiently waiting for the waters to return.  I wished to walk out to a small rocky island that was surrounded by a channel of water.

However, I looked back to dry shore and sensed the tide was coming back in and that I needed to retreat or I’d be wading in waters creeping up to my knees or thighs.

It was not the best time to get stranded with the camera.  I have little experience with the timing of tides.  I noticed the water current creep up and it floated empty clam shell boats, air bubbles and curled pieces of bark etc. All the tiny discoveries were exciting photograph.

I wondered if this could be called, the land of the singing clams?

Beside myself, there was one young family relaxing on the beach. It struck me that the children did not appear bored as they sat together in the sandy grass.  This was such a tranquil and clean island beach.  It was serenity! 

It made me wish that all children of the world could experience moments such as this out in nature. Especially for children that face economic and urban barriers to playing in nature based unstructured natural environments free from the electronic stimulation that tends to be the norm these days.

During my brief time on Cortes Island, I did learn more about some of the interesting community projects and lifestyle choices.  Someone mentioned knowing a 3 year old who knows over 25 plants and their important medicinal uses.  I thought  this was interesting as many preschoolers that I have known over the past had memorized the names of Dinosaurs! 

As well, someone mentioned that children from the inner city of Seattle come to camp on the island and have been led barefoot on a walk through the forest up to Easter Bluff lookout. Wow! What a great experience that would be to walk on forest moss and rocky steps in bare feet! 

There is even a small independent parent participating school located on the Linnaea Farm Land Trust. One of its primary goals is to create appreciation, respect and responsibility for the natural world. One of their assets is a ‘Farm Life’ class as the school is located on a working organic farm!

 

I witnessed that young children can sit in one spot entertaining themselves for an extended period of time while the adults relax in solitude comfortably right beside them. 

Perhaps if we could choose to turn off our cell phones and IPods more often, we even might hear more natural and magical sounds like Singing Clams!

How might childhood be different if young children were influenced to attach and identify themselves with natural elements from earth, air, water and fire and learn how to create and combine them in innovative ways that enhanced their pretend play?

How might childhood be different for young children if they were not influenced to attach and identify themselves with commercials, products and brands?

Instead, perhaps they could learn that happiness does not primarily come from purchases that promise to entertain them or make them cool or attractive.

Perhaps we could also teach them not to believe that they need these items just because media tries to persuade them with these consumer beliefs.

What might be different is their connection to nature. Young children may suffer less from over-stimulation, anxiety, and boredom.

http://www.linnaeafarm.org/

http://www.evergreen.ca/en/

http://www.childnature.ca/

http://www.commercialexploitation.org/events/consumingkids.html 

(documentaryon commercial exploitation of children)
http://www.raffinews.com/download/audio/sustainability.mp3 

(music)

Over The Moon With Gratitude and Composting my Dreams

• What would it be like if you chose to live your life as you may have  dreamed about for several years?
• What stops you right now from living that way? 
• If you could let go of something that no longer serves you, would that be easy or difficult? 
• If it is not realistic to actually be fully within your dreams and you had to break it down into small pieces, what would be the first step?  
• And the second step?

Writing down all the things you have dreamed about is a great way to start noticing what excites your creativity.  Perhaps your ideas just do not seem practical, or professional, or they are so far out people would think you are from another planet!

Writing them down or drawing them out is a good way to get the creative juices flowing. Listen to the silliness, the seriousness and feel for when they seem to come from a deep place within your chest.  The ideas from your head must be anchored with the weight of your heart.  You'll feel it when you put it down on paper this way.

I recently took a few steps to towards something I wish I had more energy, time and money for.  What I discovered were opportunities and possibilities.  Now I still have some serious parts of my life that do not allow me to just follow my bliss. However, these small steps I experienced renewed my hope and creativity to create some more smaller steps that I can follow towards the bigger dream of what I wish I could do.

I have actively entered my dream as if I am on a journey.  I'll have to lean on my creativity and honour my insatiable curiosity. I know well enough to keep my eyes open and be on the lookout for signs confirming that I am going in the right directions. As well, I forever will be grateful for the teachers, friends and allies whose paths have crossed mine.

So I encourage you to dream big and let the ideas flow. Sometimes it is appropriate to share your dreams with other people too. Or sometimes it is best to keep them in a special container within your heart. You will know when is the best time to share, as your confidence will allow you to do so.

Recently I spent some time with a wonderful group of people all gathered together to share in the wisdom and leadership of a global woman known as Starhawk. We shared our visions and built our confidence to take meaningful action in our lives and all for the wellbeing of the planet.

As well, I bought a book by Starhawk and the first thing I read was a Compost Blessing. (So here was another sign for me, that I am not from another planet.)

COMPOST BLESSING:
"We offer gratitude to the great cycles of birth, growth, death, decay and regeneration.  We are grateful to all the beings who have made the great transformation, leaving the remains of their bodies here. We are grateful to all the hungry mouths that consume the dead.  Blessings on the termite, the beetle, the ant, the spider, the worm. Blessings on the fungi and the bacteria, those that need the air and those that avoid it. Blessings on all the life in this pile that will transform decay to fertility, death to life. May I always remember that the cycle of life is a miracle. May I continue to feel a sense of wonder and joy in the presence of death and life. May I remember that waste is food, and may my eyes be open to opportunities to close the circle and create abundance and life."

page 168,  THE EARTH PATH - Grounding your spirit in the rhythms of nature
by Starhawk, 2004.

For many years now I have had a strong spiritual experience when I go to empty my household compost into the outdoor compost bin when it is dark outside.  It began to happen one summer as the full moon lit up my backyard and I could see all my pumpkins and their vines and leaves in the dark.  Perhaps I was  sensing plants growing to the pull of the moons magnetic force. Perhaps it was the subtle heat I felt coming from the compost.  Somehow it all felt connected under that moon as I stood there.  I could walk back into my home with a sense of peace feeling more connected to something larger than just what was going on in the smallness of my house.

If you are interested, Starhawk even has a few ideas for compost rituals in her book mentioned above!  Or visit her website for more information and training opportunities at www.starhawk.org

Or feel free to try or adapt my compost ritual :

This past year I learned of a Peruvian ritual to express or celebrate Gratitude.  In fact little kits are sold at markets or stores to prepare these Gratitude Bundles. Apparently they burn these bundles or bury them in the earth while saying prayers to Pachamama.

My concern was for the possible toxic substances burned or buried as the objects used have moved away from the old organic to more modern processed foods or industry produced products. Therefore I adapted the ritual in my own way to use a coffee filter or Rhubarb leaf as the wrapping for the contents inside the bundle.  For inside the bundle I prefer to use offerings such as; flower seeds, seed pods, leaves, shells, pebbles, hair etc.  Anything that can naturally break down and decompose.

The activity of filling the Gratitude bundle is one of mindfullness, as each offering represents something or the events, or people that you are grateful for.  

* Leave enough room so that you can fold over the edges of your filter paper or leaf to hold the contents snug inside. Tie the Gratitude bundle up with some twine.

* Then say a prayer or a few words and place your gratitude bundle in a hole in your compost bin. Perhaps you will even try this during a full moon too!

Well..having written this..I see it is time to celebrate some Gratitude for all that I have recently experienced and all the new friends and allies that I have met.  The moon is already into its new cycle, a time to visualize my goals and take new action for the cycle ahead!

The Full Moon  October 3rd, 2009.  Photo taken over the ocean at Campbell River, BC, Vancouver Island, Canada.

Connecting To Nature Within The Ecological Age

                        This is a repost from 2009

                        

* I made this mask back in 2009.    

Bill left a comment on the post "A Journey Through Presence" from Feb 2009 :

"I have been a life long naturalist- in the oldest and most holistic sense, and I feel most connected these days when I am splitting wood or hunting wild mushrooms. I've made a career of natural science and conservation, and now after 35 years of managing, protecting, studying, writing, and teaching about nature; I've begun to think a lot about the meaning of separation. I would like you to ponder this-doesn't a true communion with nature require foraging of some sort? If we are born of nature and part of it, and everything in nature both feeds and is fed by everything else, then why should we be different? Doesn't it make sense that gathering, even including respectful hunting, making things of natural materials, and perhaps even modifying the landscape that you live in in a sustainable way is essential to real communion? Naturalists often abhor or discourage gathering, and I understand the implications of overharvesting, but it seems to me that one needs to make a shelter and eat the fruits of the forest and the fishes of the stream, learn to identify and harvest wild mushrooms and herbs, and come to understand which is which and why they occur where they do to be fully immersed and connected. No one understands nature in more depth than a traditional hunter/gatherer. Just "experiencing" or "pondering" nature in an intellectual sense, or leaving only footprints and taking only photographs without participating directly in the flow of life seems to me to a form of separation in and of itself. I'd like to hear your feelings about this, and sorry for the long post. "                                                                        
 Posted by Bill to Quiet Nature at September 28, 2009 1:48 PM

My response to Bill's comment on the Post, "A Journey Through Presence"from Feb 2009:
Thanks Bill for your thoughtful comments and questions. I agree in that, connecting with nature deepens when we are engaging more than one sensory function. Such as smell, vision, hearing, touching on and on.When I am outdoors engaged in my Photography, it is very much like foraging, gathering, and hunting for me. The experience of time is altered as I am fully engaged in what I am noticing or focusing on. It may be my footsteps delicately avoiding a wild flower, mindful breathing to steady the camera, smelling the Sage as the wind blows, and peripheral vision noticing an approaching Eagle, the changing hues of colors as the sun moves.
There are many people disconnected from nature in society, whether that is emotionally, unconsciously, ethically, or even just playfully. As environmental degradation continues, it could be important to encourage people to pause, observe, and notice what they sense within the natural world. Even if that is water at the beach, a plant in a hospital room, or a Bee on a plant.
By consciously becoming aware, experiencing the brief stillness, and experiencing sensory input, we tend to choose or seek out more in the natural world. Rather than caught in focusing on our worries, our technology etc., we may move beyond staring out a window, to stepping outside for air, or sitting on the grass to stare up into a tree.
If people are so fortunate, they may cross paths with someone like you. Someone who can mentor, teach, and share an experience of further depth to connect within nature! Thanks again for your important comment and questions!                          
  Posted by Sherry to Quiet Nature at September 28, 2009 8:41 PM

Following is a quote from Thomas Berry, one of the leading environmental thinkers in North America.

"The ecological age fosters the deep awareness of the sacred presence within each reality of the universe. There is an awe and reverence due to the stars in the heavens, the sun, and all heavenly bodies; to the seas and the continents; to all living forms of trees and flowers; to the myriad expressions of life in the sea; to the animals of the forests and the birds of the air. To wantonly destroy a living species is to silence forever a divine voice. Our primary need for the various life forms of the planet is a psychic, rather than a physical, need. The ecological age seeks to establish and maintain this subjective identity, this authenticity at the heart of every being. If this is so of the prehuman phase of life, it is surely true of the human also."

                                Pg 46 ~ ‘The Dream of the Earth’, by Thomas Berry 1988

An Interconnected Life

"

During a Shamanism workshop this past winter, we had a meditative mask making session. While the mask was created on my face and it hardened, I focused on the encasement and the sound of the rain dripping in a nature sound recording. I became a tree in a wet dark forest. I continued to merge with this consciousness the next morning. I intuitively knew I was to cover the plaster mask with the peeled bark I discovered on the forest floor. I had accepted this gift of bark and left an offering last Fall. This September, I returned to this place in the forest and blessed the mask, tree and forest. I brought the mask home with me as the plaster base is not organic.


One of Joanna Macy's Theoretical Foundations in 'The Work That Reconnects' is:


 "2.Our true nature is far more ancient and encompassing than the separate self defined by habit and society.We are as intrinsic to our living world as the rivers and trees, woven of the same intricate flows of matter/energy and mind. Having evolved us into self-reflexive consciousness, the world can now know itself through us, behold its own majesty, tell its own stories- and also respond to its own suffering. "

pg 59  'Coming Back to Life ~ Practices to Reconnect our Lives, Our World by Joanna Macy-Molly Young Brown 1998

Scott Kelby's 2nd Annual Worldwide Photo Walk ~ Kamloops, BC

Blog Header ~ Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos - Kamloops, BC 2009



DSC_4776
Originally uploaded by Notice Quiet Nature ( Flickr on Yahoo)
You can view the photos 2 ways.
Click on the link above or~ click on the Slideshow on the sidebar to the right.

These are some photos from the Scott Kelby's '2nd Annual Worldwide Photo Walk' this past Saturday. Apparently there were over 900 groups around the world snapping photos on this day!

For more information on this Photo Walk click on the following link,
http://worldwidephotowalk.com/

I really enjoyed the meandering walk downtown and bumping into friends that I have not seen in awhile. As well, meeting so many friendly people!  I am proud to live in such a family friendly and fun filled community!

Death of a Storyteller

Blog Header ~ Cinnamon Ridge Hoodoos - Kamloops, BC 2009

Michael Jackson was a modern day Storyteller. When he performed, he had that magnetic attraction that draws people’s attention. Like many great artists, he had talent, studied famous dancers, and entertainers and perfected this creative energy in his modern performances.

However, he also experienced enough pain emotionally and physically that exposed his vulnerabilities. As a result, his sensitivities were so deep he could no longer tolerate day-to-day reality.

Alright..alright.. perhaps you have had enough of MJ!  

I am not about to negate any of his Sins. I am merely focusing on some of his human attributes!

He was still human with Autoimmune disease and chronic pain and likely predisposed to manic depression, anxiety and so on that led to drug abuse. No wonder he was unable to contain the energy of modern day stardom, scrutiny, and expectation.

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This week I learned of a man named Antonio Lopez, a self-proclaimed Mediacologist. In his Blog, he bridges media literacy with ecoliteracy, and encourages us to think differently. As well, this is where I found the link to Michael Jackson’s video, ‘Earth Song’ on You Tube. 

http://mediacology.com/

The concept of Mediacology really intrigues my curiosity, as this is precisely what is needed to hold the tension of our rapidly changing world. It takes the values of Ecopsychology and Deep Ecology to ‘a whole ‘nuther level’!!

I definitely will be ordering his book!
'Mediacology- A Multicultural Approach to Media Literacy in the Twenty First Century' 2008
By Antonio Lopez

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If you seriously want to read more about Eco-Anxiety and some therapeutic tools,

then I recommend visiting the following Blog by Sarah Anne Edwards, PhD, LCSW

 an ecopsychologist and author of the recently released book,

'Middle-Class Lifeboat, Careers, and Life Choices for Navigating a Changing Economy'.

http://eco-anxiety.blogspot.com/

The Transforming Energy of Deadman Falls

For years, I have wanted to return and visit Deadman Falls. Finally, a Location Scouting assignment had me venture back up the beautiful Deadman Valley, past wondrous Hoodoos within a colourful landscape.

Listening to the constant noise of water pouring over the cliff while sitting grounded on a rock, I could sense something energizing. I could sense the electricity in the air from the hydro energy of suspended water particles descending rapidly into the chasm. I had this same sensation a few times before when under or very near waterfalls. It is very energizing! Therefore, I decided to rename Deadman Falls to Women Alive Falls!

A friend and I enjoyed the magic and energy of the Waterfall. We found we could easily walk out in low water to sit on a large rock directly above the 200 ft drop of water.

We discussed the shifting of perceptions: such as the duality of danger~anxiety to beauty~peace and the connectedness~separateness (from nature) as we sat on our daring perch. The lessons from observing Dualities teach us and reveal conflicts and struggles within.

Synchronising ourselves within the present moment of any environment can reveal personal myths and allow us to tap into the Power of the Universe! All we need to do is be centred and feel the energy!

No exaggeration~ the Deadman Falls viewing area is rustic and dangerous. The parking areas have tire grooves from 4x4 vehicles. Therefore, I can just imagine the huge mucky mud puddle during wet seasons! Presently the surrounding forest is tinder dry and there are lots of dead wind fallen trees. It is a hazardous time for forest fires.

When we are able to Trust, we can tap into our intuition and experience intimacy with nature. These experiences enhance our Depth Perception by consciously choosing to be 'in the moment’.

 Shapes shift, our perceptions are enhanced, and we notice our senses are acutely aware of

colors, sounds, temperature, smells, and other small nuances.

Do you focus or react?

Can you feel the physiological reactions within your own body?

 This Wisdom of Nature in the external landscape can have a healing or harmful impact on our inner landscape depending on how we choose to perceive. In many situations in life, we can become conscious of the multiple dimensions or choices of how we react to the situations or experiences that we are facing.

We can become aware of our patterns of interaction depending on whether we feel connected or separate from the natural environment that we find ourselves within. (This could even be just a patch of grass or a plant in the room).

My friend Janet Whitehead and I made an Offering of Gratitude to the Nature Spirits of the Chasm.

Janet is a certified Life and Business Coach Extraordinaire.

Her Coaching is available by phone, Skype or in person.

In addition, she is a Creative Muse Group Facilitator.

She has recently published, "The Demise of Noshud Hafta" 2009

 - an empowering storybook illustrated in clay.

As well, her excellent Work (Play) books are for sale and much more!

Janet L. Whitehead http://www.musingsandmud.com/

Janets Blog: http://www.musingalong.wordpress.com/

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“When we look at water in nature it is certainly an element that integrates a lot of things. It is artist, it is landscape architect, it is also in a certain way, engineer. Always water has enough space and time in nature. No matter where we look, our landscapes_ the shapes and forms – are very much influenced by water. Water is the ultimate landscape architect. We always see the borderlands between air and water and the shapes that the water leaves behind such as the wave patterns in sand after the tides have gone out. There is potential creativity in this water. No one snowflake is equal to another. Varied and dynamic, water is always changing. It lives in the beauty and artistry of little details such as a falling raindrop. And when we look at close-ups of water, we see that it is so magic and full of surprises. The magnified structure of water even resembles the early forms of life itself.

-Herbert Dreiseitl Pg xxi, ‘Waterworks’ a Foreword in the book,

‘Deep Immersion~ The Experience of Water’ by Robert Lawrence France PhD 2003.

Apparently, people hike up Deadman’s Creek down from the Valley road. I was told you have to scramble over boulders and watch for falling objects too. However, there are Pictographs at the base of Deadman Falls and other discoveries too!

This photo looks back at the main viewing ledge. The cliff edge is eroding and there is evidence some trees have been removed. (This must have been a rather precarious feat!) The ledge slopes towards the edge, which could trigger Vertigo for some people.It is magnificent to view the Falls despite the limited view without crouching down or clinging to a tree to peer further over the edge. However, this is what keeps British Columbia wild!

Directions: From Kamloops, BC take Hwy 1 west. Just past Savona and up the hill is the turnoff to the right onto Deadman Valley Road. It is mainly well maintained unpaved graded road. The waterfalls are 59.2 kms from the highway. The Deadman Waterfalls are up and beyond the turn off sign to the Vidette Lake Resort and about 5 km and a wee bit. Look for the Orange Pylons on the right hand side of the road.

If you are interested in exploring this beautiful area, follow the link to the Vidette Lake Resort. I have stayed here in the past and certainly enjoyed the quietude and the discovery of the ‘Centre of the Universe’. http://www.videttelake.com. A great fishing resort, for families or individuals looking for nature adventures!

Most of all respect the people and fragile nature of the landscape in the area.