Wish List

Autumn invigorates me  profoundly, yet in a different way than spring. I am busy each day harvesting plant material, from root to seed and most everything in between. The daily labor intensive task of seed saving awakens a wish for seed sorting trays. The trays would simply matters immensely and save time. Perhaps by next growing season I shall have obtained a set.  https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/product/stainless-steel-and-cedar-seed-cleaning-screens-set-of-8/

I am getting much use out of my thrift store procures dehydrator. I do wish it had a temperature setting, though. Some material requires a lower temperature, lest constituents be lost in the process. Other, denser items, like some roots, do well with a slightly elevated temperature. My dehydrator operates only in 'on' or 'off' options, and I do not know at what temperature it dries. So, on my wish list goes a temperature setting dehydrator.

If dreaming, why not dream big -
     https://www.homedepot.com/p/Tribest-Sedona-Express-11-Tray-Black-Stainless-Steel-Food-Dehdyrator-with-Built-In-Timer-SDE-S6780-B/206351099 


Though for a similar price is this large model:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Weston-Pro-2400-24-Tray-Black-Food-Dehydrator-with-Temperature-Control-28-0501-W/304105507

Perhaps a more realistic option for now, given the cost, is this smaller, plastic tray model.

The final item on todays wish list is a greenhouse for seed starting and plant propagating over the winter. I have dreamed of having a greenhouse of my own for 25 years. Someday, maybe.

Growth

Summer is a fitting time for growth as a metaphor and reality. BeWell Bohemia Herbs and Things is growing. I have scheduled many in person vending events in the coming months. I am excited to commit to presenting my wares and sharing my knowledge at these in person events. In the words of Little Red Riding Hood from Sondheim's "Into the Woods", "Well, excited and scared." I quit the anxious questions about "what if I don't feel well that day?" or "will I have enough stock" or "how can I be sure to prepare enough food and drink for the day?" or  "will the tent withstand rain?" or.. they go on. I smile, take a deep breath and remind myself to trust. That I am able to problem solve and endure challenge.

Then maybe I make some tea to support calm mind.

The growth extends in different areas, as well. I am leading workshops, applying for a grant to offer workshop series in local communities free of charge, so folks can be exposed to and learn about herbalism with comfort and hands-on activities. Check out the grant application video: (and like and share, too #grants4plants a program offered by Mountain Rose Herbs) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p08xJ44uBx0&t=17s

The workshops, led to completion of a booklet, which I published in both ebook, and print book versions. If you attend the workshop on July 16, 2019 at the Otterbein (IN) Public Library, you receive an ebook edition free. If you aren't able to join us for the workshop, there is an ebook sale in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing, so buy the ebook by July 18 and you get it for $1.69.

ebook: https://books2read.com/u/mv7aw2

print book: http://www.lulu.com/shop/brooke-criswell/tea-of-tranquility-making-herbal-teas-that-support-tranquility-and-nervous-system-function/paperback/product-24173171.html

The online store has grown too, so if. you are not local to Indiana, you can still check out BeWell Bohemia Herbs and Things store, and order fun and practical items to support your wellness and expand your connection to plants. More seed varieties are ready weekly, so check back.

Thanks for being connected to this community and celebrating the many ways of wellness.

Winter walk, and business steps

Procuring 1st BeWell Bohemia booth registration

Mid-march, and time to procure the premier booth registration in preparation for BeWell Bohemia Herbs' and Things inaugeral event, the 2019 Master Gardener's Association of Tippecanoe County (MGATC) Garden Expo, held each April. The deadline early registration for a vendor booth loos, so I made my way to the Extension Office to complete the paperwork, submit payment. While at the Extension Office, I picked-up the 'avoid these invasive plant species' list the Extension Office provides. I don't want to grow or sell any plants that can negatively impact local habitats. Weeds are one thing, aggressive invaders are quite another. 

The preceding couple of days, had been sunny and in the mid-sixiets, so I thought surely some spring ephemerals were emerging, I need to get hiking in the woods to remain connectted with the natural cycles, and say hello to woodland plant friends. On the way home from the Extension office I stopped at Purdue Horticulture Park for a hike. The weather hand turned back for a few final days of winter before the equinox. Overcast skies, stiff winds, and a temperature of below 30 degreesFarenheit made the day feel brisk. I had only moderate layers, so I kept the hike brief. The woods showed minimal sign of spring growth. I did not even find skunk cabbage in the lowlying wet areas. Woods, you may not show it, but I trust you are stirring with the turning of the seasons, and soon shall burst forth with green. 

The brittle and pale birch leaves cling atop winter branches, providing a soft whispering rustle soundtrack to my walk. I stop and listen, loving every whisper.

 Next I made a close inspection of the soft mosses on the tree trunk. So many shades of green, bright hued and dark. A magical world in miniature. Do tiny faeries luxuriate in its softness of a woodland eve?

I meandered my way along the path out of the woods. Time to head home to a warm cup of herbal tea, and a cozy book, "Herbal Constituents: Foundations in Phytochemistry" by Lisa Ganora, perhaps.

Hello and Welcome

BeWell Bohemia Herbs and Things has sprouted and is growing well thus far.
I am so excited about this endeavour.
If you do not yet know me, here are a series of introduction videos in which I discuss
1. Who I am:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NROZ602d9hs&list=PLMwQhjoQZoajwrvTQgkadm-ADTE8InDcd&index=2&t=24s

2. Why I selected the name "BeWell Bohemia" as the company name:

3. Why "Herbs and Things":