A book can awaken appreciation

Tis raining heavily here as I write. The air is a grey-purple dimness only possibly on a rainy day. The patter of drops on tree leaves, road asphalt, and rain-soaked lawn create an orchestra song. The gentle breeze is cool and refreshing even as it creates a quiet 'bong' on the windchime. 

I sit on my porch watching the maple tree leaves sway a smooth dance to the rain song. From my post, I survey the lush spring growth  - dainty columbine blooming in pinks, purples, yellows, and orange, the stately irises with regal blooms of pale yellow, pink, and burgundy, the cheery little yellow flowers on the mustard plant, and all the shades of green in the hostas, violas, grasses, dandelion, wild lettuce, lavender, and so many others. 

I shall miss this glorious garden when. I go. For now, I drink in the beauty with a sense of calm gratitude. 

Earlier, as I drank my morning cup of tea, I read from "Jane of Lantern Hill" by L, M. Montgomery, which is like having a visit with an old, familiar, beloved friend. L.M. Montgomery's books provide a peaceful mood, and activate my abiding love of nature. When I read her words, I recall summer afternoons of my youth, when I would pack one of her books in my pocket and hike up the hill behind my house. I would find a nook in the woods and settle in for a read.  That sense of adventure paired with the everyday strength of her heroines is kindled when I read. I appreciate the beauty of the natural world around me and the joys of everyday life. 

Audio book dreams

Last night my aspirations and focus played center stage in a dream. In the dream, a recording expert visited my in-home studio space and gave me feedback to improve the layout to maximize sound capture without undue background noise. He also listened to some rehearsal clips already recorded, which is what prompted him to look at the recording space.
My mind is focused on this project. I am improving my skills with the editing programs, familiarizing myself with terms related to recording and editing, and practicing my performance. I have a timeline. I want to have the first audiobook completed by August 1, 2020. That feels ambitious, yet attainable, especially with the kind support of folks like you. I am buoyed along by the guidance I have received so far from local recording professionals, and by the contributions of folks excited about the project.
Want to be a part of the process? Have access to a free copy of either "Travels of the Heart", "Wren & Ignacio", or "Tea of Tranquility" as soon as it is finished? Then contribute to the project here: BeWell Bohemia Audio Book Project
I am honored by all the support and interest. I will keep you apprised of developments.

Family Love is a place visited in "Travels of the Heart"

The countdown continues to the release of "Travels of the Heart", a collection of short stories and poems celebrating love in its many forms.

Each story reflects a creative exploration of love, and draws the reader into a moment, a relationship, an image, or a myth.

Young Betty Lou, circa 1944

Some are inspired by the love of family. One such is "Betty of Mustard Hollow", which is a story about a young girl growing up in rural Pennsylvania in the 1940's. We meet Betty, learn of her spirit, and how she is much beloved by her family. We also get a look into southwestern Pennsylvania, the landscape and the culture.

In fact, Betty is a rendition of my mom spun from tales she told of her youth. I am still developing the work, so the version included in "Travels of the Heart" 2020 release is a snapshot of the work in progress. My intention is to continue the story and expand the context and characters into a full novel. Until then, enjoy the snippet.

Adult Betty Lou, circa 2016

You can order your copy of "Travels of the Heart" today (available in print and ebook format) and follow the story of a young girl growing up in rural Pennsylvania, along with all the other stories and poems included in the collection.

Love spins many tales. Enjoy a journey through a series of narratives, poems, and stories delving into love in its varied forms You will witness sharing of tender moments, explore unexpected relationships, experience the comfort of happy endings, recall the sweetness of first love, watch the awakening of self for mythic Medusa, follow the life of a young girl growing up in rural Pennsylvania in the 1940's, consider the sensuality of music, and thrill as two soul-mates meet.


 To discover other books available by Brooke Criswell check-out the following links:

Print books available here

Ebooks available here


Or to explore Brooke's full website for BeWell Bohemia Herbs and Things

Travels of the Heart Enticing Excerpt to Enjoy

I share here, with you dear friend and reader, an excerpt from my soon to release (02-02-2020) collection of short stories and poems celebrating love, "Travels of the Heart".

Feel free to share this post and help spread the love, and the word (wink).

• Excerpt begins with the introduction -

"Welcome,

“If music be the fruit of love, play on,” begins Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, expressing that ever-present longing for love in our lives. The following stories are about discovering love, be it love of other, love of self, friend, family, or lover. Love is a journey, never-ending, and here some some 'Travels of the Heart' for you to enjoy.
I created this compilation of stories, poems, and biographic sketches to explore themes of love, in its many and varied forms.
I am intrigued by the role personal relationships have on the lives and well-being of us all. We each encounter love in a myriad of forms throughout our lives. Some love comes softly and is ever present, other love catches us unawares and in its revelation changes who we are.  Still others frustrate or confound us in the angst and excitement of emotion.
The collection includes excerpts from other of my work, new material, and works in progress. I hope you find a piece that resonates, inspires, entertains, or touches you."

• Next I offer an excerpt from the story "Nate Meets Evelyn" -

    Nate attended the same church each Sunday, yet he never saw the graceful, strong, lovely woman before.  As folks mingled in the sanctuary after the service, sharing weekly updates, Nate scanned the congregation noting what a friendly community they formed. People of all ages gathering weekly to hear the word of god delivered by a passionate preacher, to sing the gospel, and to share the spirit.
He stood next to his long-time friend, Anton, and smiled at the elder couple with whom Anton chatted. The couple were proudly commenting on a young grand-daughter’s recent scholarly accomplishments. Anton and Nate provided an interested and respectful ear.
As he looked past the couple and across the church aisle, towards the vestry, Nate noticed a stunning woman with an infant. The woman wore a cornflower blue sweater hugging her form and highlighting her complexion. He admired the hue of her skin that called to mind the warm, rich browns of pine cones in the sun.  He watched as she swaddled the infant in a flannel blanket, smiling and cooing at the child, her lips moving in intimate conversation with what appeared to be her much-loved son.
Before Nate exited his pew and made his way to the vestry, the woman was gone.

In the next few weeks, Nate met occasionally with Jada, his … how did he classify Jada? He and Jada dated during college. Then, due to the drift of life and the coming to know oneself as an adult, separated.  They dated again, after graduation in that ‘comfortable with each other’ way of former attachments.  Yet they were not a couple, not really; they were more pals who could rely on each other for a partner to an event, or a shared meal and a movie on a lonely Saturday.
Jada commented to Nate on one chummy outing, “I know just the women for you! She recently moved here, and I think you would get along wonderfully. She is smart and caring, and I know you would two would hit it off....” 

• And now, since tomorrow is my (strong, intelligent, creative, beautiful) niece's 16th birthday, I share an excerpt from my short story, "Sweet 16 Never Been Kissed"

“Sweet 16 never be kissed” was true enough to start with. But by seventeen... no longer true. The first kiss was sweet enough, preceded by a very polite, “May I kiss you?”
    Beth, and Eric stood on the road by the back porch, waiting for her dad to back the van out of the garage to drive Eric home. He had no license, and she only had a cinderella license, so they stood and waited. Eric was handsome and smart.  Zoe was intelligent and timid.  They saw each other mostly at school.  Zoe occasionally visits Eric's house, or he visits hers on weekend nights.  Weeks and weeks of blushes, chats in G.A.T.E. (Gifted and Talented Education - talk about an ego builder.  They actually met in G.A.T.E., where else would a junior and a sophomore be in class together? Nowhere.)
Eric opened Zoe to musical variety by playing Simon and Garfunkel, the Cure, and the Cranberries. First love, so all encompassing. They would talk for 6 or 8 hours on the phone. Finch, years later, when making the mental count of past loves, did not fathom how they found so much to talk about.  But in the throes of adolescent love, they talked books, religion, music, movies, people... theirs was a heady dialog.  All the milestones of high school romance – flirtation in the hallway, cuddled close together in the stands of a home football game on Saturday afternoon, listening to records, often actually on vinyl, though many a mixed tape too, in his room with the door open, going on family outings...."


Get your very own print copy to follow the story further and find out what other travels the heart makes. Order now and get the benefit of the celebratory offer of 10% off through Valentines Day, February 14, 2020.

EBook edition also available! Pre-order today

Travels of the Heart soon to release

In time for Valentines Day, 2020, a work of love. Read this collection of stories and poems that celebrate love.
Enjoy a journey through a series of narratives, poems, and stories delving into love in its varied forms You will witness sharing of tender moments, explore unexpected relationships, experience the comfort of happy endings, recall the sweetness of first love, watch the awakening of self for mythic Medusa, follow the life of a young girl growing up in rural Pennsylvania in the 1940's, consider the sensuality of music, and thrill as two soul-mates meet.
Travels of the Heart is available in print and ebook formats.

"What the world needs now, is love, sweet love" Jackie DeShannon song lyrics, and a profound truth. In honor of love, in celebration of love, in invitation for love, I compiled a collection of my poems and short stories into an anthology, "Travels of the Heart", which will release for sale on February 2, 2020 (aka 02022020) Watch for details on where and how to get your copy.
Love
Brooke

A note on wellness and inspiration

I want to share an excellent yoga resource, for those of you who are curious about yoga, but not sure where to begin, or unable to pay for class or instruction, this is a great resource. For those of you resolving to improve your health with increased activity, movement, flexibility, or strength, this is an excellent resource. For those of you who enjoy yoga and like exploring styles or 'meeting' other folks who enjoy yoga, this is a fabulous resource. I am not affiliate, I am just sharing a resource that I enjoy, that bring joy, inspiration, and empowerment to my world.

Yoga with Adrienne.
Her style is friendly and welcoming. She is fun, and provides clear explanation of poses. I have enjoyed each session / video. Some are more challenging than others, so explore to find the videos that allow you to be where you are, without being too advanced.

I recently purchased a book that activates my interest in yoga and anatomy and physiology. Anatomy of Fitness, Yoga: the Trainer's Inside Guide to Your Workout by Goldie Karpel Oren. This book shows both how to do the pose, and provides a drawing indicating the muscles activated by the pose. I love learning about how the body works, so having a look at what the pose activates gives me a clearer idea than the names of the muscles alone can provide.

I find the journey to wellness in many-faceted, and I am building my body, mind, and spirit with intention every day.

Be Well,
you deserve it.

Wellness is a Journey

Herbs are an aspect of a larger wellness journey I undertake. Wellness is an interconnected state of being involving physical aspects of movement, nutrition, rest;  mental aspects like thinking, relaxing, learning; emotional including experiencing, accepting, letting go emotions such as  laughing, crying and the myriad more;  and spiritual involving ritual, the sacred, connecting to the deep-self, awareness, presence and connection beyond self to the greater. Wellness also involves relationship to community, a good friend once said “humans are social creatures.” This morning I made many choices that support my wellness, immediate and long-term. I awoke after hours of restful sleep, did my yoga routine in the grass looking to the rising sun, I walked the yarden, weeded beds while the soil was soft from rain and air cool, harvested fresh vegetables and herbs to make nourishing meals today, made morning tea blend, in which I have reduced amount of caffeinated green tea by blending in catnip and lavender, and finally sat down on the porch to read and research. Today’s resources focused on managing my auto-immune condition by addressing and managing inflammation through intentional and aware food choices. July has been a struggle for me -lots of pain, which undermines my strength to get moving and make nourishing meals, the lack of which exacerbates the symptoms (the familiar vivacious circle). So I am pleased to have made nourishing meals and wellness-supporting choices the previous two days. 

I revisited my library and pulled out some relevant books for a re-acquainting. Reviewing and comparing what various sources have to say helps me make informed choices. I think critically about what I read, compare it to what I have learned and to my personal experience, then I draw conclusions. From the conclusions, I form plans, take action, record results and revisit my conclusions to revise based on the data. 

I also remind myself, that wellness is an ongoing journey, intricate and multi-faceted. 

So don’t be discouraged. Even though wellness is an ongoing journey, each step matters. Even though wellness is multi-faceted, facets can be addressed individually. It is okay to make small choices. There is not judgement, only support. BeWell, in your way, you deserve it. 

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.