Misty Meadows Homestead: July 2016

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Adventures in Re-Wilding

Re-wilding means to return to a more wild or natural state; it is the process of undoing domestication and is considered a more holistic approach to living that encompasses mind, body, and spirit.

Re-Wilding wasn't a term I was familiar with until a friend recently sent me an article about this "new" old way of being.

I find the term fascinating and even a bit defiant. From our first breath, until our last, social conditioning wields it's power over us, forcing us to conform, instilling in us a sense of civility. We quickly loseour curiosity and are taught to be fearful of anything outside of the societal box created for us. So, the idea of getting back to a more authentic way of living intrigues me.

Recently, we took the plunge and purchased a home on 11 acres, though not quite off the grid (we have power, septic, well water), it's really more of a "Homestead" than just a home. There's a barn, pastures, even a spring fed pond! Our nearest neighbors are elk who bed down in our over grown pastures, and the nearest big town, with more than 1500 people, is an hour away. We are tucked beneath a stunning view of a majestic, sleeping volcano and between dense forests that hold many medicinal herbs and plentiful food sources.

Everything my heart...our hearts have longed for.

I think I have a natural inclination toward this sort of subsistent lifestyle. The past few years have found me busily learning about gardening, canning, hunting, soap making, as well as other skills of self-sufficiency.

I can't wait to share what I learn and I hope you'll share too!

Join us in our Adventures in Re-Wilding at Misty Meadows.

Monday, July 4, 2016

Medicinal Monday - St. John's Wort

I have a strong desire to know more about natural paths to healing; whether it be massage, pressure points that manipulate meridians, herbal medicines, I believe the further away we get from 'big pharma', the better off we will be...for the most part (when in doubt, always contact a physician).

There will always be a need for the 'big guns', but isn't it nice that nature more than provides for our day to day, more "basic" needs?

I present to you, Saint John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)

It's been used for millennia to make liniments, tinctures, decoctions, teas, etc. to treat sprains and strains, sore muscles, mouths and throats, and a myriad of other ailments. It has even used to treat mild anxiety and depression. Antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds have been found in it.

A word of warning, it can cause photodermatitis (skin burns) on sensitive persons when exposed to light.

Preparations of St. John's wort can be found on your local drug store shelves, though, I found this growing in the wilds of our homestead. Pretty amazing, if you ask me!

Have you used St. John's Wort? If you have, I hope you share a tip or recipe in the comments below.

(Disclaimer: I am not a Physician nor am I Certified Herbalist. The information provided on this site has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent conditions, illnesses or diseases, it is purely anecdotal and stem from my own personal fascination with the natural world around me. I use the following for my research: Peterson Field Guides - Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs, The Complete Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody, books and videos by Rosemary Gladstar and Susun Weed, as well as various internet posts. I encourage you to do your own research. Before trying any herbal remedy, consult a physician or certified medical professional to make sure it is safe for you to use.)

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Survival Sunday - Foraging

The fields and hills are a table constantly spread." ~ Henry David Thoreau

Isn't that a lovely quote? Yet, I wonder how many of you truly understand it and how it relates to prepping.

Once a month I'm going to post some information that just might help you WHEN (not if) disaster strikes. A disaster could be 'natural', like a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or flood or it could be financial/economic collapse (personal or national). A disaster could even be a zombie/Kardashian apocalypse (sorry, Walking Dead Fans).

This month, let's talk about... Foraging.
Scientists warn the Pacific Northwest are due for a catastrophic earthquake. If you live in that area and were to experience an event like that, what would you do? How would you provide for yourself and your loved ones should all commerce screech to a halt?

Conventional wisdom dictates that each person should have enough supplies (water, food, medicine...) to last 72 hours - 3 days. That's the typical amount of time it takes for infrastructure to get back up and running - power back on, roads open, outside assistance arriving. But what if the event is so catastrophic those 3 days turn into a week or two weeks or two months or longer? What if you're caught in a location without your supplies? What then?

A hundred years ago, our grandparents would know what to do - they didn't have modern conveniences to rely on, they turned to nature and the abundance therein. Rather that shop in the aisles of their local grocery, they shopped right outside their doors. What we, now, call weeds - they called sustenance! Dandelions, clover, nettle, lambs quarter, nipplewort, chickweed, purslane...

If you are already a forager, below in the comments, please share your stories and recipes. If you're not, you really should consider it... If not for now, for later. A disaster isn't a 'maybe', it's a 'when'. Now is the time to prepare. Do one small thing every day or every week, to prepare yourself and your family.

This week, I'll do some of my own 'foraging' and share what I learn. I hope you will too!
If you are already a forager, please share some tips and recipes below in the comments.

Join us in our Adventures of Foraging at Misty Meadows

Friday, July 1, 2016

Welcome to Misty Meadows

After years of Facebook posts, sharing my newest adventure in prepping, canning, gardening, wildcrafting, etc., friends and family suggested I start a blog to reach a broader audience.

We've recently purchased a homestead in a need of a great deal of TLC, I thought this might be the perfect time to start a blog to share our progress and adventures.

So, welcome! Welcome to Misty Meadows... where the adventure begins! I hope you'll join us!

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