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Everywhere I go, there I am image

Everywhere I go, there I am

Stillness image

Stillness

Wow, that was quite a rollercoaster, this past Yuletide and a bit longer than that as well.

Shortly after asking you about your ideal place to live (thanks for the many inspiring responses!), I fell quite ill. Additionally, my dearest companion, Chelik, deteriorated rapidly. He was already an old man, but still… I never left his side and tried everything to help him. Towards the end as well, when helping meant being there for him continuously, to ensure his transition would be as peaceful as possible.

Meanwhile, I feel better, although I am still rather tired. I just give into that and everything else at play. Over the years, I’ve learned that during tough times, it works well for me to come to a bit of a standstill. To let whatever needs to be there be there without resisting it.

That doesn’t mean I do nothing. I write, read and walk a lot. I handle the necessary ongoing matters. I spend time with my family members but also a lot of time alone. Just sitting or hanging around or staring into space. But I do avoid doing anything that could have significant future consequences. Now is not the time for that. That time will come again, of course. I’ll feel it when it does.

What helps you get through the tougher times?

Wow, that was quite a rollercoaster, this past Yuletide and a bit longer than that as well. Shortly after asking you about your ideal place to live (thanks for the many inspiring responses!), I fell quite ill. Additionally, my dearest companion, Chelik, deteriorated rapidly. He was already an old man, but still... I never left his side and tried everything to help him. Towards the end as well, when helping meant being there for him continuously, to ensure his transition would be as peaceful as possible. Meanwhile, I feel better, although I am still rather tired. I just give into that and everything else at play. Over the years, I've learned that during tough times, it works well for me to come to a bit of a standstill. To let whatever needs to be there be there without resisting it. That doesn't mean I do nothing. I write, read and walk a lot. I handle the necessary ongoing matters. I spend time with my family members but also a lot of time alone. Just sitting or hanging around or staring into space. But I do avoid doing anything that could have significant future consequences. Now is not the time for that. That time will come again, of course. I'll feel it when it does. What helps you get through the tougher times?
In the category “Good Questions” image

In the category “Good Questions”

I was wondering… if you could choose any place, where would you live? And why? What would your house like like? What would your life look like?
Good questions for this time of year, right?

🌳🌲🌿🌞🌻🌍⛰🏡🏘🛖⛺️🐕🐎🐈‍⬛

I was wondering… if you could choose any place, where would you live? And why? What would your house like like? What would your life look like?
Good questions for this time of year, right?
🌳🌲🌿🌞🌻🌍⛰🏡🏘🛖⛺️🐕🐎🐈‍⬛
Herbal Grimoire Proof Unboxing image

Herbal Grimoire Proof Unboxing

Yes! They arrived, the Hagetisse’s Herbal Grimoire proofs!
As you can tell, they were pretty well packaged. I had a hard time getting them out 😁

So, now my lovely editors and I will be entering into the daunting task of yet another thorough editing round. It’s amazing, the silly mistakes you stumble upon when you finally see your work in print, even after so many earlier editing rounds. However, it will be worthwhile, cos it will make the Herbal Grimoire even better!! ❤🌿📖❤

Yes! They arrived, the Hagetisse's Herbal Grimoire proofs! As you can tell, they were pretty well packaged. I had a hard time getting them out 😁 So, now my lovely editors and I will be entering into the daunting task of yet another thorough editing round. It's amazing, the silly mistakes you stumble upon when you finally see your work in print, even after so many earlier editing rounds. However, it will be worthwhile, cos it will make the Herbal Grimoire even better!! ❤🌿📖❤
Mary Tree image

Mary Tree

This week I read in the Dutch newspapers that the Marialinde—Mary tree in Dutch—in Oisterwijk has been elected tree of the year. This tree is at least 650 years old. Its name reveals that this specific tree was important to our ancestors. Linden trees were seen as powerful magical protective trees and were often the first to appear in a new settlement. They played a role in many important social rituals. When christianity gained the upper hand, the church was unable to eradicate this custom, so the tree in question was adopted and christianised. You can read more about Linden’s magical properties and also about its medicinal effects in the monograph elsewhere on this website.

This week I read in the Dutch newspapers that the Marialinde—Mary tree in Dutch—in Oisterwijk has been elected tree of the year. This tree is at least 650 years old. Its name reveals that this specific tree was important to our ancestors. Linden trees were seen as powerful magical protective trees and were often the first to appear in a new settlement. They played a role in many important social rituals. When christianity gained the upper hand, the church was unable to eradicate this custom, so the tree in question was adopted and christianised. You can read more about Linden's magical properties and also about its medicinal effects in the monograph elsewhere on this website.
Turning within… image
Happiness image

Happiness

One of the most harmful beliefs of our society today is the idea that we should always be happy. That this is a state of mind that is achievable on a continuous basis. This persistent story, in combination with the fable that life can be made into what you want it to be, causes billions of people to chase an impossible goal.

It is not possible to be happy all the time, nor is it desirable or healthy. Feeling unhappy at times is unavoidable. Without the valleys, there are no peaks, and both states have lessons to teach. This also works the other way around. Even in the worst circumstances, moments of happiness can be found. Appreciating both states – and realizing that both are transitory – is the key to a good life.

One of the most harmful beliefs of our society today is the idea that we should always be happy. That this is a state of mind that is achievable on a continuous basis. This persistent story, in combination with the fable that life can be made into what you want it to be, causes billions of people to chase an impossible goal. It is not possible to be happy all the time, nor is it desirable or healthy. Feeling unhappy at times is unavoidable. Without the valleys, there are no peaks, and both states have lessons to teach. This also works the other way around. Even in the worst circumstances, moments of happiness can be found. Appreciating both states – and realizing that both are transitory – is the key to a good life.
My herbal grimoire image

My herbal grimoire

Meet my book of books, my herbal grimoire. Nothing beats the look, feel and smell of a real book, especially when it's such a work of beauty... ☺ I've been asked many, many times whether I could share my knowledge in book format. And I'm happy to inform you that I'm working on it! At the moment, we don't have a publishing date yet, but I suspect it will be well before yule. I will definitely keep you posted! Want to make sure you don’t miss anything? Follow me on Instagram or Facebook and add me to your favourites to make sure my posts appear in your feed. Alternatively, you can become a basic member (it’s free!) and you’ll automatically get my newsletter. ❤️
Be here now image

Be here now

All we have is now. The past is gone and the future is not guaranteed. Our life on this earth is limited and that’s okay. But somehow for us humans that fact only seems reason to not be present wherever it is we are. Life being limited mostly seems to make us push on to be successful, whatever that might mean, somewhere in the future. While making it count NOW is the only sure way of having a successful life. That is, if you consider actually living to be the purpose of our existence. Which I do.

In fact, it’s the thing that keeps me sane in this insane world. Being here now helps me stay grateful for all that is and all that I get to connect with. Those moments that I’m not 100% present the uncertainties of my life could just send me sprawling, mentally. And I don’t want that, cos life just way too sweet. So I work at staying in the present time in my current location. For instance, by consciously connecting with nature around me.

All we have is now. The past is gone and the future is not guaranteed. Our life on this earth is limited and that’s okay. But somehow for us humans that fact only seems reason to not be present wherever it is we are. Life being limited mostly seems to make us push on to be successful, whatever that might mean, somewhere in the future. While making it count NOW is the only sure way of having a successful life. That is, if you consider actually living to be the purpose of our existence. Which I do. In fact, it’s the thing that keeps me sane in this insane world. Being here now helps me stay grateful for all that is and all that I get to connect with. Those moments that I’m not 100% present the uncertainty of my life could just send me sprawling, mentally. And I don’t want that, cos life just way too sweet. So I work at staying in the present time in my current location. For instance, by consciously connecting with nature around me.
Be in Nature image

Be in Nature

A while back I took some time away from social media. It felt really good. I got to spend even more time out in nature – where I belong – and still had plenty of time to work on my herbal remedies, write, create and loads, loads more.

I can’t say I’ve ever really fallen in love with being on social media. I had hopes of meeting tonnes of like-minded people and sharing my knowledge widely. Granted, I did get to interact with some really great people around the world, but it mostly felt like I was made to jump through hoops and talking into space.

That’s not how I want to spend my time. Especially now it’s becoming clearer and clearer that Meta only has one purpose: getting us hooked to our screens.  So, yeah, I’m done. From now on I’m only sharing on socials when I feel like it and how I feel like it. No more hoops.

Thing is… your time is the most important thing under your control that’s irreplaceable. And our separateness from nature is human’s biggest trauma. So, my advice to you: go offline and be in nature. Restore the connection to all that is; it’s vital to your well-being. Feel that you belong, there, with your feet on the soil and your head in the wind, your surroundings teeming with fellow creatures…

A while back I took some time away from social media. It felt really good. I got to spend even more time out in nature - where I belong - and still had plenty of time to work on my herbal remedies, write, create and loads, loads more. I can’t say I’ve ever really fallen in love with being on social media. I had hopes of meeting tonnes of like-minded people and sharing my knowledge widely. Granted, I did get to interact with some really great people around the world, but it mostly felt like I was made to jump through hoops and talking into space. That’s not how I want to spend my time. Especially now it’s becoming clearer and clearer that Meta only has one purpose: getting us hooked to our screens.  So, yeah, I’m done. From now on I'm only sharing on socials when I feel like it and how I feel like it. No more hoops. Thing is... your time is the most important thing under your control that's irreplaceable. And our separateness from nature is human's biggest trauma. So, my advice to you: go offline and be in nature. Restore the connection to all that is; it’s vital to your well-being. Feel that you belong, there, with your feet on the soil and your head in the wind, your surroundings teeming with fellow creatures…

My most important task is to inform people who want to get back onto their own path. Who want to trust themselves again, every aspect of themselves, their mind, their heart and their body. I help them see the stories, taught through upbringing and cultural frameworks, for what they are, recognise the voice of their own intuition and find the strength to follow it, on their way to health and happiness.

That’s the red thread through all my work. In small ways, by sharing knowledge, thus enabling people to take care of themselves. And in larger ways, by always asking questions, challenging the status quo…

Banana scramble image

Banana scramble

This is what my plate looked like this morning. Well, it was actually near noon, but it was my simple, healthy and delicious breakfast: banana scramble with frying pan crumble. I don’t eat this often, because banana has to come from far and I prefer to eat locally. But everyone in my family loves this and overripe bananas are otherwise thrown away, so sometimes we spoil ourselves. As we did today.

Today we ate banana scramble in combination with a crumble from the frying pan, strawberries and fresh whipped cream, the latter without sugar, of course. Click to read the recipe!

This is what my plate looked like this morning. Well, it was actually near noon, but it was my simple, healthy and delicious breakfast: banana scramble with frying pan crumble. I don't eat this often, because banana has to come from far and I prefer to eat locally. But everyone in my family loves this and overripe bananas are otherwise thrown away, so sometimes we spoil ourselves. As we did today. Today we ate banana scramble in combination with a crumble from the frying pan, strawberries and fresh whipped cream, the latter without sugar, of course. By the way, normally I would not recommend a dish with a lot of fruit early in the day for people with adrenal issues, but in this case it’s possible. Since you combine the fruit with other, savoury, ingredients and a healthy type of salt, your potassium-sodium balance should be in order.

Banana scramble (per person):

Break two eggs into a bowl. Mash a ripe banana thoroughly with a fork and add it to the eggs. Add a quarter teaspoon of fine Celtic sea salt. Beat everything into submission with a whisk and put it in a hot frying pan with a lump of butter. Turn the heat down to medium-high and stir-fry the scramble, stirring constantly.

Frying pan crumble:

Take an organic apple – I use half an apple per person – and remove the core. Cut the apple into very small pieces. Put a lot of butter in a frying pan. I use about 100 grams of butter for four people. Heat the butter and fry the apple pieces briefly over high heat. Add oat flakes (two handfuls per person) and some raisins. Turn the heat to low and fry, stirring frequently, until the flakes are golden brown. Serve the banana scramble with the crumble and fresh whipped cream or mascarpone or crème fraiche. You can also add other tasty things, such as some toasted walnuts or almonds and seasonal fruits.
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Ferns image
Feel the magic… image

Feel the magic…

Somewhere in Kerry, Ireland…

There are places where it’s impossible not to feel the magic that’s in the earth. Where it’s easy to transcend this plane and travel elsewhere. This is one of these spots.

Sit with me for a while and see what I see.

Bumble bees and foxglove image

Bumble bees and foxglove

Bumble bees love foxglove… It’s one of the reasons this plant is my garden. Want to know more about foxglove, Digitalis purpurea? In the blogs section you can read an article about it.

Frogs image

Frogs

Mouse, beetles and flies image

Mouse, beetles and flies

Nature’s cycles, the circle of life in action.

I came across this mouse today while walking in local woods. I filmed as it was being eaten by burying beetles (Nicrophorus vespilloides) and carrion flies. While around us everything is growing and coming to fruition, death is still also very much part of life.

Crow fledgling image

Crow fledgling

Meet our guest for the last two days. This fledgling crow was in our care while waiting to be placed into a bird sanctuary.

He was found sitting on the ground near our field. Normally that wouldn’t have been cause for alarm. Crows, more often than not, leave the nest before they can fly. Their parents will keep feeding them on the ground until they’re ready to do it all on their own.

Click to read more…

Meet our guest for the last two days. This fledgling crow was in our care while waiting to be placed into a bird sanctuary. He was found sitting on the ground near our field. Normally that wouldn't have been cause for alarm. Crows, more often than not, leave the nest before they can fly. Their parents will keep feeding them on the ground until they're ready to do it all on their own. If you ever find a young crow it's therefore a good idea to just let him be. Most likely, his parents are close by, waiting for you to leave. And don't worry about him smelling of humans. It's an urban myth that that would cause birds to disown their offspring. Sometimes it's a good idea to have someone who knows about these birds to come have a look, though. Like in the case of this one. He was very malnourished, which shows in his feathers. He also was in a very unfortunate location. Between two primary schools, loads of cats and dogs, close to the road. In his case, taking him into care was called for. He definitely wouldn't have survived, so I'm glad we were asked to come take a look at him. As we speak, this little fellow is in a bird sanctuary. He'll stay there with fellow crows until he's ready to be released into the wild again.... ?
HSP image

HSP

HSP, or highly sensitive person, also know as a person with SPS, sensory perception sensitivity… that’s terminology I don’t have much use for. Even though one would probably include me in that group. I know that many people consider themselves HSPs and that for them everything fell into place when they first came across the term. But to me it’s just another label, invented to explain a normal reaction to an abnormal world.

Click to read more…

HSP, or highly sensitive person, also know as a person with SPS, sensory perception sensitivity... that's terminology I don't have much use for. Even though one would probably include me in that group. I know that many people consider themselves HSPs and that for them everything fell into place when they first came across the term. But to me it's just another label, invented to explain a normal reaction to an abnormal world. It is not the so-called highly sensitive person who deviates, but all those other people do. It is downright peculiar that they can function in a society as bizarre and chock full of stimuli as ours. We are definitely not made for a world like this. We are made to be alert, aware of our surroundings. To pick up on sounds, images and other impressions with our feelers and to interpret them quickly. Deep hums or high-pitched sounds that resemble screams—or are screams—should immediately alert us. People who qualify as HSPs aren't more highly perceptive. All those others are less alert. They are dulled by the tsunami of daily stimuli washing over us. That may seem like an advantage, but it isn't. Alarm bells may no longer be going of consciously, but they're still there. And that consumes a lot of energy. At least I know what drains my energy. At least I can try to act on it.
Abseiling geometer caterpillar image

Abseiling geometer caterpillar

Caterpillars who seem to be dancing… they’re all over the forest at the moment. They’re not dancing, though. It’s more like a sort of abseiling.

These caterpillars will be geometer moths one day. These moths lay their eggs high up the tree when winter approached. When these trees start growing leaves again in spring, the caterpillars emerge and start feasting on the young leaves.

As soon as they’ve had enough to eat they lower themselves to the ground dangling from a silk thread. Once on the ground, they weave a cocoon in which they lie low until autumn arrives.

That’s when their beautiful moth selves emerges to find a mate and restart the cycle….

Walk with me (Oranjewoud) image

Walk with me (Oranjewoud)

Whenever disconnectedness looms (see yesterday’s nugget) there’s always the forest. I try to go there every day, just to wind down from all society’s madness. It never fails to keep me firmly rooted in what I know matters most…

I often have the most wonderful encounters, like the one with herd of deer the other day. Or the jays who had a message for me over the last month or so. Or the caterpillar that I’ll be sure to share with you soon ❤️

Connection image

Connection

A wise woman knows she’s connected to every being on earth. She feels it in the marrow of her bones. It’s where she draws her power from.

I’m convinced that the main source of our problems – whether they express themselves in disease, depression or a just a vague sense of discontent – is the disconnectedness that comes with being a part of our society. From buying into the stories we are being told and tell ourselves.

That’s why I’m fine with always being a bit of an outsider. It keeps me sane, able to see through the fiction and in touch with the rest of the earth.

How long has it been since you’ve felt true connection to your fellow creatures? Felt like one of them?

A wise woman knows she's connected to every being on earth. She feels it in the marrow of her bones. It's where she draws her power from. I'm convinced that the main source of our problems - whether they express themselves in disease, depression or a just a vague sense of discontent - is the disconnectedness that comes with being a part of our society. From buying into the stories we are being told and tell ourselves. That's why I'm fine with always being a bit of an outsider. It keeps me sane, able to see through the fiction and in touch with the rest of the earth. How long has it been since you've felt true connection to your fellow creatures? Felt like one of them?

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