Summer Solstice - Warmth and Heart

Cooling off in Summer’s heat

  Well now Summer appears ready to arrive, yet hesitant. The Sun, when we can see it these days, is intense and burning, with a crystal clear quality, often to cloudless skies when it does shine. For as of late, everything seems to appear a monotone grey - the skies, the weather, with our sunny days few and far between, as the seasons seem reluctant to change, or take their time in doing so.

   Seasons used to be predictable, a slight overlap with either cooler or warmer days mixed in, but sometimes now it seems to be all one season, with variations in between. May and June used to be the two most beautiful months of the year here, but we had the heat on during the month of May, and in June the breezes are still chilly.

   Traditionally, June is the element of Fire in Chinese medicine, and yes you can still feel the presence of that. Yet the cooler days seem more reminiscent of Spring. The counsel might be to focus on cooling foods, drinks, as Summer does seem to be beneath it all.

   Not only is Summer a time of Fire, but also the heart. In all seasons it is important not to be in excess, and in Summer there is the possibility of burn out. We live fast and furious, inspired by our energy this time of year, when the Sun is at its peak. So balances are important.

   For a complete list of Summer diet, emotions and other counsels please see the previous posts for Summer.

   And as Summer’s emotion is Joy - have a joyful and pleasant Summer, and see you again in Late Summer, when the element of Earth takes precedence.

Enjoy,

Maery

March - Vernal Equinox - A Time of Change

Spring Thaw - March is Here

      Another change of seasons is upon us. March - the changeable, unpredictable, tempermental month as we transition from Winter to Spring. The light during the day is stronger, the air is crisp and clean, the winds seem to blow away the debris. Bits of winter still cling in bits of icy hail or frozen rain, yet melting by dawn it seems.

   And so it is a time of change, and also time for cleansing. All the toxins stored inside us in the Winter are now being released, so it is important to take care of ourselves, get proper rest, drink lots of water, and increase fresh vegetables and fruits, and decrease the heavy winter foods. Past articles on the seasons will reveal ways and means to be aligned with this season, to cleanse and renew

   Well for certain the plants and trees will be waking up from their Winter slumber and there will be new growth, new leaves, new blossoms. Although I must say I do plant Mediterranean Heather by the front door, because not only is it hardy in the winter and evergreen, but actually blooms in Winter - with tiny pink bells. Cheerful to see while waiting for the first crocus to pop up, and the daffodils, and the grape hyacinths.

   And the Spring thaw, the waters rushing down, also cleansing. Birds begin their migration back from their Winter headquarters. I love the sound of the water rushing, always so intense during Spring, or after some heavy rains. Everything is so alive and clean.

   So I hope dear friends you will enjoy this time, this season, and be well after a long Winter.

Maery 

Winter Solstice Approaches

Dear Readers,

   You must forgive me, because I did not write for the Autumnal Equinox. It was not because I couldn’t but because I was caught in an awkward situation - waiting for the Late Summer to write, and waited so long it became too late, and we were on to Autumn. 

   Well I shall explain. I was getting ready for Late Summer, but it was declared to be mid August, but that felt too late. I was waiting to see how the days would unfold, and then suddenly it was late August and beyond the time of Late Summer - in Chinese medicine that is. A time when things start to slow down and change, a kind of transition if you will towards Autumn, but not necessarily Autumn yet.

   Then as the Autumnal Equinox approached, it suddenly got cold, as though it were late November, and the equinox went by in a blur. So as the Winter Solstice now approaches in a few days I am determined not to let it slip by. And yes in a few days we will get some very frigid temperatures that usually occur here in January or February. The winter brings its fury whether we are prepared or not. It makes me wonder what the rest of winter will be like. Cold blasts, followed by moderate stretches. I should have looked at this year’s Farmer’s Almanac. But then each year, each winter is unique to itself.

   A confusing season for sure - for even the hummingbirds did not migrate south until December 1st. Things were still growing in November, and I was still mowing the lawn, yet at the same time the golden leaves fell like rain in a heavy shower.

   Well the main focus for any of the seasons is to be able to adapt to the changes, both physically and psychologically. The days are shorter, prompting hibernation of sorts, but soon the days will start getting longer bringing more sunlight, that light we long for.

   So although this may not be the most exciting post, I have at least written. The counsels for the seasons are found within past articles for those who need it, and my writing has changed, now that I am writing books, which consumes much of my creativity..

   So that is all for now my friends. Perhaps writing more while in the Catskills for winter break, when all is frozen and silent….

Be well,

Maery

Summer Solstice!

   It feels like Summer is finally here, and yet I am late in writing. Partly because it did not feel much like Spring or Summer - cool days, rainy days and dark nights - very little sunshine. And yet it really was Spring with plants and flowers and trees blooming albeit slowly. Somehow Spring folds into Summer each year as a season, but it is always hard to pinpoint that exact moment. There were times I was tempted to say Yes - Summer is here, but then the feeling faded and the heat was on in the house.

   Of course the calendar marks June 20th as the official solstice according to planetary and solar alignments. So be it. Either way it is now time to celebrate this wonderful time of year - and for me it is my favorite. It is possible to spend more time outdoors, plant new flowers, some new zucchini this year, feeling healthy and vibrant.

   I can also truthfully say it has been a very busy time, in that two of my books were published on Amazon - "Gluten Free Home Cooking - Tradition and Family" was live on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022 and my third book "Monet and Me - Adventures in Life and Art" went live at the end of May 2022. It was alot of work with formatting and corrections and illustrations, photographs and covers, but well worth it. So yes, now in addition to the blog are my books on Amazon.

   But back to our blog and the season. Yes it is the longest day of the year, even though the Sun is at its northernmost point, in relation to earth that is. We celebrate the element of Fire in all its aspects, and especially Light. In some cultures around the world, bonfires are lit on the Solstice to maintain the Sun returning each year. Without sunlight there would be no crops, no growth. 

   You can go back in previous years for a full description of health according to the season of summer, but it is important to keep your diet and habits in tune with the season - such as fruits as they are cooling and vegetables are also important. You could go on and research just about food for each season. The emotions are both joy and sorrow when connected with Summer, but  at the moment life seems more joyful than it has been in awhile.

   So be well and see you again in Late Summer, if not sooner.

Maery

 

A Chorus of Robins

A Chorus of Robins

   I woke to a chorus of Robins this week.

   Although Robins don't usually migrate here any more, they stay the winter, it still seemed to be a sign of Spring. Mind you it snowed, hailed and rained today, so no one can be sure what season we are in anyway!

   But really, although Winter was bitter, it seems that just as quickly as Winter had descended on us that things seemed to switch over to Spring just as suddenly, with just these few setbacks like today. The Sun is stronger, the light brighter and the cold not as harsh. There is definitely a sense of Spring in the air. And the Spring Equinox is just a few days away.

   That being said, we know that Spring is a time of cleansing. Already I have been incorporating more vegetables and fruits, rather than just comfort food. Time to release toxins, both physically and mentally. For a full account of Spring cleansing and the foods and customs associated with Spring, please see my earlier posts on Spring and well being.

   After a long winter, there is nothing like Spring.

Maery

Winter Approaches......

   We are quickly approaching the Winter Solstice. The above photo has ice beginning to form, and yet there are autumn leaves lining the stream as it travels down to the waterfall. Just barely, crystals of ice on a low hanging branch that dangles above the water, crystal clear, a sign of winter to come.

   After a few chilly blasts of weather, it hardly seems like winter is just about here. We awoke to ice covering the lawns this week, and I heard hail one night, as well as a hailstorm while out on the road at work.

   The days are shorter, yet the good news is that as of this week, at least here in the Northeast, the time of sunset has gone stationary. And starting next week, on December 13th, sunset will already be a minute later, as the sun begins to make its journey back.

   Winter is a time of reflection, of going inward, slowing down. It's always a good time to care of oneself and health needs, but even moreso now in the midst of a lingering pandemic. Use common sense one of my client physicians declared. Be safe and well. Take precautions, follow guidelines as best as one can. Get some rest, curl up with a good book or a good movie.

   Even though the weather has been turning colder, regardless of the season, life finds me trekking the mountains, forests, rivers, streams and beaches. The wind has been fierce these last few months, but still I trek when I can, connecting to nature, camera in hand, documenting the changes in light and color, the moods of nature, the animals that appear, from the snowy owls visiting from Canada, to the deer who finally venture out, and the same Peregine falcon who flies over the marsh. I am caught by the silvery reflections on the water's surface, the pounding of the ocean waves, the surfers who venture out in wet suits as the water grows progressively colder.

   And seeking warmth at times in hot soups and foods, baking experiments, hot teas, all brings comfort on the winter days to come.

   For a full description of health in the changing seasons, please refer to the past articles, outlining diet and tips for a healthy life.

   Be well friends

Maery

Snowy owl December 9, 2021

 

A New Season - A New Beginning

    Dear Friends,

I don't know how many of you have been following this blog over the last few years from season to season, but now we are into Fall, according to the calendar anyway, but truthfully it didn't feel like Fall, and it was hard to write the usual column. So that, among other things, made me decide to change up the format a little bit.

For the main bulk of this blog I posted the seasons and what their changes and time required for well being such as diet, and other helpful tips. All of the seasons are still here for you to refer to, but really I wanted this blog to be about writing as well, and since I have ventured out into publishing my books, some on health, I want to talk about these new projects and talk more about life as it happens.

So I hope you will join me on this continuing journey of discovery.

My first book "Gluten Free on the Go - You Can Take It With You" was published in paperback on Amazon in May of 2021, and is also available as an ebook at a more reasonable price on Lulu.com. It is a guide to Gluten Free living for those who need to be gluten free, but also has stories of life and living, and often where an inspiration came for me to cook or create. As well there are photographs, all taken by me.

My second book "Gluten Free Home Cooking - Tradition and Family" has been written, and mostly ready for publication. It covers some of your favorite dishes and includes things like gluten free stuffing, gluten free cinnamon pumpkin pie for holiday dinners.

A third book "Gluten Free for Kids" is also in the works.

Although the theme is health and well being, I am also branching out into the arts. My fourth book is called "Monet and Me" on life and art, with sketches instead of photographs, and explores what influence art and artists have had on my life - famous artists I have met, or art that I admired, and my life journeys into art. The back cover of the book will feature an oil painting I did of me sitting in Monet's garden at Giverny, having a cup of tea, and Monet sitting in the garden at his easel painting. Also included are thoughts on famous artists like Van Gogh, Renoir, Leonardo DaVinci, as to who they really were and what was their art about.

So that is the beginning of this venture. I am also building a new website silverjourneys.wordpress.com which will feature some of my thousands of photographs and artwork.

I hope you will enjoy.

Maery (aka Mary McGrane)