Marlborough Wellness Center, Marlborough, MA

Acupuncture, Massage and other modalities in Marlborough MA

"Musings of a Mother's Herbal Mind"

Acupuncture and Kids’ “Calm Amidst The Chaos”

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Kids meditating

In the middle of the July 4th chaos in North Conway, NH, six children found an opportunity to “get zen” and meditate. It stopped a few people and of course, the picture had to be taken. Now, if you knew these children, they are all active and full of personality! When I saw this picture, not only did I see a great opportunity to chuckle to myself but I also saw how a few of them really looked calm.

I know in this crazy world of negativity and violence, it is imperative that as parents we teach our children what is right and wrong, what is acceptable and unacceptable. But one of the areas I think we may not focus our efforts on is self-cultivation and learning to control our impulses, finding our “inner zen” amidst the chaos of growing up. There are some simple yoga poses and meditation exercises that can be found online and in books for children to help teach them to know what “calm” feels like. I have done a few with my kids and it has been beneficial when I have needed to cue them during challenging times to find that calm within and not react. Don’t get me wrong, I said it was beneficial…I didn’t say we were successful every time! After all, there is a learning curve with maturity!

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can assist in helping the child find their inner calm. Needles, magnets, or Shonishin (Japanese style acupuncture using a set of metal tools that do not puncture the skin) can be used to settle the untamed spirit (impulsivity, hyperactivity), calm the mind, and help balance the emotions (mood swings, getting angry at the drop of a hat). I have always been amazed at how much kids really do love acupuncture! So, remember the picture above and consider acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to address your child’s learning their “inner calm amidst the chaos”!

Acupuncture, Compassion, and the Fragility Of It All

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thunderstorm-61
As I was picking up the sticks in the yard left strewn all over from the freak thunderstorm that ravaged Massachusetts yesterday, my mind got thinking. I mean, what else are you going to do while you bend over repeatedly and pick up the smallest of all sticks? The fragility of it all. I watched as the storm came, observed its fury and intensity, and then it left, leaving blue skies and white puffy clouds behind. As if nothing had ever happened. Yet we could see the vegetation damage, we could hear the sirens answering distress calls of drivers, and you could understand the frustration of the many without power. When I woke my children up this morning, my son told me he didn’t want to go in another bus again. Why?, I asked. He started recounting his trip back from Hampton Beach yesterday in the violent storm that made the bus pull over and wait it out due to poor visibility (thank you to that smart bus driver!). As they waited, he told me a tree feel down right behind their bus and the hail was so loud on the roof! It started to sink in again…the fragility of it all.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine understand the fragility and the need for balance in this lifetime with the bodies we are given. Yet, with our lifestyles and expectations, we throw our bodies out of alignment many times a day. Acupuncture helps put the body back into it’s homeostatic state, where it wants to be, while assisting it to heal itself with time. One of the main reasons I left Western Medicine and became an acupuncturist-herbalist is because I do this work with compassion and respect for the fragility of it all in each of my clients.

That compassion is what may be missing in our everyday lives. Compassion for ourselves, for our loved ones, for people we have never met that we encounter on the street, for animals. We are possibly experiencing that lack of compassion now with the outrage towards the dentist who hunted Cecil and the dentist’s choices on that safari, the BLM who corrals wild mustangs and causes unnecessary harm, the increased use of illegal drugs and the unnecessary deaths that follow, the way people treat people unjustly and without kindness…the list could go on…unfortunately. It is through the eyes of compassion that we may be able to heal the wounds of our community/world as well as ourselves….micro and macro. I choose to start with individuals and by using acupuncture and compassion.

This morning I heard a song and looked up the lyrics…how true they seemed to ring with this blog’s title: Acupuncture, Compassion and the Fragility of it all”:

“So far beyond our needs, a welfare problem
We read our magazines, but actions speak louder than words.
What end justify the means? Reality — insanity.
Why can’t you open your eyes?
Why can’t you open your mind?
Why can’t you open your eyes?
It’s all in our hands, this could be a last chance.
Almost out of breath and life
And people all around the world are watching
Almost out of breath and life
And all over the world we’re doing nothing.”
– Out Of Breath, Neverstore

What are you going to do today to impact your life, your health, and those around you? First, recognize the Fragility of it all.

Another Reason to Try Our Super Life Healing Salve…

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Pain-Healing-Salve-02-300x225So when I first came up with the idea to make a healing salve, it was to help my fellow martial art students heal faster when they would get hurt. Since then, I started using it in the clinic for knee, hip, and low back pain with heat since using products that contain menthol can badly irritate the skin. My clients were happy! I even had one client tell me it is the only thing that works for the arthritis in her hands! Not to mention, it is the salve of choice for clients of a plastic surgeon because it works so well at erasing bruising! So I’m just starting to make a list of all the reasons to use our Super Life Healing Salve! The latest reason: SUNBURNS!!! Now I have a No-Itch Spray that works wonders also but I always go to pure aloe vera gel to heal a really red sunburn. But the other day, my son and I were out at his baseball game middle of the afternoon. And wouldn’t you know it, I resembled a lobster by the end of the game. That happens in the Spring here in New England…after this past winter, our skin hasn’t seen the light of day for months! So I put the pure aloe vera gel on with minimal relief. My son reported the same. I turned to the Super Life Healing Salve to see if it could stop the burning and resulting peeling. IT DID! The burn is slowly dissipating and turning into a slight tan without peeling or the uncomfortable burning sensation! It’s the essential oil blend that decreases inflammation while the arnica oil and shea butter base nourishes the skin while alleviating the pain. And it’s all available at the Natural Product Store on the website, www.marlboroughwellnesscenter.com

Acupuncture and Herbs: Let It Go…

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So these past 2 weeks, I have seen a variety of diagnoses ranging from massive migraines/headaches to surgical complications, from non-stop bleeding after childbirth to neck/back pain, from carpal tunnel syndrome to numbness in the legs. You name it, I think I saw it! There were a couple who were nervous about acupuncture and what their family or doctors might say. Interestingly enough though, with the acupuncture treatments and herbal formulas, most of my clients returned for their next appointment feeling amazing, symptom free, and singing the same tune (sung to Let It Go from ‘Frozen’):

“Let It Goooooo, Let It Goooooo, Can’t hold it back anymore!
Let it goooooo, Let it gooooooo, turn around and slam the door (on pain)!
I don’t care what they’re going to say, let their issues rage oooooooon,
Acupuncture never bothered me anyway!”

Acupuncture: Let’s Get To The Point….

Acupuncture and Herbal Options for GvHD (Graft-vs-Host Disease)

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As some of you may know or not know, I am an acupuncturist, and herbalist, and mother, a sister, a friend, and a daughter. My role as a daughter to someone who is currently challenged by active Graft-vs-Host disease (GvHD) as a result of a stem cell transplant got me thinking, incorporating some of the other roles I have in my life to help those who suffer from the signs/symptoms of GvHD!
Although there are strict regimens and protocols for transplant patients, topical natural remedies are available and usually allowed by the transplant teams (please check with your team first). For the dry skin that results from the skin rash, a classic sugar scrub can be a simple solution. Apply it to the face and body 2-3 times a week, more in the dead of a New England winter! May I suggest One Mini Moment’s sugar scrub line…www.oneminimoment.com, made locally in Massachusetts. They have a delightful line of scents and are not super oily to use.
For the sinuses, our Sinus Solutions is truly the perfect solution! You can apply it right under your nose and on the sinus passages to open them up and alleviate the discomfort from the pressure. If dryness in the air is something you battle with on a daily basis, run that humidifier with a little of our Sinus Solutions in it and you can take care of two issues at once.
For the aches and pains that may plague your body, try our Super Life Healing Salve! You can put it everywhere and anywhere you are uncomfortable. It works especially well on arthritic hands, knees, backs, necks, and any area where there is muscle soreness. If you have any bruising from IV’s or blood test needles, rub a little of the Super Life Healing Salve in the affected area everyday and watch the bruise disappear, thanks to the Arnica Oil in the cream! Arnica is an herb that naturally treats bruising and sore muscles/joints.
Acupuncture is a natural treatment that can also alleviate many of the signs and symptoms of GvHD and is endorsed by Dana Farber Cancer Institute. If you are already getting your fair share of needles, why not add a few that would help your condition?
At a time when GvHD takes over and leaves so many people lost and struggling everyday, just know there are options and natural ones too! More on this topic in the future because as you know, GvHD is a chronic condition that deserves some attention! Please feel free to visit our store for the products listed above, schedule an appointment, and/or leave us any comments or suggestions for us!

Acupuncture and Herbs: Autumn Diet Suggestions

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Nature has a way of providing us with what we need, when we need it. That’s especially true when it comes to the foods that become available with each season. Autumn brings with it a bounty of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that nourish the body and support health and well-being. Being aware of seasonal foods and attuning your diet to your body’s needs is a great way to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
The harvest season is a time to prepare your body for the cold winter ahead. Your diet should shift toward richer, denser foods that will provide you with extra energy and warmth. Consider increasing your intake of protein, fats, and whole grains but be sure to keep up your exercise program, to control weight gain.

Nourishing your immune system is also very important at this time. Take advantage of dark green and golden-orange vegetables that are rich in beta-carotene to strengthen the body’s Wei Qi (immune system). These include carrots, pumpkin, squash, broccoli, kale, mustard greens, and many more.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s important to maintain the body’s balance during this season by adding sour foods such as sauerkraut, leeks, yogurt, and sour apples to your diet. Pungent foods such as garlic, turnips, and horseradish should also be added to your autumn diet, since they cleanse and protect the lungs.

It’s also important to moderate your caffeine use this season. As autumn settles in, you may notice yourself feeling a little more tired than usual and increasing your coffee intake to boost your energy. Before you lift that next cup, consider making a healthy change and switching from coffee to tea, specifically the Chaga mushroom tea.

Tea has been found to have a variety of health benefits, including protecting against heart disease and some types of cancer, reducing inflammation and blood pressure, and even increasing bone density. Green and white teas contain especially high amounts of antioxidants, which protect against cellular damage. Chaga tea has adaptogenic properties that van help your body and immune system rid itself of free radicals and oxidative stress.

These are just simple suggestions. Consult with your acupuncturist or healthcare provider reporting dietary changes you are considering. The herbalists at the Marlborough Wellness Center are well-versed in Traditional Chinese medicine as well as Western Herbalism, homeopathy, and essential oils use for good health.

 

 

"Are you a Noun or a Verb?"

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When Dr. Deepak Chopra’s son, Gotham Chopra, was playing basketball with Dr. Chopra in the backyard of one of their homes, Gotham asked Dr. Chopra a fantastic question: “Are you a Noun or a Verb?” Dr. Chopra’s response was, “What a ridiculous question…” but he never answered it.
So I asked myself, “Am I a Noun or a Verb?”
Yes, I am a woman, a mom, a wife, a business woman, an acupuncturist/OT, a friend….
But I am also someone who loves, hikes, loves challenges, works, laughs, cries, worries….
As someone influential in my life once said to me, “We are human BE-ings” It is important to BE and be present.
So as one human BE-ing to another, consider the most important aspect of your Be-ing as your health. Do what you should do to be as healthy and balanced as possible. Acupuncture can assist in that process in a healthy way!
Because in the end, what is between “your dash” (dash being the dash between birthdate and death date)?

All Natural Bug Spray and Itch-Be-Gone Available Now!

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‘Tis the season for the heat, BBQ’s, and biting bugs!

I know I happen to be one of the lucky ones (as well as both my children) who when a mosquito bites my skin, I welt up something fierce and the itching is intolerable. One of my friends began my quest to find an all natural bug spray once I heard all the horrible health issues with bug sprays that include DEET. With research done, I have created an all natural bug spray that truly keeps the biting critters away! NOTE: if you go to a place that you know is going to be super buggy (ie: some of the hiking trails in Callahan State Park in Marlborough/Framingham), place the all natural bug spray on your skin and the DEET containing products on your clothes. This is the safer way to go for full protection! $15.00/4 oz spray bottle…lasts much longer than anticipated.

But let’s say you go out for the evening to a BBQ or camping for the weekend, by water, at dusk (key mosquito time!!), and you manage to get a bite or two….introducing the Itch-Be-Gone  solution! Thanks to NourishingTreaures.com, I found a fantastic recipe for taking the itch away from bug bites, heat rash, and minor sunburns. I have used this on myself and my children with great success for anything itchy!! $10.00/1 oz dropper bottle…also lasts much longer than one would expect since you are using drops at a time.

Both are kid, adult and pet friendly! Will need to re-apply after swimming or excessive sweating. Please use with caution when pregnant, consult a physician if there are any questions.

So if you are interested and intrigued, wanting to give the 2 all natural, essential oil blend/witch hazel base solutions a try, please call 508-460-3399 because they are going fast….just as fast as the mosquito biting your lower leg now….!

Acupuncture and Herbs for Summerheat and Humidity

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If you are one of the many who seem intolerant of the heat and/or the humidity, that seem to almost feel worse in the summer, may feel heavy or insist on being where it is cooler thus missing out on quality outside time with family and friends, then there is an answer for you!

Acupuncture and herbs can help! So let’s talk about the acupuncture first.

Incorporating treatments into your weekly routine can help find the balance in your system. According to Traditional Chinese Medical theory, the season of Summer corresponds to the Heart and the element of fire. It also has a correspondence with the Spleen system when it comes to intolerance of humidity due to the Spleen’s role in transforming our food/drink into pure qi. If the Spleen is not doing it’s job (due to an imbalance caused by different possibilities), then it is not able to fully transform the food/drink into pure qi and only manages to create dampness. This can be compounded further as the dampness sits, it becomes phlegm and can cause other issues that we will further discuss at a later date. If dampness is present, one may notice weight gain around the mid-section of their body, a “four-limb heaviness” sensation where it feels as if to move the body is more effort than it should be, indigestion, loose and possibly discolored stools, skin rashes/acne, and cravings for dairy-based and sweet foods. Spleen 9 and Stomach 40 are key points to drain damp and eliminate phlegm. Stomach 25, CV 10, and CV 12 are fantastic points to boost the Spleen and digestion while regulating the bowels. These are best needled by a licensed acupuncturist and then can become a part of a home acupressure program to continue progress.

As for herbs and one’s diet, simply decreasing dairy intake (1 serving a day), cutting down on processed sugary foods (1 serving a day), and adding cooling foods such as cucumber, plums, lemon, scallions, celery, garlic, onions, turnip, radish, kohl rabi (do a Google search for a recipe titled “Rock Salad” for a great salad that even kids will love!) will help! There are herbal formulas that can address summerheat and dampness but please consult a licensed herbalist before taking anything over the counter. And drinking 2-3 cups of Barley tea (decaffeinated and can be brewed/enjoyed cold) a day will also help curb the intolerance for heat and humidity. Little factoid: chicken is warm in nature and when you grill it, you now are going to ingest something very hot….couple your grilled dinner with a cool salad or some of the suggestions above to find the temperature balance your Spleen and digestive system craves for optimum functioning. Once your Spleen system is working well, one may find weight is easier to lose when partnered with exercise!

Move and eat with the season and you can never go wrong! If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to email me/comment here and Enjoy your summer!

The 'Weeds' of Good Relationships

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As relationships form, relationships fall apart. Ahhhhhh, such is life and nature.

“The only thing constant in change…”

So how do some people keep their relationships healthy through all the years? Not just being in a relationship because its comfortable or because that is what is expected in their environmental culture, but really be present and nourished by their relationships with their significant other? I have been hearing from clients and friends about their significant others’ not fulfilling their needs on one level or another. And it spurred me on to discussing this concept with my husband during a long trip to New Hampshire. But before I go there, let me first talk about the ‘weeds’.

You see, in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, it is oftentimes the botanical weeds that are the most effective at releasing heat, moving stagnation in our bodies/digestive systems/minds, removing toxicity. We as herbalists like to utilize the powerful properties of our ‘weeds’ such as dandelion root and nettle while the rest of the world tries to eradicate them from the Earth and their gardens. It is the plants that serve us the best that we oftentimes avoid or try to remove from our lives.

So now, to return to my conversation with my husband. We discussed, we lamented, we chuckled, and we had compassion for all the relationships we had come in contact with throughout our life together. And from there, I created the 3 most important aspects every relationship should have:

1. Your best friend: yes, your significant other should be your best friend. Now there is a caviat here: girlfriends are key for the topics of which guys can not handle discussing/listening to, etc.

2. Trust/honesty: if you can not trust and/or be honest your significant other/yourself, then what do you have? This is what I am trying to teach my 5 year old son and it is questionable if he is grasping the concept yet. Funny, there are some 35 year olds who still haven’t.

3. Communication: uh huh. Bottom line….if you aren’t talking, someone is walking. Hindsight being 20/20, I never knew that the many hours after midnight my husband and I would spend outside on the porch of his old apartment in Oak Square after he got out of work, smoking and drinking wine, would be the foundation of the relationship we have today. *note: talk about toxicity from the smoking, eh? laughing to self….I’ll just use the dandelion root and others…*. But no seriously, talking to your best friend isn’t always easy but it should be essential and enjoyable.

And if a relationship doesn’t have these 3 qualities, usually there will be issues. Perhaps growing weeds instead of perfect flowers. Everyone wants the perfect life, the perfect relationship, like the ones portrayed on FaceBook, etc. I have seen perfect specimens of the nettle plant as well as the dandelions that seem to take my lawn over by storm each year. But I have yet to see a perfect relationship specimen. In fact, there have been a few people who questioned my relationship with my husband yet, I can confidently say that I am sitting next to my best friend right now.

So what are your ‘weeds’ and how can you change your perspective of them in order to water them (and your relationship) to fruition?….

The Wisdom of Two Monks…

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As I have been learning about old relationships, new life experiences in business, and have gorged new future possibilities, I shared a moment with a new friend. She told me the story of the two monks that really resonated with me and where I am now. It is amazing how much ‘junk’ we carry with us on a daily basis, most of it out of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of being hurt/ashamed, fear of unhappy people/exchanges. I have been working on my own fears and have identified that I truly need to “put the girl down” if I am to move forward with all I am to accomplish in my life. Just to make this story more poignant, I told it to my coach who then received it in an email a day later. Ok, ok Universe…we got your message. Please listen to the wisdom of the Two Monks…

There is an ancient teaching story about two Buddhist monks walking along a river in silence.  They have a vow of chastity which requires that they never speak to or ever touch a woman.

As they were walking up the river, they came upon a woman who was desperately trying to get across the river because her child is on the other side.  It’s a fast-flowing river and she is frightened to cross it by herself.

One of the monks walks over to her and offers his help.  He picks her up and with the strength that he carries in his legs that walk mountains, valleys and streams, he carries her across the river, sets her down, comes back to join his fellow and they begin again to walk in silence.

About two hours later, the second monk says to the first, “I can’t believe you carried that woman across the river.  I can’t believe you touched her.  I can’t believe that you broke your vows…”  The other monk simply looks at his companion and says, “I put her down two hours ago.  You are still carrying her.”

"Here Comes the Rain Again…"

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Last night, as I put the kids to bed, the thunder rolled in the distance and I could feel the heaviness in the air. I had seen the darker clouds above me as I drove home but they had been silent and yet very present. As my son crawled into bed, I could smell the rain. You know what I am talking about here. The smell of the warm pavement, cooling as the rain washed over it. I breathed in and out, enjoying the memories that went along with that smell.

I knew I would always be someone to love nature and help people. Little did I know that my life would veer me into Chinese Herbal Medicine in order to combine the reality. But one memory in particular always sticks out: The Grand Tetons and the passing storm. You see, my family traveled in a Ford Four Star motorhome in my childhood. My father loved to drive and experience nature with us. My mother, a teacher, loved the new experiences and seemed to always have of way of making learning fun. We would go for 1-2 weeks at a time, driving the entire West Coast.

One vacation, we went to the Grand Teton National Park. At that time, the majestic beauty of it all didn’t really sink in but now looking back at the beautiful landscape and rich forest, it was absolutely breathtaking. There is a lake there, Jenny Lake, where we parked the camper and had lunch one day. The slope down to the lake was rocky but the view was awesome! The Grand Teton mountain itself was in the center of the range on the other side of Jenny Lake, it’s reflection in the still lake was amazing. My bother and I wanted to go swimming (we always wanted to go swimming) so off we went, in our bathing suits, into the freezing water! Of course it was melted snow water from the range so needless to say, we didn’t last long. Out we came, warmed up in our towels and then by the sun. My mom started lunch and everyone went inside, except for me. I stayed out, to sit in the sun for a while. My mom told me there was a passing storm approaching at the far end of the lake and that I needed to come inside. She showed me how to ‘read the water’. I saw the clouds but didn’t move. I like to think she knew it would be a warm front so she let me stay out but either way, I watched the front move towards me. It was slow and deliberate in it’s movement. I was fascinated by the fact that I could see the pattern of the falling rain move across the lake as it drew near where I was laying, face down on the rocky beach. When it had finally gotten to where I was, I noticed it was quiet and sunny at the far end of the lake, as if the front had never been there. Yet, here I was feeling the rain on my back, watching the rocks soak up the drops. It was a warm rain and it was beautiful. The clouds continued to move on and the sun came out from the shadows. I remember looking across the lake at the mountain range thinking, if they see this on a frequent basis, no wonder they are so majestic. I got up from my lying place and I could see the rocks under me were dry, never touched by the experience of the rain this time. But I know I was.

And as I sit here typing, I notice the meadow flowers my daughter had picked last Sunday are in need of water. So do the sunflowers I had picked. I watered them and thanked them for their beauty.

With the smell of rain still on my mind from last night and that memory at Jenny Lake, I remember speaking aloud to my son last night, “Ooh buddy, you’ll be able to go to sleep smelling the rain.” A blank stare was seen as he tried to figure out what I meant by that comment. I know some day he will honestly know what I mean.

Camping with kids: the true wilderness

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When my husband said to me the other day, “let’s go camping with the kids this weekend”, I almost fell over. Are you serious? I took Nathan camping a year ago ms he didn’t stop talking about it for a few months. But we’ve never take my girly-girl and I was a little hesitant to try anything new with all the stuff going on right now. But I agreed and off we went this afternoon.
Now, setting up the North Face tent that my husband treasures more than life itself with two kids who were very eager to “help” was more than a feat of patience. Then off to swim and returned to enjoy dinner and good old s’mores.
Let’s discuss the s’mores for a moment. I love the marshmellow toasted lightly brown, non burnt edges, smooshed between three small piece of Hershey’s chocolate and grah crackers. I get the lightly toasted skill set from my mom, thank you Mom. My kids like to light fire to the marshmallow on the stick only then to refuse to eat it. What do they want? A plain marshmallow. That’s it. Wow…speechless camper here.
But the best part was putting them to sleep. Laughter, tackling, glow sticks being hung from the top of the tent and swinging. “I have baby on my hands, don’t touch me!” to “mana manah, sing it Samantha…”. These are the moments that bring tears to my eyes. Even the part when my parents told us to be quiet three times!
Thank you to our parents for teaching is the importance of camping with children and here’s to the 30th mother-daughter trip we learned about from a passing stranger. Memories are important, more than anything else….solidifying my decision to simplify was the right one.

When are weeds really just weeds?

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So, I found myself at a crossroads recently, deciding to simplify my life. I have done a lot in my life career-wise and felt kind of like a Superwoman for a while. Soon though, as every Superwoman can attest, our capes get dirty, tattered, in need of cleaning and repair. I found mine needing to go to the cleaners in February of 2011. Interesting how when your cape is at the cleaners, you really find yourself lost and little naked. It was in that state that the reality of my ‘Superwoman’ status was obvious…I was losing out on valuable time with my family, my children, my acupuncture business, and most importantly, myself. All for what? Career advancement? Hadn’t I advanced enough with two successful businesses? I had to make a huge decision and let me tell you, it was not an easy one.

It has been a challenging introspective road I have been traveling on the past few months. And man, the CalTrans and MassDOT unions would NEVER consider contracting with my Superwoman state to ‘improve these roads’! They are pretty beat up and missing some major sections in a few areas. But I do have some gorgeous scenery. Those moments in time when you find yourself without a camera but your “mind’s camera” catches the brief picture of happiness, that one split second your child looks at you in a way that is indescribable. You know that moment. Those are the moments that outline the scenery that lines my road right now, reminding me that I am on the right path and that something great is ahead while reminding me of the beauty in the current traveling moment.

Just the other day, I realized that I was not needed and can be replaced. This is a tough place to be in as an owner of something. But as a colleague told me, “If we were all irreplaceable, the world would have ended years ago.” Ah true. That day was uncomfortable and full of emotion. I found myself weeding. Kind of appropo since I am an herbalist after all and an a crazy gardener who’s gardening capabilities have been put on hold due to my kids. I like to play with them instead of gardening sometimes and they like to pick my flowers. I have moved to food and herb-based plants in my garden so they can but the weeds were getting so out of control!

So I started on the sidewalk in front of my house. Funny thing happens when you are in front of your house – neighbors start talking to you. We talk about herbs, exchange a few plants for stuffed quahogs, talk to tween girls about Justin Beeber, and sympathize with the grandfather walking outside on the sidewalk with a newborn baby crying trying to calm and quiet the little one. Meanwhile, my husband is knee deep in compost in the back of the yard, missing this all go on. But I think this was meant for me to experience anyhow.

I just started pulling weeds. I knew some of their names in Pin Yin, some were cooking herbs that got crazy expanding their roots, and some I just wanted to get rid of. They seem to just be everywhere. And as I pulled, I found spiders, ants, burrs, beetles, all sorts of characters! When I was done, there was an emptiness in the beds and cracks, a sense of clean. The fresh dirt was showing and my husband asking behind me, “Where do you want me to put the compost?”

It made me think.

What is my life going to look like after I am done with this chapter? Are the weeds really just weeds? Or are they valuable herbs (lessons) and all I have experienced (the neighbors, the critters, the interactions) while removing them made me a better person? I guess I had to remove the weeds in order to see the richness of the life that surrounded them.

I am going to try to write more on my website about life, herbs, and the interaction of it all. I’m going to call it “Musings of an Herbal Mind” and I hope that my journey helps you on yours…or at least makes you laugh in the moment.