dandelion is such a welcome sight in our yard come spring. sometimes I have to pause for a moment and remember that unfortunately, many people abhor the sight of this sunny flower in their yards.

dandelion has been unfairly demonized and is actually a wonderfully resilient, nourishing plant available to most people.

In these times of global pandemic, in our home, we’ve found it important to try not to overspend, over shop for items and hoard out of fear. This pandemic has put the economy, societies and the whole world on pause and in a state of uncertainty. It has asked us to reexamine our lifestyles and what is essential in our day to day. I find myself struggling because on one hand I feel very grateful that my family is healthy, that my extended family is safe, and that we are preparing our gardens to grow our food and sustain us through these uncertain times. I feel very grateful that we still have access to food and supplies, and that this time has brought us closer together as family unit but people across this country and the globe are facing illness, lack of healthcare, job loss, and death and economic inequalities are being exacerbated by the virus and its effects.

now, my disclaimer to this post is that i’ve attempted to make natural dyes for easter eggs for two years ago, with none of my previous trials producing vibrant colors, until this year. this activity is really not made for the impatient or the perfectionist, characteristics which I have both of, especially during Aries season…

Last week, for valentine’s day I made this calendula sugar scrub and let me tell you, it is beyond decadent. i don’t eat sugar but i will most definitely use it on my skin. this calendula sugar scrub is like liquid sunshine + has been so nourishing to my dry, winter skin.

I don’t think courage is acting unafraid or without fear, but comes through strengthening our hearts, to act in spite of fear. So how can one strengthen their heart, not only during this season of love, but through daily stressors, political uncertainty, and climate grief? How can we build our resolve to look our fears in the face, accept them as a human experience and continue to walk along our paths, from a place of feeling safe and protected, yet open.

Last year, we purchased baby chicks for our “easter” celebration. To be honest, it was just as much for me as it was for the kiddos. Come on, they are so fluffy and adorable, I turn to mush. AJ and I had backyard chickens in college at University of California, Davis, but we acquired those chickens when they were a year old and they were not particularly friendly.

As the Amazon rainforest burns, the lungs of the earth, producing 20% of our oxygen, being sold to the highest bidder, I reflect back at why I started this blog and collective Maia Terra. This destruction is for another post but if you are moved please donate to Amazon Watch or Rainforest Alliance. I'm feeling the need to share more about my silence in this space because it matters to me.

I cannot believe summer is coming to a close. back to school is this week for us here in the midwest. time has flown by, it feels as if I was just watching the first nettle pop through the ground. so much has changed and shifted. both kiddos have grown taller and wiser and more into themselves. we have all learned, played, laughed and cried this summer and deepened our relationships with plant allies growing on our little homestead.