March 2010 Ezine Articles Archives

The Green Back Pack

Temora Aviation Museum Flying Weekend

On days like this I like to dance and stretch my straps and tap my flaps!  Yee ha we are off on another adventure and yes, you guessed it we are not taking the feral fur ball.  In fact she is off to the doggy prison.  I can’t help myself; I am doing the knapsack conga across the spacious back seat – why – because I can!

We’ve travelled the Aussie country-side after work today.  After being squashed in the boot for hours (seemed like months but let’s not exaggerate) I was moved into my rightful position on the back seat.

Kilometres of countryside can make a back pack weary and I am afraid that I snuck a little knap in somewhere between Murrumbateman and Gundagai.  My question is – as important as it seems- is why do would you put a mutt on a box when you can easily erect a living memorial to something much more deserving like a plinth and a green back pack?  Humans are so weird – I just don’t get it!

Luxury – pure unadulterated opulence.  We must have won lotto or something – our accommodation is glorious!  After a great sleep and a hearty brekkie my Mistress is rugged up in her winter woollies and we are off to the Temora flying show.

Hundreds of back packs fill the car park – I am in sin city.  My eyelets are immediately drawn to a little purple number over there – “hey cutie – tutti fruity wanna rumble?”  I guess not – what a snob – she was a bit old in the flaps anyway?

Okay – here we are – front row and you’ve guessed it I’ve got the best spot in the house.  Yes, here I am perched on high – my Mistress wouldn’t even think about having me down on the ground.  She is far too considerate for that kind of abuse.

Hubba hubba get a load of that parachute on that pilot – my folds are flapping with anticipation.  I am alive with the sounds of jet noise. This is one exciting gathering – and I’ve got pole position.

Throughout the day an array of aircraft both vintage and (reasonably) modern flew over us.  They taxied down the runways and flung themselves into the clear blue skies.  I would be petrified to ride in that combustible tin can let alone fly the darn thing.  I would rather be snuggled up with some cutsey parachute if you get my drift?

The day was filled with wonder.  Like I wonder how that old gnarly beast still stays up in the skies.  Or, I wonder how many hours it took to restore that old war bird? The Museum is a credit to those who give up their time and money to maintain the dream of having a place where people can go back and time and see the old planes and other assorted aircraft become airborne.  I love watching the passions of others launch into warp speed and fly with the eagles.

Speaking of eagles, two wedge-tail eagles frolicked above the paddock – floating on an air stream.  They were focused on finding some lunch but their display was enchanting.  I guess they’ve reminded us of the true beasts of the skies.

The day was warm and wonderful.  Even though were plunked in this field the sun shone giving us a warm glow.  I am positive that my green aura flowed out from my seams and enraptured the crowd.  Or perhaps it was the smell of rocket fuel – whatever!

Exhausted and deflated we marched through the giant hanger.  Spectacular old beasts stood, poised in their historical splendour.  The magnificent war birds were a stark reminder of the fragility of protection we offered these gallant flying men.

A huge portrait of George Hale hangs proudly in this area.  Standing next to his Meteor highlighting the signature nose art he is a representation of the special breed of gallant Australian pilots defending our shores.  It makes my straps bulge just being in his presence.

The day was exhausting and we strolled toward the exit.  The desire for adventure has been sated. For me, a long deflated rest in the corner of our room will do nicely but my human counterparts are looking for a country feed and other sugary indulgences.

The drive back to Junee was picture perfect capturing a tincture of green sprawls across the massive landscape.  Sheep lick and chew at tiny green blades of grass and they jostle their woolly bodies between large boulders caressing the hills.  The giant paint can in the sky spills a mother lode of apricot wonder across the cloudless sky as mission accomplished flashed through my seams.

I am weary and my straps ache with the load of today’s treats and diversion.  We enter the boundary of Junee and my curiosity is piqued.  We leave the car for a stroll around the magnificent courtyard of the railway station.  The grand structure and unique décor is mind blowing.

I can almost sense the crowds pulsing in and out of the station.  Steam trains push hordes of passengers, parcels and goods up and down the line.  The iron monsters huff and puff and roar along slithering steel strips as they grunt and groan in the direction of a new destination.

Apparently the line has been updated further down the track.  This means that the train doesn’t stop here anymore; so much for progress?  Now this pulsing vibrant town has been abandoned businesses closed and stores run on the smell of any oily rag.  I understand that it is all about progress and making money but feel sad for the families and the aching town.

A delicious country feed brings a smile and a dozey glow to my Mistresses face.  She has over eaten for sure.  I guess it is difficult when food is the fuel that keeps you going.  For me it is the love and inclusion of being in her life.

On the way home we visited the Junee licorice and chocolate factory.  I am sure that we will buy some treats to take back with us.  I hope she does not over indulge as she is looking mighty fine (for a human) and I would hate to see her expand her seams over some sugary five minute wonder.

The trip home was uneventful and relaxing.  My thoughts drift to the next exciting episode of the Green Back Pack adventures.  I hear the plans are set for a visit to Norfolk Island.  See you there or be left out!

Your mate,

Greenie

Dearest Jems,

This morning I wrote my final journal entry for February 2010.  Tomorrow we wake up to March and immediately face a Full Moon in Virgo.  I don’t feel ready and I am not prepared – I must admit.

I’m also not prepared for the current news about the horrific earthquake in Chile.  The after shocks are causing a great deal of angst to Chile and many other countries.  I do pray that everyone will be alright and it won’t be too devastating!

Australian news is issuing a Tsunami warning – especially for the east coast of Australia from Queensland to Sydney.  Interestingly, there are people ignoring the warnings and are gathering happily at beaches enjoying an early morning swim.

This report got me thinking – questions such as: do we pay attention to the signposts or warnings of life?  Or do we ignore them and toss them aside as irrelevant?  Do we blithely continue on a path of self destruction?

Of course we are focusing on a macro level of the Tsunami warning but what about our habits such as smoking or attracting toxic relationships and or situations? 

I believe that we are intuitive beings with insights closely aligned to the subtleties of life.  And yet we seem to gravitate to dangerous situations or continue to paddle in the stagnant pool of regret.

Jems, what are your thoughts on this concept?  I’m quite prepared to accept responsibility for my own inertia.  I suppose I can justify my non-action at times however, as I grow older I tend to rely on my radar and be more alert to the negative situations.  And yet, on the other side of that I must admit I have a long way to go!

So what is your reading on your personal Richter scale?  I hope that it is beaming a nine out of ten (at least) on the happiness and contentment scale.

Love and Passion,

Jar

Dearest JAR,

It was good to hear from you and know that you are safe and sound. It is difficult to listen to news from afar that jars us into a stark reality with no way to affect the outcome except pray. As I sit here in my warm house, with plenty of food to eat, and a loving family to share life with, I am humbled by the generosity of the Universe. I think of those who are struggling to find food, water and shelter and wonder how did I get so lucky?

Last night I had the opportunity to see a local production of the play Godspell, which I really knew nothing about except for the fact that it was based on a gospel from the Bible. A few lines from the play reminded me of my Catholic upbringing, and although it did not create a feeling of wanting to run to church, it did have me notice the homeless and infirm with a different eye. I gave away some money today, thanking Divine Providence that I was fortunate enough to have some to give.

I realize that we are all just not finished yet. Having lots of money or fame certainly does give us a sense of well-being and that all is right with the world. Then something comes up that jostles that image and we feel that our happiness has been lost. So then, that age-old question comes again to haunt us: what is happiness? I know the feeling of contentment that comes with eating a delicious meal with good company, and the sense of peace that comes from holding a sleeping child. When I am told that I did a good job, it makes me inwardly beam with pride. But those feelings are fleeting, since the food gets digested and the company goes home, the child wakes up and the job has to be done all over again. I guess what we are looking for is a way to keep those good feelings when all the props are taken away.

There is a big universe out there! The gears of the Big Machine spin and grind in every moment, churning out the celestial harmonies of which we are a part. Our personal happiness is probably not in the picture, yet it is not ignored. We always have the opportunity to shift and tune into a greater harmony – not necessarily what our definition of happiness might be, but perhaps in this case contentment is a more useful word. Contentment is a peaceful kind of happiness in which one rests without desires, even though every wish may not have been gratified.

When I find myself in what you might consider a negative situation, I see it as balance seeking balance. In every moment everything is looking to survive. Is our way of seeing a situation preventing us from growing? Sometimes the job at hand is so daunting that the only thing we can do is do the job and not think of ourselves, such as the devastation in earthquake stricken countries. And then there are times when we cannot afford to look beyond our front door because the pipes just burst or the dog is sick. Getting through our day-to-day challenges is sometimes the most difficult, because there can be drudgery and boredom in doing repetitious tasks, and the demands of those around us can reduce us to tears and feeling overwhelmed and used.

Then we seek drama! It makes things come alive and gives us a break and also someone to blame for our situation. There it is again: balance seeking balance. When our load is too large we must give it away, or else find the strength to accommodate the whole darn thing. Sometimes we just need to rest for awhile!
I do not to profess to read the Bible often, but I was really taken by one of the messages in Godspell, which made me look this up:

Do Not Worry

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
26"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31"So do not worry, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:25-34

So here I am today, just thinking about my life, your life, everyone’s life that I know. We share space and time and are able to discuss our joys and sorrows, and for that I feel very grateful. In fact, in my experience, finding a willing ear seems to be the grease that keeps the gears lubricated and running smoothly. The day’s drudgery is not as boring, the sense of contentment increases, and my heart feels joy.

Thank you for stepping up with your bowl, and always being willing to fill it up with the soup of discussion! What a great gift it is to share soup with a friend on this earth. Thank you for the delicious meal. 

Until next time,

JEM

Greetings Solar Stars,

March begins with a Full Moon.  The Moon is full at 10 degrees Virgo at 3:37am AEST.  Expansive Jupiter aligns with this Full Moon arousing the restless traveller inside us all.  You may only be able to pacify it by taking action It’s possible to balance health, work and daily routines (Virgo) with the dreams of your imagination (Pisces).  Venus and Uranus align, suggesting greater freedom in relationships.  Skip the conventional love path now and explore the alternative.

Mid month we have the New Moon at 26 degrees Pisces at 8:01am.  This New Moon offers the chance to begin anew, spiritually and creatively.  The New Moon aligns with Mercury, planet of mind, and Uranus planet of liberation, offering new insights and information that helps set you free. Celebrate your uniqueness.  Head and heart easily align as you get brilliantly clear on your truth.  Expect the unexpected under this dynamic and potentially chaotic New Moon.  New beginnings beckon from left field as many people realise a sudden and totally authentic direction is needed.

The New Moon wish list criteria encompass:

• Imagination
• Inner happiness
• Psychic sensitivity
• Trust/mystic awareness
• Spiritual healing
• Compassion
• Releasing helplessness
• Bliss
• Ecstasy
• Universal love
• Forgiveness
• Understanding
• Tolerance
• Acceptance

To end this hectic month of March we have another Full Moon.  This time the sign is on centre stage.  Yes you guessed it, Libra (10 degrees) on 30 March at 12:25pm.  Negotiations are possible in key relationships as this diplomatic Full Moon brings offerings of peace.  Harmony, equality and balance are important themes.  All areas of life can benefit if you extend an olive branch.  Passion planet Mars is moving forwards again, creating progress in projects delayed since December 2009.  Mercury and Venus align supporting heartfelt honest communication.  Actions speak louder than words, especially when what you do reinforces what you’ve said.  Also remember that the Sun will be in the annual trip into Aries so the skies will be ablaze with lots of activity.

Meanwhile, the Sun is in Pisces. This is a more Neptunian phase with lots of dreaming-v- reality which means it is prime times to formulate visions and dreams and allow the Sun in Aries perpetuate them.

March is a number three month when burdens ease.  It provides an opportunity to fall in love or have an affair – but above all be careful that the fun does not cost you for years to come.

journey of the tarot continues into the Court Cards of Wands.  The Page of Wands in the delicate and fragile beginnings – the first stirrings of creative inspiration which usually manifests as a kind of restlessness and unease with existing conditions.

When the Page of Wands appears in a spread, it is time for the individual to discover some new stirring of creative potential within himself or herself.  This may often manifest as a restlessness at work, a vague feeling of dissatisfaction not yet strong enough to motivate a change, and a hint or glimpse that one might be able to expand one’s life in some way.  The initial fantasies which accompany such restlessness do not have the uprush power of the Ace of Wands, and may ultimately turn out to be impractical and impossible.  Yet it is important to take them seriously, for they are the harbingers of a stronger source of inspiration, and need to be nurtured rather than stamped upon as though such restlessness were merely a ‘bad phase’ rather than a herald.

Our Goddess for March is Bast.  Bast (or Bastet) daughter of Re, the sun god, is an Egyptian lunar goddess usually depicted as a domestic cat or as part woman, part cat.  The Egyptians revered cats; the Egyptian word for cat, mau, also denotes light and is cognate with the Egyptian word for other.  Bast’s cult centred in the ancient delta city of Bubastis, where modern excavations have uncovered a large necropolis of mummified cats.

A fierce protector of Egypt and of women during childbirth, Bast is also playful, jovial deity associated with music and dancing.  She embodies life, fertility and creative energy.

Our animal totem for March is swan.  Swan represents grace.  Swan ushers in a time of altered states of awareness and of development of your intuitive abilities.  Swan medicine people have the ability to see the future, to surrender to the power of Great Spirit, and to accept the healing and transformation of their lives.

Our crystal for March is Rhodonite.  This stone is either pink or red in collar.  It has a mottled appearance and often flecked with black, often small and tumbled.  The attributes are as an emotional balancer that nurtures love and encourages the brotherhood of humanity.  It has the ability to show both sides of an issue.  This stone stimulates, clears and activates the heart and the heart chakra. It grounds energy, balances yin-yang and aids in achieving ones highest potential.  It is said to enhance mantra-based meditation, aligning the soul more closely to the vibration.

Writing this column tonight the skies are vibrant with electrical energy.  This grey, pink, crimson and white lightning canvass mirrors the potential for March.  While your heart and eyes scan the horizon for new and brilliant opportunities keep grounded in the reality of the moment.

Love, Peace and Joy,

Harles

Greetings. 

This month I have decided to write about rosemary. Most people are familiar with rosemary as the herb you use when you cook lamb. As a herb it is generally used for headaches, stress, anxiety and general debility. It is also used for cardiovascular issues such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischaemic heart disease and fragile capillaries.  As most of you will know, rosemary is used for Remembrance Day, and it is also considered good for memory.  

This month’s recipe is for tomato and zucchini pasta. I came across this recipe while looking for a way to use all those zucchinis my zucchini vine was producing. You need to first make a tomato sauce, which is quite easy. If you prefer, buy a good quality fresh sauce from a deli. Fresh sauce made with fresh, ripe tomatoes is delicious and the taste transcends anything you could buy, particularly if you grow and harvest the tomatoes yourself. Good quality tinned tomatoes make an acceptable substitute. The tomato sauce can be frozen and used later in other recipes that require tomatoes sauce. A quick after work meal is achieved by heating a quantity of sauce, adding a can of tune, mix in some pasta, grate on some parmesan and eat. 

It takes around 15-20 minutes and beats a frozen dinner or takeaway.
I harvested a heap of tomatoes this morning and before they had a chance to think about it, they were turned into sauce. I currently have a glut of tomatoes, so have spent today making sauce and chutney. The house smells pleasantly of these 2 things and I have future meals ready to go into the freezer. Msybe next month I’ll share my chutney recipe, it’s considered to be quite awesome.

Wishing you many good things

Moonhawk

Rosemary

The most common rosemary is Rosmarinus officinalis.  Initially a Mediterranean plant, rosemary is now quite widespread.  It grows well in climates similar to the Mediterranean and is well established as a drought hardy garden plant in Australia.  I grow quite a lot of rosemary, both the erect and prostrate form.  It has quite pretty mauve flowers, with some hybrids producing pink or white flowers.

One of my favourite therapeutic uses for rosemary is in a tea with sage to ease a sore throat, particularly when there is a lot of catarrh (snot).  The tea needs to be made with around 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves and a similar amount of sage.  Steep for 10 minutes, add honey to sweeten, and sip slowly while the tea is hot.  I find this remedy particularly useful for symptoms including sore throat that is dry and itchy, along with post nasal drip.  The tea soothes irritate membranes in the throat and seems to loosen thick, sticky mucous.  This tea can be drunk up to 3 times a day.  Do not make the tea in the microwave.  Use a warmed teapot and boiling water.  Rosemary is effective against a number of bacteria, including those in the Staphylococcus group.  Its soothing properties help the debilitating feeling that often comes with this type of illness.  Rosemary is also effective against a number of food borne bacteria, so it may protect against infection.  However, putting rosemary in a marinade will not prevent bacteria growing if the marinading food is kept at room temperature.

Rosemary is also a strong anti-oxidant, but is not generally used as therapeutically (possibly because of its strong taste).  Natural therapists who make their own creams and lotions, often use rosemary as a preservative because of its antioxidant properties. 
Rosemary essential oil has a range of uses.  It is used for circulatory problems, as an analgesic for musculoskeletal problems (rheumatism, arthritis), and for catarrh associated with bronchitis, asthma and sinusitis.  The essential oil is also used for concentration, mental debility and headaches.  I have used rosemary to stimulate the mind at the end of a long day of activity when I have guests coming round for dinner.  It is quite uplifting, but not overly stimulating.  

Rosemary herb is generally considered safe, although it does have a reputation as not being safe during pregnancy or for people with high blood pressure (I find this interesting as one of its uses is to reduce hypertension).  However, it is rarely used for hypertension, but may be used for underlying cardiovascular issues.  All the more reason to consult a trained practitioner if you have doubts about using rosemary.
Most publications suggest that rosemary herb and essential should not be used in cases of epilepsy as it is thought that the stimulatory effect on the brain may cause seizures in high doses i.e more than would be consumed in food. 

Rosemary essential oil is also contraindicated in hypertension. 
Remember, always consult with a qualified practitioner before taking any herbs.  The NHAA and ATMS both provide lists of accredited practitioners.  The IAAMA will provide a list of accredited aromatherapists. 

References:  Medicinal Plants of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink.  Herbs & Natural Supplements – an evidence based guide by Lesley Braun and Marc Cohen.  The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety by Simon Mills and Kerry Bone.  The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (2nd Edition) by Salvatore Battaglia.  Aromatherapy for Health Professionals (3rd Edition) Edited by Shirley Price and Len Price.

 Zucchini Pasta Bake

Start by making your tomato sauce.  You’ll need:
400g can tomatoes, or 500g fresh tomatoes.
1 small onion.
1 clove garlic.
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon sugar.

Finally chop the onion and garlic and sweat off in a little olive oil. (To sweat off means to use a low heat and keep the lid on so steam develops and the onion cooks, but doesn’t brown). 
If you’re using fresh tomatoes, remove any blemished skin, chop roughly and add to the onions.  Put the lid on and allow the mix to come to the boil over a low heat.  Simmer gently until the tomatoes have gone pulpy.

If you’re using tinned tomatoes, add the tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer.
Season with salt and pepper and add the sugar.  You can also ass a nob of butter to give the sauce a richness.
At this point I use a stick blender to puree the tomatoes. Purists will sieve the mix.  Purists will also peel the tomatoes before cooking. The choice is yours. 
Put this aside.

Slice 750g zucchini into small rounds.  Cook these in a little olive oil until tender, but still form(ish).
While cooking the zucchini, cook 1&1/2 cups gluten free pasta according to manufacturers directions. I like to use a spiral pasta, but any gluten free pasta will do. If you get you’re timing right, the pasta and zucchini should be ready around the same time.
Slice or grate 250g mozzarella.
Grease a square casserole dish.
Add a little sauce to the bottom of the dish, then layer the pasta, zucchini and cheese – I do around 3 layers of each, ending with a layer of sauce and cheese. Cover and bake in a moderate (180c) oven for around 40 minutes. Remove the cover, and allow the cheese to brown a little. Serve hot – it’s delicious.