Dinner and Dominion with Rach

A lovely dinner at Rachel’s new place and a game of Dominion.

Parmesan Meatballs and Zucchini

Parmesan chicken meatballs (from Dinner A Love Story)
Spaghetti (less than usual)
Zucchini
Parmesan

Arugula Pizza

Trader Joe’s crust
Olive oil base with balsamic glaze
Sliced figs
Parmesan and sharp white cheddar cheese
Bacon
Red onion (cooked in bacon grease)

Bake at 400 for 12 minutes. Top with arugula, lemon juice, and honey.

SO GOOD.

I am responsible for how I react. Other people are not responsible for how I react. Everything that happens is grace and for my healing.

St John’s Wort Herbal Body Oil

Good for: Bruises, burns, cuts, eczema, cuts, growing pains, muscle pain, nerve pain, scars, sciatica, smashed fingers, massage

St. John's Wort body oil - and really all herbal body oil - is helpful for nerves because the fat of the oils goes right into the nerves and nourishes and soothes them. Nerves are below the skin and when your skin is dry, your nerves also get dry and have a harder time staying regulated and grounded.

Herbalism

Over the past several years I have had a growing interest in herbalism, plant medicines, and naturopathic/holistic medical care. I could tell you more about Southern women's colleges in the antebellum South than how my own body works and that feels wrong. Here's to learning (and documenting here!) about the interconnectedness of our bodies with the natural world.

"The traditional homeland of the Yaquis, or Yoeme (their own name for themselves), is in the southern part of the state of Sonora, Mexico...Flowers pervade Yoeme culture. The Yaqui believe in an enchanted world called the Flower World, which is always filled with animals and beautiful flowers. People can visit this world by dreaming and singing special deer songs. The deer songs are the most ancient of Yoeme songs. During the Deer Dance, "little brother deer" leaves his home in the Flower World to visit this world."

- Native Nations of North America, pg. 374

Joseph, OR

Last week Evan and I spend a few days in Joseph, Oregon. We stayed at the Jennings Hotel and enjoyed the sauna, impressive library, and well-stocked kitchen there. Our favorite restaurant (we ate there twice) was the Dog Spot, which alone would be enough to drive the five hours for. We toured the Wallawa County museum and walked through shops and neighborhoods. A highlight was taking the gondola up to the top of Mount Howard where we hiked, drank beer, and fed Columbian chipmunks corn kernels. 10/10 would recommend.