Friday, December 11, 2015

Trying to Control a Country Garden.



Trying to Control a Country Garden.

 
            Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always loved those messy cottage gardens.  You know the kind I mean, climbing roses arching over a trellis or up a wall, daisies, violets, and wildflowers galore.  Beautiful chaos.  When I bought my new house 13 years ago it had the standard shrubs up front, low maintenance, cookie cutter fashion.  Well I ripped those suckers out with a vision of my beautiful new garden.  (Mind you now I had attempted smaller versions before, but this one was all mine to start fresh just the way I wanted it.
 
           I planted rose bushes next to the white trellis by my front door, lavender, violets, kitchen herbs, ivy, wild flowers, you name it.  It was going to be AMAZING!  Everything had its happy place, right where common sense and all the garden volumes said they should be.  The South Alabama sun burned my lavender to a crisp (not just once or twice mind you, but MANY times) things just weren’t falling into place the way I wanted them to.  Then came the weeds.  And the grass.  Not just grass but super hulking nuclear accident grass that if it has a particle in the dirt that sucker will root 3 feet down & spread & grow forever!  I weeded, I worried, I replanted, and weeded, and weeded, and replanted some more.  I dug them up and moved them, added more roses and hibiscus, and pulled more weeds.  When my husband offered to take the weed-eater to my garden I think my head exploded.  I had worked so hard and worried so much, and it looked like a sad weed bed with a few flowers struggling through.

            Now over the years, my bad back has gotten increasingly worse.  Pulling weeds and digging just aren’t an option anymore.  ALL those years of worry, and all that back breaking work for naught.  I finally sat in the middle of that sad bed in tears and clipped down the grass, the flower heads, the spider-wort that volunteered and ran rampant but at least 2 feet too tall.  I chopped it all down.  Cut back the roses, and chopped that bed to about 6 inches tall and decided “It is what it is, I can’t control it.”.
 
            About two months later I had the most amazing flower bed!  There were flowers everywhere!  Morning glories climbing the bushes, roses blooming that I’d given up for dead, flowers I had planted so many years ago I completely forgot I had ever tried.
         
I sat down in the grass looking at that beautiful bit of God’s work, again with tears in my eyes.
I finally realized, some things AREN’T in my control!  No matter how much I work and slave (and yes there were times that with my injured back I couldn’t walk for days because I HAD to fix that garden!  “What would the neighbors think?”)  Every time I walked past that flower bed - which meant every time I went in or out of my house - I would smile at a few blossoms but still feel so bad about the chaos that was overwhelming me.  It was a reminder of the chaos that felt like it was overwhelming my life.  SO much is out of my control.  I’d lay at night and worry about all the typical things that we all make ourselves crazy with, but there was still that garden.  The symbol of my worries
 
            Now, everyone who knows me knows I’m a little hard-headed.  Even my doctors laugh at me sometimes because I know better.  It took me years of working until I couldn’t walk, surgery, damage to the extent that I couldn’t bend over to stop and even smell my roses.  Was it enough?  Almost.  I finally stubbed my little toe on a wooden chest.  No biggie right?  Who goes to the doctor for that?  I hobbled with a cane and took them trick or treating, walked the hospital halls for a week while my Mom was there.  It sure made that back and neck pain worse, but hey you do what you’ve gotta do right?  As my daughter put it, “I come from a long line of ‘walk it off’.”.  When I went back for a regular check-up for my back 3 weeks later they insisted on an x-ray of my still swollen toe and black and blue foot.  Yes, I’d been walking on a broken foot for 3 weeks!  But I got a lovely new post-surgical boot to wear through the holidays so I could avoid foot surgery too!  (Yes, the doctor & nurses all agree this is not a good thing to just walk off, thanks, I’ve been reminded)
            It took ALL OF THAT to make me sit down, shut up, and pay attention to what REALLY needed to be worried about.  You know what I found?  Nothing.  Oh yea, I still freak myself out on a regular basis, but I remind myself that “Just for today, I will not worry”.  We can do pretty much anything for a day right?  So now that I have been forced to sit down and take it easy by almost everything the Universe could throw at me – I go hobble outside, I look around.  I have everything I need at this very moment.
Take a moment to stop and smell the flowers, literally!  Then try to worry.
            I spent years working, worrying and making myself sick just to see that beautiful, messy garden come to fruition when I finally left it alone.  When I finally stopped worrying.  When I finally let go of trying to control it all.  The Universe has been a pretty spectacular place since long before I got here.  I only hope that when I move on someone sees a random flower growing somewhere wild and free, and they take a moment to stop and smile, and enjoy it right where it is in all it’s glory.  In the end, the messy part of that country garden was me.  It had it under control the whole time.
Happiness is a Beautiful Garden!

Monday, June 8, 2015

The Story of Double Woman Designs

The Story of Double Woman
 
I have always enjoyed the traditional story of Double Woman by the Lakota tribe of Native Americans to explain the feelings behind making a piece of beadwork. The story in itself has been an inspiration for many:

In the beginning Double Woman came to a Lakota woman and taught her the art of quillwork - as these designs progressed and European traders came with multi-colored glass beads, Double Woman continued to bring designs to particular women - to be used in beadwork as well as quillwork design. Double Woman came to the women and spoke to them in their dreams showing them designs and finished pieces to teach them this sacred art. From that day on these designs were considered to be " wakan" - very sacred. The pieces that are decorated with these designs - along with the outward beauty that they bear - carry an inner blessing from "WakanTanka" (The Great Mysterious) these pieces are made in a reverent - prayerful way - to bestow blessings on the wearer.
 This is a drawing done by my daughter - Double Woman whispering in the ear of her chosen woman.

I was blessed with the sacred name of Double Woman by a Shaman of the Ho-Chunk Tribe in Wisconsin. Because most of my designs came to me in the form of dreams not only of designs and finished pieces, but how to execute new methods of making a piece in ways that hadn't been done yet (to my knowledge). Most of my finished beadwork and designs have used the name of "Double Woman Designs". This is also the inspiration for my website (and Facebook) name of "Dreamer's Design Studio"

It is in this spirit that I bring you this book.  This blog isn't meant as a sales promo, I only add this because there are some who will be interested in it.  If you have any questions or any further information on the story of Double Woman, or if you would like to discuss beadwork (show us some pics of your own work!)  Make a comment & I'll grab my cup of coffee & we can hang out & discuss our work & our dreams!

(Immediate download)

Google Play Logo - BooksAmazon
 

Saturday, February 21, 2015

It's Time for Scratching the Spring ITCH! Plant those medicinal plants & use this book to understand all the ways you can use them!

It's time for spring! (& a cool deal!)

 Which means it's time to plan your gardens & how you're going to USE all those wonderful plants!

Since I'm suffering from a SERIOUS case of the spring "itch", I'm going through all my plant catalogs & tweaking my herbs, I've had an epiphany - again (watch out for those) lol.  Since I live in the South (USA) I'm still tending my winter garden, picking my onion greens & bunches of broccoli & salad lettuce.  While sitting here admiring it while drinking my tea, I was set with the idea that I'm planning on adding more medicinal herbs to my garden this year, as I'm sure many of you are as well.  I've studied for so long & I still try to keep up on all the new info but I still find that most of the 'age-old' methods, tried & true, are still a great place to start.  Which of course is why I wrote my book Herbal Empowerment - a Thyme for Tranquility.  I really started it to organize all the information I was gleaning from antique "receipt" books as well as old medical books.  This of course brought me to more ancient studies of how people have used plants in their daily lives, bringing in the ancient studies of many of the old Masters.  Once I compiled all of this together I thought 'I bet there's at least a few other people who would like to have all of this info together too'.  So,"my book" became a "real" book, and I'd really like to share it with you. 

Besides explaining all of the old terminology & measurements it gives real life. real world info in one place that you can use in your daily life, without setting up a bunch of insane expensive equipment, or kits.  One of my favorite sections though is "Chapter 4: Quantum Health Initiator®".  Using simple, easy to find herbs and some very amazing science (with references) I share an easy method to REALLY help change your life & your health.  I'm not making wild promises here, you can watch infomercials for days that promise you the world or your money back.  I'm pretty sure you'll find enough easy to use information in this book you'll be pretty happy that the price for the book is NOW ONLY $7.99 (US) That's less than one plant or some seeds for a lifetime of knowledge.  Available on Kindle for your phone, tablet, or reader! (& the app is FREE!} or on Google Play

http://www.amazon.com/Herbal-Empowerment-Jeri-A-Sax/dp/0970337000

Created to be an herbal enthusiast's guidebook. This book combines all the information that you need into one simple reference book. Great recipes (some from antiquity some new) with simple instructions. For those who are scientifically minded it deals with the science behind herbs & aromatherapy, as it gently & intelligently explains the ancient, historical, & metaphysical uses for plants, herbs, & essential oils. This book will tell you how to process the fresh plants into whatever form you would like to use them in, including essential oils. Filled with health and beauty recipes & ideas.
 This book explains how natural medicines work in the human body, & gives simple, concise formulas for using plants, herbs, and essential oils, with the help of the instant reference guide & other helpful information, you'll be making your own simple formulas right away!  
About the Book By using the abundance that surrounds us responsibly and knowledgeably, the reader will be empowered to take control of their life, and with this knowledge, live the joyous, long, and healthy life that is our birthright.

This is what you will find inside the pages Herbal Empowerment - A Thyme for Tranquility:

PART ONE - Ancient Knowledge Meets Modern Science

Chapter 1: The Best of Both Worlds
Chapter 2: Quantum Physics & Aromatherapy?
Chapter 3: Quantum Vibration and Your Personal Being

Created to be an herbal enthusiast's guidebook. This book combines all the information that you need into one simple reference book. Great recipes (some from antiquity some new) with simple instructions. For those who are scientifically minded it deals with the science behind herbs & aromatherapy, as it gently & intelligently explains the ancient, historical, & metaphysical uses for plants, herbs, & essential oils. This book will tell you how to process the fresh plants into whatever form you would like to use them in, including essential oils. Filled with health and beauty recipes & ideas.
 This book explains how natural medicines work in the human body, & gives simple, concise formulas for using plants, herbs, and essential oils, with the help of the instant reference guide & other helpful information, you'll be making your own simple formulas right away!  
About the Book By using the abundance that surrounds us responsibly and knowledgeably, the reader will be empowered to take control of their life, and with this knowledge, live the joyous, long, and healthy life that is our birthright.

This is what you will find inside the pages Herbal Empowerment - A Thyme for Tranquility:

PART ONE - Ancient Knowledge Meets Modern Science

Chapter 1: The Best of Both Worlds
Chapter 2: Quantum Physics & Aromatherapy?
Chapter 3: Quantum Vibration and Your Personal Being
Chapter 4: Quantum Health Initiator®

PART TWO - Use and Formulas

Chapter 5: Herb Use & Preparation
Chapter 6: Herbal Formulas
Chapter 7: Aromatherapy Formulas
Chapter 8: Health, Beauty Aid and Household Formulas
Chapter 9: The Rich History of Perfumes.
Chapter 10: Herbal Recipes

PART THREE - Instant Reference

Chapter 11: Herbs and Essential Oils - Traditional Principle Indications
Chapter 12: Therapeutic Index - List of ailments with the appropriate herbs or oils listed for each.
Chapter 13: Glossary of Medical Terms

PART FOUR - Helpful Information

Chapter 14: The Home Distillery
Chapter 15: Equivalent Measurements
Chapter 16: Resources



PART TWO - Use and Formulas

Chapter 5: Herb Use & Preparation
Chapter 6: Herbal Formulas
Chapter 7: Aromatherapy Formulas
Chapter 8: Health, Beauty Aid and Household Formulas
Chapter 9: The Rich History of Perfumes.
Chapter 10: Herbal Recipes

PART THREE - Instant Reference

Chapter 11: Herbs and Essential Oils - Traditional Principle Indications
Chapter 12: Therapeutic Index - List of ailments with the appropriate herbs or oils listed for each.
Chapter 13: Glossary of Medical Terms

PART FOUR - Helpful Information

Chapter 14: The Home Distillery
Chapter 15: Equivalent Measurements
Chapter 16: Resources 



I appreciate that you've taken a moment out of your busy life to kick back & see what's goin' on in my little corner of our world.  Go get your knees & fingernails dirty & have some fun! (But wash your hands before you try to read...)   =)

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Kick Back & Relax, you’ve found a place to dream among friends…

Hello everyone!  I’d like to welcome you to the newly dreamed up Dreamer’s Design Studio.  We’ll be changing things up a bit, I’d like to see a community grow & share here.  I have some ideas for some new blog posts, and you KNOW there's gonna be sparklies!  I'll also be including my assorted hobbies & projects, like my pallet garden fence, gardening ideas, and a few cool things to do for home decor!  Please get comfy while I get things up & running.  Thanks!  ~Jeri

 


Did you grab some tea & settle in? Great!  Let me tell you a little bit about myself.




 

 A little bit about me…


I am a happily married Mom of 4 grown kids (Yay! We ALL survived it!) & a very proud Grandma of 2.  I’ve been a custom jeweler for 30 years, both retail and wholesale. I enjoy making one-of-a-kind pieces in precious metals, beads and carving gems.  All of my pieces are created by hand in my studio using the finest materials and age-old metal & stone working techniques. 
Boulder Opal Lion with 14K Gold, Sterling Silver, Amethyst & Garnet pendant


My interests are very broad including organic gardening & sustainable agriculture, philosophy, quantum physics and herbal medicine, which creates a unique point of view for my art. I live in beautiful Silverhill, Alabama USA (not far from the Gulf of Mexico) with my family and assorted pets. 
Currently I'm also working with my Husband Scott at Attractions Distributing Inc., distributing brochures along the Gulf Coast as web-master, book-keeper, chief cook and dog trainer.  When I have time I love to work in my gardens and build whatever creations may come to mind this week!  =)


Bragging Rights...

I've written two books - "Herbal Empowerment - A Thyme for Tranquility" and "Patterns in the Spirit of Design : The Beaded Dreams of Double Woman"  both are available through Google Play, Google Books, Amazon Kindle or from my website
  
Come on in, look around & enjoy yourself.

Kick your shoes off & stay a while.

Bringing dreams to life - jewelry, DIY for home, garden & whatever you can dream up!
(You can check out some of my work too!) at DreamersDesignStudio.com, or my Etsy shop.  If you're interested in marketing on the Gulf Coast visit our travel marketing/brochure distribution company AttractionsDistributing.com