There are many people in our country who do not know the history behind our flag.
Many do not know or understand the election process.
Many do not know or understand the Constitution.
When we are not willing to commit time for research and gain an understanding of what it means to be an "American," ...there is a saying and none more accurate...if we are not part of the solution, then we have to be part of the problem.

We do not have the right to enjoy and participate in all the freedoms and give nothing back. Freedom is not "free," someone fights for, dies for, has their life and livelihood forever changed for our freedoms.

Our time is one of great unrest, doubt, fear, and hurt.
We have to be the change we wish to see; we have to be willing to stand up to things that work against our freedoms...let no man or government instill the fear of using our voice.

RIP all the souls who left us on 9/11/

The time has never been better to claim a cause for our own and make it a full-time

passion.

Choosing Made Easy~

High-tension living boosts levels of adrenaline and cortisol--stress hormones that suppress the immune system as much as 38 percent.

We must find ways to ease anxiety: meditating morning and night, paying attention to the way we breathe, and keeping a positive attitude will go a long way in what we absorb.
Schedule less, slow down body and mind, and make each day a journey of joy.

We each deal with something less than perfection every day...attitude is 95% of the final outcome...be it positive or negative.

Nothing feels as good as the possession of good "energy"...and when we share that with others, well, that is perfection of the best kind.


Good Luck ( you can make it so ) God Bless...He surely will ~


Bea Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
 

Mardi Gras~Spring~Renewal~Common Ground~

Many years ago, when all things in my world were younger and daring was a 'Rite of Passage'...Mardi Gras in the French Quarter was a yearly event...always from a balcony above the streets, young and daring but not that daring!

There is so much more to this holiday than the festive element many of us have come to know and love. If you don't know the history, treat yourself and make it a study...I promise you will be forever glad you did.

A new challenge for me...design a healthier version of the one-of-a-kind  King Cake...do I dare ??

Never been to Mardi-Gras? Go!
Never experienced The River-Walk and Jackson Square? You must!
Don't like Hole-In-The-Wall eateries? You will!

Are you packed? Casual is a must!

Need a place to stay?  My favorites :)

The quaint, old, and magical...Cornstalk Inn.../French Quarter/Garden District.
The Royal Sonesta ...Bourbon Street

The Court of Three Sisters...anything brought to your table will be yummy!

Oh, and don't forget Preservation Hall for some fine Jazz !!

  

 

                            

Let The Good Times Roll and be very aware...stay safe!

Or...you can stay home and make Gumbo and Po-boys :)





 

Christmas As Seen Through The Eyes Of Dickens~

The Christmas Story...according to the Christmas Bible story, Christ came down to earth from heaven to be born at Christmas, because of his love for all humanity.

Christmas Through the Eyes of Dickens~(1812-1870)
( a cry for social justice )


Christmas in Scrooge's day, in 1843, Christmas was much less commercial. Many people went to church, and many followed the ancient tradition of making merry. However, nothing was allowed for or geared to the working class or the poor classes of people
We all know the heart-tugging story of  "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens; what many may not know are some of the historical facts that inspired this classic.

The English Christmas was at a low ebb when Dickens was a youngster.
His desire was to make it understood and to change how the working poor lived from day to day. Dickens loved his city and spent his life wandering the streets. By the time he was 15, he knew it well...yet never stopped exploring and writing about its restless energy.

Much of today's London was built in the 19th century. It was full of dark alleys and lanes; the streets were crowded, noisy, and very dirty.
Almost anything was bought and sold; the atmosphere was more akin to a modern third-world city than modern London. Many of the vendors were children; there were no child labor laws such as we have today. Many worked as young as 5, sweeping the streets.

The growth of the city exploded in the 1800's and became known as "the Fever-Patch." It was the first big industrial city in the world, and it was dirty, extremely polluted, and unhealthy. disease spread quickly...there were four cholera epidemics in Dickens's lifetime. plus regular outbreaks of typhoid, scarlet fever,, and other ills. Two hundred open sewers ran into the Thames River...and more than half of the London population took their water from it for cooking, laundry, bathing, and drinking.

"A Christmas Carol" was written in 1843, as were the first printed Christmas cards. However, in 1843, many very old traditions were still being celebrated. Some dated from ancient pagan midwinter festivals, which were celebrated long before the first Christmas. The latter part of the 1840's began to see signs of new customs and ways that brought London out of the disgusting conditions it had become famous for.

The year after " A Christmas Carol" was published, nine London theaters staged versions of this book...it has been a favorite of stage and screen ever since. The classic being the 1951 version.

After the success of " A Christmas Carol," Dickens wrote a Christmas story each year for the next several years, including The Chimes (1844) and The Cricket on the Hearth (1845)-none were as popular as A Christmas Carol. It added a new word to the English language ("a Scrooge" is a miser...very few stories have done that.

Today's Christmas is commercial in a way Dickens could not have dreamed of...but in part and thanks to him, we still feel that Christmas should be a time for family warmth, wholesome fun, kindness to others and especially children...his vision lives on~ RIP Charles Dickens.

Merry Christmas~

The Sage Hill Farms Family~
 

~~Thanksgiving~~Fruits Of The Harvest

From candles to gravy boats, from generations past to generations of the future...it is all Fruits of the Harvest.

Thinking of all the love and labor that goes into building families over many generations and all the loving labor that goes into a project in order to reap a rewarding harvest...it is simply one and the same from the heart.

Thanksgiving without pumpkin and turkey is hard to imagine--just as Thanksgiving without reaching out and giving back is unacceptable.

A loving family, true friends, healthy bodies, and minds. an abundance of all things needed for a warm and satisfying Thanksgiving time, for these things I feel grateful ...may you share in the same feeling at your house.

Happy Thanksgiving from Sage Hill Farms~

 

Fall, Fairs, and Football~

September, the beginning of the " changing " of the seasonal guard :) Autumn/Fall- doesn't actually begin until the 22nd...but the temps are dropping, the leaves are showing signs of color, summer gardens are falling away, and the fall festivities are happening in towns and cities around the country. (Our County Fair begins in the coming week ) And a great one it is. I really enjoy harness racing most of all.

This pretty picture is by way of my friend Judy Graber from Mineral Springs Farm, organic raised/Black Angus Beef ( yes ! )

She can be easily found on FB.

 

                  Labor Day is a big holiday for the US and Canada. 

 

Grandparents Day is the 8th-

 

if you are blessed with grandparents, get to know who they were through the years past, what it was like when they were your age; if not for them, you and I would not be :)

 

Ahhh, September birthdays...we have 7 during this month. Lots of celebrating will be happening from the 4th through the 30th!

 

New Moon on the 5th...great time to trim the hair for maximum growth.   One full moon, on the 19th, check and balance time :)   

 

The days to fly your flag if you don't fly it every day...Labor Day...2nd, Patriot Day...11th, POW and MIA Recognition Day...20th.

 

Asters are September's flower. Do you have them in your garden?

 

Please practice being a good land steward.....don't use dangerous chemicals, instead look for and learn about the natural ways to care for your soil, it will thank you with rich and bountiful offerings. You and your family will be healthier, and future generations will have a fighting chance to enjoy Mother Earth, too.

Wishing you and yours a most wonderful Autumn season.

 

Bea Rigsby-Kunz/Sage Hill Farms
                                                                                                                                           

 

 

 

 

 

Bee Balm/Bergamot=Goodness In A Cup~

                                                     

                  Scarlet Monarda. Oswego Tea. Bee Balm. Bergamot. 

---

 A fruitful source of Thymol.
     
This pretty herb has become a favorite in our gardens. It has showy, bright pink flowers in large heads or whorls at the top of the stem, supported by leafy bracts, the leaflets of which are of a pale-green color tinged with red. Its square, grooved, and hard stems rise about 2 feet high, and the leaves, which it bears in pairs, are rather rough on both sides. The whole plant is strongly impregnated with a delightful fragrance; even after the darkly-colored leaves have died away, the surface rootlets give off the pleasant smell by which the plant has earned its common name 'Bergamot,' it being reminiscent of the aroma of the Bergamot Orange.   It is known in America as 'Oswego Tea,' because an infusion of its young leaves is used to form a common beverage in many parts of the United States.

 It is also sometimes called 'Bee Balm,' as bees are fond of its blossoms, which secrete much nectar. It delights in a moist, light soil and in a situation where the plants have only the morning sun, where they will continue in flower longer than those that are exposed to the full sun. It is a very ornamental plant and readily propagated by its creeping roots and by slips or cuttings ( needs room to spread ). We find it does great beside the Butterfly shrubs.

TIP: .....Oswego Tea blend will be available from August through September...get it early, it doesn't last long. Will be on the Sage Hill Farms web store beginning August 1st.
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

I trust your summer is Awesome!

 

Spring Promises~

Spring, it comes only to retreat, and back again...seems she never tires of teasing us. However, those of us who garden have figured out ways to compensate for that which we cannot change. ( the weather :)

Spring lettuces, onions, chives, many herbs, and, depending on location, a few other goodies...can be grown in cold frames, high tunnels, greenhouses, and even in open areas with the knowing that you need some form of protection on those nights that dip below what is acceptable. I love the floating row covers; they can be used simply by spreading across/down where needed, or they can be used on a dome-like frame built to keep them from touching the plants.

Remember, if you have large beds or gardening in un-raised soil...take the time to design walking paths between your rows...a thick layer of pine straw will help absorb the shock of your footprints and avoid packing the soil. Be aware...if you use wheat straw or other grain straw, you will end up with unwanted weed and grass sprouts in the new spring...I highly suggest pine straw...it can be easily removed in the fall or late winter and used in other areas of need. Yes, dead leaves do work...however, they are subject to being taken away by the wind, and they don't supply nearly the protection of impact as the straw.
~
Happy Gardening ~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Teacher/speaker/advocate for "Truth In Labeling."
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328

Top Authors Give Proceeds to Middle School Gardening Project

Top Authors Give Proceeds to Middle School Gardening Project

(Jasper, AL) April 28th, 2013 - Top authors from across the world will come together on Facebook this Saturday to raise funds for a gardening project for students at Curry Middle School located in Jasper, AL. The project is Sponsored and coordinated by Bea Kunz of Sage Hill Farms.
“The project will be ongoing from year to year with different students and teachers participating,” states Kunz. She goes on to say, “I am thrilled to be a part of any project that enlightens or peaks an interest in better foods for better health."

Kim Mutch Emerson, owner of Master Koda Select Publishing, LLC got wind of the project and gathered authors together from around the globe who were excited to offer the proceeds of their sales on Saturday, April 27th to this worthwhile project. For a preview of the books being offered you can visit this blog: http://dragontargeseries.blogspot.com/2013/04/charity-event-one-day-host-of-authors.html

The benefit event will include games and contests for the attendees and takes place on Facebook this coming Saturday, April 27th from 10:00am to 3:00pm Eastern time. The public is welcome. Proceeds from the book sales will go to the Curry Middle School Organic Gardening Project. To join this worthwhile event, simply go to this link and click join: https://www.facebook.com/events/485963738123325/

For more information or to donate to this non-profit project contact Bea Kunz on her website at http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com/ or Dr. Thomas Kyzer, Assistant Principal at Curry Middle School, Jasper, AL.

###

Celebrate A New Beginning~

Spring is really all about new beginning's, rebirth, and improving on, or refurbishing that which you may have started at an earlier time.

Walk through your garden, the park, or the woods, everywhere you look , new life is awakening.

Lambs, calves, and baby chicks are born in the spring. All these beautiful happenings tend to confirm...Mother Nature really does know what she is doing ~
~
I choose this spring to re-confirm my desire to be healthier and less caught up in stressful events of which I have no control....I will revel in the colors, aroma's, and spirit of spring.

I will remember to be ever so grateful for where I am rooted, my beautiful friend's, awesome family, and My Gardens !
~
Little flights of fancy are essential to the contentment of the soul...make room for imagination and small pleasures created for the moment and simply for fun.
~
I will aim to simplify my food choices and eat with honor and respect for my body.
I will feed my mind with exciting books and conversation.
I will feed my spirit with the Word Of God, from whence all good things begin.

Come join me in the Rites of spring~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Happy Spring~Happy Gardening :)
~
 

                                   March Madness in the Gardens

I believe I speak for many of us gardeners when I say....bring on the warm weather already ...please ))) She pleads while watching from the office window, the huge , beautiful, snowflakes falling from the sky !

Sage Hill has a lot of new projects to share once spring arrives and construction can take hold.

Beds and plots are all in tip top condition and ready to plant.

We are also growing some things in the greenhouse this year that are new to our growing list, follow along and see our success, or not !

Lemongrass and ginger are two of the newbies. Going to be an interesting summer. :)

Some reconstruction happening on the SH website, still much to be added and changed.
A new blog for your pleasure and need to know things.  ' good things .' :)

http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com/wellness-wealth/


I found this article to be very good reading, most of it we all know, but kinda updates all that knowledge and puts it into better focus.

http://www.fooddialogues.com/foodsource/topics/biotech-seeds?gclid=CN-9saTf3rUCFQ4GnQodljMACA

Ok, while waiting for spring I'm headed out to wander in the snow :)

Enjoy, whatever is happening in your world today~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist/teacher/speaker

Loving February--We are having cold, some snow, and just around the bend from spring :) What is not to love ?

Indeed it is too early to think about putting anything into the ground except trees and shrubs, some perennials and bulbs, but it is not too early to start flats in the greenhouse environment.

Herbs, spring onion, and lettuces will do well if started now and then transition them to the ground in very early spring.

Looking for a plant ( herb ) to attract beneficial insects to your garden...think Yarrow--this pretty bloomer has earned quite the reputation for all the goodness it brings to the space around it.
It feeds lacewings, lady beetles, parasitic wasp, syrphid flies, and tachinid flies. Having one of these in your gardens is a blessing, having more than one or all of them is a Hallelujah time !

Fennel--another herb that brings something very special to the mix...it is fodder for caterpillars of the anise butterfly. We can never have too many butterflies.

Parsley--feeds the caterpillar of the Black Swallowtail-the most beautiful butterfly in my opinion--if you look close you'll discover they have many shades of blue and black.

So much to think and talk about this time of year.

Do remember to plan and order seed early if you haven't saved your own....everyone who gardens will be doing the same, and it is first come , first served, for the pick of the best.

If it's sunny in your world...think spring~
If it's cold and wintry...enjoy the magic of whatever that brings.

Plenty to celebrate this month...Lunar New Year on the 10th, Lincoln's birthday on the 12th, Ash Wednesday on the 13th, Valentine's Day on the 14th,  Washington's birthday on the 22nd, and Flag Day on the 24th.  Have fun and give a little extra thought to each of these special dates-the importance of who and what.

May the best of yesterday merge with the best of today and bring the most amazing tomorrow :) Make it so~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz



 

This was posted on my blog January 13th-2012.

Sage Hill has the first snow of the season this Friday13, a good thing, I love the trees with snow in the branches. It seems to bring a slowing of the mind, the body, and the 'traffic.' :)

Our planning for the spring gardens and other additions to the farm scene are well underway.

I trust you are planning a spring garden, fresh grown foods are the best way to have the proper nutrition for you and your family.

Need help getting started ? I'm a call or email away. You will also find many helpful articles on the website and by researching this blog archive.
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com/

The best of 2012 and Friday the 13th.
 EatWell-BeWell~
~~

2012 has been a fabulous year, the farm has grown, seen and dealt with changes unexpected, came through with awesome results and we once again find ourselves welcoming a new year with new plans, and excitement for all the unknowns to come as well.

As the photo shows, last year at this time we had a beautiful snow on the ground, this year, lots and lots of rain, not even much cold, so we adjust and wait for the gift of tomorrow, with gratitude for whatever it brings.
~
Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist/Teacher/Speaker
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

The Joy Of Christmas~

The Joy of Christmas-let me count them one by one-so many, you'll be sleeping before I'm done.
There's holly and cedar, rosemary and Red Birds.
Paper Whites and Poinsettias , Red Roses and Tartan skirts.
Stockings of red, green and beyond, bows and bells, oh my, what great fun.
Candles in the windows, sleighs by the stoop, hot coco and mama's homemade soup.
Snowflakes and snow-balls for some there will be, alas, just rain and wind I see.
Chestnuts by the fire, cranberries strung above, and a toast to the one you love.
Pretty paper, pretty ribbon, pretty cards from far and near.
Silent night and happy dreams for those you hold dear.
Chocolate, red velvet, coconut and caramel tarts.
Snickerdoodles and Thumbprints, all tugging at our hearts.
Memories and flashbacks, from days carved in stone.
History indeed, but never really gone.
Carols for the neighbor, prayers for our Troops.
Christmas trees of all description-Presents all around-everything Merry and Bright, not like in Bethlehem.
Look into your heart-and find the tiny spark-turn up the flame and light the way, for yet another Christmas Day.

God Bless and may we keep the spirit of Christmas always in our hearts.

See you in 2013~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz

Rejoice~Tis The Season~

Merry Christmas from the 'Sage Hill Farms' family~

December is the month of many joyful reunions, family and friends who see each other on a daily basis, and those who travel far to make the connection at this special time of year.

There is magic in the air! The twinkling of the lights seem to say, awake, go forth, and celebrate.
The falling of frosty snowflakes and cold windy gust, all seems to be a little less harsh during December.
Perhaps it is because we know there is a warm and ready fire awaiting us inside, hot frothy chocolate or simmering cider on the stove.
Or, perhaps it is the spirit that comes to celebrate the most important birthday of the year, our Lord Jesus Christ.

We hear much about the commercialization of this amazing season, to this I say, tune out the hustle and bustle if it bothers you, but do not allow the actions of others to discolor your reason for the season.
Gifting is part of the celebration, that which comes from the heart is perfect for this display of love and inclusion.

May you, your family, and all those you include, have the most blessed Christmas ever.

A Recipe to Tempt Your Taste-buds~

( Cranberry and Port Sauce with Lemon Thyme~)

Makes about 1 pint-can easily be doubled

4 Tbsp port
4 Tbsp orange juice
4 oz brown sugar
8 oz fresh cranberries
1 Tbsp finely grated orange rind
1 Tbsp finely chopped lemon thyme

Pour the port and orange juice into a saucepan and add the sugar.
Place over low heat and stir with a metal spoon until the sugar dissolves.

Transfer the mixture to a larger pan, increase the heat a little and add the cranberries.
bring mixture to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, until the berries are just tender and the skins begin to burst.

Remove pan from heat and mix in the orange rind and thyme.

Leave to cool...you can then pour into jars and seal for later use or for gifts...or place in a container for use on your holiday meats...it's delicious on turkey, chicken, duck, or ham...

Enjoy!

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Winterizing~

We winterize our homes, our cars, boats, and gardens...doesn't it make sense to do the same for our most precious possession?  Our Self~

Salmon, sardines, and other oily fish are high in omega-3 fats, which boost immune system activity. These fats also help balance excess omega-6 fats.

Other good sources of omega 3s, include flax seeds, walnuts,and omega-3-enriched eggs.

OR, you can take a supplement-250 mg EPA from fish oil, morning and night is best.

We can also add a powerful punch to the strength of our immune system by taking Andrographis, this is highly recommended by herbalist (Karta Purkh Singh Khalas, DN-C,RH.) Taken throughout the cold/flu season, especially if you are traveling or under stress, will fortify your system.

Scandinavians have been using andrographis for 20 years to reduce the symptoms and duration of infections.

In the early stages of a cold take 10 to 15 g of andrographis per day as tea or in capsules, or up to 20 ml per day of the tincture.

(Andrographis paniculata is an herb commonly used in China, India and other countries in subtropical and Southeast Asia. Both the fresh and dried leaves, as well as the fresh juice of the whole plant, have been used in a variety of cultures. In traditional Chinese herbalism, Andrographis is used to support healthy digestive, cardiovascular and urinary systems. In Sweden, Andrographis has been used for more than 10 years as a primary herb for the winter season for immune support.)

(PS) keep a small bowl of water with a cup of white vinegar and a few drops of Lemon oil in your kitchen sink, leave your dish towel in this mixture when not using it, it will stay clean and fresh all day. Plus, anything you wipe with it will be germ free.

And for goodness sake...add herbs to your daily diet-they add awesome flavor to any dish, each and every one is packed with nutrients of all accounting...what's not to embrace ?

Stay safe and healthy for the holiday's and all winter~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist/teacher/speaker
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

December And Its Bliss~

December is overflowing with Blissful moments and things.

Textures, smells, sounds, and views...the feel of a fresh cut Christmas tree, the smell of kitchen aroma's ( from cornbread to gingerbread )
the sound of bells, chimes, and stillness of the cold winter day, and the views of beauty everywhere we look.

Please, let us not forget to share all of these Blissful gifts with those among us who may not be as blessed to have access to the same.

Peace On Earth, Goodwill Toward Men, is worth striving for.

It's beginning to look, sound, and smell, a lot like December ~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

November Bliss~

November can be  as magical as the ' Month of Light's, December.

A simple basket of pine cones can lead to a long and interesting conversation, the shape, the tree history, the many ways to use and display them in your fall decorating scheme, they add sound effect to a bonfire or in an outside pit:)

Dried branches of all the different leaves around your area-cut them long and place in a tall container and rest beside the front door-as the leaves fall just allow them to stay in place as if under a tree.

Enjoy the transition from a summer of bright blooms and never ending greenery into a stark display of bare trees and earthy shades of grasses and shrubs.

I opt to not light up the month of November, instead, to bask in the Bliss of  dark mornings and early dusk evenings, a warm cup of cider and the soft comfort of a cozy blanket, who needs lights :)

Wishing you each the most gracious Thanksgiving, a day of being truly  "Thankful."

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931 438 8328

Photo credit of NASA-August 2011-tracks left on the moons surface by the Apollo 17 Moon Mission-

So many amazing facts about our universe.


November 13-2012, Tuesday brings the beginning of the New Moon Solar Eclipse-when the moon reaches its minimum brightness.
Therefore it is called- New Moon. In astronomical terminology, the phrase new moon is the lunar phase that occurs when the Moon, in its monthly orbital motion around Earth, lies between Earth and the Sun, and is therefore in conjunction with the Sun as seen from Earth. At this time, the dark (un-illuminated) portion of the Moon faces almost directly toward Earth, so that the Moon is not visible to the naked eye.

A perfect time to focus on the change one has need or want of.
To secure the path one has already embarked upon-
To understand better what change is, does, and requires for a different outcome.

For everything thing, there is a Season ~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist/teacher/speaker
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328

Healing From Within~Continued

This statement and action applies to our nation, our world, and our 'self, 'today seems the perfect time to embrace the 'Truth' and take action.

Superficial remedies never have and never will be an answer to any core issue.

Our country and our world is suffering from internal problems-quick fixes and symptom relief only serves to prolong and deepen the infestation.

Our bodies are no different in the suffering and the relief requirements.

Breathing, is the one major reason for so many health issues, aha, let me clarify,' Breathing the wrong way.'

In any 24 hour period, we will breath in and out 21, 600 times.
Does it not make perfect sense that there is a right way and a wrong way to breathe.

We can go 30 days without food, 4 days without water, and only 4 minutes without air.

Regardless how much effort one is putting into being healthy, if  the breathing isn't right, healing cannot happen in a total and sustainable way.

It is the most natural way to heal thy-self.

Do your research, find a program that works for your needs, then practice, practice, practice, there is a saying, practice makes perfect, Believe it !

Make it a purely blissful day~

Bea Rigsby-Kunz
Culinary Herbalist/teacher/speaker
http://www.sagehillfarmsandvintagestore.com
931-438-8328