tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35846745322438958112012-02-16T14:32:37.633-05:00A complementary blog to PixiesPocket.com. This is where Amber Pixie discusses herbal remedies, gardening, nutrition, and other happy mountain mama goodness.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.comBlogger1091100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-44035306799947755272012-02-13T11:07:00.000-05:002012-02-13T11:07:10.026-05:00

There were many things that caused me to move to Western North Carolina to seek my fortune...my time spent in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia taught me that I enjoy life in the rolling elevations and sloping hills.  Many of my friends had visited or spent a bit of time living in Asheville and I often heard about how much I would love this odd little town with it's vibrant art scene and

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0Candler, NC 28715, USA35.4989049 -82.71313235.3954874 -82.8710605 35.6023224 -82.5552035tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-10867747016581248122012-02-04T08:42:00.002-05:002012-02-04T08:42:55.570-05:00

Howdy, folks!  I'm pleased to be vending at a new market in Asheville.  The Neighborhood YMCA in Woodfin is hosting an indoors Winter Market on Saturdays in February and March.  It's a new market, and small, but full of local farmers and crafters.  Nutritionists and dieticians will be on hand to talk food and health, and I will be there sampling and selling Pixie's Pocket Infused Honey! If

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-37689934829166172262012-01-24T16:44:00.000-05:002012-01-24T16:44:43.499-05:00

Howdy, everyone...I promise I'm still here and I still care.  I have been tied up with the worst little cough/cold that I've had in years! For over a week I've had a never-ending productive cough, sneezing, depressed energy levels (not to mention patience levels) and a fuzzy brain. None of my normal allies are much help right now, much to my confusion: Elderberry cordial is tasty but isn't

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-60092293023194446752012-01-13T18:43:00.001-05:002012-01-15T16:58:05.245-05:00

If you aren't paying attention to SOPA and PIPA, please do.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-84839725626118473412012-01-03T15:24:00.000-05:002012-01-03T16:52:50.184-05:00

Akasha and I are not fond of winter (Image by Modern Scribe Photography) Oh, yes, January, I remember you well. This is the time of year where I am too cold to think, to move, to do anything good for myself. I won't drink water, no, water is too cold. Water makes me shiver, and warmed water is boring.  Coffee or tea fills that gap instead, something warm and with flavor.  Or booze. Alas, too

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-41217849909301973072011-12-28T10:32:00.001-05:002011-12-28T10:33:10.941-05:00

If you need me, we'll be in a sunbeam. I've sat down at this blog many times over the past week, intending to write, but no words are forthcoming.  It must be winter, as I am in a holding pattern... I have cabaret performances and life happening all around me, the holiday rush and the assorted festivities have left me a bit weary and needing restoration. Fear not, lovies, I

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-21721706728260885422011-12-19T10:00:00.000-05:002011-12-19T10:00:05.533-05:00

Image by Amber Shehan As the temperature has been plummeting, I've been finding myself wanting nothing more than something - anything - hot and fresh out of the oven.  Warm, dense food.  Bread, butter, and beer, stews and meats and spicy soups. The other morning found me lost in my old binder of collected recipes, some of them tried and true, some of them just waiting for the right time to

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2Asheville, NC 28801, USA35.5927461 -82.556455935.5410976 -82.6354199 35.6443946 -82.4774919tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-79271567577408387012011-12-14T15:13:00.000-05:002011-12-14T17:03:43.843-05:00

On your hand, in the sunlight, is an exhausting method of storing honey. (Image by Modern Scribe Photography) I recently had a customer inquire about the proper storage of honey. Honey does not "go bad" if left at room temperature. Finding a temperature between 65-75 is ideal, but I surely don't bother putting a thermometer in my cabinet to find out. Honey has been used as a preservative

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-55421687531898011922011-12-13T22:23:00.003-05:002011-12-13T22:23:38.627-05:00

A whole counter of health tonics *hic* Grumble. Mumble. I have a fever...mild, mind you, and I should be in bed.  But I promise I'll do that in a minute. First I have to tell you about what I am drinking right now. Three or so days ago, I took a half gallon of cheap burgundy wine and put it in a pot.  Into the pot went: Cinnamon stick Ground cardamom seeds Ground grains of paradise

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-58841282951287466142011-12-04T15:16:00.001-05:002011-12-04T15:41:29.915-05:00

This is our chicken, Bok.  She is our official compost-turner and shoe-pecker.  Bok just finished a prolonged molt, and looks gawgeous!  Her death sentence was drawing near, as she hadn't laid in over a month, but today we peeked and found some lovely brown eggs.  Well played, Bok, well played! The catnip is happy, even though the cold is keeping it close to the earth.  It still smells

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-51225039817069376232011-11-25T12:13:00.001-05:002011-11-25T12:20:09.648-05:00

IF YOU MUST purchase myriad goods to gift friends and family this season, please consider shopping at local, small businesses and independent establishments? All this weekend, I will be sharing deals and other specials that I find my small biz compatriots posting: Coupon codes, free shipping, etc etc etc! Follow me on Twitter:  PixiesPocket and Fan me on Facebook:  Pixie's Pocket and of

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-74796117155706524522011-11-23T11:57:00.001-05:002011-11-23T13:27:08.670-05:00

I'm going to be busy today... The cranberry cordial is the one in the back Making butter pie crust from scratch, Making Sweet Potato Pie filling, Perhaps making cookies or brownies of some sort. My moon is on, and so is Mercury in retrograde, and so on and so forth. I'm whupped today and having a tough time energizing, but I'll be fine.  I've got restorative plants around me, and a kitchen

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-71258616595373735692011-11-18T11:01:00.001-05:002011-11-18T11:04:16.899-05:00

My next newsletter for the Pixie's Pocket will be mailed out on Monday.  Sign up now to gain access to coupon codes and more! #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-3028340926387807282011-11-16T18:28:00.001-05:002011-11-17T18:27:02.999-05:00

Here is a photo post for y'all to enjoy...they don't capture the reality of the smell of the leaves, the sound of the rushing stream nearby, the dripping of the rain onto the fallen leaves, or the giggling of my dear Eric and myself, but I'm pretty proud.  You see, the photo-genius behind Modern Scribe Photography, Sarah Thomas, has been teaching me how to use all of the twiddly-bits on my

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1Fairview, NC 28730, USA35.5140058 -82.395951135.4881563 -82.43543310000001 35.5398553 -82.3564691tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-67445429339002460212011-11-07T16:19:00.000-05:002011-11-07T16:19:34.070-05:00

Fermenting Apples by Modern Scribe Photography Of course, when I do have a quick update, it's about booze. Go figure! My apple mead/cider/cyser was a dud...it grew mold!  I must have opened it too many times, and also should have used a new gallon container instead of just dumping the must into the apple juice container.  Oh, well.  I'll mark that down for a lesson. But! The good news is

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-83825576818859914782011-11-01T16:57:00.001-04:002011-11-01T16:57:45.394-04:00

I'm tender-hearted today from spending last night with my Dead folks. As we do every year for Halloween and Day of the Dead, Eric and I tended to our ancestor altar, remembered out loud the names, lineage, and tales of our beloved dead, and drank a beer with them.  I remember Paul Canon, Catfish, Daddy.  Wild spirit, poet soul, nature boy, party animal! I remember Richard Stanley Canon,

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-70317300959004028412011-10-27T14:56:00.002-04:002011-10-27T14:56:30.170-04:00

J.H. Stepp Orchards, by Modern Scribe Photography I live in an incredibly beautiful and bountiful area.  Western North Carolina has so much to offer in the way of local, healthy food that I'm becoming quite happily spoiled by my diet.  There's hop farms for brewers, local bison ranches, and in Hendersonville, North Carolina, you can't throw a stone without hitting an apple tree.  The winding

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-86633601607131583992011-10-24T07:04:00.000-04:002011-10-24T07:05:00.171-04:00

Sugars by DeathByBokeh via Flickr Occasionally I have to just cut out the crap. The crap being sugar. My body just doesn't appreciate copious amount of it, which is a really funny joke for someone who slings honey, isn't it? Sugar is in EVERYTHING in the standard American diet.  Soda, coffee, juice, beer, wine, ketchup, salad dressing, bread, fast food and processed food. Sugar is called

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-72448810862874423002011-10-14T12:00:00.000-04:002011-10-14T12:00:07.596-04:00

Boo! - by Modern Scribe Photography October. Samhain. The Turn of the Wheel. At a festival years ago, Eric and I were asked to hold a position in an autumnal ritual - to play the role of questioner, of taunter, of fae...in this case, some little devils known as the "Ooga Boogas." Sunset had begun. A line of ritual attendees paraded themselves to the valley with the raised circle waiting for

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-83362034820614409722011-10-10T07:59:00.001-04:002011-10-10T08:30:09.603-04:00

Here are some of my favorite reference materials that I use regularly along my herbal path.  I hope you will enjoy and make good use of some of these. (Most book titles link to a book search on Biblio.com, a great place to buy used, rare, and out of print books!  They work with independent booksellers all over the world, and have carbon-free shipping, as well as building free libraries in

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-36053318171523595982011-10-06T09:00:00.000-04:002011-10-07T07:40:01.254-04:00

Tincture corner of my herb shelf, A. Shehan I love herbs, and I also enjoy alcohol. You dedicated readers know for sure that I adore honey...so I generally do my best to combine those three ingredients in as many forms as possible. My cabinets are full of jars, and those jars are full of strange floating bits in colored liquid. It makes me feel my most witchy to open that cabinet and bring

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-51385082761030634962011-10-04T15:39:00.000-04:002011-10-04T15:39:42.045-04:00

The drum altar is one of my favorite parts of participating in events with my spiritual family. Made up of eclectic, ecstatic, and excited witches, we use this space as a focal point for the community at large weekend events. The core structure of the drum altar uses the Yoruban Ifá sprits, the Orisha, and their archetypes to build from...but the altar is not limited to that tradition. We have

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-46724968571613563902011-10-01T14:40:00.001-04:002011-10-01T14:40:09.297-04:00

Pardon my lack of writing, but I've been recovering from my vacation.  I didn't overexert myself, but I was so happy and relaxed that a week floated by since my last update before I even realized it! Last weekend's festival was a delight.  My love and I joined our friends in the woods of Georgia for some sweet time of drumming, yoga, healing, and deep communication...there was intensity and

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-63598482088222705922011-09-22T14:49:00.001-04:002011-09-22T14:49:53.395-04:00

Things I have learned in the past few days: When making bread that requires kneading for ten minutes, don't use a timer, just sing "Matty Groves" once through to obtain perfect crumb.  The rhythm of the song helps greatly with the process! Spirit Horse Herbals makes a great lip balm!!  It's very moisturizing, has no flavor, and is super soft.  I was lucky enough to win a tube of "Soothe

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-76864170011710653642011-09-14T07:39:00.000-04:002011-09-14T07:39:04.025-04:00

There was a time in my life when I was daily wracked by pain. Plagued by severe headaches, I pushed everyone away so that I could lay still in a dark room and not be bothered.  I was only in high school and the pain and visual disturbances from the headaches began to affect my grades and my general attitude. I lived in a little tin box of my own making, and was mostly just a sad little

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-82181581894677471382011-09-09T13:51:00.000-04:002011-09-09T13:51:17.373-04:00

My first every Giveaway is over!  Ahem.  Drumroll, please! . . . . . . . . . . Ouroboros is the winner! You will be receiving your Mother Love Honey, yarrow, mint, tea, and more as soon as you write me at HeadPixie@PixiesPocket.com with your contact info!   Those of you who were interested in Mother Love Honey, I will have more listed by the end of this weekend. Thank you to everyone

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-19471252072398320212011-09-07T16:51:00.002-04:002011-09-07T16:51:12.767-04:00

Some of the accoutrement from the Asheville Fortune Teller's Guild boot at LAAFF 2011. The view of the festival through the belly and breasts of an empty Damiana bottle Tidying the cordial and tincture cabinet...nowhere near done! The past few nights have been beautiful, chilly and breezy with crickets singing and rain falling.  The days have been no warmer than 75 degrees. 

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-74660661277294545862011-09-05T16:33:00.001-04:002011-09-05T16:33:22.446-04:00

 Ends on Saturday, September 10th: Are you into jewelry?  There's a lovely giveaway happening over at HandmadeMN and Out Of The Cracks bead shop.  Let them know which of her items you love most, and be entered to win a lovely peyote-stitch bracelet! http://etsymn.blogspot.com/2011/08/handmademn-giveaway-from-out-of-cracks.html    Ends on Friday, September 9th:  One of my favorite

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-6891173671290533682011-09-03T07:11:00.001-04:002011-09-03T07:11:21.041-04:00

Hello dearies. I'm off to read tarot and throw the junk oracle for patrons of the LAAFF - Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival!  My dear love and I are part of the Asheville Fortune Tellers Guild, and love doing this festival full of colorful people acting like merry fools. There is bicycle jousting, amazing food (kombucha on tap, local goat milk ice cream), hula hooping, fire throwing, etc

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-79346064149500600132011-09-01T08:10:00.001-04:002011-09-01T08:10:13.950-04:00

Image by Modern Scribe Photography Thank You, dear readers! As many of you may realize,  I have been moving my infused honey shop from it's longtime home at Etsy to it's very own webpage.  I made a Facebook fan page for the new website.  I told my followers there that when I reached 100 "Likes," I would present the first ever giveaway on my little ole blog! So, thank you... You did it,

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-13395593954209346692011-08-31T12:37:00.000-04:002011-08-31T12:37:44.311-04:00

Happy Birthday to me! I'll be sitting round a fire later with a Woodchuck cider in hand, friends around, stars above. Be Blessed, Y'all! Oh, and iffin you haven't, go and LIKE my shop, Pixies Pocket, on Facebook!   When I reach 100 likes, I will host my FIRST BLOG GIVEAWAY! There will be....dum dum dum....free honey....oh yeah! *confetti* WHOO HOOO!!!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-27458136371860339282011-08-29T14:18:00.000-04:002011-08-29T14:18:12.916-04:00

Hear ye, hear ye!  The Pixies Pocket now has a mailing list...join to receive special offers and updates. I won't post more than a couple of newsletters per year, most likely, so don't worry about me spamming your inbox. (Hee hee...that sounds kind of dirty...) Ahem. Anyways.  This is all you have to do...insert email address, pick a format (or not) and click Subscribe below: #

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-19360569266479583162011-08-22T12:37:00.002-04:002011-08-22T12:37:51.817-04:00

For those of you who might not be following me on Facebook or Twitter (and why the hell not?!) please note that there is a  BRAND NEW COUPON CODE being featured on Pixies Pocket right now! Enter PIXIEFB during checkout for 10% off of your next purchase! Offer expires August 25, 2011 (That's this Friday, y'all!)

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-37268611055484769662011-08-19T12:55:00.001-04:002011-08-19T12:55:00.363-04:00

Candles and Image by Amber Shehan Making candles is fun, but candle-remaking is cathartic. Bit by bit, I drop memories in the form of wax drippings into a pot resting over boiling water. As the bits of colors swirl and mesh, I remember when and for what purpose that candle was burned. This was a blessing for our new home - and this, this next stripe of yellow is from the candle that burned

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-14380401011183555952011-08-17T11:12:00.000-04:002011-08-17T11:12:06.173-04:00

Severe Thunderstorm warning...aaaaah.....I keep sending thoughts of rain from here in Asheville up the mountains and into the Dismal Swamp up in Virginia, where peat fires are raging since the beginning of the month.  Lightning strikes, and sets aflame the layers of turf and the old, dead trees.  The peat fire can burn underground, virtually undetectable, until it flares forth when it runs into

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-24463955375002405182011-08-10T10:40:00.000-04:002011-08-10T10:40:38.002-04:00

August Today What is this on the wind, this scent that stirs my soul? There is a feeling riding it that's been more than ten years gone. It smells like warmth, and rain, and something more that I just can't put my finger on. I want to buy a pint, and face the setting sun; drink deeply, close my eyes and let it come tumbling in; the rays, days, smells, tastes, every little thing that drifts

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-6592340723219187382011-08-04T13:43:00.002-04:002011-08-04T13:43:46.185-04:00

Visit my shop to see what's in stock! Howdy, folks! I've been busy lately, as is appropriate at this time of year for me...July to August always finds me scampering and starting to manage the first harvest of my yard and garden. My days have also been spent with a dear friend looking to relocate to the area.  We showed her around, let her loose to explore, and spent way too many dollars out

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-67848515469140761852011-07-28T16:02:00.002-04:002011-07-28T16:02:48.375-04:00

Peach Butter:  Image by Amber Shehan Here's what my household accomplished in an afternoon... Peach Butter (Small batch, makes about 12 ounces or so) 1 lb. of diced, peeled peaches (4-5 med. fruit) 1/2 cup of sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice Seasonings:  Whatever you want!  First, peel and dice your peaches.  Try not to eat them all, and leave a pound or so for the recipe. Add the

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-69774212083162325352011-07-24T21:00:00.014-04:002011-07-25T11:52:48.882-04:00

Queen Anne's Lace by Modern Scribe As I've discussed before, sometimes I think my neighbors must hate me for harboring a yard of unwanted pests and dingy weeds.  We encourage our yard to be an eco-system, rife with native plants and insects...which in our neighbor's world means "unmowed and disgusting!" The truth is that we DO mow around the house to ensure that the native insects are at a

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-78109939824283117602011-07-19T11:55:00.002-04:002011-07-24T21:07:01.932-04:00

The berries and sweet peas, image by Amber Shehan It has been a week since my first post about my Blackberry Mead.  I'm pretty excited, and things are progressing nicely! The bucket full of berries, spices, and honey water has been bubbling merrily for seven days.  I made sure that the bucket was picked up and swished around every now and again to keep it oxygenated, and to keep everything

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-45781670596034155952011-07-17T06:59:00.000-04:002011-07-17T06:59:25.267-04:00

Visit PixiesPocket.com by clicking my logo: I am quite excited.  I will be keeping a shop open on Etsy, but will be premiering all new flavors and offering new specials via the official website! I have also begun a new, store-specific Twitter account.  Add @PixiesPocket for updates, promo codes, coupons, and more! To top off the social media blitz, I have also created a new fanpage for the

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-73938731463952612222011-07-11T11:08:00.000-04:002011-07-11T11:08:01.320-04:00

I can tell that it is truly summertime.  Over the last week or two, my housemates and I have gathered close to two pounds of blackberries from the brambles on our lower lot.  With chevre on toast, and by the handful, we've managed to consume about one pound of those, and we froze the rest for later use. We plan on using those to make a syrup, or maybe add to it and make a small batch of jam.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-11522891041418248622011-07-01T12:20:00.002-04:002011-07-01T12:20:00.515-04:00

Storm Sigil Mosaic by Amber Shehan So...mosaic is an awesome, awesome medium to work with! It has everything: construction, deconstruction, fumes, sharp things, cement...what more could you want? First, you get to experience great enjoyment from smashing your chosen glassy victim (in a safe and cautious manner, of course).Then you get to glue the resulting razor-sharp shards to your medium

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-15975838748765397702011-06-26T12:29:00.000-04:002011-10-25T14:48:50.716-04:00

Image and Embroidery by Amber Shehan Ok. This one was fun! My dear friend Jessica wanted some bling and glitter for her favorite comfy, black hoodie. We are ferocious pirates, of course...so she decided that she wanted to sport Jack Rackham's crossed sabers and skull flag! Now, Miss Jessica is um...quite fond of rainbows and flashy colors, so I decided to use a multicolor thread. She wanted

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-52013785966406960912011-06-25T12:02:00.001-04:002011-06-25T12:02:00.797-04:00

This story was originally written in 2009 while working retail in Downtown Portsmouth, Virginia. They come in and see me sometimes, these Angels of God. Something about organic food draws them in, or possibly it is the Crossroads, the first and oldest heart of this town that funnels them into our corner market. Michael came to me on Monday. He didn't make it farther than two steps in and then

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-31970081539757174852011-06-14T14:16:00.000-04:002011-06-14T14:16:04.291-04:00

Lavender in May, Image by MSP Ok, so we put our tomatoes out way too early...but we were given leggy tomato starts early in the season, and they just couldn't make it indoors anymore! Unfortunately, only the 2 Oregon Spring tomatoes look like they'll do anything - the 3 remaining are miserable, and we already lost one of the Cherokee Purples. *sigh*  Oh well, we have new tomato babies waiting

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-23671547556391256112011-06-02T10:05:00.000-04:002011-06-02T10:05:06.515-04:00

Mama loved me so much that she told me what was up, straight and clean. I was just a baby girl child, only three years old when she and my Daddy decided that they couldn't live together anymore, that they fought too much and were just not right for each other. I remember them fighting, but somehow knew it wasn't about me, and let it happen without getting too scared or upset, as I recall,

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-25180623112394476792011-05-05T15:17:00.001-04:002011-05-05T15:18:42.985-04:00

Dandelions in my yard, by Modern Scribe Photography I looked around my yard yesterday, and realized with a gasp that all of the dandelions that were proliferating on my path had gone poof!  But but but but....I didn't even get a chance to make Dandelion Mead this year!  I hope they will come back, I expect dandelions to hang around longer than one month....*grumble grumble* I guess I'll have

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-24598028062276218752011-04-19T14:32:00.000-04:002011-04-19T14:32:39.900-04:00

Candler in Spring, by Modern Scribe Photography What a month it has been...camping, festivals, dear friends visiting my home and looking to put down roots in these sweet mountains.  There's been patterns woven, and circles coming 'round to completion. It makes me feel grounded, centered, and in tune with the world around me. A part of being in tune with your world means walking in a balance

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2Asheville, NC, USA35.6009452 -82.5540149999999935.4835782 -82.6594825 35.7183122 -82.44854749999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-13573877124186689582011-03-18T16:39:00.000-04:002011-03-18T16:39:10.241-04:00

Taraxacum Officinale by anemoneprojectors I am sipping a lovely cup of Spring. When I nipped meself outside yesterday to feed the chickens (and spoil the neighbor's goats because I'm a sucker for a pitiful bleat), I found my yard sprinkled with golden coins, sparkling in the pooling sunlight. They are Dandelions, people! Dent-de-leon, Tooth of the Lion, golden disks of beauty and health and

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2Asheville, NC, USA35.6009452 -82.55401535.4613697 -82.7874745 35.7405207 -82.32055550000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-27048256554759539242011-03-08T08:28:00.000-05:002011-03-08T08:28:04.958-05:00

Spring is close...everyone that I see is big-footed and falling over themselves in a state of twitterpation. We had a lovely, loud rolling thunderstorm last week that must have woke up the snakes, and the goats who live next door reek of rut.  There was snow and rain all at the same time yesterday, and the roosters are losing their ever-loving minds...Spring must be near with all of those signs..

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0Candler, NC 28715, USA35.4785861 -82.64572935.3387966 -82.8791885 35.6183756 -82.41226950000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-48381050184717538292011-02-14T16:29:00.001-05:002011-02-14T16:29:57.712-05:00

'Holy Goats and Bacchanalia' by Anchasta Mid-March marks the festival of Bacchanalia. This treasury celebrates the stink of rut and wine, the horned god and piping Pans, and the return of warm Spring!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-22099307187053043062011-02-04T08:31:00.005-05:002011-08-12T13:49:08.395-04:00

Every now and then, folks ask if I ever sell plain honey in my shop, The Pixie's Pocket. Unfortunately, I won't feel quite right doing this until I have my own hives and bees to tend to, as it feels like cheating to sell another beekeeper's honey without adding my own touch to it, infusing it with lovely herbs. Here's a recent query I received about The Pixie's Pocket: "I have a question

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-62327200179750133952011-01-29T09:36:00.003-05:002011-08-11T12:06:18.224-04:00

Image by Modern Scribe Photography Ok, so we all know that I love honey for accenting foods and drinks as well as just on it's own by the spoonful.  But did you know that I also love it for use as a do-it-yourself spa treatment?  Honey can serve as a wonderful product to add to your beautification rituals! Even if you don't use Pixie's Pocket honey, I encourage you to use local honey from a

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-30664632300728038922011-01-22T14:59:00.001-05:002011-01-22T15:03:38.852-05:00

Isn't she adorable? *squoosh* I am one lucky lady. I received a package in the mail from a dear friend who I haven't seen in *mumblemumble* years...and a thrill of excitement flickered through me! Kara was a buddy of mine during my very short stint in college.  She was the first person who I allowed to be my friend, the first person I could stop being afraid enough to talk to besides my

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-59900556574180450092011-01-08T16:10:00.000-05:002011-01-08T16:10:47.218-05:00

Things here in the mountains of Carolina are white and serene. The blowing, quiet snow is giving way to the sun, and the wind is in turn changing the frigid rivulets into grandiose icicles. The moon is waxing from a tiny crescent and everyone seems to secretly enjoy their snowdays while complaining about the weather out of the other side of their mouth. I, for one, appreciate a day built for

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-40121299424806625252011-01-01T19:12:00.000-05:002011-01-01T19:12:09.592-05:00

Venus DeMilo Beeswax Candle At the dawn of this year, I feel light - an abundance of golden fire, warmth, safety, and sensual heat.  I stick my fingers in the beeswax melting in the pot and smile - my calloused fingertips unhurt. Votives are poured, and my home smells like the glory of a hive in the summer. May your home glow with warmth and a steady light in this coming time.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-2507929420843831602010-12-17T10:40:00.000-05:002010-12-17T10:40:51.135-05:00

Harriet Fasenfest has written an amazing article called "Frugal Soup," a crash course on feeding you and your family well and cheaply by making your own soups. Trust me, it's way easier than you think! Check it out, and go put something nice on the stove.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-52596054456152873252010-12-07T13:48:00.000-05:002010-12-07T13:48:21.194-05:00

has jars. making honey. feeling earth rich and cold. waxing moon. reading paths. rocking on.snowing here. keeping warm.making things. dreaming.loving you here.and now. I've been mostly selling honey to folks locally, and listing the excess on Etsy when I have time. I wish each and every one of you a safe and happy winter holiday time!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-71370394695744239062010-10-27T13:59:00.002-04:002011-07-08T22:07:41.159-04:00

Graphic and Photo by Modern Scribe Design Cayenne Honey? Oh, yeah...it's warm. It's sweet. It's dangerously yummy... Cayenne honey is made with sweet Appalachian mountain wildflower honey, blended with cayenne powder and poured over a bit of dried cayenne pepper that was grown organically. This honey is hot, in a really sneaky way. It warms you in the throat and tummy before the heat

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-53614192500163674952010-10-20T09:54:00.003-04:002010-10-20T11:17:13.784-04:00

Sol, by Amber Shehan It is truly October. I woke this morning to blue light filtering in my window, mist and dew clinging to the dying pokeberry bushes outside. It was a sweatshirt morning, a full pot of coffee morning, and a get something on the stove kind of morning. Currently, there is a pot full of Cocoa Honey starting to work it's melting magic in the kitchen, and then it will be Ginger

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-37585568867061134982010-10-06T10:08:00.000-04:002010-10-06T10:08:01.772-04:00

Photo by Modern Scribe Photography Cold and windy, dark and ominous, October is marching in, leaving muddy tracks on my carpet to mix with the windblown leaves. I've been away from this blog and my shop for much of the warm months. I've been delving into gardening, raising chickens, working full time hours outside of the home, drumming, socializing, and altogether being a happy and busy bee.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2Candler, NC, USA35.53639 -82.6930635.518929 -82.72224250000001 35.553850999999995 -82.6638775tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-41553155350237674032010-08-15T16:07:00.000-04:002010-08-15T16:07:03.070-04:00

Well, it's been a bit of time, hasn't it? The chickens are still chickening, the full time job is still going, and the garden is yielding tomatoes like mad. I have missed blogging, but have been enjoying life and all that it throws at you in the long days of summer so full of potential... I ain't gone yet. Heh.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-22198761089509827182010-06-25T10:32:00.001-04:002010-06-25T10:36:24.097-04:00

Good News!  My hours at my day job, Biblio.com have been doubled! Bad News...I don't have as much time to make honey orders... Good News! Eric is an intern at the Western North Carolina Nature Center! Bad News...That's extra gas money and internships don't pay well... The Big Bad News... Our sweet, old truck won't start now...apparently it has a bad fuel pump. *sigh* I hate to do this, but

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-43645011938831696832010-06-09T16:59:00.000-04:002010-06-09T16:59:14.658-04:00

Our new yard friends! Photo by Sarah Thomas, Modern Scribe Photography Our yard friends give us eggs, by Sarah Thomas, Modern Scribe Photography Lavender, soon to be in bloom, by Sarah Thomas, Modern Scribe Photography Akasha surveys her domain, by Sarah Thomas, Modern Scribe Photography Chickens, Eggs, Compost heap, Cats, Gardens, Craft Fairs, Farm Markets, Honey Jars, Wildcrafting,

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com3Candler, NC, USA35.5363889 -82.692777835.5189279 -82.7219603 35.553849899999996 -82.6635953tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-30431090513493242962010-06-03T11:50:00.002-04:002010-06-03T12:15:12.643-04:00

On Saturday, June 5th, you will find me at New Dawn Chiropractic Center here in Candler, North Carolina, as a happy participant in their first annual "Holistic and Organic Community Fair"! The New Dawn Holistic and Organic Community Fair is an event for the whole family. It will even include a bouncy castle and hypoallergenic face painting for the kids! Everyone else has a chance to participate

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0Candler, USA35.5363889 -82.692777835.3967009 -82.9262373 35.6760769 -82.4593183tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-74444517554329154312010-05-24T13:30:00.002-04:002010-05-24T13:53:16.649-04:00

Amber by Modern Scribe Photography Howdy, everyone...I hope Spring's been keeping you as joyfully busy as it's been keeping me! Between building the chicken coop, filling honey orders, and jumping on the trampoline, I've been keeping the growing things tended. Oh, yes...I've been exploring and cultivating my yard like a thing possessed... since I last checked in: ~We've succeeded in moving

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2Candler, USA35.5363889 -82.692777835.3967009 -82.9262373 35.6760769 -82.4593183tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-53726740773501038412010-05-13T12:16:00.008-04:002011-07-24T15:50:02.797-04:00

Mint Honey by Modern Scribe Photography If you want something quick and easy to grow that will spread like wildfire and provide you with a bounty of uses, might I suggest you plant a bit of mint? Rapidly growing and even considered invasive by many, Peppermint has been part of medicinal gardens as long as we've had organized agriculture. Menthol comes from peppermint, and it is a powerful

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0Asheville, NC, USA35.6009452 -82.55401535.4613697 -82.7874745 35.7405207 -82.32055550000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-10398586741018547212010-05-10T14:40:00.000-04:002010-05-10T14:40:29.592-04:00

Busy Bees Use Flower Petals For Nest Wallpaper : NPR This is gorgeous! I wish my house was as lovely as this bee's nest is. This inspires me...flower petal honey...I have hibiscus, chamomile, and a couple of others I can play with. Pardon my recent lack of updates, folks, there's much to do about this home and beyond and sitting at the computer has been a luxury unused. Bee well, and enjoy

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0Candler, USA35.5363889 -82.692777835.3967009 -82.9262373 35.6760769 -82.4593183tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-7308181997590446382010-04-30T23:55:00.002-04:002011-07-24T15:43:34.287-04:00

  Pixie's Pocket - Candles, Honey, Electuaries, and More From May 1 - May 5, 2010, all Mother Love™ honey is on sale!! Order by May 5 to guarantee delivery by Mother's Day.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-66060786456471300602010-04-29T12:54:00.000-04:002010-04-29T12:54:44.435-04:00

This weekend, Friday through Sunday at the WNC Asheville Farm Market Hear ye, hear ye! Come one, come all to the 21st Annual Asheville Herb Festival!  I will be there on Saturday and Sunday with Pixie's Pocket honey, situated with Shannon Haun from Candler's House of Herbs. See more info at http://www.ashevilleherbfestival.com/ "Every spring, more than 25,000 residents and visitors come to

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2Asheville, NC, USA35.6009452 -82.55401535.4613697 -82.7874745 35.7405207 -82.32055550000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-44261420016978569272010-04-21T20:14:00.000-04:002010-04-21T20:14:30.123-04:00

Ginger Root- Zingiber officinalis Gingerbread, gingersnaps, pickled ginger, candied ginger, powdered ginger, fresh sliced ginger, gingerale, ginger gum... Lately, I just can't get enough of ginger!  He is one of my favorite herbal allies these days for many reasons. Ginger is in my mind aligned with Apollo, sharing that intense, young sun god energy. There is something about the golden,

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com8Asheville, NC, USA35.6009452 -82.55401535.4613697 -82.7874745 35.7405207 -82.32055550000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-32460942116351596102010-04-15T09:50:00.000-04:002010-04-15T09:50:17.370-04:00

One thing I love about working at http://www.Biblio.com is that even the lowliest customer service representative is encouraged to contribute to all aspects of this business. Therefore, I bring you my latest guest post on the Biblio blog, "For the Love of Books."Come and languidly splash in the Springtime rain with Whitman, Rumi, and other beloved poets.Top Five Poems to Celebrate Spring

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-9751080440841252042010-04-13T18:36:00.001-04:002010-04-13T18:40:32.202-04:00

Well, it's been a beautiful couple of days here in Western North Carolina. The sun has been warm, and the breeze cool - the perfect spring weather that paints the hillsides around me greener every day. My blog is currently bereft of images, as I've come to rely on Sarah for her wonderful photography skills, and I have no digital camera.  She's been covering some studio portrait sessions in

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com2Candler, NC 28715, USA35.4989049 -82.71313235.3591504 -82.9465915 35.6386594 -82.4796725tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-1499269866859407532010-04-13T18:25:00.000-04:002010-04-13T18:25:01.093-04:00

I am honored to be participating in a giveaway at the blog of Toni: a mother who is choosing to use nutrition and lifestyle changes to help balance her health, and that of her son's as well. While researching the differences between Honey vs. Sugar, she came across the Pixie's Pocket™ honey shop on Etsy, and asked me to work with her for her first ever Giveaway! So, the prize is a 4oz jar of "

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-30928345445507663552010-04-09T16:55:00.000-04:002010-04-09T16:55:06.638-04:00

Hello! I'm going to go drum at the Asheville downtown drum circle tonight. BOOM! Bada tapa booma dooma BLAM! Drumming is my favorite stress release, along with dancing to drums. :) AND NOW, a poem: The Music We Are Did you hear that winter’s over? The basil and the carnations cannot control their laughter. The nightingale, back from his wandering, has been made singing master over the

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-61005077884534742092010-04-04T18:37:00.001-04:002010-04-04T18:40:22.973-04:00

Photo by Modern Scribe Photography April is here, and the Pisgah Forest is verdant and buzzing with life. The grass is growing, the earth is warming, and the mockingbirds and cardinals are waging war with one another in the berry brambles and honeysuckle! I'm just plain 'et up with loving the green haze of life everywhere and the droning hum of the bees on the breeze. We've been watching the

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-56896817264296484732010-04-03T17:29:00.000-04:002010-04-03T17:29:10.475-04:00

The Pixie's Pocket™ has been invited to help sponsor the  "2010 Think Green Fair!" The 2010 Think Green Fair will take place from 10am-9pm on June 26th, 2010 at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds, Graham Park in Rochester, Minnesota. While I can't attend the fair personally, I will be sending the organizers a jar or two of honey to add to their raffle, as well as a stack of coupons (printed on

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0Rochester, MN, USA44.0216306 -92.469899243.8981926 -92.7033587 44.1450686 -92.2364397tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-69348201348664898602010-04-01T18:49:00.002-04:002010-04-01T18:54:24.488-04:00

A couple of Notes! Just so you know, my blog background, banner, and most of the photography on my blog are created by Sarah Thomas, from Modern Scribe Photography.  She now has an Etsy shop with adorable Pre-made banners, Etsy avatars, and other OOAK graphic design creations. She even does photo editing on demand...she can give you pointed ears or adjust lighting and background. How can you

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-91129133413933487792010-03-27T22:54:00.002-04:002010-03-27T23:13:59.476-04:00

The moon is waxing, closer now to full... There are daffodils swaying on the hillside, and lilies of some sort poking their green lances up through the clay... I woke to a birdcaphony earlier this week, and made a mockingbird mock my whistle three times! Therefore; tomorrow morning, bright and early, I am going to put dirt into some freecycled plastic pots (Yay!) and start some of the chilly

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com4Candler, USA35.5363889 -82.692777826.6137864 -97.6341843 44.4589914 -67.7513713tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-91117661779523756462010-03-23T23:16:00.000-04:002010-03-23T23:16:12.956-04:00

Paul Russell Canon, aka Catfish, was a really awesome guy. I should know - he is my daddy.  And I'm pretty awesome too! You just can't dispute logic like that. I mean, just look at us: you can't just win the Buffalo Bill lookalike contest two years in a row without being awesome. TWO YEARS! I suppose it helps if you have a daughter in a bonnet.  Aren't I cute? I still have that bonnet!  Also,

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-45501124473396824512010-03-13T20:21:00.003-05:002011-07-24T15:51:15.992-04:00

Cocoa Honey Heart by Modern Scribe Photography Today, I had to whip up a whole new batch of what is quickly becoming one of the most popular items in the Pixie's Pocket shop! And the excited customers are not wrong! The superbly decadent Dark Cocoa Honey is indeed a delight for the senses. The magic begins with Haw Creek wildflower honey, which is gently warmed.  Then I slowly add the shaved

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com6Asheville, NC, USA35.6009452 -82.55401535.4613697 -82.7874745 35.7405207 -82.32055550000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-86646580644308635722010-03-09T22:09:00.005-05:002010-03-10T11:10:09.984-05:00

Alright, so I am currently habitating in and about Enka-Candler, NC on the edges of the Pisgah Forest. It's a beautiful place, and I am really enjoying watching it wake from this long and very cold winter! We arrived on this ridge in early August, just in time to watch the mountains around us begin their change from green to gold to red to brown, to covered in snow and ice...snow is still

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com7Candler, NC, USA35.536498 -82.69290735.39681 -82.9263665 35.676186 -82.45944750000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-35259134342040454172010-03-07T20:42:00.000-05:002010-03-07T20:42:59.721-05:00

Modern Scribe Photography So far, March has been a damn sight better than February! Now, mind you, we woke on Tuesday to snow that didn't stop falling until it was 6 inches! So we did the logical thing; played dress-up, went outside, and had Sarah direct a photo shoot of me mincing around in the tumbling snow! It was a great way to spend a cold, gray day - cause I can tell you, the fascination

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com4Candler, NC, USA35.536498 -82.69290735.39681 -82.9263665 35.676186 -82.45944750000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-17902354984895798112010-03-06T20:23:00.001-05:002010-03-07T00:44:23.368-05:00

Pardon my dust, y'all....if it looks funny in here it's cause I am doing some quick spring cleaning.  Modern Scribe Designs is building me a new custom blogger background and header collection...and I love what we have come up with so far.

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-20276846651067349062010-03-05T12:19:00.002-05:002010-03-05T13:29:39.040-05:00

Photo and Design by Modern Scribe Designs "Pixies Pocket" is proud to stock our honey in a great shop in our local community -  House of Herbs in Candler, North Carolina! House of Herbs Facebook Page House of Herbs profile on Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project  Article about House of Herbs and Moondoggies Pet Food from Mountain Xpress Photo of Shannon Houn, proprieter, from

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0Candler, NC, USA35.536498 -82.69290735.39681 -82.9263665 35.676186 -82.45944750000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-907832530157095742010-03-02T19:09:00.002-05:002010-03-02T19:13:04.725-05:00

MissusD makes adorable monsters! Are you familiar with the art of amigurumi? It is Japanese for "OMG you KNITTED a tiny OCTOPUS! *squee*" or "You crocheted a kitten! Eeeeee!" Seriously, amigurumi is amazing. And tiny. And very, very cute! Recently, I became a fan of one such artist; the Crafty MissusD!  She maintains an Etsy shop, a Facebook Fan page, and regularly updates her blog, "Missus

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com3Asheville, NC, USA35.6009452 -82.55401535.4613697 -82.7874745 35.7405207 -82.32055550000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-12443448875373889602010-02-28T15:59:00.002-05:002010-02-28T16:01:16.199-05:00

*shiver* Akasha by Modern Scribe Photography It's cold, outside. I can feel it leeching through both of the double-paned windows and clinging to my joints...pooling like a fog on the floor and setting my feet to aching. Just a couple of days ago, I remember quite distinctly, there was a blissful, sweet, early spring warmth! That first taste of the days certain to come once that bugger

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0Candler, NC, USA35.536498 -82.69290735.39681 -82.9263665 35.676186 -82.45944750000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-48773992265723023752010-02-24T20:29:00.003-05:002010-02-28T14:42:48.063-05:00

"Self" by Sarah Thomas I'd like to take a moment to introduce you to someone who's been a friend to me for many years. Sarah Thomas of Modern Scribe Photography has been a great help to me in building my infused honey shop at Etsy, "The Pixies Pocket," with skillful product shots and a keen business sense. As we share a love of flair, fantasy, and the timeless game of Dress Up, I have been

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0Asheville, NC, USA35.6009452 -82.55401535.4613697 -82.7874745 35.7405207 -82.32055550000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-7418415866755147282010-02-22T10:57:00.005-05:002011-07-24T15:44:22.462-04:00

Photo by Modern Scribe Photography, Sarah Thomas A gift from the moon, Mother Love Honey is available for purchase at Pixie's Pocket. This new electuary is for those sore of heart, exhausted from stress and grief and emotional trauma. Motherwort is a gentle nurturer...holding you close while you weep deep, cleansing tears. Oatstraw is a strong nutrient, green like spring and bright. It

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-88005746369756449332010-02-10T11:43:00.002-05:002010-04-22T09:33:47.785-04:00

As I have accumulated a new group of followers and readers, maybe I should show y'all what I've done so far in discussing herbcraft, nutrition,  and my green allies. There are certainly more profiles to come as I grow and learn and expand on my knowledge to share with you all. Let's Talk About:Chickweed Violets Damiana Honey vs. Sugar Ginger

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-3384172990615828472010-02-06T14:43:00.002-05:002011-12-17T08:29:40.943-05:00

Image by me! Biscuits fresh out of the oven. Breakfast is big in my house, and one of my household's favorite comfort foods is homemade Biscuits and Gravy! Now, everyone likes different gravy; with or without meat, peppered or plain, scratch or easy mix, etc. etc...but I've finally found the BISCUITS that please everyone!! This recipe makes wonderful biscuits!  They are crunchy on the

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-6036706654771595862010-02-02T22:58:00.003-05:002011-08-12T12:53:31.227-04:00

Click here to visit the Pixie's Pocket I have spent most of my life like most other folks do, blissfully unaware of the power of the foods that we consume. Candy was a constant, being the first grandbaby on either side of my family for my generation had its sugar-crazed benefits. I didn't like most veggies until I turned 20, and has only been since I began walking the path of a green witch at

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-27779081135262163972010-01-31T19:41:00.006-05:002010-03-07T21:08:03.286-05:00

It's real, ya'll...I'm here to testify. Here I was, a sick, tired, sad little retail-worker - oppressed with corporate regulations and demands, exhausted from 10.5 hour days, worn out too much to do what I love and make the things that beg to exist from the pile of components in my craft closet... So I quit. In this day and age! Tsk. In this economy! The shame of leaving a steady, well-paying

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0Asheville, NC, USA35.6009452 -82.55401535.4613697 -82.7874745 35.7405207 -82.32055550000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-12708866274273448142010-01-30T17:56:00.003-05:002010-02-21T13:25:58.261-05:00

The moon gave me a gift last night. We'd gotten home last night just before dark, the snow blowing and wind howling. We just barely got up the hill that leads to the sharp turn onto our road. Trudging through the yard and up the slope winding up to the warm little house, the large snowflakes clung to our warmth. The sky was starting to turn blue; and so was the snow, and the air itself then

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-72558735456780496232010-01-24T18:46:00.000-05:002010-01-24T18:46:43.317-05:00

The new year has been pretty good to me so far! I started off the year with an easy night of Malibu rum and OJ, friends, a small bonfire, and a redneck firework show with hoots and hollers in the distance at midnight. The next day, I started a gallon batch of mead! She's sitting in a warm spot, bubbling merrily away even as we speak. I've had two sales so far this year from my Etsy shop! And

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-9164333899510527612010-01-24T18:17:00.001-05:002010-01-31T19:34:15.887-05:00

I'm happy to be listing in two places now... I've had my shop on Etsy since 2005, and now I've joined Artfire. Click the pretty pic below to see my new shop! Here's to a new year of potential and encouragement!

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-80588470191275462492009-12-19T20:36:00.000-05:002009-12-19T20:36:43.465-05:00

Well, we just got power back after 26 hours of blissful yet tense silence...it is really amazing what the brain does without an electrical grid humming around it constantly! The heat is on, the coffee is brewed and kept warm magically. This morning involved our propane camping stove, a kettle of boiling water, a french press pot, and my old-fashioned hand-grinder for our coffee beans. We nuked

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-63366973232400187032009-12-18T13:38:00.001-05:002009-12-19T20:37:37.315-05:00

It sure don't do this in the swamp....whoo! What a way to have a first winter in the mountains. There is already three or four inches, and there is a potential for there to be ten inches by this time tomorrow! (It's now much whiter than when this picture was taken at 9am this morning) The silent, spinning white blur of outdoors lured us out to play for a bit - I made a snow gnome with a big

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3584674532243895811.post-64297916049560118782009-12-17T10:23:00.002-05:002011-07-24T15:45:02.174-04:00

I love damiana, you guys. It is seriously one of my favorite herbal allies, and definitely my favorite aphrodisiac. Damiana conveys a spicy, floral, woody flavor, and the red hue it lends to teas and to honey is absolutely heartwarming. If Damiana were in human form before you now, she'd be a courtesan - eyes agleam with a deep sparkle in dark irises, heavy breasts like ripe fruit, with wide

Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03141550937263479377noreply@blogger.com0