Author: N.Pearson

Soft **** Reopening Arts Alive, July 2021

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Augustus Clark, C Street Studios

Eureka, CA: Saturday, July 3, 2021: Eureka took a beating during COVID as businesses shut down and the northern California community became a ghost town, until last night when the streets filled with people and the buzzing of open restaurants, busy business, and the echo of street musicians sung throughout the streets. The city was alive, and the wine was flowing abundantly as out of towners and the widespread Humboldt community united between C and H street. At nine pm the shops usually close and darkness fills the town but not last night. There was a pleasant resilience to go home, and business remained open, and people continued to roam and congregate on the streets of Old Town. 

Starting on H street, I had the pleasure of stumbling into Art Center Space. The art gallery welcomes local artists to hang up their creations without a monthly fee. She asks the artist to sign a one-year contract with a 25% commission. The canvases blew me away, ranging from contemporary to abstract with no single theme. Prints in rows offered art for every type of collector to enjoy. Outside of Art Center Space, Eva Nebenzahl, a recent graduate from Humboldt State University, displayed her ceramic art. Hand-carved pieces to hold liquids of all kinds, her dedication to the trade shinned through the mugs with skulls and fish imprints and delicate, detailed leaves. Eva is on Instagram at @eva_nebenzahl. 

On F street, the next stop was Sage Clothing, which showcased their resident oil painter from Ferndale, Shawn Griggs owner of Redeye Laboratories. His surf art style is a portal to a tropical island where the waves of detail wash away all problems. His warm and welcoming personality will inspire any artist to go home and paint with oils, a medium that gives in quickly to fine detail compared to acrylic paint. You can find Shawn on Instagram @redeyelaboratories. 

Exploring Old Town is full of unique stores like Good Relations, which offered a comfortable LGBTQ environment, accompanied by exquisite tea vendors out front and an open artist studio hidden up a flight of stairs to the west. Gorgeous women (or men) wore classy lingerie and read sex-themed books through their glass windows in a steampunk/ Victorian fashion.

Lux Lounge, hidden on E street, was full of an all-women staff who pampered and gossiped every wonderer who entered. They can easily coax anyone into sitting in a chair and enjoying the amenities of the luxurious saloon. My most beloved local artist, Czeak, painted live. Last night he worked on a small-sized canvas, using a beautiful blend of reds and orange with acrylic. He painted a face emphasizing the breath in a multidimensional space. You can find Czeaks art on Instagram @visions_channels_. He is known for his unique new-age style and reasonable prices. 

After dinner at Five Eleven (I recommend skipping the Fish and Chips and jumping straight to the Flat Steak), I was fortunate enough to wander backward and come across some of the most inspiring galleries yet @ 272 C Street. Here they are offering $5 Figure Drawing Sessions on Thursdays from 7-9 (707-442-0309.) If the hallway art doesn’t catch your attention, make sure to visitĀ Augustus Clark. The studio is full of thousands of hours of bright-colored artwork, paintings of famous musicians, popular film characters, eastern religious deities and gods, abstract statues, and 3-dimensional art. Besides his fun concepts and bright color styles, I enjoyed the multi-media elements and use of metallics and shiny paints.Ā 

We were leaving, headed out the door, but something stopped me, and as my friends descended the stairs, I took a few more steps into the hallway to the very last door to find a studio still open. Ryan Jensen, a local impressionist oil painter from the bay area, draws his inspiration from nature, fishing, and his children. His self-portraits spoke to me and his ability to capture an image that can only be an astral projection. A thankful reminder of the great artists throughout time, Ryan’s name could easily accompany that list. 

Fertility Package

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I got very exciting news last weekend that my friend is trying to conceive. I am pregnant for the first time and in my last trimester, and I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection with her longing for a child. I immediately wanted to set up a fertility care package. Influenced by my pagan practices, I researched candles, essential oils, vitamins, images, teas, and stones that contribute to conception. Here are some of my findings.Ā 

STONES:

Stones that influence fertility include; Moonstone, Rose Quartz, Aventurine, Red Carnelian, Aquamarine, Fluorite, and Smokey Quartz. If you believe in the influence of stones, wearing these stones or having a piece on you or in a place where you see it often will manifest fertility within your life. Here is an overview of these stones.

Moonstone: (Sacral Chakra) Moonstone is known to create a happy home. It inspires passion, change, and new beginnings. This stone is known to help with circulation, skin, hair and eyes, and fertility. It will help a woman with pregnancy, childbirth, female qualities, hormones, and sexuality. It brings on compassion, calmness, and motherly qualities. It helps with oversensitivity, pessimism, and combats cycles/ repeated patterns. This stone will prepare mom to be with the qualities she needs to be birthed into motherhood. 

Rose Quartz: (Heart Chakra) Rose quartz manifests creativity. This stone is good for keeping your organs healthy. It promotes fertility and a regular menstrual cycle. It also balances the sex drive and helps overcome sexual frustration. It helps with detoxing. This stone is good for relationships, romance, love, and forgiveness. It helps with childhood trauma and emotional wounds. Rose Quartz is a good stone for mom to overcome adverse events from the past and regain sexual drive and motivation. 

Aventurine:  (Heart Chakra) Aventurine is quartz with inclusions of mica that creates a speckled effect. This stone impacts leadership skills, decisions, stress, and yin/yang balance. It’s good for your muscles and heart. Aventurine aids relaxation, protects and soothes emotions, as well as, prevents energy vampires. This stone is good for helping mom make her own decisions and pushing away all the doubters. 

Red Carnelian: (Sacral Chakra) Red Carnelian is used for emotional warmth, individuality, self-esteem, rebirth, and reincarnation. It offers courage and positive life choices, and it replaces feelings of abuse and neglect with love for life. It also promotes fertility and sexual drive, helps with lower back pain, arthritis, and depression. Red Carnelian improves mineral and vitamin absorption and ensures good blood supply to organs and tissues. This stone readies the body and heart for conception.  

  • Aquamarin auf Muskovit

Aquamarine: (Throat Chakra) Aquamarine helps with communication and courage (it takes two to tango, and this stone may help break the ice that it’s time to start a family.) It builds tolerance and responsibility, which is necessary for a mother and father’s relationship. This stone brings calmness and compassion. It also influences spiritual awareness, development and reveals the truth about yourself. Nine months of caring around a child is a spiritual journey of its own. Mom to be should be aware of herself so that she can make the journey with confidence. This stone is suitable for centering and meditation, which will help with childbirth and should be practiced throughout the pregnancy. 

Flourite: (Brow Chakra) Flourite comes in many different colors. It focuses on the mind and creates order out of chaos. It is used for decisions, relationships, and concentration. This stone is suitable for blood vessels, bones, spleen, and health issues such as early cancer, herpes, ulcers, weight gain, backache, and eating disorders. It also aides detox. This stone is suitable for meditation and helps with excitement and stress. As well as for mothers to be that have health problems that they are worried will affect or hinder childbearing. 

Smokey Quartz: (Base Chakra) Smokey Quartz is used for vitality, intuition, survival instincts, male energy, and mental activity. Being pregnant is a natural occurrence. It’s what makes us populate, yet it can be a struggle that is overwhelming emotionally and physically for mom to be. This stone dissipates negative energy. It can help with overspending and will move the mother further in life. It is suitable for physical expression and sexual significance. IT grounds, relaxes, sedates, aids in meditation and dream interpretation. I struggled with vivid dreaming throughout my pregnancy, and this stone will help the mother understand where these dreams are coming from. This stone helps with negativity, anger, depression, despair, and grief. Many first-time moms might feel like they won’t make a good mother, and this stone will help them overcome those fears. 

FERTILITY BRACELET

To make this bracelet I bought the beads from the Tailsman in downtown Eureka. I highly recommend stopping by their shop: https://talisman-beads.com/

If you would like to purchase this bracelet you can find it on Etsy @ https://www.etsy.com/listing/1045794697/fertility-bracelet

TEA: 

A good pregnancy tea mixture includes Nettle Leaf, Red Raspberry Leaf Peppermint Leaf, Red Clover Herb, Lemon Balm, and Jasmine Green Tea. 

[Disclaimer: The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.]

Nettle Leaf– Nettle Leaf is an incredibly healing plant that can be harvested along nature paths. It’s that sticky, sharp plant you’ve always avoided touching. Nettle Leaf contains vitamins A, C, D, and K. It helps boost calcium, potassium, iron, and sulfur in the body. It is excellent for fetal health! 

Red Raspberry Leaf– Red raspberry leaf tea encourages pregnancy by balancing hormones and readies the body for ovulation when taken during the follicular phase. It tones the uterus and soothes the uterine tonic.  

Peppermint Leaf– The peppermint leaf promotes fertility with Folic acid, calcium, and Vitamin A, B12, and C, along with other vitamins and minerals to create a relaxing and soothing effect. It helps to reduce stress levels and raises fertility by strengthening the female reproduction organs. It helps regulate ovulation and balances hormones. 

Red Clover Herb– Red Clover Herb improves circulation and blood flow, strengthening the uterus and ovaries. 

Lemon Balm– Lemon Balm is a strong herb to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A woman’s body will struggle to conceive while under pressure. The body is naturally protecting itself. When mom-to-be is healthy and happy, she is more likely to conceive.

Jasmine Green Tea– Jasmine green tea works as an aromatherapy agent, soothing and relaxing the brain. It is rumored to increase sperm count for men. Green tea also increases ovulation, matures the egg, and causes the eggs to be more fertile. It reduces the damage caused by the woman’s environment with antioxidants and polyphenols while increasing immunity. 

You can purchases this Fertility Tea on Etsy @ https://www.etsy.com/listing/1045784973/fertility-tea

Sources: 

The Crystal Healer by Philip Permntt. 

https://www.charmsoflight.com/carnelian-healing-properties

Using the Cup and Offering Gaia Blood Collection

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Girl Talk!

by Natascha Pearson

May 19, 2021

The Menstrual Cup

Until October of last year, I was using the menstrual cup for about six months before discovering I was pregnant. Before that, I used tampons during my monthly flow. These were uncomfortable for me, and I felt unsanitary throughout the day. I also wasn’t comfortable with disposing of them, they shouldn’t go down the toilet, and it was always a pain throwing them away in the trash because my dog would try to get to it (gross, I know.) I worked on connecting with myself spiritually when I made the switch. I would save my blood to give back to the Earth. My monthly cycle was right before the full moon, and I took advantage of this by giving my offering when the moon was full.

Using the cup not only cuts out the waste of using tampons (or pads), but it is easy and comfortable for me to dispose of (in the toilet, or my case, a jar for safekeeping,) washed (preferably in a sink or in the case of a public restroom, over the toilet with a water bottle) and reinserted. It never felt too deep or lost (which can very well happen with a tampon.) So not only did I feel cleaner, fresher, and more comfortable, I also felt more aligned with my flow. I was aware of the days to expect it, how many days I would be bleeding, even how much I had bled (you won’t get that insight with a tampoon.) I could wear the cup in the water without an issue and keep it inserted for 6-12 hours without it filling, spilling, smelling, or causing discomfort. I use the brand Dot Cup (I prefer the black one to the white), and it comes in a discreet carrying pouch. You can choose from three different sizes. There are loads of tutorials on youtube for comfortable insertion and distraction.

Gaia| Earth| Mother Earth

Giving blood to the Earth sounded eww to me at first, too. But once I had come to appreciate how much the Earth offers me (or how much I take from it), I realized that contributing back to the planet that aids me daily helped me feel more connected to my environment. Women lose 2-4 tablespoons of blood a cycle. Blood should not be stored longer than 3-4 days to avoid bacteria build. In my practice, I dug out a pile of dirt next to my ritual tree or within the forest and buried my offering there. This offering comes with nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Blood is an attractive food for insects, according to an article on abc.net. Watering down the blood that is condensed with salt and other chemicals can be applied directly to plants as a fertilizer.

When my period didn’t come in October, I knew four days after my missed date that I was pregnant. Offering my menstrual cycle was a very beautiful experience for me since I felt that Gaia had shown her appreciation with the most magical gift of all, my first pregnancy. Later I would continue to give blessings to Mother Earth by offering herbs from my tea bags (something I drink a lot of while pregnant.)

I have gathered information from healthline.com about the cons of using tampons and pads compared to using the cup. In the worst-case scenarios, tampoons can cause toxic shock syndrome, which is life-threatening. They often can be uncomfortable, need to be changed frequently, can get stuck and forgotten inside the uterus, and the size of your flow can be more or less than the size of your tampoon. Tampoons have a significant environmental impact, with millions littering landfills every year. Tampons shouldn’t be flushed, and they can also irritate and dry out your vagina, causing pain and discomfort. Pads, on the other hand, can’t be used in water. It can lead to an odor throughout the day. They can shift out of place, wrinkle, and be uncomfortable. Their less discreet than tampoons or the cup, and you can’t wear them in a thong with G-string. The cup’s cons also include toxic shock syndrome in very rare circumstances. It can be irritable if not inserted or cleaned correctly and a possible chance of infection if your hands are not cleaned properly.

I wish someone had told me about the cup when I was younger, I would have liked to have taken advantage of it earlier in life, and I’m thankful now to have a tool that makes my period more comfortable and something honorable. I’m a woman, and I have this fantastic gift of giving birth. My monthly flow is something to embrace, not to be embarrassed over. It’s also a money saver.

Places to Hike in Humboldt County

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Episode One

by Natascha Pearson

May 5, 2021

This week I have explored three new locations to hike in Humboldt County.

I started in Sunny Brae, where I hiked trailhead 1, the Beith Creek Loop Trail. I came upon two beautiful creeks during a moderate hike followed by an intermediate upslope. This hike is full of giant redwoods and immerses its participants in a forest experience. In addition, this trail has a bike-friendly accomplice. Unfortunately, this trail gets some traffic since it is so close to Arcata and College of the Redwoods. Nevertheless, my dog and I thoroughly enjoyed this hike. It is the most challenging of the three listed. This is a dog friendly trail.

  • Sunny Brea, Trailhead 1
  • Sunny Brea, Trailhead 1
  • Sunny Brea

Next is Headwaters Forest Reserve, which is full of history and plant life. This 11-mile hike (to the end and back again) is a day’s missionā€”5 1/2 miles to the end and back again. The first mile is on a paved road that follows a stream. Along the way, there are signs posted to educate people passing by about salmon spawning and how the forest reserve came to be once an old logging road. There is a beautiful, wooden education building in the first stretch. Once the paved road turns to dirt, I find the path less crowded and have yet to pass another person after this point. There are some uphill sloops, but overall, the hike is an easy one to make. The path is pristine. Running water and the songs from the birds fill the forest. I worked on training my dog on this path because it is a beginners hike and I can communicate with her easily compared to the rough terrain of the forest. I recommend this hike for someone looking for an easy-going day hike. This is a dog friendly trail.

  • Headwaters Forest Reserve
  • Headwaters Forest Reserve
  • Headwaters Forest Reserve

I also made it to Agate Beach in Trinidad this week, a 32-minute drive from Eureka. We paid $8 for parking and drove through a rather large campsite to a parking lot on the coast. A beautiful view of the ocean awaited us when we got out of the car. From there, we hiked down a beautiful steep hill with gorgeous plants with a rather attractive texture. The trail was a little wet from running water. When we reached the bottom, there is a stream to your right where I left an offering of used tea herbs in thanks for any pebbles that we collect on the coast. Next, we walked down the nearly empty beach surrounded by redwood trees. The ocean seems to have less aggressive waves than on the beach in Eureka, but the tide comes in fast, so you have to watch out while collecting stones. We all got our shoes soaked. The stones are small in size but are what I was looking for during our walk. I brought some home to craft with for my Little Lost Forest store. This wasn’t a dog friendly trail.

  • Agate Beach
  • Agate Beach
  • Agate Beach
  • Agate Beach
  • Agate Beach
  • Agate Beach

Women Empowerment

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by Natascha Pearson

4/30/21

Disclaimer: This article is directed toward empowering females in my life. Men have played an equally empowering role, but this article is focused on the unique relationship between women within our society. 

What does woman empowerment mean to you? How do you see the women in your family, friends, society, or world inspire you or make a difference in your life? This article touches on a few women that changed my path in life, lent me a hand, or were there for me when I needed them most. If you feel like you have never been this character, I hope you read this article and understand that even one sentence, one piece of advice, one hug can be all a person needs to make a difference in the path that they walk.Ā 

Googles Definition:Ā Women empowerment is the process of encourage on another. It can be defined in several ways, including accepting women’s viewpoints or making an effort to seek them out, raising the status of women through education, awareness, literacy, and training.

I always told myself to take the direct advice of an older woman. I’m not saying I always listened to my mom, but there was a time I was homeless and traveling with two older guys, and a woman came out of a gas station when we returned to the spot I had met them at, and she told me, “get away from these guys, I know them, and they’re no good.” So I left them after traveling with them for two months. I didn’t even say goodbye. Sure I missed them, and we were friends, but they just beat up the guy I had left my hometown with and left him in the last state we were in, so I figured she was probably right. A few years later, while I was still living out of my backpack, a woman walked from outside of her house to hand me $20 and told me to get out of LA. These women, who were strangers, influenced how I got off the street.

When I ended up in Florida, I met a woman who held onto my savings so that I could safely tuck away money for a boat-captain school that I wanted to attend. She was honest and encouraging. I asked for the money back before I could attend the school. She would later come back into my life through social media, saying how she felt like a mother figure toward me and how much she cared about my wellbeing since it seemed like back then, I was on a troubled path.Ā 

A woman supporting a woman to be the best that they can be is what women empowerment means to me. In a community where competition drives young adults, uplifting one another helps support and guide other females within the circle. It brings prosperity and appreciation. It helps nurture self love, and neighborhood kindness. Ā 

My best friend’s mom let me live with them free of rent for six months. She was always lovely when we crossed paths, and our interaction was always short and friendly. When my 25th birthday came, I asked her for advice. She told me always to wear sunscreen. Her advice has never left me.Ā 

Now that I’m married, I dialed a friend who started a counseling service, asking her to guide me to become a more aware and present version of myself. We talked about my dreams, wants, and desires, and throughout our sessions, I saw many of these come true. When I struggled with my family, I confided in her. She had captured all my trust. When I felt complete, I ended the sessions, but the way she supported me made me have a tremendous amount of respect for her. Women empowerment comes with respect for an individual.Ā 

When I got pregnant, a woman I had hardly spoken to in my circle reached out, offering me advice on my pregnancy whenever I needed it, something I wasn’t getting from my OB (on-call advice). She was not intrusive and nonjudgmental. She sent me and the baby clothes and gifts. When I hadn’t heard from her in a while and became shy to reach out, she sent me a message when I least expected it.  

After I finished school, I was worried about losing momentum after doing very well for a few years. So I reached out to a woman in my class and asked her if she wanted to meet once a week to check on our progress out of college. Even though I’d like to think our interactions are an equal exchange, she has helped me keep on track, stay positive, and work harder. 

If you feel like you don’t fit into any of these categories of the inspiring woman in my life, know that what you say impacts other people. Even if you feel like what you said wasn’t necessary or wasn’t received, there is a good chance that the idea or action will linger in that person’s heart for a long time. We are all inspiring, beautiful goddesses, and by reaching out a hand, you are helping someone take a step up who may have fallen flat without it. There’s a special bond between women in our society. We share ideas, lessons, and our cycles connect. Our paths intertwine. These interactions are not disregarded but respected as we grow together. 

Thank you for reading, till next time.

How to make an Easter Basket

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by Natascha Pearson

Homemade Easter Egg Basket

Easter is in a few days, and my seven (almost eight-year-old) daughter is finally old enough to use a hot glue gun, and so we dove into basket making in celebration of the spring equinox.

For this project, I shopped at JoAnns. There was an excellent sale for 60% off easter decoration and buy one get one free on flower arrangements. I purchased two bundles of artificial flowers ($14.00), a carrot ($4.00), and a bundle of hanging eggs ($4.50.) I purchased a large weaved basket at Walmart for ($5.00). You will also need a hot glue gun, some scissors, a knitting stick, and hemp. I had these items at home.

First, I had my daughter take a gander at the items we’d be using and had her design her basket in her head. Then, we started adding the flowers. I cut the stems off (I had to work through the wire), added a little bit of glue to the flower, and stuck it onto the front of the basket. Next, we used the knitting needle to make room between the weaves and tied the hanging eggs on securely.

I let my daughter do most of the work, only helping when she asked for it. She glued the carrot onto the side, and we secured it with hemp so it wouldn’t get knocked off. For any flowers with extra stems, I weaved the branch into the basket for additional support. I made sure we glued all the flowers on regardless of the stem held for extra support.

As you can see, she added extra flowers along with the handle. This project can be done with a variation of Easter decorations! I would love to have included a bunny cutout. At the top of the basket, she hung the single golden egg and used super glue for support.

The Easter Basket project was fun yet straightforward low-budget project that she will keep for the rest of her easter egg hunting years. It gave her confidence in working with a hot glue gun and her artistic ability to design and create.

Finished Easter Basket!

Tea During Pregnancy

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(Please consult with your doctor before exploring different tea blends during pregnancy.)

Many pregnant women find it a challenging realization when their doctor warns them against drinking coffee. For many, this is a daily ritual that helps them wake up in the morning and start their morning routine. No caffeine is recommended during pregnancy, even though one cup of coffee can suffice. To keep up with my morning ritual and avoid caffeine, I have turned to tea in the mornings and throughout the days. There is an endless variety of tea options, and I would like to introduce a few of my favorite during pregnancy to you and how they help me cope with the day ahead. All teas during pregnancy should be caffeine-free.

Red Raspberry TeaĀ may be the best for your pregnancy! It is safe to drink one up in early pregnancy but may cause early labor if consumed later on. Studies have shown that Raspberry leaf tea can help with quick delivery with fewer interventions. It aids as a uterine tonic and offers a large amount of calcium. It is best paired with Red Clover, which is also helpful to the uterus and is high in protein. I drink Red Raspberry tea in the early afternoon and prefer it with honey.Ā 

Burdock is a great resource and can be made into a tea throughout pregnancy. It stabilizes mood, is a mild tonic for the bladder and kidneys, good for the liver, and offers vitamin B3 and vitamin C. Burdock can be an alternative to Red Raspberry Tea on days you want variety. Burdock is best accompanied by mint, a sexual stimulant.  

Caffeine-free Spicy Chai is a morning favorite for me. It replaces coffee with a hint of creamer and has a pleasing effect. It has antioxidants that help with inflammation, blood sugar levels, improves heart rate and digestion. I drink this every morning before I go on a stroll. 

Lemon/ Ginger Tea is my go-to throughout the afternoon. It keeps my mind fresh and alert. It helps with immune system support, lowers blood pressure, and protects against cancer. It helps you stay hydrated. The ginger helps with nausea (morning sickness) and fights off chronic diseases. 

Last I would like to mention a Midwifeā€™s favorite for active labor only. Blue Cohosh stimulates the uterus and helps start labor. This tea is good when labor has begun or just before and will help with muscle spasms, inflammation of the uterus and prevent infection. 

Humboldt Home Birth

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Unassisted Home Birth

Home births are on the rise, especially with COVID still lingering in the hospitals. I am eighteen weeks pregnant with my first child and here are my steps in deciding on home birth. 

I want a natural birth so I could feel all the adrenaline of birth. I want my child to naturally come into this world and I want to do so as peacefully as possible. I want a spiritual experience and I want to be as connected to my child as possible.Ā 

Humboldt County offers many great birthing opportunities. I would like to talk about the ones I researched so that if you want to have a natural birth but donā€™t want to go as far as a home birth here are some awesome options for you. This was also a big step in my decision-making process.

Dr. Stokes at St. Joseph Health Medical Group, is the OB I have decided to go with. Even though I want a home birth I want to get the tests, the ultrasound, and guidance of a professional without them interfering with my childbirth. Iā€™ve been able to receive the professional doctor visits I need, without fearing that I will be judged or misguided due to my decision.Ā 

The Moonstone Midwives: I cried in awe when I went to the Moonstone Midwives orientation. They offered a group of five midwives that work with you closely and stay on call if you need to get a hold of them any day. The experience is a personal one, where they attend to your needs and desires so you have the experience you long for. They have a beautiful birthing center where each room looks like your own private bedroom equipped with a bathtub. They talked about building a relationship with their clients. They offered some strict rules for home births because of COVID, but the option was still available. It is recommended to only have one family member at the birth and nobody that has traveled out of the area at least two weeks leading up to the birth (for me this meant my mom and my adopted daughter, who will be taking a vacation prior to the birthing.) Unfortunately, they do not take MediCal so I was unable to move forward with this option. 

Open Door Community Health Centers: This Obstetric was highly recommended. They have midwives and Doulas that are on call for any question that you may have. They have a hotline for good and bad foods and herbs you can eat while pregnant. They offer yoga, swim passes, birth baths, counseling, and they take MediCal! Unfortunately, due to COVID, you cannot birth in the birth baths and many of the exercise amenities are closed. This option wasnā€™t much different than that of St. Joseph Health Medical Group, so I stuck to the doctor Iā€™d already met with. 

Planning a home birth can be overwhelming especially with all the fear that escalates around it. I immediately found support in Facebook groups, surrounding my feed with like-minded individuals, and I quickly came to realize that my fears and challenges are shared with other pregnant mom’s, simultaneously. These groups have helped me tremendously to gain the confidence I need to give birth, I really appreciate their support. Here are the groups I joined:

Doing it at Home Birth Group

Unassisted Home Birth Support

Pregnancy and Motherhood

Next, accompanied with countless amounts of YouTube videos, I piled on the books. Iā€™ve read more books since Iā€™ve been pregnant than I have ever before, (sometimes five books at a time on different subjects,) and Iā€™ve always been an active reader. These pregnancy books are easier than they seem. Some of it I skim, while other parts I jot down in my notebook for easy finding.Ā 

I was gifted What to Expect When Youā€™re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff. This book goes over A-Z about being pregnant by week. This book was a great start to preparing for my pregnancy and soothing any worries. 

Once I decided to have a home birth I got Home Birth on Your Own Terms by Heather Baker. This book is a must for home births but there are suggestions in it that I take with a grain of salt. It prepares an expectant for a home birth and has pictures to help the reader visualize it. She goes over everything from herbs, to birthing positions. Itā€™s a step-by-step book on how to do it at home. 

I also received Birthing From Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz. This book is different than I expected. It prepares the mother for the spiritual and psychological aspects of childbirth. It has many exercises to strengthen the bond between mother and child and held mentally prepare the mother for birth. At the beginning of this book, the author mentions Lucy, a Homosapien who also gave birth in her natural environment without any prep or planning. 

My supportive OB recommended Ina Mayā€™s Guide to Childbirth and Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin. These books are a more in-depth look into childbirth and offer more medical advice than the other books listed. I highly recommend these books for a woman looking to have a home birth. 

Guarding the Moon: A Motherā€™s First Year by Francesca Lia Block follows her own experience with the joys and fears of motherhood. Francesca is an incredible writer who incorporates magic, honesty, and vulnerability in her telling’s of birth and the first year of childhood.Ā 

The books are a must but something is also a must, telling the folks. Iā€™ve been warned to not tell anyone that will not be supportive but, since my family and I have a close relationship, I felt obligated to.Ā 

After the shock of telling the mothers in my family that I was planning a home birth, they all said the same thing: Women all over the world have been giving birth in their natural environment for centuries. As I head into my journey I have the ancestral support of millions of mothers that gave birth outside of a hospital and, now, I also have the support of my own mothers.

When I knew it was what I going to do, no one could stop me, and with confidence came support.Ā 

My husband and I found a birthing class called Heart of the Rose, that utilizes the book Birthing from Within. Her classes are local to Eureka, CA and help prepare the mother and partner for childbirth.

Now, I plan the birth. Thatā€™s right, I plan it. I told my mom I was going to send her my birthing plan before I told her I wanted a home birth and her response was: Iā€™ve never heard of that before (that was when I knew I had to tell her.) So here is a rough draft of my plan.Ā 

I talk to my baby and tell my baby that we are doing this together, we are birthing at home, and to be ready to cooperate, after all itā€™s me and baby figuring this out. I feel like Iā€™ve gained a deeper relationship with my child by talking to it daily (we joke around and laugh a lot, my baby has a sense of humor.) And from there I have this plan:

I listen to classical music when no one else is around so my child and I can relax and that way it is attuned to certain artists and songs. When I give birth I want these songs to be played. I do full moon rituals that fulfill my pagan practices. I would like to smudge the room I give birth in and invite my ancestors to join. I enjoy essential oils, lately lemon and lavender. I would like for these smells to accompany me. I have written down affirmations. I tell these to myself every day my favorites being, ā€œMy baby and my body know what to do,ā€ ā€œThe waves canā€™t be stronger than me, they are me,ā€ ā€œTough times never last but tough people do.ā€ I want to give birth in the tub but I am prepared to be in many positions according to what my body tells me. I want to hold the baby in briefly, with my hand or my husbands, to allow fluids to drain and to prevent ripping. My husband will catch the baby and lay it on my chest. After the placenta has stopped pulsing, he will cut the cord. My friend will videotape the birth and record the time. My mother will watch my daughter, bring hot water to the tub, and receiving blankets when ready. I want to birth mostly alone and when it is time to birth, I want as little interaction with others as possible. I imagine my daughter thinking beautiful and positive thoughts, which I will prep her for since she is seven and might feel fear. I want to record the baby’s weight and prints. If the baby comes two weeks early or two weeks late, I will consider going to the hospital for my birth, otherwise during my birthing process I want to be reminded that this is my birthing plan and I donā€™t want anyone to suggest or listen to me if I suggest, going to the hospital.

I am capable of giving birth at home and so are you! If you are thinking about a home birth do your research and donā€™t be afraid. Millions of women have given birth outside of hospitals and so can you! 

Planting Trees in your Humboldt County Community

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by Natascha Pearson

February 2, 2021

The Redwoods are bound to make you realize, “I love trees!” Loggers have left sites naked with nothing but flammable debris and fires in California, this year, have destroyed thousands of acers. The longing to help out such an old and sacred plant may raise the question, “How do I plant a tree?”

You can plant trees on any property that the property owner has allowed you too. First determine the area you plan to grow and what trees are native there. You can collect seeds from community trees, buy seeds of native plants, or you can clone the trees that you find are thriving in your community. You have the option to plant urban trees, which can provide shading and bring tranquility to your surroundings or forest trees, which often times grow large and must be supported by surrounding shrubs. All trees help the environment because they filter access CO2 and pollution and they cool the air, protect from floods, houses hundreds of animals, insects, and plants. They employee millions and reduces stress and anxiety while providing shade. Trees are an answer to the climate crisis.

Walking into the Redwoods a feeling of divine spirituality, profound being, and an alter in consciousness occurs that may help us feel connected to the whole. Redwoods are resilient. They can withstand being burnt, their stumps will live on after the tree has been cut, and they live up to 2,000 years old and on average 500-1,000 years. When youā€™re in the redwoods feel free to connect with them; talk to the trees, touch the trees, hold the trees and hug the trees!

Let’s get back to growing some trees.

Seeds from trees vary, Redwood trees come from mature cones that are a greenish yellow color. The cones must be dried and then tumbled to remove the seeds. Like growing any plant from seed, not all the seeds are guaranteed to grow. Till the area you plan to plant and dig a small hole. Plant the seeds at least a foot distance from one another. Water your seed and allow your seedlings to grow. In a few weeks, transfer the sprout to a pot. Once the plant has grown to be approximately two feet you can transfer this little guy to its permanent home.

Sparsholt College Rosie Yeomans photographer Sarah Cuttle: propagating clones.

When cutting clones, cut the branch at an angle, as well as removing any new green growth. Dip the bottom of your clone in a rooting hormone. Leave your cone in a cup of water out in the sun to grow more roots! Plant your clone in a pot or cup with soil and water it. Place it in a humid place to trap all the moisture. When your plant is about two feet tall you can plant it in your desired location.

It’s important to not plant your trees in grassland and peatland areas that are rich in biodiversity and need to be protected. Planting shrubs and smaller trees around your Redwood trees will encourage birds to spread seeds. A list of these plants can be found here northcoastjournal.com/humboldt/gardening-under-the-redwoods/Content?oid=2818112 . Make sure to give the tree trunk some space.

There are a few organizations to check out in the Eureka area, if you are interested in planting a tree.

Eureka Street Trees Program: Plant a tree on a sidewalk ($75) or on a green slip.

Community Fruit Trees: Free fruit trees to residence

Plant a Redwood: Donate money and get a tree planted.  

How to Conquer Homeschooling during COVID

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By Natascha Pearson

Mother working from home with a kid. Quarantine mode.

January 28, 2021: Parents all over California are pulling out their hair as another semester has rolled up and our counties have not opened up their school districts. As a Humboldt, California resident, I felt safe with our low numbers and the promise of a reopening. With the exception that nothing has changed, here are a few quick tips to keep your child focused while going into the next semester.

Write out a schedule and have your child adhere to it. An alarm clock that is scheduled for Zoom appointments will keep your studentā€™s attendance up, such as the Nument 5 Times Alarm. Let’s say your child has an alarm that wakes them up, and then they have an hour or so to do their morning chores. The next alarm will remind them of their first class.  After their first class, they indulge in homework. An alarm goes off for their second class and after attending they check their schedule and are reminded to do an hour of physical activity (perhaps a list of physical activities that they can do around the house or in the yard,) and then they can eat lunch. Afterward, they attend their third class. An hour of homework or art follows the class, and it is almost as if your student attended a full day of school!

Get posters to hang around their room. Not their favorite television show but Educational Posters to help with homework and further understanding. It might seem like a cheat, but your student will learn by searching the posters and memorizing the information on them. Creating a similar environment as their classroom will put them in the headspace that this is study time, not playtime.

Pre-make their lunch. They donā€™t have to bring their bag lunch to their bedroom desk but having designated snacks and a lunch to eat will keep your child from asking for food and using it as an excuse to distract them from their studies. During this time where we’re stuck indoors for a great portion of the day, healthy snacks, and lunches are vital to have a functioning mind and body. When you think of the amount of time that you are being taken away from your own work at home situation by your kids demanding food you will find your child being more self-sufficient if you prepare ahead.

Check their work. Every child can be at fault for telling a white lie and now is no different. After the day has finished checking their assignments, particularly tests, to see that their grades reflect that they have been studying. It is easy to click through the answers and move on to the next assignment without receiving a passing grade, there is no teacher after all over their shoulder telling them to keep their nose in the books. Take the time to check the assignments and for every wrong answer have them figure out the right answer. They will be less likely to take shortcuts knowing that they will have to revise the wrong answers later.

Playtime is in the afternoons. Just like when the kids are in school, we don’t let our daughter out to play until after 3 pm. Keeping to an isolated group of friends that are in your “COVID” circle is crucial. This is also a good window for videogames. With the restrictions of not being glued to the screen an hour before dinner seems like a good time to allow your children screen time. Video games heighten hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and releases dopamine, the right amount of which is healthy for our children. 

Go to bed early. Just because there’s nowhere to physically go in the morning a scheduled bedtime will help your child wake up in the morning preparing for the next day of work. A book before bedtime will help the creative mind work within the realm of dreams. If your child is having a hard time sleeping, don’t ignore it. Play music for your child, leave the door open, put on a nightlight, whatever it takes to make sure they fall asleep at a decent time. Make sure your child eats dinner and any dessert at least an hour and a half before bedtime. Eating at night will cause the digestive system to be in action which can be a cause of not sleeping.

By making changes to your home to allow proper space for studying and activities you will find that your child no longer has to come to you for help or to look for a distraction but is focused and self-sufficient. Their grades will reflect their new routine and there will be less obstacles with a thorough studying habit along with a healthy amount of play time. School will become a healthy focus that will give you the space you need to excel in your own work.