Holding a Molting Lizard

Shells.

Spring.

Chickens.

There are countless reasons why adding chickens to your life are beneficial. Despite how gorgeous this girl is seen here, eggs, fertilizer and reconnecting with the human spirit are all bonuses. This is one of the latest additions to our family.

The Medicinal Mushroom: Ophiocordyceps sinensis

Strange looking I know, but according to  ancient Chinese and Tibetan literature,  this fungus inflamed caterpillar has been known as a cure all for centuries. I was introduced to it while enjoying an evening of hors d'oeuvres and champagne. Imagine that beautiful backdrop and then out comes the caterpillar fungus. With claims to improve energy, appetite,  stamina, endurance and sleeping patterns, cordyceps sinensis is highly valued by Eastern practitioners. I was intrigued to find out more.

What you are actually looking at is fungus that have parasitized ghost moth larvae and produced a fruiting body from the head. It is not produced commercially and found only in certain regions of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas,  making its ownership a bit of a status symbol amongst herbalists.

Unfortunately, this precious herb is now on the endangered list as overharvesting and exploitation have dwindled the numbers. People are catching on to its natural uses and demanding more of it.  To the West, it is known as the medicinal mushroom and used for many medical purposes as well, including the treatment of some forms of cancer.

I was up close and personal with the cordyceps and however true the claims may or may not be about it, there's definitely something magical about going on there.

Coming 2015: Star Wars Theme Park

Disney just announced that they will be opening a Star Wars Launch Bay attraction at their Hollywood Studios and Disneyland, California theme parks. Star Wars: The Force Awakens will open in 2015.

Click here for more photos of the planned park and may The Force be with you.

From The Homeschool Archives

While doing a cabinet clean out, I came across this angelic little gem from the homeschool archives. It's old school writing practice. The children would tell me whatever sentence they wanted to write. I'd give them a perfect mother example to follow, and off they'd go copying the text numerous times. This one chose to write about angels because he is one...most of the time.