Happy New Year!
We've had a wintry end to 2018. For most of November and December, there's been snow on the ground at Brightside. Conditions 5 miles down the Old Pike Road at Bartow often reflect different weather and thus an altered experience of daily reality. I'll arrive in Bartow in a snow-covered truck to find, if anything, a mere dusting of snow in the fields. On such days I imagine I live in Narnia, the wardrobe doors opening only as my truck reaches pavement. Winter here, yes, but also Christmas: The ever present gifts of living on an Allegheny ridge. Duck tracks in the snow. Pink sunrise. Pink chicken eggs. Owl hoots and coyote songs. Frisky goats. Freezing fog.
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The Journey
by Mary Oliver
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice–
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
“Mend my life!”
each voice cried.
But you didn’t stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
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It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do–
determined to save
the only life you could save.
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Our Fruit Creations are Grrreat!
Apples, Blueberries, Grapes, Peaches and Raspberries make a unique variety of fruit condiments unparalleled in flavor.
We strive to create fruit preserves with as little sugar as possible. Our fruit creations are designed as true accompaniments to a meal. Yes, they are worthy spreads on breakfast breads. But even better with cheeses and cured meats or stirred into yogurt. Use promo code NEW YEAR NEW YOU for 20% off all Brightside Store purchases during January.
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Winter Squash Casserole with Rosemary
Use butternut, acorn, delicata, Hubbard or a combination and give savory life to your winter table. I love this recipe!
2 medium squash peeled, seeded & cubed
1/4 cup flour, 1/8tsp cornstarch, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper, whisked together
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
2 Tbls finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/3 cup plus 2 Tbls olive oil
Heat oven to 325 degrees. Place cubed squash in a mixing bowl. Add half the dry ingredients to the squash and toss to combine. Add remaining dry ingredients and toss again until each piece is well-coated.
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Add garlic, parsley, rosemary and 1/3 cup olive oil and toss gently but thoroughly to coat. Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish and drizzle with remaining oil. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours. Uncover and bake another 45-60 minutes or until very soft. To finish, brown the top. Turn oven to 350 degrees and heat until squash is sizzling on the bottom and crusty on top, about 10 minutes.
Winter squash is a great source of vitamins A, C, B-6, B-2, folate, copper and magnesium.
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Goat Milk Soap is Better for Your Skin--it Really is!
Switching to soap made with raw goat milk really can benefit your skin’s health. Goat milk soap is wonderful for people with dry or sensitive skin, or conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is also perfect for keeping healthy skin looking and feeling wonderful. Unprocessed, raw goat milk fresh from the farm contains the following beneficial ingredients:
Alpha hydroxy acids, which remove dead skin cells.
Vitamin A, which is necessary to repair damaged skin tissue.
Cream, which actually moisturizes the skin.
Selenium, which has a role in preventing skin cancer.
We blend our goat milk with sustainably harvested olive, coconut and palm oils, sodium hydroxide, and organic essential oils. We also offer our soap unscented. From the very first lather, we guarantee you'll feel the difference.
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Better Know an Herb: Mullein
Once credited with magical as well as medicinal attributes, Mullein has been used throughout history as a treatment for bronchitis, congestion, and common respiratory problems, including asthma. A proven expectorant, Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) helps to thin mucous and make coughs more productive. A strong anti-inflammatory, the herb has also been used to treat wounds and ear infections. It was considered one of 23 important healing herbs in medieval Jewish medical practice. Mullein was listed in the US National Formulary from 1916 to 1936.
As far back as ancient Rome, the impressive stalk, dried, stripped of leaves and dipped in tallow, was used as a torch. During the 1849 California gold rush, mine shafts were aglow with mullein torches carried by prospectors, gaining it the common name "Miner's Candle." It is natualized throughout North America, favoring disturbed areas and rocky soil.
Mullein tea has a delicate, grassy flavor, delicious with honey. Try it!
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