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I started attending Traditional Latin Mass early last year.  I would not be considered devout,  but I'm showing up a fair amount. As I was sitting in a pew one day listening to the schola and their singing, I started thinking about temple technology. I have read 'The Secret of the Temple', 'Paramagnetism' and have been reading 'Seed of Knowledge, Stones of Plenty' slowly over the last year and I should have been more focused on Mass and you know, my salvation, but for now, showing up is the goal.

Sitting there, I decided that it would be interesting to test the power of Traditional Latin Mass on my seeds. I grow micro greens pretty consistently throughout the winter for salad so I had all the materials needed at my fingertips. So the following week I split a package of peas in half and took some to Mass.  When I got home from that Mass, I promptly moved on with life and a few weeks later remembered I had a sacred envelope of peas on the shelf in the kitchen.  So I put the peas back in my purse and took them to their second Mass. When I got home, I popped them into a container, put the original peas next to them and did an A/B test to see what would happen. 

And a few days later, I burst into tears when I saw what had happened.  The pea shoots that had been to Mass germinated faster and had a better germination rate than the control right beside them.  There were pea shoots in one container and not the other. How was that possible? It was a profound moment of faith. I stood there absolutely shocked. Based on my hypothesis that it would work, I shouldn't have been shocked but seeing an idea, a very big idea, come to life in front of me was life changing.

Here's a photo a few days after the initial seed emergence. The Mass side going strong.

And...and it was terrible science. I realized if there was a ever a biased researcher, it was me. I wanted the seeds that went to Mass to do well so it would have been so easy to unintentionally give better conditions to one side over the other.  I wasn't looking for IF this would work, I was looking for HOW to do it. The two samples of peas were on the same shelf in the same window and I did make an attempt to water them the same amount but I was still left wanting to know that it was temple technology and that it wasn't me accidentally creating results.

So I decided to get more scientific about it. I did a second experiment with basil seeds but I'll have to call that inconclusive because I forgot to water the sample and the control and everything did poorly. Life is busy.

I tried again with pea shoots and realized that I really needed to measure things like soil and water. So I did that but I forgot to count the seeds to determine germination rate. If one is being scientific you can't really say "Ooh, it looks better over there but I forgot to do math". I'll call that experiment inconclusive also but interesting enough (wink wink) to keep going.

So my latest experiment - sunflower seeds. I took a small envelope of sunflowers seeds to Mass. Actually, 3 times because again, life was busy and I didn't plant them immediately after as was my intention. This latest time though, it was after the holidays so I was also able to get some Epiphany water (the priest admitted he blessed too much and was eager for people to take it home...)

I planted 8 sunflower seeds each in two identical containers and gave each the same amount of soil, water, light and heat.  I did introduce the extra variable in that the Mass seeds were also watered with Epiphany Water. After the first two days, I misted both the same amount with distilled water but the Mass seeds got ~90% of their moisture from Holy water.

And the results are astonishing.

The Mass seeds have germinated both faster, in greater quantity, and more robustly.  Yes, that looks to be a broccoli sprout coming out of the control.  I was starting a lot of micro greens when I got this going so I must have accidentally dropped one in there. Again, not good science. But it does prove there is nothing wrong with the control side. Yes, the seeds were all from the same original packet. 

This picture doesn't quite do it justice due to the photo quality. At this moment, 9 days after planting, the Mass side has 5 shoots up with one ready to almost open and the control has just one sunflower starting to come up...and the misplaced broccoli seed.

If anyone is very good at science, I'd happily take feedback on how I can improve my little citizen science experimenting on temple technology.  I'm going to keep experimenting with various seeds and variables (number of times at mass, holy water, maybe blessings, exposure to incense etc) to make sure it's replicable and figure out how to reliably get results. I'd be curious if other people are able to replicate in their conditions too, whatever faith.

In the coming years, we are likely to need all the help we can get improving agricultural yields and getting an old idea into practice again makes sense. If the seeds do well just by sitting in a pew and touching holy water, then it stands to reason the people would too.  I guess all the people who are at Mass every week already have that figured out - I'm slow to catch on sometimes but my faith is definitely bigger than a mustard seed...and a sunflower seed.

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A few random notes on my scientific process to date: 

  • Taking the seeds to multiple Masses was an accident and not intentional. I keep trying to do it with one Mass attendance but...life is busy. My thought was that the charge would 'wear off' if I planted it too long after mass but this needs to be tested.
  • The seeds were in an envelope that was open in a pocket in my purse next to me in the pew. They are heavy-handed with the incense at Mass so the seeds were exposed to the atmosphere, for what it's worth. Usually my eyes water about 45 minutes into Mass from all the incense so I really mean heavy-handed.
  • I always sit in the back of the church and none of the seeds went to the altar. They were just there, like me.
  • From the photos, you may notice that I grow my micro greens in glass dishes without drainage. I do this purely for aesthetic reasons. Winter is long and I prefer to look at pretty, shiny glass containers of plants than old plastic yogurt containers with holes punched in the bottom. Because the life of micro greens is so short, I don't worry about long term plant health.  Every once in a while, I will over-water but usually it's the opposite, the lack of drainage saves me when I under water.  I should switch up the containers though for future experiments.
  • I used Epiphany Water instead of regular holy water on the sunflower seeds. I used distilled water only on the prior experiments.
  • I am a baptized Catholic, raised Novus Ordo, non-practicing for a few decades.
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    Image Sources:
    Cathedral
    Plants: me

 

 

Thank you

Jan. 6th, 2024 01:20 pm
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:)


Spoiler Alert: I'm good. Had a minor medical issue and I've got the right treatment and will be fine shortly with just a few days of mild discomfort.

As it was unfolding, and I was not sure how to solve the issue, I called on a few Saints for assistance via prayer. Through their help, I was able to get a last minute appointment with a specialist on the weekend and get the last bottle of the medicine in town that was the one I needed. 

I prayed to St. Expedite (above) for immediate help but asked for the wrong thing. Shortly after not giving me the wrong thing, the situation flowed to the right specialist, the only one open on the weekend, and I was able to get a last minute appointment. Thank you, St. Expedite.

I prayed to St, Anthony, also for the wrong thing, and he did not provide it which also helped put me on the right path. Thanks to St. Anthony.

And to Mary, the comfort of the Rosary in a moment of confusion was what I needed.

Lesson Learned, phrase prayers for the best outcome, whatever that is, instead of being overly specific. I knew that but forgot in the moment.

If anyone reads this, yes, I would accept a prayer. Thank you. 

Farm Dreams

Nov. 7th, 2023 11:05 am
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Well, I'm doing things backwards. The goal is still to move a little further away from the city and do more gardens! chickens! flowers! With every project I start, my backyard gets a little smaller.

The property market is still too high from the pandemic boom but things are adjusting downwards rapidly. We're working with an agent and I studiously review Zillow frequently. We're well positioned to pick up something in the slow winter market if someone really needs to move a property asap.

The goal is to be more of a homestead, have a small market presence and not go crazy into debt doing it. I looked up the regulations for my state and have determined that if we hit a few thousand dollars in ag related sales and have a few acres - boom, we're a farm and qualify for lower property taxes. This will be key in keeping things affordable.

So instead of waiting for the farm, I decided to get going and establish a farm related business to have that part ready.  I definitely don't grow enough yet but I do grow some herbs and dry them so what does one do?

(wait for it...)




...
 

Mix and sell herbs for specialty animal treats online.  You didn't see that coming, did you? 

Yep, it's a little silly but a legit business. I'm working with suppliers of herbs since I don't have enough of my own and after about 30 days live, I've got customers, sales and good reviews. Wow. Not enough to quit the day job but in a few months, enough to be ready to be a farm in the legal sense. 

Also, having a way to move dried flowers and herbs in the winter months is key to future viability so playing with different product ideas is fun.  And should boutique animal products stop being viable all of my inventory is herbs and flowers that can be used for people health. I'm ok sitting on that.

It's definitely tech dependent. In my dreams, I'd sell things in person at little picturesque markets and my own cute roadside stand but I'm not there yet! I'm building everything in such a way that I can move it offline and gracefully move down the ladder as supply chains get bungled up.

So that's the fun game I've been playing lately, figuring out markets, products, algorithms, profit models. That's not sarcastic, I actually like it. My husband does crosswords every day and the mechanics of a small retail business are like my Sunday Times Crossword.

Hope you are all doing well and having some fun distractions as well.

 

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So it looks like it's been January since I posted. I still have come by to read so I feel like I'm up to date on you all!

A few random things from the last year: 
  • Garden has been hit or miss. Drought then unstopping rain. No squashes. Lot of pepperocini peppers. The future is spicy!
  • Got super into Charles Dowding (No Dig Gardening) and got better at gardening, better multi-sowing, better at succession planning. I was already no dig in my garden but this took it up a level. Started weighing my harvests so I can track my progress over the future years.
  • Found No Dig/Flower farming podcasts and grew my first cut flower garden. This is now a thing for me and I will never stop. I love it.
  • Entered veg and flowers for the first time in the local county fair and won blue ribbons!
Overall, family is well. All employed and in schools we're happy with.  The next phase is we want to move out of the city (2021 still hurts) and into the outer suburbs where we can have a bigger place (more gardens! More chickens!).  We'll never be self sufficient homesteaders but we have the skills to do more if we had more space. Thanks to my podcast learning and some trials this season, I'm pretty sure I can make and manage a small no-dig market garden on just an acre or two as the next step in our step-down plan.
Best to you all!


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What a beautiful chapel!

 

Location:

Centro Misionero Rafael Guízar y Valencia

Centro misionero y de espiritualidad de Chilapa, La Perla, Veracruz

 

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Friday Art

Jan. 6th, 2023 03:00 pm
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« The Adoration of Shepherds »
by William Bouguereau ( 1825-1905 )
in the chapel of the Virgin

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 Update: the book has been claimed. 

Finally getting around to some household cleaning and discovered I had two copies of Paramagnestism by Philip Callahan. It's a good book - I've read it twice!

I'd be happy to send my extra copy to someone who wants it. Please make a comment or send me a message. It is a used copy I picked up somewhere so it has some wear but the text is fine. 

I'll update this post when it's taken. 

Happy New Year!

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A recent JMG post about blessing walks has had me thinking quite a bit. As an introvert, I tend to go on walks specifically in times and places when I can be alone so the opportunities for such a walk are a little less frequent for me. However, it did get me thinking about how to incorporate it in my daily life. 

And it's the time of the season for Christmas cards. I started doing this old-fashioned tradition about 5 years ago and I enjoy it. So I decided to offer my (silent) blessing on each card I sent out.

I thought this would be good for me and my karma really. I still have relatives who have not spoken to me in over a year, since we were uninvited from family thanksgiving in 2021 for not having the required faith in the pharmaceutical companies. Last year, I sent them a card out of a desire to take the high road but I had been debating it this year. But, I can offer them a blessing. I really see no way out of this for my soul that doesn't involve forgiveness. So I've started praying for mercy towards those who shunned me and the next step I can do is offer a silent blessing. They are free to decline. 

But it was also thrilling to me when I put together my list and saw how it has continued to grow - even in the last two years. The good outweighs the bad.

If you would like a Christmas card (with a blessing!), I would be happy to send one. You can message me with your info via Dreamwidth. Also, if you know of anyone who is lonely or charities who collect cards for people, I'd be happy to send as well. I will get it in the mail before the 20th which is, hopefully, enough time. I will send internationally if timing isn't as important. 

I wish you all happy and joyful holidays. 

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Hello! 

Many of you know Jen Richardson from her posts on Ecosophia and her offshoot Resilience Club blog (https://jenrichardson.dreamwidth.org/). Many of you also know from her comments the happy news that she is expecting a baby in the fall.

I’d like to propose a new community building tradition – the Ecosophia Community Virtual, Asynchronous Baby Shower and Blessing. (Maybe someone has a better name!)

With Jen’s permission, I am posting some ways to get involved.

GUEST BOOK - Jen has created an open post on her blog  to act as a Guest Book where you can add your happy thoughts, wishes, blessings, and prayers for the new family.

GIFTS- If you’d like to send a gift, I am coordinating logistics on that. Jen is having a girl and is appreciative of gifts, especially already loved clothes and baby items to reduce environmental footprints. She also would love books for the baby or to read during the long hours of feeding.

  • Step 1 – Please message me here via Dreamwidth for her address. 
  • Step 2 – Please take a look at the ‘registry’ and add anything you send. Readers of the JMG blogs are likely familiar with the “potluck potato salad problem” and while Jen might appreciate 1 copy of Retrotopia to read at a 3am feeding, 12 copies would be less useful! In the interest of avoiding duplication, I’ve made a very simple registry (https://ethercalc.net/ifky7wml9rgj)

PRAYERS – Jen has indicated she is very grateful for all prayers.

Congratulations to Jen!



Any questions? Post a comment or message me. Thank you!
(Update: Please feel free to message Jen directly if you have a question about a gift itself. I'm here for the address and technical support.)

 

 

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-The calendar has been claimed.- 

I wanted to keep learning about biodynamic practices/gardening by the moon and signs so I ordered this 2022 calendar at a steep discount last week. And oops! - I over-clicked and bought 2. 

If anyone would like my extra copy, I would like to gift it to you.

It's timed to the Eastern Time Zone in the Northern Hemisphere but you smart cookies can translate as needed. It also has a lot of information articles so it can be useful past year end. 
Here's a Description.

The seventh edition of the Celestial Planting Calendar focuses on the interconnectedness in nature, with monthly charts based on the teachings of Maria Thun.  There are several interesting articles at the front of the calendar and a basic explanation of how these monthly charts are created at the back. The exceptional artwork by Aleta Karstad brings balance to the more scientific aspects of this year’s calendar. Featuring 13 months starting December 2021. Beautifully illustrated by featured artist, Joyce Burkholder with paintings from Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada.

If you'd like it, please message me with your address. I'll post here when it's been taken. 

Happy Gardening!
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I have been enjoying the No-Till Flower Podcast on some recent rainy days. I have learned an immense amount about soil biology and natural farming practices.

It has inspired me to start a new bed for cut flowers (currently being de-grassed) and I have decided to jump into my long delayed wish to get into planting some fall bulbs.  The school usually asks for donations of flowers for the May Crowning and I hope that I can contribute some spring flowers of my own next year. 

 

 

Extra Art

Feb. 2nd, 2022 08:00 am
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A busy week, so an extra art post.