Tag Archives: Did you know guy

Nature’s Legacy and the Rest of the Story

And now, for the rest of the story.

In the vast tapestry of history, mint plants weave a thread that spans civilizations and continents, leaving behind a fragrance of intrigue and usefulness. From the ancient Egyptians who wove mint into their funerary rites to the Romans who adorned themselves and their feasts with its verdant leaves, mint has whispered its story through the ages.

Medieval healers sought its properties to remedy ailments from mouth sores to dog bites, while Greek myths enshrined the tale of Minthe, transformed into a plant underfoot but still releasing a fragrant sigh when trodden upon. And amid these tales, hints of wisdom and superstition intertwine: Pliny the Elder’s counsel on concentration, the Greeks’ caution against its allure in times of war, and the belief that a touch of mint could coax fortune into one’s purse.

And then, amidst this saga of mint’s legacy, emerges a colorful character from the mint family: Bergamot. Known by many names – wild beebalm, purple beebalm, horsemint – it carpets much of North America with its aromatic foliage, a testament to nature’s artistry. Its clusters of pinkish-purple flowers, reminiscent of miniature pom poms, beckon bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds into a dance of pollination.

Our story of this mint unfolds further, revealing its resilience and utility. A fast-growing perennial, it spreads through shallow roots, a testament to its adaptability. From skin infections to insect stings, the Blackfoot Indians recognized its antiseptic prowess, while modern mouths find solace in its thymol-laden leaves.

But the tale doesn’t end there. One more clue emerges with its softly minty and slightly citrusy essence, adding a new chapter to the saga. Its calming aroma, rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, speaks of restorative nights and uplifting mornings. Whether diffused, massaged, or added to lotion, Bergamot Mint whispers its promise of tranquility and renewal, leaving a trail of rejuvenation in its wake.

And so, as the narrative of mint unfolds, from ancient rituals to modern remedies, from myths to medicine, we find ourselves at the precipice, where the scent of mint lingers in the air, teasing our senses with its timeless allure. And there, at the heart of it all, lies Bergamot Mint, a vibrant echo of history, a fragrant emblem of nature’s bounty, waiting to be discovered, one aromatic clue at a time. Now you know the rest of the story.

How to Use Essential Oils: Valerian

Valerian is a plant that’s been around for a long time, that dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. It grows wild in Europe and Asia. Back in the day, a famous doctor named Hippocrates even wrote about how people used Valerian. Today, people like to use Valerian essential oil to make a calming and peaceful feeling for sleep. You can put it on your skin (like on your feet) or breathe it in the air.

Vanilla’s Fragrant Song

In jungles verdant, a vine does entwine,
Vanilla planifolia, a beauty so fine.
An orchid by nature, with blossoms so rare,
Fragrance intoxicating, a sweetness to share. 

Hand-pollination’s touch, a delicate art,
Only by Melipona bees, can it play its part.
Fragile white blooms, fleeting their display,
Transforming to pods, where secrets they lay.

 Sun-kissed and cured, a rich, dark embrace,
Vanillin whispers, a flavor to chase.
Baked goods and desserts, it elevates the scene,
A touch of sweet magic, a culinary queen.

 Beyond the kitchen, a history untold,
Aztecs used its essence, a story of old.
Chocolate’s best friend, a marriage divine,
A symphony of flavors, forever entwined. 

Yet threatened by others, a future unclear,
Synthetic substitutes, a taste and a fear.
But true vanilla’s essence, no copy can claim,
A labor of love, whispered by its name. 

So cherish its sweetness, this orchid so grand,
A reminder of nature, held close in your hand.
A taste of the tropics, a history long,
Vanilla’s allure, in its fragrant song.

What is Your Love Language?

If you can figure out what your love language is, and the love language of those people that are part of your life, it will help you understand why people do the things they do. Have you ever wondered why some people love to give you gifts, or why your husband can’t understand why you don’t give him praise? This will help you understand this better. In his book The Five Love Languages, author Gary Chapman discusses how knowing the love languages of others can improve your relationships with them.
Words of Affirmation
: This is when you say how nice your spouse looks, or how great the dinner tasted. These words will also build your mate’s self image and confidence. This is my love language, so it is easy for me to give others praise.
Quality Time:
Some spouses believe that being together, doing things together and focusing on one another is the best way to show love. If this is your partner’s love language, turn off the TV now and then and give one another some undivided attention.
Gifts
: It is universal in human cultures to give gifts. Gifts don’t have to be expensive to send a powerful message of love. Spouses who never give gifts to those who truly enjoy receiving gifts, will find themselves with a spouse who feels neglected and unloved.
Acts of Service:
Discovering how you can best do something for your spouse will require time and creativity. These acts of service like vacuuming, cooking dinner, planting a garden, etc., need to be done with joy in order to be perceived as a gift of love.
Physical Touch:
Sometimes just stroking your spouse’s back, holding hands, or a peck on the cheek will fulfill this need.

My Family’s Love Languages
My daughter Jessie, loves quality time. For many years we have had special times when it is just the two of us. We have gone to the Utah State Fair, rode bikes, and have gone to the sand dunes. I cherish our time we spend together.
Jessie loves little children. If you can’t find Jessie she is probably helping one of our neighbor’s kids. Jessie gets a gold star when it comes to acts of service. When the doorbell rings, most of the time it is a four year- old wanting to play with Jessie.
My son Daniel also loves doing acts of service. Every day without being asked he will clean up after dinner. Even when my wife Cassie will say, “I can wash the dishes” Daniel will say, “No mom you cooked, I am going to clean up.” What a blessing to have a son who is so considerate. Daniel also loves quality time. Every night the two of us will talk about our day before we go to bed. When everyone else has fallen asleep, we love this quiet time together talking about everything and anything.
My son Nathan loves gifts. Nathan loves it when Cassie buys him special treats, even just little things like orange juice, or getting him socks when his get holes in them. Nathan is great at randomly doing kind things for others. One thing that Nathan was wonderful at doing is,writing to us every week while he was in Mexico on his church mission. This was a huge act of service keeping connected with his family.
My daughter Stephanie also loves gifts. Last year we were at a boutique in a small town. Cassie bought her a bracelet for our granddaughter. This really made her day. Quality time is huge for Stephanie. Anytime she can get together with family and friends she does. Even when she lived in northern Utah she loved to come visit us every chance she could.
My son Rick really enjoys quality time. He loves doing anything that makes you laugh, Rick loves playing games or being in nature. My favorite thing to do with Rick is go hiking or just talking. Rick also likes words of affirmation. It is very easy for him to accept words of praise as well as giving others praise.
My wife Cassie loves physical touch. Anytime I can sense Cassie has had a rough day at work I will give her a neck or back massage. Cassie also loves to do random acts of service for others. I am very blessed to have such a caring person as my wife in my life. If anyone is sick in our neighborhood, Cassie is usually right there with dinner for the family.
As for myself, I love words of affirmation. I will do a lot of extra work just to hear someone say thanks for all you do. Those simple words are like music to my ears. I love it. If people don’t know your love language, let them know. I like to make it very clear that I like words of affirmation. Learn the miracle of the love languages. It will change your life, and the lives of others.

This is a post I wrote years ago yet still applies today.