The latter part of summer inspires even more appreciation for this very short season. As the harvests begin to trickle in, the fruits and vegetables of the season are at their heartiest, freshest and nutrient packed. The fireflies have faded, and the crickets now are on the horizon. As I hear them relentlessly chirping in the dewy evenings of late, it reminds me of a symphony in the woods. Their sounds are welcoming the next season upon us.
August roars with boldness, and those born in this month bask in the characteristics of Leo. This sun sign boasts brightness and demonstrative personalities that are generally not shy, as their natural ray of sunshine is innate as they enter a room. They all share the beautiful birthstone of Peridot.
Unlike most gemstones, peridot is formed deep within the earth. Also unlike any other stone, peridot comes in only one color. Peridot is sometimes referred to as the poor man’s emerald. Gem quality peridot is actually rather rare. The photo above shows not only peridot as seen in the lower right photo, but also various jades in the left photo, and opulent faceted chrysophrase in the upper right. Diamonds also deliver their presence with the pure reflection of royalty. This blog journey, just to remind you, is all about the Glory of Greens. To wear, to eat. The stones below are just an example of what nature creates. Again, August is the birthmonth carrying peridot as her stone, but since green is a fresh neutral to me, somehow when I scout new stones I wind up being very drawn to all sorts of green tones and stones. Green is the color of nature, fertility and life. It is the color of Spring, renewal and rebirth. It is the color of balance, growth, and harmony. This is why I design with greens, paint walls in greens, wear greens and eat so many greens.
Before I brief you all on nutrition, I will share another cluster of gemstones available on Etsy from Nymph Jewels– that’s me. Malachite-Triple strand neck piece on the upper left, personifies the deep healing green of nature and represents the innate beauty of flowers, trees, roots and plants. Transformational stone, it assists one in changing situations and provides aid in spiritual growth. Right side photo is a single strand of Emeralds. “All the green of nature is concentrated within the Emerald.” Emeralds opens and nurtures the heart. It’s soothing energy provides healing to all levels, brining freshness and vitality to the spirit. It is a stone of inspiration and infinite patience – ahh! no wonder I never remove it, nor get tired of gazing into it’s magnificent color! The bottom photo of this little menagerie of greens are tourmalines. This triple strand necklace has a pave diamond starburst hanging in the center, but since I am focused on nature and greens, the triple strands reflect the varying tones that tourmalines can hold. In this piece, you can see it perfectly.
Tourmaline is a gateway stone to the devic realm and provides beneficial influence to all things that live and grow. Used in meditation to commune with Nature spirits, it is rejuvenating. Again, you may see all of these pieces on Etsy. Nutritious to the body, from a spiritual standpoint.Wearing any of these green stones will heal, enhance and protect. Green gemstones are used to attract money, prosperity and wealth. Wearing these are not only nourishing the soul, but they look and feel wonderful.
No different from adorning the outside of the body with these hues, simply ingesting greens is a way to enhance health. As we have all been told by mom: “eat your green vegetables!” I share with you some of my absolute favorites: artichokes, broccolini, asparagus, and leafy greens. All hold antioxidants. They say eating raw is the best, but not my favorite. Too quick. I feel like I am providing a ritual in cooking. Generally, I roast everything. Setting the oven at 350, I am content always in the outcome. Simplicity acheived when adding olive oil, French sea salt, cracked pepper, shallots and garlic – staples for nearly all vegetables. The first photo is a leafy lettuce, grilled asparagus and broccolini. Yum. Leafy greens are fresh and add hydration to the body. Asparagus is anti -inflammatory and provides a wide range of antioxiant nutrients, including bitamin C, beta- carotene and vitamin E. Asparagus is the sign of Spring, but these days are readily available nearly year round. Broccolini is sweeter than broccoli, and in my opinion more interesting. Broccolini is a powerful source of vitamins A, C & K; and a strong source of antioxidants and anti inflammatory and detoxifying qualities. Also a very strong cancer fighting food.
I love shooting greens, be it jewels, gemstones, or food. I am not a scientist, but can tell you that with my cooking experiences, the foods feed the soul, and when eating properly, greens do nothing but enhance your life. I am not going to get into each vegetable here in my blog, but will provide 2 more photo pic stitches – just because I love them all! I hope you do too. I mean, come on… nature’s design by creation. Fiddleheads, artichokes and avocados… All crazy shapes and wonderful additions to your meal and life. Fiddleheads are baby fern. They taste like earth. I add garlic and shallots, and definitely salt. These little spring babies really need salt. As for the big Artichoke, I am certain that I will be photographing them stuffed, sautee’d and who knows what else.
My message here is all about August, living with greens in your home, in your body and on it as well.
I hope you enjoyed this green journey! See you in the meadows, being a Nymph…you might find me under a waterfall, or perhaps under a fig tree…or maybe a moss garden! Or how about a field with a rainbow above? 
Yes, magic happens when you believe. Please eat your greens. Better, too, is to wear them! We all look great in the color and ingesting them is so good for us all!
See you in September.
Yours in joy,
