abeille à miel

Last post for this blog.

2011-10-03T21:57:00.001-07:00

What a weekend!

There was a great surprise party for a dear friend on Saturday, followed by watching BBC's Doctor Who Season Finale later that night.

Then Sunday it was Open Studios, and I went with Jennifer from Seeds in the City and our dear friend Melanie went over to see the work of Doug Masury, an incredible textile artist and photographer. His tapestries are AMAZING!! If I don't find online photos of his work, I'll scan in his artist postcard information to show.

There *may* be more to share about Doug, but I'm going to hold on to that for now. I promise to post more information if it transpires!

Sunday was also Love My Art Jewelry's first group sale, and what beautiful work there was! Hope you got a chance to visit the site and have a look around. It was quite an honor to have my work displayed alongside some really talented artists, and fun, too!

Until next time, hope you are well. :)

**This is the last post on Abeille a Miel - my blog will continue on 'http://artintheredwoods.blogspot.com', and you are all cordially invited to visit. Lots of exciting things coming this fall!**

Ceramarama

2011-09-18T09:50:00.001-07:00

Off to Ceramarama today, at the Ben Lomond Mountain Arts Center! I'm hoping to find a 'kiln connection' so that I can make ceramic beads.

Have a wonderful day, all!

Love it when designs just feel right.

2011-09-16T14:22:00.001-07:00

(Published originally in the new blog, 'Art in the Redwoods')

Today is one of those days when things feel so right, and designs come out quickly and into form.


Yellow opal 'rice' gemstone beads and handmade copper squares.

The other thing I loved was when going outside to photograph these, there was a beautiful piece of redwood 'bark' lying on the deck. Copper against that beautiful redwood just works to me.

Have a fantastic Friday! :)

Moving!! Just around the corner ;)

2011-09-15T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hello, dear friends!

A big announcement: I'm changing this blog to reflect the changes I've been making. I'll keep this blog up for a while, but have moved everything over to the new site, 'Art in the Redwoods.'

So all the photos, posts and conversations have just moved 'around the corner.' :)

I wanted to focus more on the jewelry making and art processes that are so much of my days now. You are most welcome to subscribe there. Hoping you will!

Love, Juliette

Where the Ocean meets the River

2011-09-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

I love it when designs sometimes just spill out, waiting for you to form them. The earrings today appeared in just that manner. I named them for Yemaya and Oshun, Goddesses of Ocean and Fresh Water, respectively.

Getting ready to do some torch firing on copper sheet, but it has to wait a day, because I'm off to see the SF Giants tomorrow! (Guilty pleasure? Yes - but I love them so)

Have a wonderful day!

finding that drive again.

2011-09-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

Long, long ago (late 1980s), I was a dancer. I bring this up because I was obsessed with everything I could do to express myself in the manner that was most joyful, the most 'ME' I could be. When I got injured (long story), I went through years of trying to find that incredible drive again. Not saying I've found it, but I am feeling closer to it than I have in a long, long time. It's a combination of things this time, and there is a long road to get there, but THAT is what I remember loving so much about dancing - the excitement of the journey ahead.

The one thing I know that it does bring is a bit of isolation with the world outside, which (when seen from more adult eyes this time) sounds hermetic, hermetish, cocoon-like. I feel I need to take this chance because the desire for that drive is still there, and it makes me stand tall and breathe deep.

Trying a few new things...to get the word out.

2011-09-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

This Labor Day weekend has been busy - amidst transplanting new seedlings (yes, it's late but they're my marigolds!), house cleaning, etc. I've been working on 'marketing' for my jewelry and photography. This is such a new process, but I'm up for the challenge. I am trying out a site on Craft Launch (http://artintheredwoods.craftlaunch.com/), which was a tool listed on Etsy. They give you two weeks free, and you can request their help in setting up your site. So far, I'm not too excited about them, but I'll give it the full two free weeks.

I also joined Copper Wire Jewelers, which has been exciting because of all the contacts, information and friendly voices there!

Tomorrow I hope to start on some new copper pieces, with enameling hopefully happening later in the month.

Next step - approaching some local shops! (gulp) :)

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend,
Juliette

New avenues in jewelry making

2011-09-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

I started forming my first copper and brass pieces from sheets. I am branching out, working with enameling and metal clay. Nothing to show as yet, but I'm hoping to have pieces in September! :)

Took more pictures of pieces today, as next Saturday (September 10) I'm having my first Etsy Showcase (on the Jewelry page)! I'm excited and challenged, that's for sure! It's time to dive in (smile).

When Matisse Met Bacchus

Beroe

Full of Joy

Thalassa

Jewels for Yemaya

Inspiration all around, and how much I love working with copper.

2011-08-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

I've been working every day on new jewelry and photography for my Etsy shop, and some days are better than others. One day, I will have a complete epiphany and I can't create fast enough, and the next day it might take me several hours just to finish a set of ear wires. It's artist's block, and I am learning to appreciate the patterns as much as the processes. But it's not an easy thing to learn.

I am a very impatient person. ;) This is impatience with myself, more than anything else - but as anyone else who has similar issues knows, this can really sidetrack projects!

Our cabin has a deck that wraps completely around the house, and the light will change drastically hour by hour - this makes photography quite an interesting challenge. We also live in the midst of an old growth redwood forest, and so light is filtered which makes for interesting exposure challenges! I love it, though. Each gaze, each turn of the head can bring inspiration, and this is the joy I want to feel my entire life.

I'm learning much more these days about copper. Don't know if it's the earthiness of the metal, but I think it has to do with the brilliant colors within - it brings such joy! Here is what I've been working on recently:

What have you been working on recently, and what's been inspiring you? :)

I Heart Macro Sunday :)

2011-07-31T20:35:00.000-07:00

Late Spring 2011. A burst of wild color!

New Photographs, a new shop, and new jewelry. What a summer!

2011-07-31T17:44:00.000-07:00


Lapis observes as I photograph jewelry.

I've turned a new page and a new direction. Without going into extreme detail, I've opened my first Etsy shop, and am offering photographs (prints and greeting cards) and handmade jewelry for sale! It's a very exciting and nerve-wracking experience, but I'm up to the challenge. :)

Art in the Redwoods is open, but merchandise is not fully uploaded as of today (7/31/2011). For those of you I've avidly followed for the past few years, you've given me SO much to learn and think about, and now that I've made the first steps, I can't believe how much work you put into your pages and shops! Hats off to all of you, and to those I've yet to discover. :)

Happy New Moon to all of you!

Spring’s Beauty.

2011-05-08T12:49:00.001-07:00

The Young Buck, on May Day/Beltane

2011-05-01T16:02:00.000-07:00

"Now the bright morning star, day's harbinger,

Comes dancing from the east, and leads with her

The flowery May, who from her green lap throws

The yellow cowslip, and the pale primrose.

Hail, bounteous May, that doth inspire

Mirth, and youth, and warm desire;

Woods and groves are of thy dressing,

Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing,

Thus we salute thee with our early song,

And welcome thee, and wish thee long."

- John Milton, Song on a May Morning

May Day!!

2011-05-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

the colors today are luminous...

wild irises growing among the rocks

I love this part of an 'older' iris. That golden 'tongue' opens fearlessly to this light.

more wildness tumbling over the rocks.

Happy Day to you all!

Christopher's Garden, San Mateo California (Day before Easter 2011)

2011-04-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

I Heart Macros! :)

2011-04-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

There's some great macro blogging at Studio Waterstone's site. Have a look!

Ahh, Spring!

2011-04-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Camellias have been beautiful this year! So many white ones, and a few reds so far.

A chance snap of what I believe is a mosquito...

Hive boxes ready for Bee Season!!

New Terpsichore Hives. The original hive is still with us, but she's gaining some sisters!

A beautiful Ganesh statue overlooks the garden where Terpsichore Hive lives,

As well as this gorgeous entryway.

Jai, Ganesh! Viva Terpsichore!

At Winter's Close - Brookdale, California 2011

2011-03-05T16:30:00.000-08:00

that which makes me smile.

2010-11-30T12:41:00.000-08:00

I write on the last day of November, smiling at myself and knowing that this place holds no outward commitment but is here to explore and muse as I see fit. This year has been hard, but as I reflect, I think of the inspiration this year has kindled - and continues to do.

What next? So many directions I want to explore, and so many possibilities that may result. My task (self imposed) is to hone these possibilities into a precise focus. I've done it before, I can do it again. The excitement this task incites is so uplifting it is sometimes hard to remember I must keep at least one toe on the ground. This makes me smile.

the winner. :)

2010-10-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

This photograph of a flower in Christopher's garden was the winner of a contest hosted by the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. I took this picture last June. It's given me encouragement to keep going and to put my pictures and artwork out there. To win contests? Not necessarily. I'm more interested in learning and growing as an artist. But it was thrilling to feel acknowledged! What was the first thing you produced that you put out there for others to see/view/judge? How did it feel?

Dark Moon Terpsichore Honey Harvest.

2010-09-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, on the Dark Moon, Terpsichore's honey was harvested. This was the first harvest since Terpsichore was moved to her new home, up high on a mountain meadow homestead, in the middle of a heavenly garden.

I love looking at this photo above, knowing that just beneath that pearly surface is that gorgeous red golden honey, with the most beautiful layered scent and flavor that dances around you. It is strong, powerful honey, but I am definitely not surprised by that at all.

Viva, Terpsichore Hive!

we've moved. And it's a good thing. :)

2010-08-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

When I get home after a really really tough day, I love walking up this path to this door. Home. We've been through so much heartbreak with the Boulder Creek house that it is such a relief to feel so happy in the evenings, no matter what the day has been like.

This deck makes me so happy. Words don't adequately describe!

The front walkway, looking out to the driveway. I love this walk, with its lights and my little fountain off to the left.

This is where I'm sitting right now. When the whole house is set up, I'll post more. But for now, it's time to rest, work was pretty challenging today and while creative work always makes me feel better, I'm exhausted. Good night, and it's good to be back posting.

OH! I wanted to share some great news - I was the winner of a photography contest put on by the San Francisco Botanical Society!

moving forward. just wishing the last few days were a little easier. ;)

2010-07-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

So it's almost moving day (permanent moving day, as we've been gradually moving in the past two weeks), July 18. I'm very excited but a little sad. The sad changes almost daily. The good things FAR outweigh the bad, but I'm finding myself wishing I had just a few more full days with the house, and not just evenings after work, or stolen days on weekends already full with plans.

Regardless, I am FULL of plans for my artwork. I have plans for the already-begun series I started a few weeks ago, and hope to have it finished by September 1. That's my personally set goal, to have the series finished by then and ready for hanging. Plus, all the beads I've planned. I'm excited and this is giving me momentum to keep carrying on to the final moving day. It's got to be finished soon, the overlap is just exhausting.

Setting goals for myself.

2010-06-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, I write this with a bit of a grimace as I have wanted to write but have not for many reasons.
We’re moving from our little Boulder Creek house to a house about 10 miles south, in Ben Lomond and it’s been, well let’s just say, it’s been quite an undertaking. I’m doing okay, but it’s been an ‘up and down’ emotional roller coaster. But as the date nears (mid-July), I feel more and more excited for this new adventure.

With this new home, we gain a bit more space, which I think will really help with the writing, jewelry and photography. There is a big garden waiting, and much more. I’m so tired tonight, but I think about all of the friends I’ve made online while learning about writing blogs, and wanted to send a warm and heartfelt ‘Hello! I’m thinking of you! And I can’t wait to hear more about what you’re up to.’
I set my goals – to move in successfully and to set up a new space in which to write, and make art.

Sending love,
Juliette

Busy art Sunday

2010-05-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

It's 3:20, and I'm getting hungry. But the pictures in the camera are too much, I must see them before anything else can get done!

honeybee in lemon geranium

"Green Apple" earrings - so named for the lovely beads I won from Gaea Beads. 14-gauge handmade copper earwires, ceramic beads.

Picasso earrings, in honor of my favorite artist. 14-gauge sterling handmade earwires, handmade polymer beads, 'Bacchus' bead caps.

The garden is growing well! Aside from the slimy mushrooms I pick from it (growing from the compost), things are growing up very well so far, including the lettuce I've never been able to grow from seed. :) Soon it will need thinning! Thanks to the drip irrigation system, I'm hoping that things will continue to go well through the hotter weather coming soon.

Lapis, as always, supervises well. From his (I mean, my) blue chair, he makes sure that all is right with the world, I think. xo

A new geranium bud, about to blossom.

Time to make Sunday Lunch.
Hope your weekend is going well, and that you too have had some time for yourself.

2010-04-23T13:13:00.001-07:00

Reworked brass chain and links, handmade beads, Swarovski crystal beads, Vintaj bead cap, glass beads from Bead It (Santa Cruz).

enjoy the weekend!!

Lunchtime Project.

2010-04-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Ouch, it's almost unbearably blurry!

Well, as a lunchtime project this one was a lot of fun.

The beads are from Gaea's Ceramic and Art Studio , won in a contest (thank you, Gaea!).

The rest is my own wire work, with 20 gauge copper.

Back to work for me, with promises to use a proper camera next time, not my phone camera. ;)

lunchtime projects, and swimming weather.

2010-04-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

I should take a photo of these hanging up, as the angle is not flattering to the ear wires.
I'm at work now, so perhaps when I get that light box built (the planned one I keep writing about), I'll take a proper picture of these and other projects.

For now, it was wonderful to feel creative and productive at lunch. Often I use lunchtime to run to the grocery store or run errands in town, but with the sun becoming more and more present, it's almost swimming weather.

Swimming weather is heavenly. When it's warm enough, I go down to the pool on my lunch breaks and do a 1/2 hour of swimming aerobics several days in the week. The days when I don't swim, I plan to do art projects. Right next to my office is a large community room, with a large table to spread out projects and a couch to stretch out with a book. The lawns outside the office are also wonderful for picnics, but if I eat out there I tend to want to have a nap afterwards in the drowsy sunshine, so don't do that a lot. ;)

This project was made with 24 gauge sterling wire, two handmade polymer beads, two stone rondelles, and two bali silver rondelles.

Back to work, wearing these pretties. Have a wonderful rest of the day :)

Missed all of you. :)

2010-04-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, how I've missed not blogging. So many things have happened since the last blog it would be foolish not to start off with a little 'recap.'

M has decided to be a full-time beekeeper. Bravo! He now owns and works with 20 hives, all throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains, and down into San Mateo. I'm so proud of him, following his passion. Plus, I get to help out on weekends.

I've been working hard on jewelry. Mainly polymer beads, and learning how to put them into pieces.
Next step is to make the light box so I can post things up here. The blog needs a makeover, and lots of attention. There is so much to share and many pictures!

Tulip tree, San Mateo, California.

Spring Equinox 2010

Esme, Boulder Creek, California.

March 2010

I'm at work and needing to close but wanted to know how much I've missed you. Hope you have a wonderful week.

Haiti by Hand

2010-01-24T19:00:00.000-08:00

I recently learned about Rebecca and her blog to raise funds for Haiti, and wanted to share her project with you. It's called 'Haiti by Hand,' and she has an Etsy shop for the project as well. Here's from a recent post:

We are finally able to take a breath and put a call out for you creative souls to join our efforts. I have been floored by how many of you have contacted me to offer your help. Many of you have said that you don't have a lot of cash to send but that you would be willing to donate an item to sell in the Haiti By Hand etsy shop.

And now we'll take you up on that!

We are looking for art pieces, handcrafted items, original patterns, kits or downloadable instructions that you are willing to contribute to Haiti By Hand.

Just as a reminder, Haiti By Hand is an artisan group forming in Despinos, Haiti. Donations to this group of women (many single moms) will go directly to empowering these women to bring in their own income to provide for their children and families. You are helping in a very tangible way to transform a life when you contribute....

Okay, so let's not grow weary in doing well. If you want to contribute items for the HBH etsy shop, email me. If you want to find out how to get items down to Despinos, email me.

EMAIL ADDRESS: haitibyhand@att.net

I'm expecting a full inbox by day's end :) (have I told you lately how much I love you?)

grace & peace,

Rebecca

Oh! and don't forget to "priye pou Ayiti" (pray for Haiti).

It doesn't take much to make a difference, and Rebecca and her project has made it easy. Think of what you could do to help - by being creative, no less!

Thanks for reading - Lots of love! - Juliette

Yele Haiti

2010-01-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

handmade beehives, northern Haiti.

My heart is heavy today with thoughts of Haiti. In the midst of the sorrow, I found a site to share on Haitian beekeepers and a Florida group who is helping them. If you have a few minutes, take a look:

http://www.naturecoastbeekeepers.com/florida-haitibeekeeperinitiative

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T12:42:00.000-08:00

I've not been a faithful blogger lately, but this is soon to change. :)

Wishing you a New Year full of joy, good health, and prosperity.

And as one of my very favorite authors once gave an incredible address for the New Year, I thought I'd post it here - I couldn't agree with him more:

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness.
I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you're wonderful, and don't forget to make some art - write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can.

May your coming year be a wonderful thing in which you dream both dangerously and outrageously.

I hope it'll make something that didn't exist before you made it, that you will be loved and you will be liked and you will have people to love and to like in return. And most importantly, because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now - I hope that you will, when you need to be, be wise and that you will always be kind.

And I hope that somewhere in the next year you surprise yourself." - Neil Gaiman

October 31st in the Mission: A Sunny San Francisco Afternoon

2009-11-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

We spent the day wandering around the Mission district on Halloween afternoon, looking at the festivities preceding tomorrow’s Dia de los Muertos (November 2)

What a day to find inspiration for new projects! The colors, sights, sounds and smells were spectacular.

At the heart of the Mission, I bought marigolds (for my offrenda/ancestor altar), looked at the many tables of calaveras (the skeleton sculptures), papel picado (colorful paper cutouts hung around altars), and listened to some incredible, joyful samba music. What a blissful afternoon!

(above): marigolds (flor de muerta, flamenquilla, among other names. I was told by Mia of Encantada Gallery that it was also called Semper Seche (sp?), but I have yet to find this in my internet researches – still trying, though). The stone bowl is full of burning copal incense, sacred to ancestor altars. Once you serve a celebration feast to honor your ancestors, you burn copal incense which takes your prayers and words up to the stars to them. To the right of the copal are sugar skulls, offered to ancestors with prayers written in foil on their foreheads

Fantastic band – Being a djembe player, I’m always blissed out over a great conga or samba…and these guys started the day off right! More fabulous music was heard when we went to the Mission Cultural Center for the Dia de los Muertos exhibit.

Here are some pictures from the exhibit at the Mission Cultural Center:

An altar to those who died trying to get into America (illegally or not). It was a powerfully symbolic altar – with jars of milk and honey alongside dirty glasses (the land of milk and honey definitely not what was expected), rusty keys and the Madonna on top of dirty pots and pans.
A beautiful sculpture of a South American death goddess, Opening herself to accept new souls.

Loved this.

Afterwards, we went to tackle more of the “100 things to eat and drink in SF before you die’ list, by having Margherita Pizza at Delfina Pizzeria, and before we headed home we had fresh, warm bread from Tartine Bakery with Brillat-Savarin cheese from Bi-Rite Deli…and yes, a cup of salted caramel ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery. Ahhh, decadence prevailed.

Many more pictures, but I'm very tired today, so will close with a wish that you had a good weekend. :)

Here's Esme (in slightly better light)!

2009-10-23T09:32:00.001-07:00

Esme, the huntress. :)

Beautiful Autumn: Bees and Art.

2009-10-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the third harvest of Urania Hive, and unfortunately I wasn't there (caught a 'bug' after my infusion on Friday, and decided it was best to lay low). This week, M bottled the honey and washed bottles for more wine making, so more fun is on the way!

Terpsichore Hive also got a good dusting of powdered sugar last week, thanks to M. :) This is our natural way of battling against the deadly Varroa mite, one of the causes of bee deaths. The brood boxes get a liberal dusting of powdered sugar once a week for three weeks. As bees are fastidiously clean, they clean themselves off and any mites that may be in the hive as well - a clean fest! I hope to be there for the next dusting, as I'm told that the bees who fly off after being dusted are something to see: ghostly white, like apparitions of themselves (J says, 'they're ghost bees!'). It's risky taking pictures when they're upset, but will try my best (where's that zoom lens, haha!).

Bit by bit, I'm getting more courageous about posting ideas I have for artwork,
or pictures of things I've done or working on.

It's been so inspiring to explore art blogs from all over the world, and it's opened up the 'artist's block' I've had for a few years. So, here's to new friends, new art, and to the bees as well!

I'm hoping to make a light box this weekend, and take proper photos of pieces. I've got the cameras and tripods, but light is the biggest issue so found some articles on how to photograph jewelry online, and will give it a go. :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

A productive weekend, but...

2009-10-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

Not in the manner I had expected. I've been sick most of the weekend, but things feel like they're sorting themselves out now. The cough is all but gone, and the fever has almost disappeared.

Because I was 'home bound' this weekend, I got started on some long overdue projects. These photos don't do the work justice, but will make up for it this week with photos of separate pieces, finished assemblages, etc. It was very satisfying to see the result of three days of work like this!

I'm liking the juxtaposition of the new pieces with the jars in the back, as though I have just spilled them out from another jar. Some of this series are buttons, and some are meant to go onto necklaces and a bracelet, like this one:

This bracelet, on elastic cord, needs restringing as I've created a focal bead that is still drying.

I have high hopes for these. I've been working on palettes all weekend, which is something new for me. In the past I've just thought, 'oooh, purple is a pretty color', and then I'd make 50 purple beads ready for 'something' but nothing more would come of them. This is different. And I can't wait to share them in more detail (if it only weren't 10PM already!).

The color of this photos isn't great, but again - the good camera will take better shots. These were glazed, and are both in the leaf palette from above as well as a gorgeous, 'by chance' sunrise palette. More tomorrow, for now - good night and have a wonderful week!!

Meet Esme. :)

2009-10-18T21:47:00.001-07:00

This is Esme, our new Abyssinian/Tabby kitten. She’s made herself right at home.

(for those who know about it, note the toy she's adopted. I had nothing to do with it!)

Coming back soon.

2009-09-30T15:32:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I posted here. Some ups and downs have kept me 'inside myself'.

However, it's time to think about getting back into a routine, and to post about the many projects I've been working on.

It's also time to post on our beautiful Muse hives and this year's harvest - we have one more Urania harvest to go, and then it's time to focus on winter! Keeping those beautiful girls warm and healthy is a huge priority.

I'll be back very soon, and will have lots and lots of photos and words to share!

With love.

Rest in Peace, Ruby Salai.

2009-08-07T09:14:00.001-07:00

Ruby Salai
February 17, 2007-August 4, 2009

You are sorely missed, but you will always live on, my little Bean.

Two honey recipes, and some honey facts :)

2009-07-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

Honey Egg Shampoo
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons liquid soap
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon witch hazel
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 tablespoon wheat germ oil or almond oil
1 tablespoon rosewater or cologne

Place all the ingredients in a screw top jar, cover and shake well. Makes about 2/3 cup.

Honey-Pollen Shampoo
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup glycerin
1 tablespoon witch hazel
1/4 cup orange flower water or cologne
2 tablespoons bee pollen
1 teaspoon liquid soap
1 tablespoon alcohol

Place the ingredients in a screw top jar, cover and shake well. Makes about 2/3 cup.

Did you know…?

• Honey is antimicrobial due to its high sugar content, low pH and the presence of organic acids (Use it to treat cuts, scrapes and burns as well as to prevent scarring!

• Local honey may help treat your allergies!
• Honey is high in carbohydrates and is therefore a great energy source.
• Honey contains the vitamins B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid.
• Honey contains the minerals calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, sodium and zinc.
• The natural antioxidants found in honey are chrysin, pinobanskin, vitamin C, catalase and pinocembrin.
• Unprocessed honey contains enzymes that are considered essential for good health!
• Generally, darker honeys and those with higher water content have stronger antioxidant potential. The antioxidants identified thus far in honey are pinocembrin, pinobanksin, chrysin and galagin. Pinocembrin is unique to honey and found in the highest amount relative to the others. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), catalase and selenium are also present.
• Honey is used as a hair and facial treatment due to the fact that it attracts and retains moisture.
• Honey never goes "bad". It is slightly acidic and, therefore, not conducive for bacterial growth.
• Honey is the only food produced by insects that is eaten by man!
• Honey is good and it is good for you - it belongs in your medicine cabinet as well as your cupboard!

Colors of Honey

White Color is from Clovers and Alfalfas
Very Light Amber Color is from Wildflowers
Light Amber Color is from Orange Blossoms
Plain Amber Color is from Buckwheats, Tupelos and Others.
The colors of honey comes from the nectar of the plants.
The lightest colors of honey have the mildest flavors, while the darker colors have fuller flavors.

from this website.

Inspire Me Thursday Entry

2009-07-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

Sandstone cliffs, Pescadero Beach, California

To the gardeners and beekeepers: Ecoregional Planting Guides

2009-07-21T13:51:00.000-07:00

Pollinator Partnership: http://www.pollinator.org

Saw this site today and thought I'd pass it on. Lots of good information!
Additionally, you can get a free personalized guide to selecting the right plants for pollinators in your region.

Once, I lived in Provence.

2009-07-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

A dear friend recently scanned in lots of pictures she had in albums, and this got me wishing I could a) find my pictures, and b) scan and clean them up for posterity. I've got several VHS tapes that need the same attention.

When cleaning out the garage a few weeks ago, I found some pictures I've been thinking about for a long time. To my delight, they were all together in one little package. I scanned them at work the other day. They still need cleaning up, but I was so happy to see them again it doesn't matter, for the moment. There are more photos, but these were in the little found bundle.

They don't do the experience any justice, mind you, they're just inexperienced shots taken in 1993. But they mean so much:

Side street, Arles - I didn't live in Arles, but went through on my 'pilgrimage' to Les Saintes Maries de la Mer (pictures that need to be scanned) and the tomb of the Maries, home of Saint Sara la Kali and pilgrimage sight of the Romani.

Arles is where Van Gogh had his famous studio, where he painted his Sunflowers. When I lived in the area, a large exhibit was being presented where hundreds of school children painted their versions of his Sunflower paintings - they were hung all over the outside of the building.

There was a lovely (and very peaceful) view from the apartment I shared in Avignon. I didn't live here very long, only two weeks, as I was waiting for my new job to start. The placement firm allowed me to live in a little apartment they had in their offices. As long as I stayed out of sight during business hours, I could stay rent-free. Not a problem. :)

A place very near and dear to my heart. I lived in Isle sur la Sorgue, a famous Provencal market and antiques town. The family I worked for (family helper, artist assistant) owned a compound. The extended family lived and worked here together. They sold trout and goat cheese to the public.

I miss them a lot sometimes.

Milou, one of the many dogs who lived on the property. These are the canals where the trout were farmed, and the tracks are for the wagons that carried the fish out into 'other places.' ;) When a canal was cleaned (both of fish and of dirt), all the kids (including me, the 25 year old kid) were told what canal number was open and we could swim in it until late afternoon (or until our lips turned blue, whichever came first). In 110 degree heat, it was HEAVEN to hear the kids run by the house screaming 'HUIT! HUIT!' or some such number.

Wow, great photography skills, I tell you. :P
Anyway, this is where I get a little misty, as I have two pictures of the house where I lived. Here is the entrance way, and it is in every way perfect to the memory I hold of it. Whenever I walked up that staircase, I felt taller, sager.

Anyway, underneath these steps, and under part of the house, ran a lovely creek. It provided not only fresh water but a very cool and very accommodating cellar for the incredible goat cheeses made there.

Wish it were clearer, but maybe when I work on all of these I can clean and enlarge them as well. I loved working with these goats. They made the most wonderful goat cheese, flavored with the blackberries they ate all day.

OH this picture brings back so many good memories. I smile as I look at it. My room was the top right hand window.

I must get this one framed.

One of the most incredible experiences I've ever had.

2009-07-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

Hive Urania, Hive Terpsichore’s sister hive, was ready for harvest last weekend (Sunday, July 12 was the big day). It really was unbelievable, but not because we doubted the bees, but because we were told (by various Guild members, library books, blogs, etc.) not to expect much (if at all) of a honey harvest the first year.

It’s hard for me to think of words to describe the experience, so I’d like to share pictures, a little video, and words as they ‘transpire’.

Cliché it may be, but ‘words fail’.

The adventure

New equipment: Extractor, capping tub, extra frames, sieve.

The hose was set to ‘mist’, the smoker was set, and armed with bunches of rosemary, oregano, and/or lavender (to brush bees, it’s best to use plants instead of brushes and/or leather), we all had our stations.

Jennifer and Mark lifted the heavy, honey –laden supers (one at a time) and placed them on the table. (keep in mind, there are four honey supers here, and we only harvested two of them)

The best tool, the one that lifts heavy, honey filled frames from the super.

a frame completely full of the most gorgeously golden honey!!

Brushing the bees gently from the frame with branches.

And then...

Each frame was brought to the capping tub. Another ingenious tool awaited us there, a simple screw on a piece of wood, allowing the frame to balance over the tub without crushing any of the honey and allowing a smooth capping ‘experience’. And experience it was!! This video is only about 16 seconds long, but it captures much of the beauty of the moment:

The extractor we have only takes three frames at a time, so after they are loaded in:

The crank is turned rapidly, much like a giant salad spinner. :)

Frames emerge free of most of the honey! The almost-empty frames are left out for the bees to clean.

The honey pours out from a spout into a sieved bucket.

In all, a bit over five gallons of honey was collected, and a large amount of gorgeous beeswax.
Five gallons=about 60 pounds of honey!

To be continued…but until then, Viva Hive Urania!!

2009-07-14T08:59:00.001-07:00

SO much to share, and it must wait until after work tonight! But honey was harvested on Sunday, and it was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had. Many pictures and words forthcoming.

Happy Day!

(closeup of a bee from Terpsichore hive)

2009-07-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

Am taking it a bit slowly tonight, just staying quiet. Today was a work day with lots of ups and downs so slow and peaceful is the goal tonight. :)

But what a joy to see this beauty this morning, the first of my beloved Dahlias this year!

These have been growing for 4 years now, with only one experiment of taking them out of the ground in the winter. Their gorgeous coloring and elegant leaves never cease to amaze me.

I'd like to experiment with pruning, so as to enlarge the blooms, but that takes much more time than I have to devote, so I do the best I can. Now, if someone could only show me how to keep Begonias in my area, I'd be very, very grateful! Enjoy your evening. :)

2009-07-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

I'm due to post some pictures and updates. Hopefully in the next day or two (need to get the camera out too - forgot it today). I've been enjoying watching members of Terpsichore hive sitting and 'sipping' from the lion fountain. It's really sweet!

Went up to San Francisco with Seeds in the City yesterday, and visited a brand new beekeeping/honey store, Her Majesty's Secret Beekeeper. What an absolutely beautiful place! I really wish her all the best, and look forward to future visits there. Have a look at her blog - she's just started it, but there are pictures of her beautiful store.

Hope you had a great weekend.

I've just moved here...

2009-07-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

It's hard to be inside at my desk when the light over the fields is so incredibly luminous. I want to be out there with my camera! The fields leading up to campus are turning that soft golden yellow and there are whisps of fog straying through an almost-blue sky. The effect of the bright sun shining through this is incandescant.

Anyway, just a quick note to say that I've just moved to Blogspot from Wordpress. I've migrated a few posts over here, but if you'd like to see the past posts, please feel free to visit: http://abeilleamiel.wordpress.com

Happy Wednesday!

beehiving :)

2009-06-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

They are busy, but …

2009-06-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

Since Urania hive is pretty much overflowing with honey already (!!! yay !!!), we were excited to see what was going on…

Not overflowing with honey yet; in fact, almost all of the action is still in the the boxes below the extruder, and virtually none above. I would love to have another look later, especially since I have to remember that the bees had a lot of work to do on the one side of one box that had a little mold on it. They’ve been busy, but more likely than making lots of ‘extra’ honey, they’ve been cleaning. :) There was some burr come on the wood top under the telescopic cover, which made me excited, but the frames underneath were virtually empty.

More later, I’m sure – Honey Man will want to wake up and see what happened. Oh, that’s another thing – my first time out solo! :) It went well, but no pictures this time because of it :)

Summer Solstice

2009-06-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

Bits and pieces of the weekend, in pictures:

But first, a thank you to the computer that makes blogging, art, music, etc. all happen.

Fresh homemade peach and strawberry cobbler.

Lots and lots of tomatoes (and peas) coming on their way

Sweet Pea and Prayer Flag.

Prayer Flag in the garden.

Ruby Salai supervising.

A field of young sunflowers and raspberries.

Another prayer flag (near the fountain and roses). There are 5 in all, I think – 3 of them have honeybees on them. I tried to put one up on the fence near Terpsichore, but several drones gave me warning buzzes, so I honored them from a distance. They are very, very busy up there.

A prayer flag for a special herb garden – if you look closely, it says ‘Go on, be a devil.’

2009-06-15T21:49:00.001-07:00

Today was a very exciting day for the Terpsichore hive. My dear friend who writes Seeds in the City was up for a visit, and we all suited up to visit the hive and see how things were going.

Wow!! The smell of honey was overpowering. The buzzing, however, turned from a lovely hum to a startled-gradually-rising-in-pitch-buzz, and things got a little dramatic after that. But first impressions first…

This hive is incredible. It is almost two months old, and already we have added another brood box and a honey box (this morning). Mark is going up to Mann Lake next week to get another box or two plus frames.

The words that come to mind this evening after reviewing the hive inspection (that sounds so cold and clinical, but in essence that’s what we were doing) are: Industrious, fiercely protective, dedicated, expressive.

Thinking back: Terpsichore was a very fitting name. I took at tip from another favorite blog, Birdchick, and spoke to the bees while painting their hive. I wished for them to be productive and to feel secure and safe.

Well, there was drama – my dear friend and hive sister Seeds in the City was stung. :( It’s bound to happen to all of us, but it was still unfortunate and I feel sorry. It appeared to happen as she was lifting one of the boxes – a bee was buzzing around her jeans, and it looked as though it was in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was able to get the stinger out, but not after getting her bee jacket and pants off to do so! Ouch. Hope it cools down soon. :(

It was intense – when she was backing away after being stung, a literal formation of bees was gearing up to go after her! It reminded me of all of the cartoons I’ve seen of bees forming arrows or fingers before chasing after their victims.

There is some mold that has formed on one side of one of the brood boxes, and there was some in the bottom board. The original brood box has bubbled a bit in the paint, too. The mold was cleaned off of the bottom board and left out so that the hive could better aerate, but the main concern was seeing the box that had the mold (it’s black and flat) – the bees had built comb on frames that were far away from the mold. Three frames were completely untouched! We’re guessing that the exceedingly damp weather has caused it, but are at a loss as to how to combat it. We share our land with 13 redwoods, and an organic vegetable and herb garden, so things are lively – but we’re also in a very compact eco-system (designated rain forest, no kidding). It could be the excessive morning dew, but we’re still not sure. I’m still looking for answers, and will write as things unfold. For now, we’ll just keep watching and hoping that the girls will work with us, as they appear to be doing with incredible finesse.

They have a new addition to the hive for now, and hopefully the airing out will help get rid of anything undesirable. There is so much honey at the moment it’s incredible! If things continue going this well, we will add a second hive.

Sleep well, bees. You are loved.

2009-06-15T21:45:00.000-07:00

Just some thoughts

In a way, I adore Sunday evenings, as they’re generally more relaxed than other evenings. On the other hand Sunday evenings also signify the need to think ahead to the upcoming week.

I definitely feel SO much better come Monday morning if I’ve taken some time to prepare for the week, especially if that includes a homemade packed lunch. I have made it a prerogative to bring homemade lunches from now on, but the less rushed and thrown together, the better.

Pictures and good memories

I’ve been pretty sick this weekend, so getting out into the garden was my prize. I only wish I wouldn’t get so disappointed with myself and accept that every little bit I do is GOOD. I just want to do so much, and to care so much more for all the things we are growing and tending. The cats and I had fun:

Early Girls and Romas are growing well, after a transplant (and soil amending). Some cages were added today.

The first of the Favas. :) From seed. A first-time! Can’t wait to sample these.

Lapis decided to take a nap right where I had been sitting a few minutes earlier, using the hose as a pillow.

One of my favorite pictures of Ruby Salai, ever. She never strikes poses, and I just happened to catch her ‘just right’. :)

Here’s what was picked today – not a whole lot, but just enough to savor the first ‘harvest’ of the garden. I plan to save as many seeds as I can this year, if all grows well.

With a homemade cherry pie baked, laundry and housework done, library books and movies retrieved, it has been a productive weekend. Still not feeling so well, and am hoping that a good night’s sleep will make all the difference.

May you enjoy this Full Moon and your Sunday.

Repost from the Wordpress blog - for posterity :)

2009-06-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday, I came back from lunch to my boss anxiously awaiting my return. "Hello, Beekeeper!" he said. "We have a problem, one of the profs has a swarm of honeybees on her car." Long story short, I was able to call James from the Santa Cruz Beekeeping Guild to help, as I'm a brand new beekeeper and didn't know where to start.

Ever seen 'Wallace and Grommit', the full-length motion picture? They are garden pest (well, rabbits mainly) 'exterminators,' when in fact they don't exterminate any of them but in fact suck them up via a 'Bun Vac' and bring them home. :) That's exactly what happened here. James used a shop vac hooked up to a bee cage, called the 'Bee Vac'. He vacuumed as many as he could into the cage, and later took them home to his hives.

Later he smoked the places where the bees had congregated (the belief was that this swarm had been flying for a few days now, and the Queen decided to have a look in the back of this car as a potential new hive. Eek!

Anyway, all is well now, with the swarm and with the nerves of the poor owner of the car. And yesterday, she gave us a box of great pastries from the Buttery to thank us!

Oh Honeybees, the more I get to know you, the more I love you.

2009-05-25T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today was a very exciting day for the Terpsichore hive. My dear friend who writes Seeds in the City was up for a visit, and we all suited up to visit the hive and see how things were going.

Sleep well, bees. You are loved.

2009-04-02T19:29:00.001-07:00

abeille a miel.

This is an ongoing story about our beekeeping adventures, artistic explorations, organic gardening and more. Much more to come.