PEACE FROM ORIGINS OREGON

PEACE IN PORTLAND OREGON

From Portland Oregon, on this International Day Of Peace, I wish for peace on earth.

As a pacifist, I hold the hope for peace close to my heart every day. We, as a people have it within our own power to create peace, sending out the vibrations of love and peace, that will ripple across our globe, reaching countries in a state of war, for the children of war-torn countries, and the refugees these wars have created, we must keep the hope for peace alive in our hearts, and on our minds.

All people, from every walk of life deserve a life of peace and prosperity, as a people, we must realize peace and justice are possible across the globe, finding solutions, spreading the good word and becoming a part of a movement both beautiful and selfless, so we may realize peace in our own lifetimes.
It's a simple concept really, peace through justice, fair and equal treatment for all people, all through peaceable means. I will flow with this idea, putting it out into the universe, creating my ripple of love and peace.

Being from the beautiful state of Oregon, we are blessed by many people, organizations and businesses that create a way to benefit global peace initiatives around our planet, improving the lives of people around the globe.
It is to these people I am most grateful for, people like the young woman profiled below, a young Peace Corps volunteer...

A Peace Corps volunteer had a dream to use the nutritious leaves of the moringa tree to improve the lives of women in West Africa
Lisa Curtis witnessed the challenges that rural communities in West Africa face, as a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, she became one of those inspirational people that found a solution. 
What began as a solution to hunger, became something empowering to the women of West Africa, enriching the lives of all.

Read The Blog 

There is an interesting story behind this post, an inspiration, when two paths crossed.
When my husband Todd, out on a quick trip to the grocery store encountered Alex Bacher,  Brand Ambassador for the company  Kuli Kuli Foods, at the grocery store giving coupons to shoppers, his passion for social justice and environmental causes piqued my husband's interest, they had a conversation about the work we both do to promote peace and prosperity globally. Upon returning home and telling me the story about what the company does, the products they created to bring stability, nutrition and sustainability to an impoverished Niger.
How could I not be inspired ? 

So, on this of International Peace Day as the meditation for global peace begins, be inspired to shop only the companies that benefit our global communities and be part of the international movement that flows toward peace and justice.

Join us for a Global-Synchronized Meditation and Prayer for Peace in hundreds of cities around the world. In 2012, 248 cities participated. Last year, 564 cities joined and, this year, our goal is 1000 cities ... Join us at 12:00 Noon in your local time zone for the Peace Wave or at the Global Synchronized time of 12:00 Noon PST // 7:00 PM GMT. Listen to the Global Broadcast or find a live event in your city. 

Read the inspiring story about Kuli Kuli here:
http://kulikulifoods.com/about#our-story

PREPARE TO WEEP !  



 Time to Be The Peace !

BATS IN OREGON

BATS IN OREGON

It has been sometime since I posted here, to a place that will remain in my heart, as this place is for the earth, it's inhabitants, both great and small.

Bats have been on the forefront of my mind; the amazing creatures, so misunderstood, I feel it is necessary for me to defend their worth, as they work very hard to do their part, to both pollinate the earth, and rid it of pesky mosquitos ! I have a great love for the bat, peaceful and docile, not the people attacking, rabies spreading animal many have been led to believe.

Fall is the perfect time to get your bat houses up on a tree in your yard, to provide them and their sweet little offspring a place of safety and warmth. You will love the experience !

In appreciation of the bat !

FOR THE LOVE OF BATS !!!

A VIDEO DEMO FOR BUILDING A BAT HOUSE ~ 

THE FABULOUS NATIVE BEE

Encourage bees to come to your yard.... Sounds easy enough, and it is REALLY easy. Creating your own little bee space in your garden, patio or deck will prove to be one of the most fulfilling accomplishments in your life. Just doing your part in saving and protecting the bees in your own environment will be important for our planet. Losing our pollinators will have devastating results for our food sources. 

Continue to sign petitions for a GMO free country, say no to pesticides, support your local farmer. Become a *Lovavore*...
Plant your bee garden, provide the housing and watch them come, creating beauty where they flit from bloom to bloom.

The Native Mason Bee

The most peaceful bee in nature...I know it seems strange but, the Mason Bee doesn't sting. Since I was a small child, I held them in my hand. Wonderful little creatures of various colors. 


For the love of bees...

Enjoy !
Be well and happy ~ Holly

NATIVE BEE HOUSE

LIFE AND LIVING IN LAKE OSWEGO OREGON

https://www.facebook.com/originsoregon

Transitioning to new beginnings, again....
I have been reflecting on my life, my path has been rocky at times, but I have always been happy, even during the hard times. Many of us are finding a new way, a new beginning, whether it is a new career, a move to a new home, or a change in familial status, we remain happy, living simply in our lives.

Living simply is the key to happiness, unburdening our lives, getting rid of all the stuff that weighs us down, like a dark cloud above us, our earthly possessions, and want for more, not only add a burden to our lives, they add more stuff to our beautiful planet.

Be happy with the blessings you have, your space, your family and friends, nature with all of it's bounty and beauty. Be in love and at peace with the world. Shine your light on each person you see, walk in nature, lean against an ancient tree, love a pet and be loved. Giving love and peace will bring it all back around to you. What a wonderful life ~ A beautiful world ~ 

My gratitude for my beautiful Oregon, and the blessing of living in Lake Oswego. 

As I embark upon a new venture, I know that in the flow of happiness and love for nature, my Origins Oregon will be received with open arms and loving hearts. Encouraged by friends and family, I am hopeful that Origins Oregon finds success. I will follow my heart....with gratitude.

Peace ~ Holly

WHERE THE MASON BEES GO IN WINTER

The Mason Bee with beautiful jewel tones

Most gardeners don't realize the vast number of bee species there are.
I have provided housing for our Oregon Native*, the Mason Bee. I observe, with fascination the comings and goings of my little, stingless friends, as they flit among my flowers, creating a beautiful abundance of flowers and vegetables.

Mason bees are solitary bees that typically use tubes, reeds, and holes in wood for their nesting sites.  Each female is a queen and will lay her egg in gathered pollen.  She’ll separate these pollen/egg chambers with bits of mud, leaf, resin, etc. depending on her species. Each region in the U.S. has it's own native bee, so do a little research to find out which bees live in your area, it will be worth the small effort it takes to create a home for these hardworking pollinators. 

My mother always told me that,  "we should all have something to look forward to, this will keep us happy and alive". The Mason Bees, as they leave the warm comfort of the nest, each individual bee having it's own little space, is one of the things I have to look forward to each Spring, with glee.

In the Winter months, these little blue beauties, after a busy spring, the females will die in early June, their eggs hatch into larva which eat the pollen in June/July, and these larva then spin cocoons in July to metamorphosis into adult bees (still in cocoons) by October.

The vast number of bees in your yard are independent female bees showing up only at specific times of the year.  Each female is a queen, and they live their short life placing pollen and eggs into holes in twigs and reeds or under rocks hoping their progeny will remain undisturbed. So, please leave those stumps in your yard, as the Mason Bee will naturally create it's own home in those old stumps. 

The Bee Garden

Grow your organic bee garden, build a simple bee box, and they will come. Considering our planets decline in the bee population, it is our responsibility to protect our pollinators. Providing a home for bees is a feel good accomplishment, a great hobby, while doing your part in saving the bees. 
The loss of bees has serious consequences for plants, wildlife and yes, human survival.

The bee is my totem, my friend, my purpose.

Returning To My Peaceful Space ....Today and Tomorrow

Here's how to befriend the bees, butterflies and birds


It has been sometime since I last posted, so I apologize to all of you ~

Here is an update:

I have found myself in a beautiful space in time. My new space is both peaceful and beautiful. The birds grace my yard daily, dancing around the plants and trees with glee. My world is full of life. Just down the walkway, there is a bee and butterfly garden, so busy with life that it gives me hope for nature's friends, the bees and the butterflies, the birds and trees. 

Did you realize, that in some places in the world, the children have never seen a bee or a butterfly. I cannot imagine ! I have loved and admired our fabulous pollinators at work, providing the necessary element that grows our food, and adding beauty to our yards and gardens. 
Grow gardens...Not Lawns ~

I am teaching my grandson to love nature...we go earthing, catching the wind and staring in amazement at the heritage trees, in all their giant glory, the tall pines and colorful maples, we observe the bees, not wanting him to be frightened of the bees, with their inherent sweet nature, legs full of golden pollen, as they flit from flower to flower. I live through the wonder in his eyes ~

My new space, a place to grow and try new experiences. I feel the freedom and I am happy in my peaceful space ~

Gen shares some great tips on reducing the impact of pesticides on honeybees. She shares which types of pesticides you should never use, which ones are only safe if you spray them at dawn or dusk (when bees are less active), and which ones won’t impact honeybees. You’ll definitely want to bookmark her post for future reference.

Be well and Happy ~ Holly


https://www.facebook.com/originsoregon

BEEutiful Peace

Create that peaceful spot

Beautiful Bee and Butterfly Garden

Beautiful garden peace and the buzz and flight of bees and butterflies

There is no better peace than in the garden. To be with nature, hands in the dirt, nurturing the garden, the wind and sun caressing your face. I find my true spirit here in my garden space. Small and wonderful, with my collection of beautiful greenery, potted trees and flower, and of course my most valued Carnivorous plants, their unique ability of doing their part in balancing of nature, colorful and enticing to insects, they aid in the control of ants and other pests that plague our small space gardens.

Today, the sun dapples into my garden, just after a torrential rainfall, I can almost see the garden flourish in the new day of sunshine, I smile and feel at peace.

I recently moved to a place where there is a butterfly garden, that the bees also love. It is quite a sight to see how this perfect combination of seeds, or bedding plants can bring so much activity to the garden. The sound of buzzing and the gentle flight of the butterfly is an inspiration to anyone who is blessed enough to see this beautiful little pollinators garden. Next seasons I will do more to do my part in creating a safe, healthy haven for our butterflies and bees. My small part in providing protection to these amazing little creatures of our earth.

My totem, the bee, my little hardworking friends needs our love and protection. 
Plant a butterfly garden and bee well ~ Create your peaceful space ~




http://thegardeningcook.com/garden-seating-areas/