Hemp fairy wings

I have a friend in Australia (Nana) who makes these beautiful macrame fairy wings from organic hemp twine.
I hope to load more photos as time allows but for now I just want to get something up for your enjoyment.

If you have any questions or requests for special occasion wings eg: weddings, parties or anything drop a line into the comment box and I will get back ASAP

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Chasing the Lollyman

Chasing the  Lollyman  http://www.abc.net.au/speakingout/stories/s2964658.htm

 

 

 

 Brisbane-based Aboriginal Actor and part time Comic, Mark Sheppard discusses his new play, Chasing the Lollyman …

Chasing The Lollyman is a new one man play from Aboriginal Actor and Comic, Mark Sheppard.

Mark talks about the play and how as a kid, he used to chase a man dressed in a hessian bag with lollies attached to it.

Mark discusses how these life experiences of growning up in Mareeba in Far North Queensland shaped his writing of the play.

He talks about the themes contained in the show like the notion of what would happen if a Black family moved into Ramsey Street in the TV show, Neighbours.

In August, Mark and deBASE Productions take the show on the road to Far North Queensland. For more information on the tour contact: www.debaseproductions.com/

I was lucky enough to catch his show at the Kuranda Amphitheatre on Tuesday night and what a joy it was to watch. As Mark grew up in Mareeba there were quite a few friends and family there, who knew exactly what he was talking about when he referred to the ;Lolly Man’ Only a couple of days later I spoke to a couple of people who remembered the lolly man and those times at the river.

I would see that play again tomorrow, one came away feeling good. mark’s speech as a black prime minister was stirring and an inspirational contrast to the humerous antics of the rest of the show. The sound effects were clever and well executed by tim/// Do your self a favour if you get the chance, see this play. He was greeted by a standing ovation at the end of the play 5 stars from me.

 

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Zeitgeist

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Hemp Food

Genesis 1:29
God also said, “Look, to you I give all the seed bearing plants everywhere on the surface of the earth, and all the trees with seed-bearing fruit, this will be your food.”

HEMP SEED:

THE MOST

NUTRITIONALLY

COMPLETE FOOD SOURCE

IN THE WORLD

Part One

by Lynn Osburn

Seeds of the plant cannabis sativa, hemp seed, contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. No other single plant source has the essential amino acids in such an easily digestible form, nor has the essential fatty acids in as perfect a ratio to meet human nutritional needs.

The importance of hemp seed nutrients to human health cannot be fully appreciated without some understanding of bio-chemistry in life. Unfortunately, any attempt to understand the flow of life leads into the realm of the most troublesome of the three infinities — the infinitely complex.

Some deep thinkers believe life is a paradox not to be understood but experienced to the fullest. However, the Sages have said, “Know thyself.” At any rate it is paradoxic to attempt simplifying the infinite complexity of flowing life. Yet, it is far better for the health and development of any thinking and feeling, uniquely individual human being, to pursue knowledge than to lounge in ignorance.

One out of two Americans will die from the effects of cardiovascular disease (CVD). One out of four Americans will die from cancer. Researchers believe cancers erupt when immune system response is weakened. Pioneers in the fields of biochemistry and human nutrition now believe CVD and most cancers are really diseases of fatty degeneration caused by the continued over-consumption of saturated fats and refined vegetable oils that turn essential fatty acids into carcinogenic killers. And if this is not scary enough, more Americans are succumbing to immune deficiency diseases than ever before. Sadly it is ignorance of human nutritional needs that will cause this overwhelming majority of Americans to die slowly from these afflictions — the greatest killers in affluent nations.

HEMP SEED PROTEINS AND THE
BUILDING BLOCKS OF LIFE AND IMMUNITY

There are eight amino acids the human body cannot make and two more the body cannot make in sufficient quantity, so they are essential to life. A diet without any one of them will eventually cause disease and death. These essential amino acids, along with eleven others the body can make from them, are chained together in accordance to genetic guidelines, via RNA formats from DNA blueprints, into structural proteins that give body to life, and into enzymes (globular proteins) that carry out the mechanics of living.

Nearly three quarters of body solids are proteins. The body is literally constructed and maintained by an infinitely complex system that simply builds proteins from amino acid sub units. Every amino acid consists of an amine and a carboxyl bound to the same carbon atom. All but the smallest amino acid have one, more or less complex, carbon containing side chain connected to the carbon atom shared by the amine and carboxyl groups. The amine group, ND, is slightly basic; the carboxyl group, COOH, is a mild acid. The amine group of one amino acid unites with the carboxyl group of another forming a peptide link. Proteins are made of amino acid peptide chains in specific sequences. The number of possible amino acid peptide combinations is infinite.

Peptide chains can bend, twist and unite with other peptide chains by forming weak hydrogen bonds between nitrogen and oxygen atoms along the chain. Amino acids can also form bonds through side chain linkages. All three types of amino acid bonding methods contribute to the infinite possibility of protein shapes and reactivity potentials. Though each species builds proteins unique to itself, life can tailor new ones if challenged by the pressures of existence.

Hemp is not unique in having all the essential amino acids in its embryonic seed. Flax seeds also contain all the essential amino acids as do many other seeds in the plant kingdom. What is unique about hemp seed protein is that 65% of it is globulin edistin. That is the highest in the plant kingdom.

Globulins are one of seven classes of simple proteins. Simple proteins are constructed from amino acids and contain no non-protein substances. Globulins are in seeds and animal blood. Edistins are found in seeds; serum globulin is in blood. Edistins are plant globulins. And globulins along with albumins are classified as globular proteins. All enzymes, antibodies, many hormones, hemoglobin and fibrogin (the body converts fibrogin into non-soluble, fibrin, a blood clotting agent) are globular proteins. They carry out the main work of living.

Albumin, globulin and fibrogin are the three major types of plasma proteins. Plasma is the fluid portion of blood that supplies nutrients to tissues. And the three protein types: serum albumin, serum globulin and fibrogin, compose about 80% of plasma solids. These plasma proteins serve as a reservoir of rapidly available amino acids should any body tissues be in need.

Plant seeds contain albumin and globulin but no fibrogin. Albumin is the nutritive material that fills the space in the seed between the embryo and the seed coat. The embryo needs albumin to fuel its initial growth until photosynthesis begins. Globulin edistins within the embryo guarantee this new life has the enzymes necessary for metabolic activity.

Globulin is the third most abundant protein in the human body. Globulins perform many enzymatic (causing reactions to take place) functions within the plasma itself. More importantly, they are responsible for both the natural and acquired immunity a person has against invading organisms. The body uses globulin proteins to make antibodies which attack infecting agents (antigens) that invade the body. Globulins like gamma globulin are absolutely essential to maintain a healthy immune system. They neutralize alien microorganisms and toxins.

Globulins are divided into three classes: alpha, beta and gamma globulins. Alpha and beta globulins operate as transport vehicles by combining with other substances and carry protein from one part of the body to another. They haul the materials needed to build new and replace worn or damaged bodily structures. Gamma globulins are divided into five classes of antibodies called immunoglobulins. All are formed to combat specific cell invading antigens. They comprise the body’s first line of defense against disease and infection. Immunoglobulins are produced by B lymphocyte (white blood cells) plasma cell clones located in lymph system nodes. Infecting antigens normally must pass through the lymph system before entering the blood stream.

Regarding human protein requirement: “Qualitively, it is considered desirable to secure amino acids similar to those of human tissues, both as to kinds and relative quantities of the various kinds.” [Textbook of Anatomy and Physiology, Kimber, Gray, Stackpole, 1943]

During digestion proteins in food are broken down into amino acids. The amino acids are then taken into the body and reassembled into human proteins according to need and the availability of the amino acids necessary to make specific proteins.

The body needs the necessary kinds of amino acids in sufficient quantity in order to make proteins such as the globulins. Proper quantities of the right kinds may not be available to the body much of the time. So even though the body has enough essential amino acids available to prevent deficiency diseases, it may not have enough to build quantities of immunoglobulins necessary for the immune system to repel infection.

The best way to insure the body has enough amino acid material to make the globulins is to eat foods high in globulin proteins. Since hemp seed protein is 65% globulin edistin, and also includes quantities of albumin, its protein is readily available in a form quite similar to that found in blood plasma. Eating hemp seeds gives the body all the essential amino acids required to maintain health, and provides the necessary kinds and amounts of amino acids the body needs to make human serum albumin and serum globulins like the immune enhancing gamma globulins. Eating hemp seeds could aid, if not heal, people suffering from immune deficiency diseases. This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed was used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on by tuberculosis, a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away. [Czechoslovakia Tubercular Nutritional Study, 1955]

………

The body’s ability to resist and recover from illness depends upon how rapidly it can produce massive amounts of antibodies to fend off the initial attack. If the globulin protein starting material is in short supply the army of antibodies may be too small to prevent the symptoms of sickness from setting in.

Hemp seed is the premier plant-seed provider of globulin starting material — the highest in the plant kingdom. Eating hemp seeds will insure the immune system has the reservoir of immunoglobulin resources needed to make disease destroying antibodies.

…

Next issue: Part II, Hempseed Oils and the Flow of Life Force

References:

• Blood: The River of Life, Jake Page; Dr. Robert A. Good, Dr. Lawrence S. Lessin, Dr. Kenneth C. Robbins, consultants. U.S. News Books 1981.
• Fats and Oils: The Complete Guide to Fats and Oils in Health and Nutrition, Udo Erasmus. Alive Books 1986.
• Life and Energy: An Exploration of the Physical and Chemical Basis of Modern Biology, Isaac Asimov. Avon Books 1962.
• Organic Chemistry, R. T. Morrison. 1960
• Textbook of Anatomy and Physiology, Kimber, Gray, Stackpole. 1943
• Textbook of Medical Physiology, Arthur C. Guyton, MD. W. B. Sunders Company 1971.
• Textbook of Organic Chemistry, E. Wertheim. The Blakiston Company 1945.

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Rainbow Fair at Candlenut Steiner School

Candlenut Rainbow Fair  – August 28th 10am – 4pm

Candlenut Steiner School is throwing open the doors and would love to invite everyone to our annual Rainbow Fair and Open day on Saturday, 28th August from 10am – 4pm. Take the opportunity to come along to the school and see for yourselves the amazing work of the children, speak with the teachers and find out more about the Steiner methods of education, and let your whole family have all the fun of the fair! 

There will be craft stalls, treasure stalls, plants, preschool market stall, general market stalls, books, games, Merry-go-round, Steiner Bookshop, children’s activities, food, drinks and refreshments, Rainbow Cafe, live music, talks and tours, student performances,  and of course, the wonderful classroom displays of the childrens’ work.

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Fundraising Auction for Pakistan Flood Victims

I was touched watching a father put a wooden plank over his daughter’s grave in Pakistan to protect it from the rain. No headstone, no birth certificate, no death certificate. The family had to move on and leave the grave plot to fend for itself. The father kissed the mound. I cried.

Have we found it harder to be moved by this tragedy?

Many of these natural disasters are made worse due to environmental degradation, and more can be said on this at some stage.

A few of us got together on twitter to start an auction to raise awareness and funds to send to an organisation that would make sure it helped the right people. What is being auctioned is a beautifully crafted bear made by Yvonne from EcoBears http://www.ecobears.com

Yvonne makes her ecofriendly creations with a machine powered by solar power and uses hemp and recycled fabrics to bring them to life. Each bear has a personality of its own and  would make a wonderful heirloom for some deserving adult/child.

If you would like to own this beautiful bear plus an organic hemp bag from Ecolution then please place a bid on twitter using hashtag #BearforPakistan or send a message to @ecobears @DianaRusso @aerlic

Miss Solar Bear will be issued a certificate of authenticity.

This information may be updated  so please check back over the next few days.

Solar Bear is 14″ TALL HOLDING A PLANET EARTH FILLED WITH HEMP-FIBRE. 
MISS SOLAR HAS BEEN HANDMADE USING SOLAR ENERGY – MAY 2010
SHE IS MADE FROM ENGLISH HEMP/RECYCLED COTTON/RECYCLED WOOL FABRIC
HER DRESS IS HAND-DYED HEMP WITH A HEMP-SILK SKIRT.

MISS SOLAR BEAR IS AN ADVOCATE FOR SOLAR ENERGY – AND SHARES A VERY SPECIAL MESSAGE – THAT WE CAN USE MORE ALTERNATIVE ENERGY IN OUR EVERYDAY DAY LIVES, WHEREVER WE LIVE IN THE WORLD…

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Niseko

The next morning we left for Niseko and I discovered about an hour into the trip, that I had left my camera behind. Mamiko and Yuko told me not to worry, that we could get it the next day when we returned the hire car. On the way though, we decided to extend the rental on the car for another two days to save hiring another car and moving all our luggage. I was concerned about whether we would get the camera back but the girls told me not to worry. It seems people in Japan assume that most Japanese people are honest, which is a wonderful thing.

When we arrived at Niseko, we went to the information centre and the girls found out there was  a discount pass to have three hot spring baths at different venues while you stay in the area.  Firstly, we went to the Hilton in Niseko, which was relatively basic, but had a nice outdoors bath (nice contrast to the cooler air outside) as well as some luxury bath products provided in the shower rooms. We spent quite a while there relaxing and getting clean after the past few days.

After that, we went for lunch at Terrazio’s restaurant and had some delicious seafood. Then we looked for accommodation without  luck and almost decided to camp in the car outside the 7/11 as they are 24 hours and have toilets inside. We had a bit of a laugh about this as it was raining and the whole situation seemed a but absurd, but the Yuko got a call from a friend, Mike, inviting us to a party.

As it turned out it was a wonderful experience. Mike, who we had met at the Ainu festival, is an interesting person, originally from the UK and now living in Japan for over 4 years. He knew lots of people and places. He arrived with his friends, so that we could follow them to the party which was a few kms out of Niseko, in a beautiful dome house set in bushland.

There were quite a few there already and as it was still raining we moved inside quickly to meet our host. This lovely man was passionate about Indian spiritual culture and inside two of the walls were devoted to Indian gurus and teachers. The photos and artifacts displayed were gently highlighted by candles and gentle drumming added atmosphere as the beautiful alternative Japanese people shared food and music.

Our host offered us green tea and we removed our shoes, parking them at the inside entrance with many other pairs of shoes. We made our way to a low table and settled in. During the evening there was drumming, flute, Indian chanting and an Indian inspired dinner served on a makeshift table.

An Indian man who had been at the festival ( many of these people we recognised from the festival) played a traditional stringed instrument and the most amazing Indian drum.

In the middle of the room was a sunken seated area surrounding a small wood stove used in the cold winters) and now decorated with candles. The atmosphere was gentle and quite unlike many parties in Australia, where the whole point seems to be to drink as much as you can as quickly as you can.  A few people drank saki or beer, but many drank green tea. Small groups formed to play drums, play flute or learn how to make throat tonal sounds (from Mike) or just talk and appreciate the experience. We had moved around a bean bag, which is where we eventually fell asleep.

The sense of harmony between the people there was beautiful and we felt comfortable and welcome enough to fall asleep. An was feeling cold and a little uncomfortable on the wooden floor, but our wonderful host covered everyone with blankets during the night, so we were able to sleep soundly.

There were still people talking and laughing as I went to sleep, when I awoke in the early morning there were bodies all over the floor, right up to the front door.  It was beautiful sight to see people sharing the space in sleep.

An and I went for an early morning walk and saw some beautiful homes, surrounded by bush and relatively free of bitumen, power poles and other such infrastructure. The homes were mainly designed for the cold ski season but a wonderful place to live for those who prefer a more natural environment.

When we got back we all decided we needed a hot bath and said our goodbyes to Mike and his friend (our host). We were so appreciative of his hospitality and the  evening was a memorable one for us all.

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Hemp/Silk Mermaid Dress

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Earth Connections Kuranda

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Hemp Fashion Show 2005 – Kuranda Resort

In 2005 the inaugural  apart from the spring fair) hemp fashion show was held at the Kuranda Resort ( now known as the Kuranda Resort and Spa). The show featured  outfits made from hemp fabric and decorated with screenprinting and fabric stamping, made by the participants of a training program I was running for QITE at the time.

this shot shows me modeling one of the outfits, made by a participant in the program.

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