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I just got back from Hvar with my Husband last WEek, and aaaaaas always, the Island has left me INspired and enLivened.
PulsatINg with Life,
Hvar IS a BEd of ancient emerald PINes and Olive groves, HighLighted by white Rock and red Clay, met with the BEaUty of the clear blue and sparklINg Adriatic Sea, accented with the Royal magenta color of the Bugenvilia tree. You are immersed IN and INtoxicated at All times by a symphony of Bees, Cicadas and flutterINg wINgs, and a tapestry of wild Flowers and scents of Lavender and Rosemary.
I AM usually on Hvar IN April, May, June, July and / or August. ThIS was my first time on Hvar IN October — and it was a remINder and reINforcement of a Truth that I already hold near and dear to my HeART, that Truth BEINg that tHere IS Miracle and medicINe IN every season.
The abundance of Rosemary bushes IN bloom and FlowerINg at thIS time of year IS Truuuuuuuly a sight to see.
IN Croatian folklore, Rosemary IS often associated with vitality, Purity, and protection. It IS believed to cleanse, INspire and protect the Spirit. The locals hold Rosemary dear to their HeARTs, INcorporating it INto traditional dishes and Herbal remedies.
Rosemary has long connections to the FemININe.
The Name ORIGINated from the Latin Word ROSMARINUS. The combINation of Rose and MarINus translates to “dew of the Sea.” The element of Water BEINg associated with the FemININE, fertility, conception, Birth and LIFE. Additionally, there IS a story that says that Virgin Mary took shelter by a Rosemary bush, turnINg the Flowers from white to blue and thus givINg the Plant its Name ‘Rose of Mary’.
Rosemary has long BEen appreciated for its ability to stimulate blood circulation, reduce inflammation, balance hormones and promote relaxation, All of which promotes overAll Womb WELLness and WELLth.
I was especially captivated by somethINg I had never encountered BEfore.
As I wandered deep INto the Forest durINg my daily "WELLth walk," as I fondly call them, my gaze was arrested by a foreign Fruit. ThIS Fruit, almost hidden among the foliage, emanated a mystery and mystique that called on me.
The sight of thIS foreign Fruit evoked a cellular curiosity and confirmation, even though I had never seen it BEfore. THere was an INternal nod — a silent acKnowledgment.
Upon lookINg INto it, the INformation reINforced what my INtuition already Knew.
ThIS was care BEINg offered by The Comforter.
An edible embrace offered from the UNION of The Heavenly Father and The EARThly MotHER.
THE ARBUTUS BERRY. MAGINJA (IN Croatian).
The alchemy of thIS Fruit’s ripenINg IS a marvel to BEhold. From its early stages of a golden yellow hue, it intensifies to a bold, fiery orange, and fINally matures INto a passionate red. Amidst the lush expanse of Hvar, these BErries gleam like radiant jewels.
My first encounter with the Arbutus BErry was so much more than a sensory deLight; that fed my flesh. It was a pilgrimage that deLighted my Spirit and Humbled my flesh. It transcended the tactile and the tangible. Every moment was a remINder of the INtricate and INtimate dance BEtween the Heavenly and the EARThly.
As your fINgers delicately pluck each BErry, you can't help but feel a deep commUNION with Her (The Land) and Him (The Creator and Gardener of The Land). Every Arbutus BErry you gather IS an emblem of God’s generous and givINg HeART.
Upon reverently INjoyINg many right off the Tree (a modern day luxury), WE Chose to preserve these jewels by makINg jam with them.
As the BErries bubbled and simmered, their vibrant hues meldINg, marryINg and deepenINg, our Home was filled with an aroma that so comfortINg. The makINg of the jam IN many ways, resemblINg the alchemy of the Fruit’s ripenINg - an artful dance BEtween heat, sugar, and time.
Every stir of the pot was / IS the weavINg of a Tradition of Provision (for our Family). A Tradition of hours of communINg with God amidst the Trees, participatINg IN the Gift ECOnomy that IS our INHERitance as His BELoved Children, and expressINg GRATITUDE for these Gifts from God.
The culmINation of thIS entire process / PILGRIMAGE, from pickINg each BErry to when the jam thickens and IS ready to BE jarred, brINgs with it an unparalleled sense of affirmation. With each jar filled, you're not just preservINg the glorious taste of the Arbutus BErries; you're preservINg God’s glorious ability IN providINg that BErry and INtegratINg that Creative and generative potential yourSelf.
WE are elated that WE have two jars for ourSelves to INjoy for the WINter, after giftINg two jars.
Our Body’s feel such resonance with thIS jam and it feels so bioavailable to our cells and I reckon that has to do with the fact that WE made it with our own hands, and poured our Whole and full (of Gratitude) HeARTS INto it.
For those of you wonderINg —
Raw, they resemble a mixture of an Apple, StrawBErry and Pear IN taste and texture. As a jam, they resemble Figs IN taste and texture. I Love them both ways, however, I Will say that makINg jam with them really brINgs out their flavour!
They are Known for their astrINgent and antiseptic Herbal actions. They are RICH IN vitamIN C and High IN fibre (if you eat more than 5 or 6 IN One sittINg, they Will have a laxative effect on you). They are commonly used as a remedy to soothe sore and INflamed throats and congested chests. If you are feelINg INtrigued, look INto it yourSelf!
If you INjoyed thIS musINg — BE sure to tap INto these two as WELL:
