Hawai’i’s Endangered Birds | Queen Emma’s favorite Maile Palila

This bird was favored by Queen Emma for its song.  The Palila is only found in the sub-alpine forest of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawai’i. It was one of the original species listed in the Endangered Species Act. Unfortunately this unique bird is still in trouble, and its population has declined precipitously in recent years. Hawai’i is the bird extinction capital of the world which is why American Bird Conservancy has launched a campaign to protect Hawaiian birds.

 

Meet Hawai’i’s State Bird – ‘Elepaio (Endangered Species)

‘Elepaio are one of the most curious and approachable birds in the forest.  They will often follow hikers and come within just a few feet of them.  This bird is from the subpopulation found only in the sub-alpine forests of Mauna Kea.  While ‘elepaio look cute and harmless, males have been known to fight to the death when an intruder enters their territory.  The ‘elepaio’s song is the first heard at daybreak and the last song heard at sunset.  These birds are also an important species for wa’a or canoe builders because these little birds serve as guides helping these craftsmen choose the best koa trees for building the canoe hulls.

The Hawai’i Audabon Society puts out a monthly newsletter keeping bird lovers and bird aficionados abreast of the latest developments in Hawai’i’s fight to save it’s endangered avian friends.

Upload and Read the May/June 2018 edition here.

 

These 4 Plants For Your Bedroom Will Cure Insomnia and Sleep Apnea – Healthy Food House

Unfortunately, numerous people nowadays suffer from sleep disturbances, night terrors, insomnia, or sleep apnea. Yet, there is a simple and natural way to improve your sleep and finally get some rest! All you need to do is to place one of the following plants into your bedroom and enjoy the calm and relaxing atmosphere: Snake […]

Source: These 4 Plants For Your Bedroom Will Cure Insomnia and Sleep Apnea – Healthy Food House

Nā Pōhaku Laʻāu | Copper

Despite its red color, #copper is identified with the element of Water.  Its astral counterpart is the planet #Venus … hence, the attribution of this metal to the goddesses associated with the planet Venus, including Ishtar and Astarte.  Today’s magic includes knowledge about the ability of copper to conduct electricity.  For this reason, it is often used to produce wands used in rituals focused on energy management.  This translates into healing magic — especially in the course of these practices, which aims to balance the polarity of the body and remove any disturbances in the flow of energy that could lead to diseases.  It is believed that carrying a piece of copper with you contributes to the overall improvement of your health and prevents diseases.  Another known property of copper is its ability to relieve the symptoms of rheumatic disease and arthritis.

A Japanese Perspective On Life

In Japan, when a piece of pottery breaks, some potters fill the cracks with gold. These potters see the cracks as something beautiful. They know that the unexpected happens. Change happens. They know that nobody gets through this world in one piece. But, that doesn’t have to diminish us, each a cracked teacup. The cracks are part of our history. They will always be with us. They made us better. They made us stronger. They made us something new.

Contemplations …

A recent study found that marriage has actual health benefits. Married people live longer, have fewer strokes and fewer heart attacks than people who are single. Scientific or not, I find that study incredibly irritating. Happily, there are other studies that tell us the real truth about the health benefits of marriage … which is that the benefits have nothing to do with marriage at all … because those studies have shown that staying in an unhappy marriage is the worst thing you can do for your health and for your children. So, better health is a direct result of healthy relationships. You don’t need a spouse. You just need someone you can trust. You need someone you can talk to. You need someone who will celebrate your wins and grieve your losses. You need someone who can forgive you. You need someone who will show up, no questions asked … and walk with you through every unexpected twist and turn life throws your way. What we find in a soulmate, a life partner, is not something wild to tame, but something wild to run with.

Hau’ōli lā Pō’ahā

Aloha e Hau’ōli lā Pō’ahā. Mai hō’oni i ka wai lānā mālie. Ō kā maluhia nō me ‘oe.

Greetings and Happy Thursday. “Do Not Disturb the Water That is Tranquil.” When you find yourself not enjoying the peace and quiet of a supposed relaxing day, remind yourself not to interrupt your own peaceful thoughts. It’s not always easy but it sure makes for a refreshed soul when life starts back up again. Peace be with you.

La’au Lapa’au | Herb Guide: Oregano

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Origanum vulgare

Also, Known As:

  • Common Marjoram
  • Oregano
  • True Oregano
  • Turkish Oregano
  • Wild Marjoram
  • Winter Marjoram

The famous European herb called the oregano or the pot marjoram is a very familiar spice, botanical name Origanum vulgare. It is a common herb, and the European oregano is known to be a very hardy and perennial herb characterized by the presence of an erect, and somewhat hairy and well-branched stem, the leaves of the herb are also hairy. When fully grown, the plant can cross two feet in height, and is characterized by a very acrid and pungent odor, the fragrance of the plant is very strong, and has a sage-like an aroma, it also smells somewhat like another spice, the thyme – also used in a lot of European cuisines.

The oregano also refers to the pleasant and mint smelling European herb, the marjoram, or the wild marjoram as it is…

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