Following up on the Santa Rosa lavender labyrinth which was last Tuesday’s Nice Thing, there’s also a lavender labyrinth in Shelby, Michigan.

[Image description: An aerial photo of a labyrinth made of lavender bushes and other colorful plants.]

From the website: “An arbor towers above the stone circle and surrounds an herb garden. Designed in accordance with the principles of sacred geometry, the 12-point vesica pattern defines 36 beds filled with dozens of herbal varieties.”

The center of the labyrinth is a lush herb garden, which provides fragrant breezes as you walk the labyrinth, as well as providing delightful goods available in the market.

The labyrinth is part of Cherry Hill Market, which offers fresh, local produce, available to take home or to enjoy on site in one of the dishes at the market cafe. Currently, the hours and services are limited due to the pandemic, but if you find yourself in that part of the world, do check their website to see if you can arrange a visit.

The Weekly Insight from the Oracles for July 5, 2020 is live on my Patreon!

Many thanks to my wonderful Patrons!

Not a Patron yet? Click through to discover the delightful perks which can be yours!

[Image description: A teaser screenshot of this week’s Insight from the Oracles, with just a hint of the cards and runes showing.]

As we celebrate Independence Day here in the US, we can keep in mind the work we’ve done, and the work still to be done, to make this truly the melting pot nation our textbooks said it is.

Let Them Not Say
—Jane Hirshfield

Let them not say: we did not see it.
We saw.

Let them not say: we did not hear it.
We heard.

Let them not say: they did not taste it.
We ate, we trembled.

Let them not say: it was not spoken, not written.
We spoke,
we witnessed with voices and hands.

Let them not say: they did nothing.
We did not-enough.

Let them say, as they must say something:

A kerosene beauty.
It burned.

Let them say we warmed ourselves by it,
read by its light, praised,
and it burned.

The International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab) at the Brain Science Institute of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine has created a NeuroArts Field Guide with articles and resources for maintaining and improving mental health during the pandemic through artistic activities.

“Even before the pandemic, many of us engaged in art making or art appreciation to help us feel happier and healthier. Some of us draw, sing, dance or write. Others listen to our favorite music or story to feel a sense of calm.
In response to many requests about ways the arts can help us during the pandemic, IAM Lab has created the COVID-19 NeuroArts Field Guide. It offers weekly easy-to-do art activities and simple explanations about the science behind them.
From stress and anxiety to loneliness and loss, we hope these evidence-based arts ideas help you and your family find new and joyful ways to cope and feel better during this unpredictable time.”

Articles range from “How Listening to Music May Ease Traumatic Stress” to “Just Dance: A Prescription for Mental Wellbeing” and “How a Dose of Nature Is Essential to Your Mental Health “, and include not only suggested activities related to the topic, but also explain the neurological effects of the activities.

Of course, you can skip the explanations and go directly to the activities, but if you’re at all curious about how the human brain works (or doesn’t, sometimes), it’s an easy way to learn about this fascinating subject.

You can also check out this article on “Making Art Is Keeping Us Sane” from Reasons to Be Cheerful as an introduction. And, while you’re at it, sign up for the RTBC newsletter—it’s something you will look forward to seeing in your inbox!

[Image description: A decorative bottom banner of miscellaneous colorful shapes. /end ID]

(Image credit: Reasons to Be Cheerful )

How Many Temptations I Pass Through
—Patrizia Cavalli

How many temptations I pass through
crossing between the bedroom
and the kitchen, between the kitchen
and the toilet. A spot
on the wall, a piece of paper
fallen on the floor, a glass of water,
a glance out the window,
hi to the neighbor,
a pat for the kitten.

And so I always forget
the main idea, I lose
my way, I get upset
day after day and it’s useless
to attempt any kind of return.