Dear Ones,

Hi seed planters. Soul activists. Welcome to the long dark. Hi little acorns incubating in the soil/soul of the Earth.

We wake in the dark. Ash reveals the web of our entanglement. Let our eyes adapt to darkness. There is genius inside of our dark collective wound. Luminous. Fruitful. Darkness.

Goodbye, familiar. Hello, mystery. Endings are beginnings. Do I sound like a broken record?

PAIN OF MOTHER

Do you feel it? Do you feel? What even is it? Is it the pain of mothers? Mother. Motherhood. Motherland. Mother Earth. Coming up on year 3 of long dark night of the soul. Deep dark down.

Annihilation of structures, humans, animals, plants, insects, and trees translates as sorrow inside of our bone marrows. Holy inflammation. Like love, Earth grief is non-negotiable. Palpable.

Sue me. I am a highly sensitive human in a world of insensates. I protect my opposite of numb via fellow light-eaters (aka plants). We stay alive together.

CLI-FI MOVIE

The California fires are like a Cli-Fi Hollywood movie. Surreal. There is so much love for all.

Did you see how the Pyrocumulonimbus (PyroCbs) fire clouds are reminiscent of nuclear bombs? Flame vortexes. Fireballs torpedoed throughout the land causing rapid destruction.

We confront equalizing natural disasters. Malibu is no more.

Who knew that Los Angeles would lead the way for 2025? California is likely the most ruggedized of all states. Believe it or not. We have many disasters. Disasters are lessons. We have so much to learn. A shift takes place.

“NO PLAN JAN”

Don’t ask me what my plans are. I have none. I know that unsettles you. Every plan I made in December fell through. January is proving to be same. Clearly, my plan barometer is off. Is it a faulty “plan-ometer?” Or is it a master class in: Listen to your body once and for all?

So I am here writing you instead of planning. Embracing a “no plan Jan.” I sit in this open space. The space in between chaos.

IMMUNITY

I have none. The systems of my body have been pumping on all cylinders. I thought it was due to “burnout” and hormones. It is that and it is something more. Yay 2025!

I had a prolonged viral illness. Likely RSV I presume. It was a perfect setup for another infection to declare itself. Behold my encounter with the most respected bacteria in the kingdom: Staph Aureus (not culture proven guess). That virulent microbe. The one I have battled the most during my ID (infectious disease) career. The irony is not lost on me.

No wonder I am so tired! Microbiota imbalances can do that. My immune cells have been busy little bees taking on the microbe invasion. Successfully keeping a systemic infection at bay. How amazing is that?

Microbes- 2 Nessa- 0

My healing depicted in one image:

PRESENT MOMENTS AND FLOWER MEDICINE:

***NESSA TIP*** ROSE PETAL TEA and FERMENTATION

Drink Your Flowers so says The Apiary (one of my favorite local cider and mead places). Check it out. Fermentation is vital for our gut lovebugs.

I have a local friend, Michelle, who is a queen of fermentation. Meet her on saturdays at the Ventura farmer’s market food court. Support Wild At Heart Ojai.

ROSE PETAL TEA is anti-inflammatory and incredibly rich in antioxidants. Rose boosts immunity, promotes skin/hormonal health, supports digestion and sleep, hydrates, detoxifies, and relieves stress. Add honey or saffron sugar.

UNIVERSAL HEARTBEAT

I have many altars in my home sanctuary. My life now is creative ritual. Rituals are imperative and generative.

When my peace rituals get disturbed, I struggle acutely and immensely. I do not have shame in that any longer.

• Maybe it is an unnamed modern disease tbd.

• Maybe it is undiagnosed Autism or other sensory development issue.

• Maybe it is how I compost the sh*t that we drown in.

***NESSA TIP*** INHALATION

LOCALS- please use air purifiers and humidifers. Even if the air looks and smells ok, it is not ok yet. Think post-911 lingering pollutants. If spending a lot of time outside while fires burn, mask up to prevent toxin and microbe inhalation.

I know what you are thinking. Masking again! Ugh. It is a temporary measure during burns and/or Santa Ana winds. Of note, there are inevitably high rates of fungal infections called Coccidiomycosis/Valley Fever status post hot windy fires. Here are prevention tips.

Trust me, I’m an ex doctor: Cocci can wreak havoc.

***NESSA TIP*** DISASTER KIT + HEALTH BAG

DISASTER PREP KIT: important documents/firesafe contents, solar lights, solar generators, crank radio, cash, emergency food/water, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, vinegar, high protein (nuts, chia/sesame/hemp seeds, bars) coffee/tea, mug with water filter, water purifier tablets/lifestraws, jetboil/campstove, sleeping bag, tent, flashlight/headlamp, electronics and chargers, batteries, wool clothing, hiking boots/shoes, matches/lighter, bearspray/protective weapons, pictures, sentimentals, garden seeds… etc

PLUS

HEALTH STAY (and GO) BAG: I call it a stay bag because it is good to prep this for home regardless.

Thermometer, oximeter, blood pressure cuff/machine, air purifier, humidifier, allergy meds, albuterol inhaler, Ibuprofen, ondansetron, acetaminophen, hydrocortisone cream, antifungal cream, electrolyte tabs, ginger chews, antibiotics, cough drops, dried flower and plant medicines, fermented foods (ex. saurkraut/kombucha), pepto bismol, vicks vapor rub, epi pen, immodium, ginger ale, pedialyte, dark chocolate, spices (sumac/saffron/salt), bandaids/gauze, antacids, antihistamines, personal prescriptions, rubbing alcohol, bandaids, tweezers, trauma sheers... etc

FYI I do not get any proceeds for recommendations. Please share if you have helpful tips and ideas.

A SONG FOR CALIFORNIA (the only home I’ve ever known)

Thank you for experiencing this labor of love with me. Slam on the heart below if you feel like it. Sharing, commenting, liking, and subscribing = loving.

May All Beings Find Peace. May acorns become oak trees.

If you feel compelled to connect, click on calender link here or reply to this email.

Nessa (born at 333 ppm)

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