Green Living – Page 8 – A Clear Place

Getting A Clearer Perspective

July 2, 2013Jane GreenLeave a comment

These photos were taken yesterday just minutes apart of each other. Both show the same giant magnolia. All I did was move to the other side of the tree. Two very different effects. Two very different moods. One depicts the cool presence of the moon fading in the morning sky. The other shows the brilliance of the sun bursting through with all its fiery power. Like the giant blossoms, we rely on both the sun star and the moon for balance and beauty. The next time you are trying to get clear about a challenge with your home – anything from how to arrange furniture to how to create more space in your place – try shifting your position just a bit. Move to the other side of the room, sit in the middle of the floor, stand on a step stool – you might be surprised at the options that appear from a fresh perspective. See you on the clear side!

Note: For inspired ideas on Sun and Moon Energy, visit my Pinterest boards.

Card of the Week – SUMMER

June 22, 2013June 22, 2013Jane GreenLeave a comment

SUMMER energy celebrates the sweetness of life. Lush fruits, fields of flowers – days are buzzing and hot. This is the time of manifesting and expressing. Being out there in a bold way. Passionate pursuits and fueling the flames of enterprise. Summer is all about sizzle and sparks and connecting to your wild side. Bring Summer energy into your home with yellows and bright, cheery tones of color. Use sheer or linen fabrics. Images of dragonflies and daisies. Put out bowls of fresh citrus. Use essential oils of lemon, lavender and grapefruit. Clean your patios, porches and barbeques.

Corresponds to the Element of FIRE, the direction of South, the afternoon and the age cycle of young adults.

About this photo: This plump bee allowed me to capture him as he was enjoying a delicious dahlia in a sunny field in Canby, OR. Place this card in any area of your space that needs a mood lift or momentum for projects!

Learn more about balancing with the Seasons and A Clear Place WISDOM CARDS. (Now available on Etsy.)

Happy Summer everyone!

Garden of Grace

June 13, 2013June 13, 2013Jane GreenLeave a comment

When my Aunt Betty died a few years ago, my cousin, Janet, received comfort in a very special way from her husband and young daughter. In response to last week’s post on the Card of the Week: GRACE; she shared this story and gave me permission to share it here. I hope it inspires you as it did me.

“When Mom died, Cassidy and Jerry designed a garden. Jerry made an archway/arbor at one end. It has stepping stones from one end to the other including one that Cassidy created. My teaching buddies bought a bench for the garden, too. It was very therapeutic, still is! I love to see new things growing each year!

One of mom’s nurses gave us a forget-me-not plant for the garden. Now, I purchase forget-me-not seeds and put them in sympathy cards for friends who have lost loved ones. It is great for the kids to be doing something to work through sad times.”

How lovely is that? What a perfect reminder of the cycles of life. And you don’t have to live on a farm in Wisconsin to plant a memory garden. Dedicate a spot in your backyard or repurpose that unused veggie patch. Invite family and friends to contribute labor/know-how and/or plants. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even a container corner on a deck can serve the same purpose. Be intentional. Keep the garden tended. Enjoy the memories … and the seeds of love.

Share your story. Find inspiration on healing ways with nature … order your Wisdom Cards here.

Wisdom Card of the Week – GRACE

June 6, 2013June 6, 2013Jane Green1 Comment

There is a spirituality to nature that is undeniable. A cathedral of trees, a chapel of flowers – exquisite works of depth and beauty. Elegant ambassadors of light and grace. These messengers remind us to walk softly and be gentle with each other. We are, after all, in this home together.

Add a touch of grace to your home by bringing some nature indoors. A simple blossom or image of one, like this GRACE card, is all it takes. Flowers vibrate at a very fine frequency and help balance heavy or dark areas of your space. Place a flower near the photo of a loved one to honor your connection. Be sure to keep the water clean and blossoms fresh.

About this photo: This is one of the twenty Focus Cards included in the deck that enhance the Elements, Seasons, Sun and Moon cards. Giant irises remind me of grand ladies. Stunning grace and elegant. This one was photographed during a trip to Seattle. She greeted me in my friend’s backyard – unannounced and beautiful.

Find out more about adding beauty to your home and your life with A Clear Place WISDOM CARDS – now available on Etsy!

Wisdom Card of the Week – AIR

May 31, 2013Jane GreenLeave a comment

The element of AIR encourages inspiration and fresh perspective. It’s about vision and rising above to get a clearer view of the situation. This is the element you want to use for mental alertness and clarity – perfect energy to add for studying, reading or focused thought. In your home, suspend mobiles or add images of feathers, clouds and birds to represent AIR. Diffuse essential oils of clary sage or juniper. Make sure air can flow freely through your space. Open and clean your windows. Clean air vents and replace air filters. Colors to use for decor include light blues, lavender and shades of white. Think of that light, free feeling when you blow bubbles or dandelion puffs. AIR corresponds to the Season of Spring and the East direction.

About the photo: I took this photo at the Steigerwald National Wildlife Refuge along the Columbia River in Washougal, WA. Look closely and you’ll see the flock of birds in a heart-shape. The clouds to me look like an angel flying towards the sun. What does the image resemble to you?

Special Note: What a perfect card for my birthday week. If you’re an AIR sign like me, you know how important it is to be able to view the sky both indoors and out. I keep this card on my writing desk. View more about this element at my Pinterest AIR board. Do you have your deck of WISDOM CARDS yet? Find out how to order.

Wisdom Card of the Week – SPRING

May 24, 2013May 24, 2013Jane GreenLeave a comment

SPRING is the Season of new beginnings and budding ideas. It’s a perfect time to bring balance to your home and create harmony. Use pinks and greens in your decor to represent the colors of the heart. Diffuse essential oils of pink grapefruit or rosemary for freshness. Place images in your room of baby animals, heart shapes, flower buds … all things green.

Corresponds with the Element of AIR, the direction of the EAST and the infant/child cycle of life.

The Photo: I captured this budding Pink Rhododendron at the Elk Rock Garden at the Bishop’s Close in Lake Oswego, OR.

Special note: I chose this card as the cover for A Clear Place WISDOM CARDS deck because they are from the heart and bring creative ideas for bringing harmony and balance to your home. Learn more about SPRING and this unique card deck.

Chandelier Idea is a Clear Winner

April 16, 2013Jane GreenLeave a comment

Wow! This has got to be one of my all time favorite decor ideas. Cost efficient, lots of creative possibilities and it combines elements of water, light, earth and air. Flow with the seasons by changing the spring flowers to fall foliage or winter holly. Use colored water to add a rainbow of light or shades of your current palette. The test tube chandelier is made in Poland and was inspired by Madame Curie, the Polish chemist and the first woman awarded the Nobel Prize. Ships anywhere and is available on Etsy. Click here for order information. NOTE: Keep the glass tubes clean and clear. Change the water at least weekly – more frequently if you are using fresh flowers.

Clutterers Support Group

April 9, 2013Jane Green2 Comments

A reminder from my Resource page: Clutterers Anonymous holds weekly meetings for anyone needing help with clutter or hoarding issues. There are two Portland locations to choose from including Thursday evenings at the beautiful Alano Club in NW PDX. Click here to get details and please pass this on to friends or family members who could use support around stuff issues. Meetings are free and always held in confidence. Often times the emotional issues attached to extreme clutter or hoarding prevent loved ones from asking for help. Having a third party or anonymous support can provide the encouragement needed to get started and stay on track.

Breasts Deserve a Good Home

March 15, 2013Jane GreenLeave a comment

If you are like most women, you don’t give much thought to your bra. You have one maybe two and wear them to a frazzle. Your breasts deserve better treatment. Why would you choose to cover your heart with something frayed? Make a point of treating yourself right and get a new bra this week (under wire free, please). While you are at it, pick up a bra to donate to Free The Girls – a wonderful program (that I just learned about) dedicated to keeping young girls out of prostitution. Why bras? Find out here. Are you a “on second thought” gal with a drawer full of bras you bought and then decided you didn’t really like? Donate those, too. Any gently worn style is welcome. Visit the website to find donation sites near you. If you live in the Vancouver area, Camas Antiques is collecting bras now through April 15th for the CW Soroptimist group who will send the donations to Free The Girls. Note: Thanks to my friend, Karen, for passing this donation opportunity along.

A Clear Reminder for Indoor Air

January 25, 2013February 1, 2013Jane GreenLeave a comment

No surprise here but it bears repeating. From the February issue of O Magazine: “A 2012 study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, which looked at chemicals found in more than 200 common household products ranging from laundry detergent to hand sanitizers, found that air fresheners were among the highest in levels of synthetic fragrances. You’re better off filling your house with natural scents, like real rosemary.”
For my suggestions on natural cleaning products click here and for my tips on using orange essential oil in your home click here. As always, thanks for your efforts in keeping life clear!