About Me

~Taken out of context, I must seem so strange.  ~Ani

I told a friend of mine that I think I came into this world with an agenda.  I wanted to be one of the most misunderstood people in my family.  And I have been very successful.  I love being different, even though being misunderstood can be painful.  Dancing to the beat of my own drum is very empowering; very freeing; and I am grateful for the opportunity to fully experience life.

Alayna the Magnificent and her Minion

I don’t come from a family of herbalists, per se, but my grandmother was instrumental in instilling a passion for herbs within my young heart.  My step dad gave me a love for organic gardening and plants of all kinds.  And my mom gave me the gift of deep love.

I have been studying herbal medicine since 1996 and I am mostly self taught.  When I began my study, I couldn’t afford to go to the doctor if something was wrong with me.  Sometimes I couldn’t even afford laundry detergent.  So herbal medicine and soap making were two things I explored fully.

~High upon Life’s friendship tree, pick a leaf and think of me.  ~Framp

I love and appreciate my friends very much, and my hope is that this site and blog will serve as a community and learning space for many who honor and revere plants, animals and nature.  ~Wado.