George Floyd's Family Speaks

Homemade Organic Pest Repellent {Part 2} Attracting Beneficial Insects

Not all insects are bad for your plants. Some actually consume other dangerous pests and keep your garden infestation free. If you're growing green leafy vegetables, introduce arachnids, ichneumon wasps and/or chalcids by inter-planting them with carrots, celery or parsley. These insects prey on leaf-eating caterpillars.

Consider introducing ladybugs, lacewings or hoverflies into your garden also to help control aphids and other insects pests like mites. All three of these pests can be purchased online or through your local garden center then released into your garden. However, there are certain plants that if inter-planted with your crops will attract these beneficial pests naturally. Ladybugs are attracted to tansy and yarrow; while lacewings and hoverflies are attracted to composite flowers such as asters and black-eyed Susans.

Praying mantis are also an excellent addition to your garden because they prey on most garden pests. You can find their eggs through online stores or at your local garden center. To introduce them, set out the eggs spread evenly about your garden and leave them to hatch. Once they've done so, they will get to work.

Cover Cropping

If you want to keep your soil healthy and to have consistently high yields that do not deplete over the years, then it is important to have seasons when sections of your garden are not being actively used. Basically during these seasons, you are allowing your soil to rest and recover from the nutritional depletion it has undergone as a result of continuous planting. In theory, it would make sense to leave the land bare and unused and just ignore it. However, you do not have to contract with the weeds around to leave your garden alone. Then, with the soul being so bate, there is a high chance or erosion.

Your best solution is to mix compost into your soil, then plant Cover Crops. Cover crops are plants that have been planted with some intention of minimizing weed growth and soil erosion. They also make sure that your soil retains its texture by reducing compaction. They include crops like Australian field peas, bell beans, and vetch. When you're ready to use the land again, instead of harvesting the plants, till them into the soil in order to return the nutrients they have absorbed from the soil.

Preventing Pest Infestation & Re-infestation

Regardless of how much you do, there will be some pests that will slip through the cracks. Knowing this is a likelihood, it is important to prevent these cunning pests from multiplying and taking over your garden. Apart from the pest control methods you use like sprays, there are ways you can control pests even before you plant your crops.

One of these pest-infestation prevention methods in Inter-planting. More often than not, pests are plant-specific i.e. they have a preference for certain kinds of plants and keep attacking them over and over again. Some pests are attracted to leafy green vegetables e.g. Brussel sprouts, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, oriental greens, etc; Some are attracted to legumes e.g. broad beans, peas, etc. Others prefer fruit-bearing plants such as tomatoes, corn, eggplant, cucumber; while others prefer root plants like beetroot, sweet potatoes, celery, shallot, and leak.

When you inter-plant crops from different families, the pests will have a harder time spreading because their path to the next preferred plant is blocked by something they do not like. Check the families of the crops you plan to plant and then inter-plant it with a plant coming from a completely different family.
While inter-planting prevents infestation, Rotation prevents infestation and re-infestation. As with inter-planting, it is based on the theory of pests being plant-specific. However, the main difference is that instead of planting different families on one plot of land, this time you'll divide your garden into different plots depending upon the number of families you plan to plant.

When pests that have created a home for themselves in a particular section of land are deprived of their preferred family of plants, they will eventually decline or die. Rotation is also a way to balance the nutritional value of your soil because different plants have different needs. By mixing them up, you are giving them a chance to restore their nutrients before the crop that needs to returns.
Let's say you're planning to plant spinach, kidney beans, and sweet potatoes. Each of these plants will have their own plot of land and if any inter-planting occurs it will be with another plant in the same family. Some garden enthusiasts will also save one piece of their land for cover-cropping; so that means your land has now been divided into four pieces. During this season each family will remain in its specified plot but come next planting season, you'll make sure that the family is planted in a completely different plot. The families will move in a clockwise/anticlockwise direction through the plots each planting season till they come full circle.

Obviously, this will take a bit of planning by you to make sure that the same family doesn't come back to the same section of land until the full rotation is completed but the results after are pest-free and healthy yields. Some gardeners have three rotations (two plant families and one cover-cropping) while others have six rotations (four/five plant families and two/one cover-cropping). It all depends on how many families you're interested in having your ability to track your rotations. Plan your rotations before the season starts, mark out sections and add compost (even in the cover-cropping section) in preparation for planting.

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The Story of Tilikum: The Captured Orca

What is Punishment? Punishment is being netted away from your Mother at no more than two years old and driven off in the night for what would become your tortured life in captivity. Tilikum spent his first year of captivity at Harfnarfjour Marine Zoo, near Reykjavik awaiting a buyer. He was eventually shipped to Sealand of the Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia in late 1984.

Tilikum was uniquely known for being very large and having a dorsal collapsed fin which happens about 1% in the wild and about 90% in captivity.

His early years at Sealand contributed hugely to the problems he would encounter for the rest of his life. As a young male he encountered constant attacks from two or more dominant females he shared a tank with where he had little to no room to escape due to his huge size v/s the limited size of the tank itself. This led to Tilikum being isolated nightly, only being let out to breed and perform. This undoubtedly contributed to his psychosis and subsequent behavioral problems.

'On February 20th, 1991, Keltie Byrne a Sealand trainer and champion swimmer, slipped and fell into the Orca pool'. This is what was officially reported, however, I recommend watching the award-winning documentary 'Blackfish.'  All three Orcas began to swim around her just as they would a seal in the wild, and Tilikum dove in and repeatedly submerged her until she tragically drowned. At this point, Sealand was forced to close but reported that they did not know which Orca caused the woman's death although witnesses reported that they saw Tilikum himself do this. The witnesses say they were sure due to his unique dorsal fin.
Tilikum was then sold to SeaWorld. SeaWorld was famously known for capturing whales in the wild and was told by the state of Washington to never come back and capture there anymore. They wanted Tilikum to breed him, however, breeding and animal that has an aggressive gene, is usually an ill-advised practice.


Tragedy struck again on July 6th, 1999 when a Florida resident, Daniel Dukes managed to bypass security and sneak into the Orlando park after hours. His lifeless body was found draped across Tilikum's back by security staff the following morning with parts of his body being bitten off, including his genitals.
On February 24th, 2010, Dawn Brancheau, one of SeaWorld's most respected and experienced trainers, working on a training session with Tilikum, was grabbed by her arm and pulled into the pool where he brutally rammed and drowned her. This tragic incident came just nine weeks after Keto, another SeaWorld-owed Orca, drowned his trainer, Alexis Martinez at Loro Parque in the Canary Islands on December 24, 2009. These horrific incidents were first documented in David Kirby's critically acclaimed book "Death at SeaWorld" in 2012 and then the following year in the award-winning documentary, Blackfish.

Today, an estimate of over 60 Orcas still remain in captivity around the world. We must ask ourselves, why did Tilikum or any of the other Orcas kill humans?  Is it because they take steal them from their families at young ages and keep them captive in small spaces depriving them of their natural ways of existence? Is it because they force them to perform tricks and obey commands and if they don't or make mistakes they are punished and withheld food?

Orcas are apex predators, at the TOP of the food chain. No other animals (except humans ) hunt Orcas. 'Killer Whales' feed on sea birds, squid, octopuses, sea marine mammal such as seals and dugongs and eat seals and sea lions right off the ice. The adults never leave their mothers.

 Orcas are not whales or fish, in fact, they are dolphins, and the largest dolphin to boot. Tilikum, in fact, grew to become the largest Orca held in captivity weighing in at 12, 000 pounds and measuring over 22ft long. In isolation, without his family. Now that's Punishment.

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Seamoss Spread: A Healthy Alternative To Traditional Butter

Healthy Spread

A healthier alternative to "traditional butter. With just 3 ingredients,  Coconut oil, Seamoss, and Portugal Sea Salt.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has been around for hundreds of years and used in many cultures to take care of the body. The uses are very wide and combine both topical and internal remedies.

Cultures that use this in the long term seem to have better energy, skin, and overall health. Coconut oil is very medicinal and once you learn about these top benefits, you’ll most likely be excited to incorporate it into your diet and personal hygiene.

Coconut oil, in its raw form, is one of the most healthy fats you can consume. Healthy fats are absolutely essential for healthy brain function. It can even help to stimulate and improve the brain’s capacity to learn and categorize information. The omega fatty acids can help reduce mental conditions like depression, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, and dementia.

It’s an excellent preventative method for keeping brain problems from developing as well. Coconut oil is also believed to aid in weight loss! Scientists are doing extensive research on coconut oil as a cure for these mental conditions and this superfood is being used more widely instead of trans fat alternatives like butter.

Sea Moss: The active compound in sea moss is carrageenan and this mucilage compound helps restore the health of the mucous membrane throughout the body. Sea moss has been used to address respiratory ailments like bronchitis because of its ability to absorb excess liquid in the lungs and expel excess mucus. Sea moss has been used to remove radiation poisoning from the body, and to soothe inflamed tissue in the digestive tract. Sea moss is also an excellent natural source of iodine.

Portugal Sea Salt: It is naturally clear and white as the salt bed is very hard and does not take on the earthy grey color from the basin. But from the shape of the crystals and it's taste, you can tell the difference from any other bleached white sea salt.  Portugal Sea Salt detoxifies the body of radiation, rejuvenates and de-stresses the body and builds healthy immune function. It also promotes proper regulation of bodily fluids and adrenal health while acting as a nasal wash and gargle for colds, allergies and sinus issues.

Combine these three ingredients to your specifications and skils to create a spread that can replace the need for other butters and/or fats.

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Herbs That Help Heal The Digestive System

Let's Freshen Up That Digestive System!

Here Is Some Most Helpful Herbs Perfect For The Task!

Tarragon: an excellent source of minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium.

Rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C as well as B-6.

Tarragon contains antioxidants that help to neutralize Free radicals in the body.

Thyme: Has more Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

Commonly taken by mouth for bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat, colic, arthritis, upset stomach, stomach pain (gastritis), diarrhea, bedwetting, intestinal gas (flatulence), parasitic worm infections and skin disorders.

Natural diuretic.

Appetite-suppressant.

Allspice: The eugenol found in allspice can eliminate digestive issues such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation, while also stimulating regularity which reduces bloating and excess flatulence.

The anti glamorizing aspect of allspice further ears cramps which can ease the entire process of digestion.

Holy Basil: Good for treating anxiety, adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, acne, and blood sugar issues.

Wormwood: Good for the digestive system, emmenagogue (stimulates menstruation), febrifuge (reduces fever), had narcotic properties, and vermifuge- and anthelmintic medicine (destroys parasitic worms).

Wormwood is also known as GREEN GINGER ABSINTHIUM. (¿A toxin extracted from wormwood plants. An aromatic herb of temperature Eurasia and North Africa having a bitter taste used in making a liqueur.)

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Zesty Lemon Zucchini Chips!

Once again from The Natural Snack Collection, a great idea to satisfy your desire to snack while making it healthy.

Zesty Lemon Zucchini Chips!

100% Zucchini Squash with a lemon ting and a great zest of spice and flavor, this one is sure to be a hit. No oven, grease or frying needed, this is all veggie with lemon juice, seasonings, and herbs.

Simply slice thin your zucchini in a large bowl, add lemon juice, electric seasonings, and spicy pepper seasonings to your taste and allow to soak for at least two hours. The longer you soak, the more flavor it absorbs.
Put your zucchini slices in the dehydrator and dehydrate until you reach your desired crispiness.

Simply slice thin your zucchini in a large bowl, add lemon juice, electric seasonings, and spicy pepper seasonings to your taste and allow to soak for at least two hours. The longer you soak, the more flavor it absorbs.

Put your zucchini slices in the dehydrator and dehydrate until you reach your desired crispiness.

Enjoy that zingy, crunchy flavor with a Lil' kick!

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"But I love him oh so much, why doesn't he love me the way I love him?"

If you understand this simple thing here, you will understand quite a bit about life:

People do what they do the way they do it because of who they are and the information they have at the time.

I will say it again:

People do what they do the way they do it because of who they are and the information they have at the time.

With this being said, you have no control over where a person is in their journey. And when you feel as though someone isn't loving you back, that may not quite be so. They simply aren't loving you the way you think they should. Their lack of giving you what you expect does not mean that they do not love you.  People who we love and do not love us back are only demonstrating love in the only way they know-how.

We as humans often make the mistake of coming into a relationship expecting someone to fill a void, mainly when we do not even know what that void is. Then we end up disappointed when they do not and it is not fair to them. We should not expect someone to do things for us that we cannot do for ourselves. This is a mistake. Love and partnerships are about sharing an integration, not leaning. You want your partner to be your partner, not your crutch.

We also make the mistake of desiring someone to remain in our lives forever. At some point, we must catch on to the fact that this simply isn't true. The only person you will always have is yourself. When others come into our lives, we must move forward with the acknowledgment that people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime, they are not there forever.

They are just passing through so you can grow together, learn together, heal together or possibly all three but they will at some point have to depart.
You must understand your own pathology. If you grew up being treated in ways that weren't good for you like people being emotionally unavailable, you will more often than not attract people that recreate your childhood experiences. You tend to become psychologically or emotionally attached to them thinking you can love them enough to get them to behave appropriately.

You must realize these things:

Someone loving you or not loving you the way you need them to is not personal. Again,

People do what they do the way they do it because of who they are and the information they have at the time.

Until you clear yourself and your energy of those emotions attached to those childhood experiences, you will continue to attract people who are emotionally unavailable, betray you and not give you the love you need.

So if you are continuously attracting people who do not love you back you must look at your pathology. Look at how you learned to love, what you expect from love, what you give in return for love what you expect others to do for you and give to you if they love you.

People come and love you in response to the vibrations you send out into the Universe about love.

Find ways to release all your negative energy from your past hurt and disappointments.

Learn what it is to have a reciprocation of love in a relationship, what that should look and feel like. Do not try and make it more complex than it needs to be. Trust your gut as the saying goes. How do you feel when you enter a room with this person, do you feel the energy of love. When you are with this person do you feel loved, do they make you want to be a better woman or man? Do they nurture you, nourish you and bring you peace and joy? Do you have a vision for them and with them? Do they have a vision for you? Do you feel as though you want to be a better person because of this love? Not that you need to be ashamed of any flaws, but do they inspire you to want to be a better person, can you see yourself growing with them?

You do not have to stop loving someone because they are not giving you what you need but you have the right to choose. You can love someone and not be in a relationship with them. Love them and give them the opportunity to find what they need elsewhere and you can do the same.

You do not get to tell people how to love you, people are going to love you based upon the information they have and who they are at the time.

You get to choose if you participate in them not loving you. If you are that attached to this situation to where you are so happy to get a little love, and you have to struggle for that love, just imagine what it will be like when real love comes along and how that will feel!

Why cope with less when you can choose more?

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Appreciating Papaya

Exotic and underrated, Papayas offer not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics but are rich sources of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C, flavonoids, the B vitamins folate and pantothenic acid, potassium, copper, magnesium, and fiber. Together these nutrients promote the health and cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer.

In addition, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma and allergies.

                                    

Papayas are spherical or pear-shaped fruits that can be as long as 20''. Their flesh is a rich orange color with either yellow or pink hues. The inner cavity of the fruit is a deep orange with black round seeds that resemble peppercorns. The flesh is encased in a gelatinous-like substance and it is deliciously sweet with musky undertones and butter-like consistency.

Although there is a slight seasonal peak in early summer and fall, papaya trees produce fruit all year and can now be found in markets thought the year.

Selecting Papayas

If you want to eat them within a day of purchase, choose papayas that have an orange-reddish skin and are slightly soft to the touch. Papayas with patches of yellow will take a few more days to ripen.

Papayas that are totally green or overly hard should not be purchased unless you are planning on cooking them, or unless you want to use the flesh in a dish without the development of the sweet juicy flavor.

Try to avoid Papayas that are bruised or have black spots. Papayas that are partially yellow should be left at room temperature where they will ripen in a few days. This process could be sped up by placing them in a paper bag with a banana. Ripe papayas should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed or dehydrated within one or two days.

Tips for Preparing and Cooking

Papayas can be used in many ways

You can dehydrate the flesh for tasty snacks that will last months! Take them on the go and have handy healthy treats, or reconstitute with water to use the juicy flesh at a later date! Dehydrating is a great way to store and save Papayas for use in the future!

You can scoop out the seeds and eat it like a melon plain or squeeze lime juice on it for a little zest!

Cut Papaya into smaller pieces for a fruit salad adding it only just before serving as it has a tendency to make other fruits soft.

Blend it into a delicious smoothie! You can add ice, some of the seeds and other fruits to spice it up if you like!

Mix diced papaya, cilantro, ginger, and jalapeno peppers together to make great salsa!

Blend and freeze to make Papaya cicles! A sweet healthy cold treat!

The Skin

Take the skin, dehydrate it well and blend it into a vitamin powder! Add it to your compost or dehydrate it and blend it and feed it to your plants!

The Seeds

While most people throw them away, papaya seeds are not only edible but very beneficial. Do keep in mind that eating the seeds is not like eating papaya fruit. They have a strong flavor, more like a cross between mustard and black peppercorns. In fact, the seeds can be dehydrated and used whole or either grounded for a spicy pepper seasoning while also enjoying the benefits.
The seeds contain high levels of proteolytic enzymes like papain which can help rid your body of parasites. In the same way that papain breaks down undigested protein waste in your food, it may also break down parasites and their eggs.
The seeds from Papaya also contain a unique anthelmintic alkaloid called carpaine that has been shown to be very effective at killing parasitic worms and amoebas.  Here is a link to more specific instructions on using the seeds to rid parasites:      How To Remove Parasites

Papaya Seeds as a Treatment for Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a disease usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption over many years wherein the liver shrinks and becomes hardened. In this state it is ineffective at removing toxins from the body, leading to a variety of serious health problems.
Papaya seeds are often reported as an effective treatment for liver cirrhosis.
Grinding about five dried seeds or crushing up fresh ones and mixing them with a tablespoon of fresh lime juice and drinking twice a day is believed to be the optimal method for treatment.
Many cirrhosis sufferers have had dramatic improvements with this remedy, however, if you are under a physician's care and taking medication consult with your doctor first mainly in regards to the papain enzyme that may interfere with medications.
Papaya seed shots taken regularly is said to be helpful with liver detoxification for even people without such liver damage.

Other Possible Remedies

Other uses of Papaya seeds could be to prevent or treat food poisoning, aid in the treatment of candida yeast overgrowth and even treating viral infections such as Dengue fever in parts of Central America like Costa Rica.

Children and Infants

The benefits of Papaya seed, with their high levels of digestive enzymes, antibacterial, anti-parasitic and liver regenerating properties are powerful. As an adult, you do not need many at a time, certainly not a whole fruit's worth. With that being said, as a precaution, please consider consulting your medical professional before administering them to children or infants as they may be too powerful for young children's gastrointestinal tracts. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should possibly seek a bit of medical professional advice as well.

In the meantime, share and spread the word to APPRECIATE PAPAYA!

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