CUT OFF YOUR BROKEN LIMB

On the Monterey Peninsula we have, as of late, been having quite strong winds that have snapped branches and trees all around. The wind today has been especially strong and I had been hearing some strange crackling sounds so I knew it was time to walk the property checking the condition of my trees. Sure enough, the Flowering Apricot tree had several branches broken. It was time to trim them back.

The pruning process is one that I enjoy very much. Its a time to influence the shape of the plant as well as the landscape, and its an important part of the health of the property. And I find this time to be especially meditative where the mind is singly focused and the body is physically active.

I trimmed back the tree quite a lot, shaping the sides, removing broken and damged areas, and cleaning up the base that had overgrown due to abundant rain this winter and spring. While cutting, I observed, to my Horror(!), an aphid infestation on one half of the tree. Inevitably there is also an ant infestation so this discovery is crucial to regaining control of the growing environmnet. When the wind subsides, I will be treating the area to control the infestation.

This was such a productive activity and I know the aesthetic appeal is improved. I encourage readers to walk their properties, large or small, to observe all of the vegetation. This is the only way to "know" your landscape and you'll be aware a changes that threaten your garden. And allow yourself to reap the benefit of quiet solitude and reflection. This is a time of renewal for you too!

Be well, until next time,

From the Sunny Side of the Graveyard,
Beverly The Gothic Gourmet

Back on Blogger

The Gothic Gourmet Blog is back on Blogger. It's return is due in large part to Blogger not supporting ftp publishing, but really the posting problems have been going on for years. It is my hope, my great, deep hope that this move back to the source will resolve this problem.

While I'm happy to be back, the unfortunate truth is that many of the posts have dropped out, as well as the pages with recipes and the photo gallery. Well, the mise en place is set for starting anew.

I have several projects happening at this time, including a microbudget feature that I will start filming once the funding comes together. ScriptFrenzy April resulted in an exciting and refreshing script that I've always had in me and always was waiting to let out.

Join me on my Beverly Van Pelt public Facebook page. It's easy! www.facebook.com/gothicgourmet

Also on Facebook is The Gothic Gourmet Fan Page. Stop by for some witty repartee and deliciously dark secrets! www.facebook.com/pages/The-Gothic-Gourmet/58814909711

The Gothic Gourmet Channel is a great place to see video interviews and commentary. www.YouTube.com/gothicgourmet

The Gothic Gourmet on Myspace is my first True "Social Networking" Love though I am disgruntled with its continuing migration into a Facebook clone. www.myspace.com/gothigourmet

gothicgourmet.podomatic.com is the origin of The Gothic Gourmet Podcasts.

I will be featured in the July/August Issue of CultGoddessMagazine.com. The theme is WOMEN IN CHARGE! Indeed! www.CultGoddessMagazine.com

SunnySideoftheGraveyard.com will be having a storewide sale. SunnySideoftheGraveyard.com

SunnySideoftheGraveyard.com is on the Facebook. Yes, it is. www.facebook.com/pages/Monterey-CA/Sunny-Side-of-the-Graveyard/6544058929

I am currently posting on Women of the League Bloggers. This is a side project of The League of Extraordinary Paranormal Women and ParaWomen SCREAM Radio. My posts are reflections on the “Paranormal in Real Estate”. http://www.theleagueofextraordinarywomenofparanormalandhorror.com/2010/05/in-world-of-darkness-and-hope.html

Finally, I am moving the GothicGourmet.com and BeverlyVanPelt.com domains to a new host. Sadly this means that I've lost my subscribers, rss feeds, etc. Once these pages are up and running I will be sure to post it here and on the Social Networking sites.

Well, until next time…

From the Sunny Side of the Graveyard,
Beverly The Gothic Gourmet