by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Sep 22, 2021 | Appalachian, folklore cures, Nature, superstition
CATCH A FALLING LEAF – Today is the first day of autumn–yay! I LOVE fall with cooler days, blue skies, glorious leaves, and apple picking. But TODAY is extra special in Appalachia because this is your chance to guarantee you stay healthy this winter (and...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Aug 23, 2021 | Nature
Hurricane Fred blew through here last week. We moved to the mountains to get away from hurricanes and by and large we have. Plus, a hurricane on the coast is a whole other beast than one that’s bullied its way into the mountains. All that land and topography...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Aug 19, 2021 | Appalachian, Nature
While I love fall, I also love these days when I can begin to ANTICIPATE fall. Because half the fun of a thing, is looking forward to it. Hmmm. Maybe more than half the fun! As I get out and take Thistle for walks, or open my window on a cool morning, I’m definitely...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Jul 22, 2021 | Appalachian, books, folklore cures, Nature
I love it when friends keep an eye out for items they know I’ll treasure. Last week my friend Jessie slipped me a copy of Appalachian Folk Medicine: Native Plants and Healing Traditions. It was a donated to the thrift store at the ministry where I work and I...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Jul 19, 2021 | Appalachian, Hiking, Nature
I keep thinking it might be okay to start watching the news again. Then I do and . . . oh well. But it IS okay–more than okay–to check in with summer in the mountains of western North Carolina. While I’m more of a fan of spring and fall, I sure...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Jul 15, 2021 | folklore cures, Nature, Writing
In The Finder of Forgotten Things one of my characters gathers and dries flowers to make Oswego tea. It’s a drink I’d heard of over the years, but didn’t really know much about. So I did a little research. Other names for the plant are bergamot,...
