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Calendula!

8/24/2013

This is the first year I've grown Calendula. I love this plant. It wasn't in my garden until mid-summer because I had to order seeds and start them, but the flowers are coming on an they're lovely. Calendula was very popular through English history. The blossoms continue for most of the year (hence the name "calendula" from calendar). It has been promoted as a healing herb for the skin and is still widely used in creams and lotions today. The flowers are edible, the petals are very pretty and come in a range of reds to orange to yellow to white. All in all, it's just a lovely plant! Next year I hope to start earlier and plant many more.

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Wasp Nest in Wasp Trap

8/18/2013

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I was amazed! I'd had problems with wasps chasing my humming birds away from their feeder for the summer. For the first time in two years I pulled down my long neglected wasp trap and prepared for battle. It was surprisingly difficult to open up. When I did, I found this wasp nest built in th

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Help! Should I go with a pen-name?

8/14/2013

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I'm hitting the deadline and need to decide what name I'll publish my Shakespeare's Witch series under. Many of my writer friends are using pen-names. I thought I'd go with J.D. Stevens. J.D. for Jodee (get it?) and Stevens would be a shortened, easier to remember and spell derivative of my true name. But when I surfed the web yesterday I was surprised to see how far my Jodee Steffensen name had gone to establish me as an author.
Such a dilemma!
Why a pen-name? First, it's gender neutral and men hesitate to read work by female authors (sorry guys, but research has found it to be true.) Second, historical authors often use their initials. I guess it gives them more gravity. Third, authors use different pen-names for different genres thinking it helps clarify which genre the reader is purchasing. Fourth, it may compensate for a name that's difficult to remember and/or spell.
All of these arguments apply to me.
So dear reader (whoever you are), send me some comments. Do you prefer J.D. Steffensen (not much of a change), J.D. Stevens (easy to remember but completely new in terms of establishing a marketing platform), or just stick with Jodee Steffensen as author for the Shakespeare's Witch series.
Feedback VERY much appreciated!

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The Perfect Day!

8/12/2013

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My sister and I went to the VIP movie suite at Jordan Commons. What a terrific experience! I would recommend it to anyone!

I meant to go into work today, but it's the last day of summer and today the weather was perfect. I realized as I finished my water aerobics (the last opportunity I'll have until Labor Day), that I couldn't miss the rain storm coming in. I sat on my couch with my porch door opened and listened to the thunder while I wrote. Oh how I wish I could spend all my days writing. Even when it's tedious, like today, and full of editing or fighting with Create Space to mount my work, I love it!
Not that teaching isn't exciting! It is and I know I'm looking forward to a great year. Angie, a good friend, has moved into the classroom across the hall. She's joining a group of wonderful teachers and staff. I love the administration. It's a terrific school and I'm glad to be part of it.
But still, I would love the freedom to open my door to the outside. I've always struggled with being cut off from nature. I guess it's a form of claustrophobia. I remember, even as a small child, I spent as much time as possible outside. I think that's why I'm enjoying my character, Beatrice. She loves nature, too!

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History of English = Fun!

8/4/2013

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With school just around the corner, and we teachers already back at work, I couldn't resist posting this fun youtube! Yes, it does mention Shakespeare, who is recognized as an important contributor to our language, and it's surprisingly historically accurate in a tongue-in-cheek kind of way... Enjoy!

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Time for Lavender

8/1/2013

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It's official. This July has been the hottest on record and I've spent much of it sipping ice tea from my back yard. BUT these last two weeks have been extra special. My lavender's in bloom and so I've been able to add a touch to my mints.
If you've a mind to do this, I highly recommend it. Lavender is known for it's relaxing effects. Did you know it is also an antibacterial? That means it good for you on several levels.
When you work with lavender, don't forget what a power this herb is! I've learned to add only a couple of dried sprigs to my six cup pot. Too much and Lavender can be extremely bitter. The fragrance is what I enjoy the most, and it doesn't take much to bring the aroma out.
BTW - This picture is just for show. Add your lavender to the hot water when you add your tea and/or mints. I also add sweetener, lately that's been stevia which I can also harvest from my garden. Did I say it was a wonderful summer?!!! It has been immensely enjoyable harvesting my own herbs and using them.

If you want to explore more recipes using Lavender I highly recommend "A Taste of Lavender" by Gloria Hander Lyons. My sister gave me this book and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. There's a wonderful collection of drinks, breads and pastries, appetizers, main dishes, soups and deserts. I had no idea you could use lavender is so many ways!

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Author

Jodee Steffensen
AKA
J.D. Steffensen

Jodee (J.D.) Steffensen

Historical and Romance Writer, Amateur Herbalist, and Seeker of adventure, new knowledge and all things good!

Hobbies? I've adored cats all my life. I came to love Shakespeare when I was introduced to him in college. I developed an interest in herbs when a dear friend was diagnosed with cancer. I learned about the complex politics of Shakespeare's world when another friend gave me a book, "Shadow Play," by Clare Asquith.

Calendula!

Wasp Nest in Wasp Trap

Help! Should I go with a pen-name?

The Perfect Day!

History of English = Fun!

Time for Lavender

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