Mandius, mighty maid of the mountain, 
Skraeling, stained of skin, shocks sweeping
Sailed the scholar's seas
destroying archfiends of academia and besting bachelors. 
Seasons passed, and skinned sheep
filled her war-chest, bright rings of treasure
no king could ever bestow.
Nor could red-gold rings rouse a warrior more
than the mind-lust of study and ( Read more... )

A crowd gathers, there is a low murmur.

Me:  I've called you all together today to discuss something important and distressing.  For years, you've been a valuable asset to Mandy, Inc., but I am concerned about your recent performance.

More murmuring

Me:  Specifically, I would like to know why some of you are turning white, why some of you are ( Read more... )

When we have little problems in life, it's easy to take them to a friend.  They're like tiny fires you can stomp out together.  But when you're facing a firestorm that has jumped your break and is standing as a wall in front of you, thundering down with all the heat and pressure it can muster, I've found that you usually face it alone.  It's hard ( Read more... )

I love my job. These past few weeks, I've been taking pictures or video of my work from seeds to medicinal compounds, and I am kind of happy with the story it all tells.

How to pick and make your own botanical brews

1. Find a pretty plant that won't make you crazy after years of staring at it

( Read more... )