Hill Woman Productions
Wellesley Island NY 800-600-3831
Artfully blended Herbs, Oils and Incense
Hot Flashes -News and gossip from the island
Updated Saturday, July 2, 2022--a bit late, again . . .|
Hill Woman
continues to take, fill, and ship orders, though things are still
moving slowly, partially thanks to a particular toadlike creature,
the Slimy DeJoy.
Bay
House Artisans is open for the summer, visit their
website--link below--for current hours, They have a virtual store, with many wonderful artworks
and artifacts, and among the Hill Woman goodies there is our new,
exclusive to Bay House, 'Catfish' a fish-shaped cat toy stuffed
with with our premium blend of wild and organic catnip. Check out
the many wonderful offerings at
Bay House Artisans
There will be no show appearances for the foreseeable future.
Who
knows where the time goes? Great classic song, check out the Brandi
Carlile/Rufus Wainright duet video online. That could be our theme
song here. what with critter care and feeding, work, family
committments, gardens, constant phone calls and random
semi-emergencies. Rehab has remained been crazy, with critters coming and going, the
phone ringing constantly, playing tag team to all bases covered.
We've had several releases, multiple DOA arrivals, poor cratures
that only survived an hour after arrival and tiny birds that hung on
a day or two. In the last month we've released squirrels,
kingfishers, robins, starlings and others. We've had three fisher
calls, two stayed with us a bit, none ended well. At the moment we
have 8 kingfishers (a family of seven shown at left, plus one more,
a sparrow, a flicker, 2 squirrels, another semi-released pigeon, one
groups of 3 wood ducks, another younger wood duck rooming with a
young mallard, and a turkey vulture.
Sue-Ryn is doing shifts at Bay House, 3 to closing shift on Sundays
mostly. We've been trying to finish gardens prepped and keep them
going--all
the rain thhat made it hard to till and pllant has gone, now it
constant watering.
Beside the Hill Woman items listed here, Sue-Ryn also works with
felted wool to make pillows and decorations. Shown here is a Spring Hares, dancing in the moonlight
They, like some of the poducts here
can be found at Bay House Artiisans, which is now open weekends.
There
has been a bit of trouble maintaining the site. This winter both our
ancient Windows 7 machines were replaced. It has been mostly
smooth--except for problems trying to publish new material to this
site. If you are reading this then that problem, at least, has been
solved, though some things may have been cut.
As mentioned above, the annual paper catalog/price list went out the
day before Thanksgiving. There have been a few price changes, some
aroma blends are now extinct, and some oils are now listed
here as 'while supplies last'. The premade samplers are history. but
can still order up to five individual samples of non-endangered
oils. There is a new Balsam Bag Want to
read Sue-Ryn's annual catalog letter? It's down this page a bit.
If you are ordering, please be patient; making stock and filling
orders is being continually interrupted by rehab calls--and problems
getting certain materials. If your order arrived more slowly than
normal, please forgive us, we're doing the best we can, and the Post
Office has been messed with by the forces of evil. As ever,
shipping remains free on orders over $50.00
Here is the letter
from this year's catalog .
. .
It's been a busy year around here. Baby season came on like a
tornado and continued pretty much through the fall. Bay House
Artisans kept me busy as well. We are experiencing some supply
issues, Most of our standard stock seems unaffected, but every so
often something goes awry. Shipping to and from here is sometimes a
crap shoot or dice throw.
A few items have been discontinued. Finding affordable ingredients
for blending potpourris has become harder, forcing me to limit the
offerings here. Three popular aromatherapy blends are no
longer available due to an ingredient that has become endangered.
Other items I used to list just don't really need to be here; most
of the standard essential oils are readily available. That being
said, if something you really need is not listed feel free to call
and see if I have any.
The lack of shows and other events has influenced what I keep on
hand. I am focusing on comforting products I blend and make. This
has allowed me to branch out into working with recycled wool
to make accessories, stuffed animals, tea cozies, and sometimes
pillows�which brings me lots of joy. You can find some of those
products at Bay House Artisans, and I will have some at the Syracuse
Psychic Fair in February�assuming we get to have it this year
(sigh).
We seem to be living in extremely interesting times. The politics
are . . . astounding. The evidence of Climate Change is getting
harder to dismiss as �just more odd weather�. We all need to become
a lot more conscious about what it takes to get what we consume to
us. Mindfulness can be the key to maintaining a positive outlook.
Focus on what brings truth, beauty, meaning, and humor into your
life. Believe the truth of your senses and let your heart guide you.
And remember, life moves forward. The �Good Old Days� were not
always that good for everyone. Our purpose here is to make this
world a better place.
As this season of many celebrations moves along, we hope you find
safe ways to share and enjoy them with those you love.
Namaste
Here is some useful info from Sue-Ryn:
There are plenty of herbs that can help people through these times.
Herb Tea is a way to create a healing ritual for yourself or your family.
Lemon Balm is wonderfully soothing during times of emotional stress.
Tulsi (aka Holy Basil) is healing on many levels but is best known for
easing away negative emotions.
Valerian Root is a good smooth muscle relaxer when stress turns physical.
An old friend used to swear by a tea mixture of Chamomile & Catnip for
help getting to sleep.
I used to blend and sell a tea called Blossom Blend #1 the formula was
in parts by weight 2 parts each of Lavender, Elder Flowers, Orange
Blossom*, & Rose petals and buds.
That was mixed with one part each of Chamomile & Valerian root
powder or small pieces, and a half part ground cloves.
Orange blossoms became impossible to find, so I substituted 1part
Jasmine flowers and Orange Peel which was similar in flavor, but
not in effect.
Other herbs for stress and anxiety are St.Johnswort, Passion Flower,
Linden Flowers, Scullcap, and Hops strobiles.
When blending a tea for yourself or your family, always do a
little research and be sure the herbs you are planning to use won't
negatively effect underlying health issues. Many of the herbs
mentioned here will grow in this northern region, a few would have
to be houseplants. Maybe this is the year to think about planning
and growing a tea garden, even if it's in containers.
Some of the herbs I am keeping on hand to help maintain health are:
Andrographis paniculata in the form of KoldKare from Kare N Herbs in
Maine
Elderberry syrup made by a friend.
Osha Root which I usually sell, but have run out .It is an
endangered planted, but you may be able to find a 1 oz. Package of
the root, or a really high quality tincture from Taos herbs in Taos
NM
We only use this precious medicine when we feel our respiratory
systems need help.
Fire Cider you can find a recipe or several hundred on line. I
have some working, made from Rosemary Gladstar's traditional
formula. It's a tincture of fresh onions, garlic, ginger,
horseradish & cayenne pepper steeped in cider vinegar. A little
honey to balance it all will be added once it's finished and
strained.
You can also purchase similar products, but it might be a fun
project to make with your family.
A while back we had to raise the price of incense Again.
The pure essential oils I use to make incense continue to rise in
price, and after the last order I felt like I had two choices: raise
prices or go to cheaper oils. Going cheap was not an option. I
know my customers have come to expect a certain level of quality and
consistency in the scents I blend, and that includes the incense.
I'm hoping to hold my price at 40 cents per stick. That means folks
who order a dozen on an old or unadjusted order form will be
getting 9 sticks for $3.60 instead of twelve. The order form here
has been changed to reflect the rise in price to $4.80 per dozen. I
apologize for the sudden change, but this is the only way I can
continue to produce the incense so many of you love. I
appreciate your understanding and support. Also up in price are
Catnip Mousies and a couple oils. Some things like books, spritz
kits, Bath Salts, and Soaps have been dropped--though some may end
up at shows. But if you go to the Body and Bath page now you will
find instructions on how to make your own bath salts!
Our Bug Repellent Oil and Spray now contain Geranium and Lemon
Eucalyptus to help repel ticks. These oils have not been added to
Bug Stix.
Blame
it on the animals....
The testimonial contest that started some time last winter
took off like a lead balloon. Then, baby season hit with a
vengeance. Between feeding, cleaning, transporting and releasing
critters, doing elder care and trying to keep Bay House Artisans
stocked, things got a bit chaotic. The One and only testimonial we
received was a friend of Corbie Mitleid who lives in England and
raises main coon cats...so she is the winner
One thing of note. A few years ago we were called on to ship
corn warmers to Antarctica. Yes, Antarctica. Well, earlier this
month we heard from one of the recipients of those warmers. Here's
what she had to say:
Hi Sue Ryn,
I received one of your corn warmers while working for 6 mos in
Antarctica. The endless nights that I crawled into a nice warm
bed because of your lovely handmade gift brought me endless *SMILES*
on the coldest continent on earth!!! I will continue to buy
corn warmers for all of my friends!! You're a master of your
craft! THANK YOU!!!
From Time to time I have needed an Animal Communicator. I first met Sally Gewinner at a small event in Fulton. At that time our old kitty Belle was showing some odd behaviors. Sally helped confirm my suspicions and figure out ways to help deal with belle's transition. Since then I have called upon Sally for help with domestic pets and Wildlife too. Her gentle healing wisdom has always proved supportive of the animals in our care. Sally still works full time as a teacher, but you can often find her at weekend psychic and holistic fairs in the central NY region. You can find her on line at http://www.energy-light.com or call her at 315.458.2430 if you need faster help or an appointment.
Worth visiting is the
Pets Page, a listing of tips and resources and books and links for
the owner of animals
of every stripe, including information on fostering
animals for people in the service.
If you are looking for a pet, be it a dog or cat or whatever, you will
find a link on that page to http://www.petfinder.org
a place that can be a world of help. That's how we found our Chloe.
Give an animal in need a home!
What we really want is help making the page (pages, actually) even more
useful. Got useful info? Regular mail it to us or email it to
troll@hillwoman.com for possible
inclusion.
Some more of the Troll's fiction is now available
as downloadable versions
(for a modest price) online at
Fictionwise. For more info, visit the Stephen
L. Burns page.
A personal note from Sue-Ryn:
I frequently joke with customers, saying, "Accept no substitutes,"
when asked if I am the Hill Womanwho has been around and selling herbs
and scents for over two decades. Last summer a few people asked
if I
knew a few different people who claimed to be 'apprentices' or 'students'
of mine.
While I know I have inspired and empowered many along their own herbal
and spiritual paths, I have
no apprentices, students (or acolytes, or
subjugated minions, for that matter).
Anyone who claims to a student or apprentice is not being completely
honest with you.
Feeling a bit isolated? Having a hard time
finding things to help feed your spiritual side?
Desperately Seeking Serenity is a page listing
some sources for books, music and more.
Check it out for a listing of catalogs and newsletters. Got suggestions
for listings? Drop
us a line and let us know, please. Knowledge is best when it's shared.
As always, I'm grateful to the many folks
who help keep Hill Woman grounded and growing;
the family and friends, the helpers both hired and volunteer.
I count such fine companions and co-conspirators as treasure.
Special thanks are due to each and every one of you who visits this
site or reads my
brochure and accords me the honor and pleasure of serving you. Your
encouragement,
kindness, and continuing support mean more to me than you will ever
know. And to
those who've visited, used, and complimented this site, the Computer
& Incense Troll
thanks you from the rubbly bottom of his black little heart.
Can't find something? The Search Page lists all our items, with links back to their pages
OILS [Essential]
[Superior Quality] [Aromatherapy
& Spritzes]
AROMATICS [Pillows
& Potpourri] [Incense]
[Ritual & Fixatives]
PETS
[Catnip
Kitty Treats] [Doggy Distress Pillows]
BODY & SOUL
[Body & Bath]
[Sue-Ryn's Book and Other Books]
SPIRIT
[Wild Woman Resources] [Gift
Certificates]
HELP [FAQ]
[Search] [Ordering,
Shipping & Payment] [Returns &
Refunds] [Order Form]
ABOUT US [Hot
Flashes] [More about HWP] [Gift
Baskets & Custom work]
FUN [The Guys'
Page] [Desperately Seeking
Serenity] [Party Animals]
[Dancing for $$$]
OTHER ODD STUFF [The
Pets Page] [Puzzle Page]
[Wellesley Island] [Hot
Links]
Take
Me Home!
Contents Copyright 1997-2022 Hill Woman Productions
44027 Cross Island Road, Wellesley Island NY 13640
800-600-3831