Trees, leaves and Samhain

The spirits of the Autumn become clearer as nights are longer and darker. 

The sun is turning this time of year so that in the northern hemisphere it becomes darker. This means Autumn soil will be softer and ready for fresh new seeds and planting, as ripe vegetables are pulled out ready to eat, and the weather turns wetter, crispy with frost and cooler. Functioning as the earth, land, sky and wildlife creatures adapt to the change of season, Autumn leaves get dense and moist, some leaves drift along the rain streams, rivers and the ground. Trees can observe that whatever happens in life, over many years, for trees live longer than humans. 

The past, present and future, told in many stories that evolve in time. Halloween, Hallows Eve, All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day, Samhain, and many names, end of October and beginning of November, from the lowering of the veil, celebration of spirits, magic and unknown, to the remembering of the dead, especially family and war dead. The parades, parties and cheerful celebrations is a sign that glorious nature gives to humans. Bury the old leaves as rain falls, mist and frost rises, longer nights and use the food from the trees and ground to give life.  

Storm Valkyrie 

Marigold, October flower

These vibrant flowers in the shape of miniature pumpkins come in fiery colours of red, orange, yellow and golden. Of the family group Asteraceae, the actual genus name is Tagetes. Flowers of the New World, valued by the Aztecs for their appearance and culinary usefulness. Edible and with plenty of herbal qualities. Distributed throughout the world, some hybrids made in Europe. There's a native marigold in Europe such as the pot marigold and French marigold. However a certain type of Marigold flower is toxic, although these flowers can give an allergic reaction to humans. Marigolds are not safe for dogs to consume. Marigolds are not related to "marsh marigold leaves" (an entirely different species) which are very toxic to humans and animals. 

Another October birth month flower is the cosmos plant, appearing in late Summer, early Autumn and looking like golden jewel star blooms. They belong to the Sunflower family. Both marigolds and cosmos flowers are native to the Americas, and have accidentally grown here and there. Introduced into South Africa it's golden Autumn petals show in the countryside. You can also find cosmos flowers of white, yellow and orange. In various reds including light pink, burgundy and crimson. Cosmos flowers are edible and safe, for salads and medicine.  

Storm Valkyrie

Prehistory topic

 

The topic of dinosaurs has always fascinated me, but I've never mentioned them on this blog before. I've been eager to post one of many videos from Studio, who made many species of dinosaur vocals that they believe was more realistic. Wearing headphones and with bass switched on, can be very scary listening to it. It gives a much more accurate sound that includes vibration and chills down the spine. My favourite dinosaur sounds include the Triceratops (roaring and bellowing), Tyrannosaurus rex (thunderous rattle and then a harsh low frequency growl) and Quetzalcoatlus (rapid shrieks).

Delve into the audio songs of the dinosaurs here at Youtube by channel Studio Dinosaur vocalisation study Cretaceous era     

Storm Valkyrie