Taking the Time to Slow Down

[@pennysmith3803]

It’s strange how even when we know how vital it is for us to be out in nature it often feels like a luxury and everything else takes priority until the cracks start showing. Almost like we sometimes forget … x

[@beatriceintuitivelife]

That's why I love the concept of slow living: It brings you more into the "now", if you just slow down a bit (even physically!). And this by itself is nourishing, it gives you energy, that is otherwise lost in all of this overthinking. I appreciate you hinting in this direction very much. Even though I would watch anything you post, only because of your high spirit (even if you yourself feel down, you still radiate healing and calm, if this makes any sense...) Wishing you all the best! 🌼🌼🌼

[@johnadamski4012]

🌲🍀🐾 It makes sense. That's why I coined the title "Dr. Annabel Margaret, Green Witch Forest & People Protector & Goddess. Because She "Heals with kindness, Nature, & a calming voice". It's her "Magick". 🐾🍀🌲.

[@thesavvyblackbird]

I just discovered your videos thanks to some friends, and I love them. You’re so calming and welcoming. I would have never thought you lived in an apartment in the city because your place is so homey and like a storybook cottage in the woods (belonging to a benevolent witch, not an evil one who eats children). I love lilacs. I used to own a house in Michigan that had a wall of tall lilacs that gave privacy to a covered patio. My mom loved them, so my husband dug some up, and we carefully carried them in our car to my mom’s house in North Carolina. It’s been 20 years, and they are still thriving. Now I want to try this perfume for my mom. I also have some gardenias I could experiment with.

[@parkerposey788]

“Ultimately “, you rock with whatever you share. 😉 Just be yourself dear one 🌱 🍃 🌺

[@FrancescasWords]

Still not over people complaining that you wear jeans... so glad you're feeling better! Enjoy the mountains!

[@charlottebrowning3644]

Ooh cleavers! I have ‘cultivated’ lots of those in my rather wild garden… would love to know more about their medicinal and magickal uses… I have some dried bundles hanging in the house too because you can use them as fire kindling 😊🌿

[@meganmyers1657]

We're all here to support and love you 🤗💘🤗

[@esramara8767]

I don't think anyone in this world understands how obsessed I am with your videos. They're so consoling and comforting to me!

[@snackdragonn]

Oh, this was lovely and relaxing. The idea of spending time each morning practicing with lilacs sounds blissful! Have a wonderful day!

[@mckennayoshi]

What a privilege it is to take a peek into your magical world! You inspire all of us!Have fun and be safe out there 💌

[@ivyarianrhod]

💕 I’m so glad you’re feeling better!!! I, too, need to get back out into nature. The forest is my “happy place,” and I used to live next to one, and was out there all the time. Then I moved across town, but would still visit regularly. Since the beginning of the pandemic, however, I’ve struggled a lot with my mental health, and the effort of even leaving the house became too much, even though I knew being in the forest would make me feel better. It’s been a year since I’ve been to the woods. My birthday is next week (and the full moon!), and I’m going to go set up my tent for a few days. 😊 Here’s to doing what’s good for our souls! 💕

[@katem2458]

The washing of the calendula somehow got me in my feelings. That amount of care for each little step is what I aspire to.

[@deborahdole9193]

For Aphid control, I have always had great luck making a Chamomile tea (a little on the strong side) and placing it in a spray bottle. Early in the morning (on dry days) I woud spray my garden with it. I never had Aphids, spider mites, and other pests (including catepillars) on my plants. It doesn't kill the Aphids but does encourage them to find another home. I had to use white geranium throughout my gardens to stop a Japanese beetle invasion. This plant does take about two seasons to be fully effective against Japanese Beetles but patience is all that is needed. Trap crops work well too on Aphids. Throw radish seeds everywhere - they will always choose a radish over, say, a tomato plant. Working with nature instead of against it, is my go to. Love this video. Thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us.

[@ClaudiaDCD]

I love watching you work with herbs, just whatever it is, it seems so beautiful and gentle to watch. I learn so much, and I love how I get to watch the experiments results with you, keeps me coming back to find out how it all worked out!

[@christyallard2096]

Thank you for being you. Thank you for sharing what you’re going through. I’m retired military, a kinda-sorta ‘new witch’ and still finding my way in healing and understanding my way…your practices have inspired and helped heal me in this journey …just because we’re in such a different space and time doesn’t mean we can’t help each other …just be you…thank you💞

[@ELCinWYO]

I know we all think we should be over everything by now. We think we should be moving on, but we forget that the last few years were traumatic for everyone and it takes time to heal. So much is still happening and sensitive people are still feeling it. Let yourself recover in whatever way you need to. We'll be here.

[@lilykatmoon4508]

I’m so happy to hear that you’re doing better and taking care of your needs. Blessed be!

[@FearlessNimue]

I wanted to forage some cleavers when they were still green ... knew I shouldve!

[@michellegaitens8823]

Thankyou so much ,you look so much lighter in yourself ,so grateful for your content, always inspiring, blessed be from the uk

[@GuyBelievesInWorldPeace]

I am so happy you uploaded this, the spirit of this video reminds me of the fresh summer plant that is just starting to shoot out of the ground for the first time for the season, and as sweet as the first ripe summer fruit, so exciting! 🌞🌬🌱

[@StemmyCell]

Thank you for letting us come along on your journey 💜🌻

[@kiluanon]

it's amazing to hear you speak about the two sides of you that feel nourished or at home in two different places. I have been having that exact experience moving from the Midwest in 2020 to New Orleans, where I've been for the last 2 years. I feel like living in Indiana almost killed me in social, political, and cultural ways, and while New Orleans has been incredibly amazing and nurturing in those senses, I'm having a harder time connecting with nature and have to be so much more intentional about it. Your channel has inspired me to think beyond the two places, to look in the spaces in between where I might find what's right for me.

[@bikerbabe4442]

We are complex people. We have many different personalities that live within us. It's ok to love all of who we are. No one gets to tell us what is right or wrong. Love all of who you are and enjoy. I like every part of you ❤️

[@jennifermayo1642]

Your content truly does inspire. Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of it.

[@Ava0117]

I always love to see people honor themselves and do the things that make them the happiest because they know they need it! I’m so proud of you Annie for trying your best to do what you and your body and soul needs! It’s always a good reminder for me to do the same!

[@lizardo134]

Vitamin e oil, after straining of course, is a good preservative to keep from spoiling since you used fresh herbs!

[@mphorsemanship4737]

This hairstyle fits you so well!

[@The_Green_Knight_8888]

I'm doing well, Annie, thanks for asking. :)

[@PAB1068]

I have been binge watching your videos and absolutely love your gentle spirit and soft speaking. You make me feel right at home and I've just subscribed to your Patreon. 🥰

[@Entspannungskatze]

Normally I don't really comment on videos, but I just want you to know that I've been following your channel since maybe a year now and I absolutely love your videos! They make me feel so calm and inspired and make me crave something I haven't really understood yet. A slower living maybe and living more with nature. I find everything you do with your craft so interessting and want to try working with herbs and stuff myself, but I don't really know how to start. Nevertheless I tried to make pine needle honey a few days ago and it worked out so well! Now I can used it for putting in my tea and I have a piece of spring with me even in a few months when it starts to get darker again

[@charlotteburnett3760]

Thanks 🤩 for the inspiration on how to achieve balance! I like seeing you enjoy making your own herbal products & infusing with magic 🪄. I enjoy making my own sunscreen, hairspray and body balm 🧴 🐝 🌺, my personal favorites: Using very simple recipes that include beeswax and organic coconut oil🌴 🥥. I support and encourage your journey!

[@mphorsemanship4737]

Slowing down is such a positive thing imo, it’s allows us to enjoy what we are focusing on and live with intention❤️

[@kaelinmosh6433]

I have gained so much inspiration and this go get ‘em mood from your videos for the last several months. To the point where I decided to move to a place I’ll be happier and make my life better rather than just suffering through with it all. I’m so lucky to have stumbled upon you and I’m so happy you are getting your inspiration and mojo back after everything you have done for us.

[@reganingle7855]

you could make a memory jar and add the ground up herbs into a jar and right down your intentions and feelings at that time with the date. do that annually, or seasonally, and revisit as needed to remind yourself how far you've come or to see if you're on your course.

[@FearlessNimue]

Q: doing as much foraging as we do - what are your best tips for avoiding/preventing ticks? I wear long sleeves, pants, boots, my hair is up, a hat, and repellent.

[@AnnabelMargaretGreen]

Long socks and pants have always been my go to and then I do a thorough tick check when I get home

[@glendacox6540]

You concoct the most beautiful creations in the kitchen!❤️❤️❤️

[@judithanndohar]

Beautiful!

[@cuesitiondedibujotec]

Hi, Annie! I don't know what your situation is exactly but hearing you talk about the your duality of how you feel in nature and how you feel in the city made me wonder: Have you ever spent time in Oregon? Specially in Portland. I have a similar feeling as you do when it comes to nature and city life, and Portland is one of my absolute favorite places in the world because, in my opinion, it merges both beautifully. A progressive city, but if you walk far enough or drive a few minutes you're up in the forest. It's so lovely there.

[@20032003felix]

You have a fan in Switzerland, like your videos very much, Felix from Switzerland

[@ArabianKing1]

Healing takes time as does many things in life. Wishing you many great blessings. Love your videos. You are the reflection of perfection !

[@auroramichael1110]

I’m glad you’re doing better and slowing down 🦋

[@NYCHFAN]

I'm glad you are feeling encouraged, and Girl, Yes!, get yourself out in nature! You keep taking care of yourself and destressing from recent events. ✌️❤️🌈

[@GuyBelievesInWorldPeace]

This video inspired me to reflect on slowing down, and it always makes me happy when I remember and will to align with the birthright of each living thing for being receptive to gentleness and live in the moment. For me, to infuse a spell with slowing down, I like to make sure I am taking slower steps, for example, I might actually utilize the slower methods for slowing down while making the spell - construct it as slow as you feel comfy, don’t rush yourself , make sure to breathe (there’s a concept of breathing activities, some activities are a lot like breathing out, and some activities are a lot like breathing in, for example relaxing meditation can be breathing inwards, exciting movement meditation can be breathing outwards, dancing around is a lot like breathing out, knitting slowly is a lot like breathing in.) relaxing into the rhythm really holds up a spell for me. I lived in a city all of my life, slowing down is a big part of being grounded with nature in the city. Caring for the space you live in also brings a lot of humility to the essence of the city, which can be very human in its eco-nature.

[@Albusolar]

Beautiful video. So glad you are feeling more creative and allowing yourself the room to slowly come back to all the things you love. You help us as much as you say we help you Annabelle, it's a two way thing. You calm the heart and spirit and that's a wonderful gift you share as well as all the other beautiful things you share with us. Happy to be on your journey with you. Much love and appreciation for all you do. 🌿🥰🌸🥰🌿

[@sherrylamb1290]

Your videos just make me so happy! Your gentle ways fill my heart. I sense you inner beauty each time I watch your presentations. I long fir them and are giddy when I see that there is a new one. Be your lovely self, I love following your life. You enhance so many lives! Thank you!

[@FearlessNimue]

I use painters tape to label my infusions. It lasts just long enough, leaves no residue, and is less wasteful than plastic. How about everyone else?

[@janettenaj8077]

Painters tape also

[@heatheralvarez1441]

I think we've all been in a collective funk. I'm coming out of mine too. My healing is learning to accept the low times and distractions to be able to feel completely into the active productive magical times.

[@julieking4828]

I’ve just started dabbling in tinctures. I’m enjoying your videos very much.

[@angeliquemedrano3802]

This video spoke to me when you were explaining about the two halves of yourself. I have the same dilemma and haven't figured out how to fix it yet. My son helps a little bit because I can show him both worlds and hopefully later on down the road he'll remember it. Thank you Annie for your inspiration and genuine compassion. I think everybody can benefit from decluttering and slowing down. Blessed Be.

[@nicholaceho9679]

I have the same baskets and trays and I'm in tge uk so I'm shocked to have found the at the charity shop for £1.00....I also found some red lace ribbon for my charm bags I love hunting on charity store xxxx

[@Lady_McSassy]

I love all of your content - you’re often my inspiration. I’m an old dog learning new tricks from you😊 Also recently new to the PNW and would love some suggestions for quiet places in nature. Everything we’ve found so far is very crowded!

[@Kristinadeturk]

I love making infusions with jojoba oil, but because it’s not as economical as olive oils I’m picky with what I use it with. I use olive oil salves usually and jojoba oil for more beauty centered products!

[@ginasotolongo5867]

One tip is getting ladybugs (ladybirds) for those pesky aphids! They'll gobble them up! :]

[@ShylieKay]

Love that you're feeling better about things. It is very helpful to go back and revisit times when you felt inspired and creative. You've really got me creating lately. I just finished my first dandelion oil, salve, and honey. I also ordered plantain, calendula, and more chamomile. Can't wait to infuse them with a little dandelion oil into a salve. I've been making spell jars as gifts, and my intuition is really picking up. Thank you for sharing all you do and feel, because it truly does inspire action in a lot of us. Certainly in me.❤

[@realtorchancegassman8662]

I know all about the struggle of moving to a city when coming from a more rural area. Culture shock is really difficult.

[@JackieMeadow]

I love the vibe and music you used for this video! It's so amazing watching your videos develop on youtube, they just keep getting better and better! Can't wait until you start posting vlogs again (if you still plan to). :)

[@galelascala105]

I like to add st. johns wort to my burn salve. It's not flowering yet here in New England; have to wait until the summer solstice. Nice to see Hazel overseeing the work...lol.

[@weedsandwishes3381]

I needed this reminder to slow down and find some joy today. Thank you!

[@linwong1494]

I'm really happy to see you taking the time to step back and slow down. And also I feel you on the home blessing herbs! I did my own spell for peace and harmony in the home, although I put mine in a jar I keep in my room. That was one of my most successful spells, which was also just me doing what felt right rather than sticking to strict instructions. While things may not have turned out exactly as you hoped, it doesn't mean the time you spend here isn't going to be a great experience for learning and growing as people :)

[@jackiedickie7196]

Cleaver! That's what it's called! I'd been wondering about it. It grows prolificly in my yard and gardens and I had been cursing it's stickiness and the vining all over the place. I'm so glad to see that it has a useful purpose. I'll be making the burn salve soon. Thank you. You mentioned finding oils that are accessible and at a good price. I've been making soaps etc, for 30 years and order nearly all of my oils, essential and fixed from Majestic Mountain Sage. They have very good quality items and they're available in several different sizes. I also order from Brambleberry in Bellingham. They also have good quality products and the advantage is that we can pick them up rather than having them shipped. I've been loving this looooooong cool, wet spell we've been having. I hope we can avoid the hot summer of last year! Anyway, thanks as always for your post.

[@rubyx07]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I really enjoy your channels. Where did you get your mortar and pestle? Thanks.

[@TheWildForestWitchery]

I love that aspect of film making as well. You take film making to that meaningful place and I recognize that deepness. I love olive and Avocado 🥑 for salves but Jojoba is amazing for extracting subtle scents. If you want to not add essential oils she is the way to go. Do you agree? I also do some short heat to extract sometimes at the end if necessary . I love herbalist witchcraft and love what you share here. I love hearing your emotional journey and relate to the “two worlds” statement. Vermont is a place I feel you might find both. I live just over the mountain in NY and visit often. I hope to move there in the future when the time is right. Be well :) you are a gem. 💚

[@louisebrehmer3028]

Hi Annie, I just watched this video and your previous one, and I'd like to thank you for your vulnerability. I too have suffered burnout in the past, and can only imagine how much harder that would be in front of a global audience. If I can offer any advice, it's that I find the best artists are the ones who are true to themselves and create from wherever they are at any point in time, rather than trying to be some kind of ideal that others expect of them. The folks who want the best for you will never mind that you are changing, and you can't please everyone anyway, so just be YOU, in all your flaws and imperfection. Wear those jeans, cut your hair, be a proud queer woman, do whatever brings your heart joy. I have watched you for years now and always find a lot of joy and value in what you create, no matter what forms it takes. Much love from Australia xx

[@brigcastle]

You are a gem.

[@evewolf8255]

Wonderful!☆☆☆☆☆

[@nefirithbay4553]

I love this, it is so good to see how you are taking time to heal. thank you so much for taking us all with you on your journey. Looking forward to seeing what comes next.

[@hamilton2305]

Love 💕 n light XOXO 😘💋

[@tylerreanne01]

Thankyou for yet another beautiful, magical video! So glad to see you taking things a bit more slowly, looking forward to the apartment tour 🫶🏻💚

[@wendywarswick5457]

Good to see you so happy doing this. You shine!

[@paleblue4659]

I love this. You are inspiring me to slow down and to make sure to have time in nature. I've been neglecting it too.

[@notadogdogthatfish7484]

Love the Look!

[@tammiebarnes7787]

Thank you for sharing! Your always a inspiration 💜💜🥰

[@sarahinscotland]

We call it “sticky willy” in Scotland 😆

[@caryj6562]

Thank you! My husband refused to believe me when I told him it was called sticky willy, and for ages he insisted I was winding him up.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

@@caryj6562 Haha to be honest I didn't believe it at first! Such a funny nickname

[@lacuna_matata_9261]

In the uk we commonly call those cleavers sticky weed used to have so much fun sticking it to each others backs as kids we would go home and our mums would be driven mad pulling it all off our clothes and hair also my dog used to live running into this and getting the little sticky balls all in his fur 🥰

[@cutekaeru]

tbh, i have the same "problem" with the nature self and city self and the problem with finding balance. i always thought i am alone with this complicated mindset, so thank you so much. Youre speaking to my heart, sending lots of energy and hugs

[@OldManFerdiad]

Hope you find the time and space to be yourself. I really enjoy the videos you share and hope you make the ones you like and in a way that sustains and inspires you. I'm now thinking of what herbs I might need to macerate around the summer solstice.

[@YourPainting1]

Sending hugs 💕when I’m overwhelmed by life I remind myself that perfection does not exist and that by taking things as they are and accepting both the good and the bad, my life becomes more whole.

[@CapsuleerCowboy]

Hi, any tips on finding fresh herbs in the city? I want to dry some of my own.

[@williamleas7492]

Still trying to learn more about the “Green” version of the craft! Is the virgin olive oil the “Go to” oil of choice? Or…you mentioned jojoba and I’m assuming it’s the organic oil?

[@galelascala105]

Olive oil is great for salve as it's nutritious and doesn't go rancid as quickly as some other oils. For cosmetic use I like lighter oils such as grape seed or sweet almond.

[@lizhadley3803]

I like grapeseed oil because it has less of an aroma than olive oil. Some people use almond oil, but I'm allergic to nuts. Fun fact, jojoba is actually a wax that is liquid at room temperature. It is very similar in composition as the sebum in our skin. But it is more expensive than the other oils.

[@cassietherainbowsend722]

I’m glad you asked this. I’m learning too and the replies you got have been helpful

[@laurio9892]

Haha! In Ireland we call cleaver "sticky backs" as kids and would stick them onto peoples' clothes as a prank lol

[@cheritatum502]

Do you have any suggestions on what I can use with Gardenia? I have three huge bushes on full bloom.

[@AnnabelMargaretGreen]

you know i am not very familiar with gardenia I'm sorry but it is such a beautiful plant!

[@FearlessNimue]

I do all my infusions with olive oil. When I want to do something different like jojoba it gets added in afterwards.

[@jennierutowski4762]

I am curious: When utilizing roses for healing purposes rather than spellwork, does color make a dspell work, For instance, do the carotenoid in yellow roses affect an herbal mixture, infusion, etc differently than the anthocyanins in a deep red rose?

[@travelinglovebugs7]

I have a bunch of lavender buds that have been sitting in my pantry for at least 6 months . Are they still good for something like putting in a bag? Watching you inspired me to do something with them.

[@Charlie-v4s3q]

I am happy for you that you feel better. How do you make the parfums?

[@thesavvyblackbird]

I’ve always been warned that you shouldn’t eat any homemade flavored oil that wasn’t hot infused and kept in the fridge because they can harbor botulism. I think it’s ok if you aren’t consuming the oil, but it’s something everyone should keep in mind.

[@shepherdessofskymeadow]

I'm so curious about your enfleurage technique - after you put in fresh lilac flowers each day, where do you keep it - in the fridge or at room temp? Do you cover it at all?

[@FearlessNimue]

Re-watching this for inspiration. I'd like to make a video request: Herbal profile for Cleavers.

[@becks13x]

I totally understand the two sides of the same coin thing.

[@alwayscuriousalwayslearnin]

love it , I am curious and probably have asked this before a few times what kind of Oil do you use for those types of things? ok forget that question you answered it with Olive oil :) you seem to have more \better energy then in the last video I watched You are fortunate to have the flowers blooming , up here in BC Canada west coast most flowers haven't started because of the cooler wet weather the roses in front of my building usually would be on there way but they are barely breaking out, that said for some reason most of my balcony pots are full of weeds and I am not sure if any are useful in someway so I am leaving them until I can get off my Built and find my book to look them up

[@sheenamahabirsingh1807]

I can't say I understand completely but I do understand some what.. I live in East TN at the foot of the mountains where I feel so happy and free in nature and feel so myself well one half but I'm also in and interracial marriage (13 years now) and we have 3 children and not all people but some in the south can be very harsh towards us . it's hard to live somewhere so beautiful and feel such ugliness in the same place..

[@oldyoutubechannel1978]

❤

[@virtuousceolady6091]

What do you with all these oils and salves you make?

[@maitrilibellule]

I love these videos you make so much, they are a balm for the soul. And WHEN is your book coming out? I can't wait to get it! Best to you lovely Annabel, and please give your gorgeous shepherds big kisses on the nose for me. I am a shameless nose kisser! All good blessings to you and all in your household...💕

[@irenesilva744]

🥰

[@palomashamanism8607]

you can do sesame oil and very Ayurvedic for skin

[@katgberg]

❤️🥰

[@AudioBard]

🔥👏

[@ToddDouglasFox]

Never tire of your creative work! PS I use a kitchen sink approach to oils! My personal skin product has all organic (mostly virgin) oils: coconut oil, marula oil, oregano oil, clove oil, CBD oil, Vitamin E oil, castor oil, and olive oil. It’s mostly for topical medicinal use, not for fragrance. I could add some rose water and other scents for that but it’s not my predominate focus.

[@FearlessNimue]

We have plenty broad leafed plantain here! Let me know if you want some!