Interesting Botanical Facts

Greetings all!

Did you know that lemon trees have thorns? I did not until recently – when I plucked a lemon from a neighborhood tree and got a painful surprise. Apparently, lemon and lime trees, similar to porcupines and hedgehogs, developed the thorns for protection.

Here are some other interesting botanical facts:

• All berries are fruit. But not all fruit are berries.

• Watermelons are berries. And so are cucumbers, cantaloupes, squash, and pumpkins! Banana, grape, melon, orange, and avocado are also berries.

• Strawberries and raspberries are NOT berries; they are “aggregate accessory fruits”, and apparently each tiny seed is technically an individual fruit. But unfortunately, one strawberry with multiple seeds does not count towards your daily recommended dose of fruit!

• And finally, I just discovered that I love drupes! Cherry, plum, peach, and olive are all drupes, also known as stone fruit. A drupe is a fleshy fruit that usually contains a single seed.

Who knew that botany could be so delicious?

What did you think? Drop me a line!

Sources:

• https://www.yarden.com/blog/does-a-lemon-tree-have-thorns
• https://www.foodandwine.com/fruits/melon/watermelon/shattering-truth-about-watermelons-and-other-fruits-you-thought-you-knew
• https://www.britannica.com/science/berry-plant-reproductive-body

Cat-Modified Reproductions Of Famous Classical Paintings By Svetlana Petrova

 

Do Cats Like Human Kisses? / 

"The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt

The Creation Of Cat-Dam / 

"The Creation of Adam" by Michelangelo

The Purrsistence Of Cats’ Meowmory / 

"The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dali

Bathing In The Pond Of Water Lillies And Other Summer Delights / 

"Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies" by Claude Monet

When You Date A Cat-Lover / 

"The Abduction of Psyche" by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

Do Cats Love Irises? / 

"Irises" by Vincent Van Gogh

The Furry Night / 

"The Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh

Cats Are True Angels / 

"Sistine angels" by Raphael

Source (and more!): https://www.boredpanda.com/hilarious-orange-fat-cat-photobombing-classical-art-fatcatart/

Thought of the week – Get Better at Saying No

Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/49889874@N05/5580127313 

“If you'd like to get better at saying no, try this:

Keep a list of things you say no to. Whenever you ignore a distraction or turn down an opportunity, add it to the list. As the list grows, you begin to feel a sense of accomplishment for your ability to say no and remain focused on what matters.

Turn each no into an achievement.”

  ~ James Clear, https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/August-1-2024

Monthly Oracle Forecast for July

Greetings all!

Someone recently randomly mentioned “Mercury in retrograde” and said to be mindful and do your best. Then I got an email from Colette Baron-Reid with her July forecast and a message to stay close to what truly nourishes us.

“July is a packed energetic month!

The first half of the month, especially, feels big. There may be moments that feel tense, disappointing, or even a little shocking.

July includes a Mercury retrograde in Cancer, making it a month that's worthy of your attention. Things left unfinished may resurface. Conversations, relationships, or situations you thought were behind you may ask for another look.

While we may find ourselves witnessing things that feel unfair or confronting, our energy is better spent staying connected to the people who matter most, contributing in meaningful ways, and choosing our battles wisely.

This isn't about bypassing reality or pretending everything is fine. It's about being smart, staying grounded, and asking yourself, How can I contribute? How can I stay out of unnecessary drama?

There's also a deeper theme running through this month around partnership, connection, and discovering what truly feels purposeful and aligned.”

Stay grounded, avoid drama, and a find a way to contribute!

Image: https://www.colettebaronreid.com/resources/pick-a-card/ 

Football Smash Cocktail

Greetings all!

Are you following the FIFA World Cup? Here is the Football Smash cocktail to help you stay hydrated for the remaining matches.

Recipe and image: https://www.totalwine.com/cocktail-recipes/football-smash 

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 parts Sauvignon Blanc
• 1/2 parts agave syrup
• 2 strawberries
• Handful of mint 

Directions 

• Muddle mint and strawberry in the bottom of a rocks glass
• Add agave and Sauvignon Blanc
• Stir until well mixed
• Top with ice and the remaining Sauvignon Blanc 

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it!

TripAdvisor Best of the Best: 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards

1. Bali, Indonesia

2. London, United Kingdom

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

4. Hanoi, Vietnam

5. Paris, France

6.Rome, Italy

7. Marrakesh, Morocco

8. Bangkok, Thailand

9. Crete, Greece

10. New York City, United States

Source (and more!): https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations

Dear Anxiety….

Greetings all! 

If you check in with yourself right now, do you feel anxious? So many people have constant background anxiety. But what if anxiety is trying to do you a favor? 

Image: https://www.dreamstime.com/funny-kawaii-i-scream-cartoon-anxiety-quote-sticker-sublimation-print-image375751609

Here are some CALM thoughts on anxiety:

"It’s easy to think of anxiety as the #1 enemy, but what if, instead, you thought of it like an alert system letting you know something needs your attention?

Acknowledging and reframing your experience of anxiety often helps you slow it down and regain control.

When anxiety feels like a runaway train, pull the brakes with these three simple phrases:

💙“Anxiety is trying to keep me safe”

💙“I can listen to the message of my body”

💙“I’m here now”

Remember: Sometimes, anxiety can be an important (and even helpful) experience.

Reflect: What message might your anxiety be trying to share with you right now?

Reframe: 'I hate feeling anxious.' -> 'I can take the lesson from anxiety and let it go'."

Breathe and have a great week!