Meet Melanie 

I remember sitting in the library as a child listening to a story, Strega Nona.   A book literally meaning “Grandma Witch”.  She sings a magic song to stop pasta from overtaking a town.  She was known for her healing and medicine making abilities.  That girl, me, has grown but still connects with this character.  Like Strega Nona I am a witch of sorts, conjuring up medicine and cooking neat and new foods. 

A clear early camp memory I have is harvesting dandelion leaves and making a melted cheese to go on them.  Today you can find me making dandelion pasta, fritters, or making dandelion deviled eggs.  Recently when I was asked what plant exemplifies me I said dandelion because it is resilient, powerful, and has so much unknown and enormous abilities to heal.   I love to teach about nature's wonders and connect others with plants for they have so many gifts to offer us if we only listen.  I had however become very disconnected from myself and nature for years.  I was living a toxic lifestyle in New York City resulting in a host of digestive and irritable bowel issues.  In 2013 a radical shift happened with a life-changing experience. 

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