Calendula is beautiful, so growing it just for that reason is great, but there are lots of cool health benefits from the plant to reap, too. I must be honest here and say I don't grow it to harvest it myself. I love the look so I let mine grow, then I support small herb companies by buying a container that's loaded with the petals!

Do you celebrate any literary holidays? There are several each month and while my family celebrates a handful each year, I must say that some of the ones I've never heard of look fun, too! July 4,5 and 6, for example, are National Tom Sawyer Days. Given that my family lives in Missouri and we spent a weekend in Hannibal studying Mark Twain, this is an interesting holiday for us.

No state is perfect by any means, but when it comes to human dignity and freedom balanced with equity, the states of the PNW are often in the front of the line. Oregon just joined Washington and Colorado in legalizing human composting as a way to naturally treat human remains. Also known as natural organic reduction, which sounds prettier, the process was first legalized in Washington.

The power of collaboration and sharing on the Internet will never cease to amaze. Gen Z is turning out to be the most self-aware, forward-thinking generation ever, and much of it is because they have access to this tool. One of the best topics being shared across the globe right now is mental health and not only its many facets, but its importance. Artist Matilda, creator of Crazy Head Comics, is my latest favorite example.