Forest Therapy by Sylva Fae

Forest Therapy

by Sylva Fae, Featuring Hannah Foley

As a woodland owner, it’s no surprise that I love trees. It’s not just the trees themselves, it is the feeling of calm they bring as I wander aimlessly between them. I take great pleasure in watching the seasonal changes, the fresh new leaves springing forth and signifying an end to the harsh weather of winter, then broad leafy branches providing shade from the hot sun, and those same leaves changing colour, delicately drifting down to enrich the soil and give nutrients for new growth. Even the silhouetted, bare, twisted branches of winter add subtle beauty to the ever-changing skyline. I’m no expert but I know my trees, the ones that share my little English woodland, and I appreciate the part each one plays in creating my haven away from the real world – the graceful birches that sway gently in the breeze, the old oak that has seen two-hundred plus years of change, the cheerful sycamores, the chestnuts and hazel that offer autumn treats, the hawthorn that decorates the hedgerow…. Each one is a delight to the senses as I amble along, or sit quietly among them, breathing in their healing scents. I’ve always intrinsically felt that time spent in the forest has a healing effect on both the body and mind, so it is no surprise to discover this has been scientifically proven. One of my like-minded friends is Hannah Foley, who runs Boudicca Bushcraft & Forage School, based in South Wales. Hannah has recently undertaken a course in forest bathing, but I’ll let her explain in her own words:

Shrinrin-Yoku – by Hannah Foley Having just completed my qualification in ShinrinYoku, aka forest bathing, which is scientifically proven to have many physiological and psychological health benefits, I thought I would share with you some of the simplified, and more concise science in regards to a phenomenon that trees produce, namely phytoncides. Essentially these are the compounds the tree produces to protect itself and assist its own growing habitat. They are the tree’s immune system, if you will. These phytoncide compounds are commonly referred to as terpenes, which is in essence a simplified terminology for a very vast and complex subject. Phytoncides are the essential oils of a tree. The number of phytoncides in any given area is unique to that specific growing habitat and has many variables and determining factors, which makes each cubic foot of forest air utterly unique. Why should we be aware, and begin to appreciate these phytoncides? Well simply there are several benefits to the interaction, both physically and aromatherapically. Firstly, I will break down for you the main types of phytoncides (or terpenes) you may come into contact with if you partake often in activities in the forest. Examples of Common Terpenes:

D limonene - lemony scent

Alpha Pinene - piney scent

Beta pinene – basil, dill scent

Camphene - resinous, camphorous scent

It has been scientifically researched, under the blanket subject of aromatherapy, that these phytoncides can have great benefits for the human body and condition. Phytoncides can be used to increase the body’s immune system, actively stimulating natural killer cells within the immune system, and have

a direct impact on the parasympathetic system also. Remarkably they can even balance the pH levels of the skin, invigorate the senses, maintain vitality and sooth emotions. Some are natural insect repellents and skin healers. Others promote sleep, regulate hormones, lower blood pressure, increase lung air flow and improve concentration. Some phytoncides assist with cardiovascular function, improve hair condition, reduce stress, kill bacteria, relieve arthritis, ease inflammation and so on! One fascinating fact for example is that pine forests can emanate so many phytoncides that they effectively disinfect their own air environment! So, to sum up, forest exposure, is a positive and healthy thing to do. It boosts our own immune system, regulates stressors, and much more. This cements my own belief that as living creatures, and in some cases dead ones, we all have a symbiotic cycle. Basically, we are all interlinked, and that our actions do have a direct impact on all things around us.

So next time you dendrophiles go for your fix, note the sights and especially the smells and remember those phytoncides that are healing you!

Forest bathing is just one of the many activities Hannah enjoys sharing with like-minded people. If you happen to live down in South Wales and want to join Hannah’s bushcraft and forage school, or if you wish to find out more, you can contact her via the Facebook page, Boudicca Bushcraft & Forage School.

During these uncertain times, where most of the world is encountering some form of lockdown, we need every boost to our physical and mental health we can get. Thankfully, spending time out in nature, is one pastime that is both permissible under lockdown laws, and greatly beneficial to our health and wellbeing. So, leave behind your phones and electronic devices, go out to the forest, find some trees in a local park, or just take time to notice the many trees growing in the hedgerows. Whether you like the earthy smell of the woods after a rainstorm, fragrant pine scents, or the freshness of new growth, breathe in deeply and taste the clean air. Enjoy the beauty around you as you take your exercise, and consciously allow the healing powers of nature to enhance all your senses.

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." - Henry David Thoreau

Sylva Fae is a married mum of three from Lancashire, England. She has spent twenty years teaching literacy to adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, and now works from home as a children’s writer and illustrator.

Sylva has published several children’s books and also writes a blog, Sylvanian Ramblings. Her debut book, Rainbow Monsters won the Chanticleer Best in Category award. Discover more about Sylva on Mom’s Favorite Reads website:

Simply Stupid, Silly Jokes for Kids

Submitted by Poppy Flynn

Written by Navya Manchanda Jan Age 6

Navya Manchanda, a 6-year old first-grade student at Charles A. Bernazzani School, Quincy, has authored her first book titled, “Simply Stupid, Silly Jokes For Kids”. The book will appeal to kids aged 5-8 years.

“I realized I was twisting words around a lot during the summer vacation. This inspired me to create jokes and my mom started sharing my jokes with her friends, and they all liked my jokes”, said Navya, talking about how she got started on this path. “I told my parents that it would be cool to have a book of jokes and that’s when my mom got the idea of creating and publishing a book,” explained Navya.

“The book has my 30 best jokes, though I made a lot more. My mom checked if the joke is original or inspired from somewhere, and she only included the original ones. It took me about two or three weeks to create all the jokes,” explained Navya when asked about her book-writing journey. Her mom, Sakshi Garg, noted, “Once we decided to create the book, her mind was working non-stop to create jokes. One night, Navya woke me up in the middle of the night to share her joke before she forgot it.”

An early exposure to books created a love of reading for Navya. “At only four months of age, I found it easier to engage her with board books than toys,” explains her mom. “She still spends a big part of her day reading books. Her favorites keep on changing, but she loves Junie B. Jones and Magic Tree House books,” explains her dad, Vivek Manchanda.

When asked if she would like to be an author when she grows up, Navya said, “I cannot decide if I want to be an artist or an author.” She also shared some details about her next book: “I want to write a storybook next, possibly a superhero story. When I grow up, I would like to write chapter books, because chapter books are really interesting.”

Navya said, “Kids in Kindergarten to third grade will really enjoy my book. I want to share this book with as many kids as possible and for this reason, the book is available for free. My parents got some copies printed and I would like to give it to lot of schools and libraries in Quincy.” Navya also noted that it feels great to have a book with your own name on it.

Navya’s other interests are playing the piano, which she recently started learning. She also enjoys watching PJ Masks and is looking forward to dressing up as Owlette (a character from PJ Masks) on Halloween.

Pick up Navya’s book for free. It is available in ebook format on Amazon, Apple Books and Google Play Books.

The Commander

by Dan Hendrickson

Last Enemy Series Prequel Reviewed by Grant Leishman

I have read the full Last Enemy Series and have enjoyed it immensely. I have watched Dan E. Hendrickson grow as an author and each iteration of this wonderful series has been even better than the previous one. I was especially excited when the author asked me to review his latest effort, the prequel to the series. One of the difficulties of writing a prequel to an established series is the juggling of timelines, characters and events that have already been written about but occur in the future. As a reviewer, I am always on the lookout for any errors of this nature or plot holes that make no sense given what has already been written. I am thrilled to report that I found no such holes or errors in this excellent story. As with all the stories in this series, although they are linked, they are stand-alone tales and can be read in any order. That having been said, I would still suggest any new readers to Hendrickson’s work start with the prequel and work their way through the series. It just makes more sense to do it that way. In, The Commander, we meet Commander Jacob Edwards just as he is promoted to being the youngest Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard and given command of the refurbished Coast Guard Hamilton Class Cutter, First Responder. Jacob, his wife and nine-year-old daughter are required to move to where the cutter is based but thankfully that is the same place as his wife’s parents live, so Jacob will feel more comfortable about leaving them alone when he is off on patrol. As he takes command of First Responder, it becomes increasingly apparent, to the Coast Guard, that something big is brewing out in the Gulf of Mexico. It seems that terrorists may be planning to sabotage one or more of the deep-sea oil rigs based in the Gulf, to try to strangle the U.S, supply of oil. Captain Tommy Williams (The Legend) is tasked, by the President, with finding out who is planning the terrorist attack and thwarting it. Tommy knows the best men for that job will be Commander Edwards and the rest of his topsecret military task-force that he is in charge of. So begins an epic showdown in the Gulf of Mexico between a desperate band of criminals and the might of the United States Coast Guard. The characters Hendrickson has created in this series are fascinatingly overdrawn. At one end of the scale you have the evil mastermind of the criminal enterprise, Boris Rasmov, his family and criminal enterprise, while at the other end we have the dedicated, moral, and powerful leadership of Commander Edwards, his extended family, his crew, and his paramilitary team. What I liked particularly was those fringe characters who were at or near the top of the Coast Guard’s hierarchy but who were morally flawed and therefore able to be manipulated and indeed subverted by the evil Rasmov.