21 minute read
THE POWER OF PLAYFULNESS
inspiration
The Power of Playfulness
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by Marlaina Donato
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Mirth has been a memory for most of us this past year; something that we need now more than ever. White-knuckle survival and transition can drain neurotransmitters, those chemical messengers vital for strong immunity and good mental health. Taking a vacation from seriousness just might be what the doctor ordered.
As kids, we rarely turned down an opportunity to roll in the grass, laugh ourselves into bellyaches or catch a wave of spontaneous fun. With the advent of adulthood, pouring a drink or going on a shopping spree often becomes a knee-jerk relaxation strategy, leaving the option for nourishing play in the distant past.
Recent research shows what kids and kittens already know: Snippets of playtime are good for the soul and provide benefits like reduced depression, stronger emotional resilience and higher productivity on the job. A study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, in Germany, published last year in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being suggests that even serious, poker-faced humans can train themselves to be more playful.
Postponing levity accomplishes nothing and doesn’t solve today’s problems, yet we may find it almost impossible to grab downtime without guilt gnawing away at our joy. Try making a to-do list that is solely dedicated to pure, inner-child-approved, illogical fun. Some activities to consider penciling into the calendar: n Roll around the floor with the dog or play hide-and-go-seek with the kids. n Host an adult sleepover; stay up late watching a scary movie or one made for a younger audience. n Make ink blots with watercolors or play with air-dry clay or easy-to-make salt dough. n Grab some crayons and adult-designed coloring books. n Blow bubbles in the backyard or during a morning shower. n Go out for low- or sugar-free ice cream or gluten-free pizza. n Fly a kite or find shapes and faces in passing clouds. n Roll in the leaves or down a grassy hill with that special someone. n Bounce a ball during work breaks. n Belt out karaoke songs and delight in being off-key. n Play charades or a favorite childhood game. n Have a staring contest.
Having some fun doesn’t break the bank, and the only requirement is to check self-consciousness at the door. “Wasting” time is being free, and that is worth its weight in gold.
Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer of healing and inspiring music. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.
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To place a calendar/ongoing/classified event, email content to ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com. Entries must adhere to our guidelines and be submitted by July 12 (for August issue). Costs $20 for 35 words each month. Call ahead before attending events to avoid any cancellations or changes.
Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic–We are open and spacing appointments consciously. We are sanitizing our office and waiting areas throughout the day and wearing personal protective gear. Call 803-3766293 to schedule an appointment.
FRIDAY, JULY 2
Jubilee! Circle’s First Friday Open Mic and
Coffee House–7pm. Singer and songwriter Josh McGill opens up the night. Open mic at 8pm. Open mic participants are welcome to bring their own microphone for sanitary purposes. Cost: Suggested $10 donation covers food and beverages. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: Info@ JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. Star Spangled Symphonic Salute–7-9pm. Patriotic concert featuring the SC Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. Beer, wine and food available for purchase; no outside food/beverage allowed. Bring a blanket or chair. All ages. Cost: $5 parking. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-772-1228, icrc.net.
SATURDAY, JULY 3
Backyard Saturdays–Snake Day–10am-noon. Families experience nature at Saluda Shoals Park. Two/three nature activities, cool biofacts, natural materials to touch. Appropriate for children ages 7 and under and their families. Cost: $5 parking. Leo’s Landing Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-772-1228, Rkennerly@ icrc.net.
SATURDAYS JULY 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
Murraywood Health Foods 20% off Satur-
days–10am-6pm. 20% off all grocery items, excluding local honey. Murraywood Shopping Center, 7001 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-732-3847.
FRIDAY, JULY 9
Sunset on the Shoals–6-8:30pm. Enjoy a paddle tour on the Saluda River, followed by a wine tasting at the River Overlook. (Trip dependent on weather.) Take home a complimentary wine glass. Ages 21 and up. Cost: $47. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: icrc.net.
SATURDAY, JULY 10
Summer Family Movie Nights–8-10:30pm. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul. Food trucks from 6:30-8:30pm. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs. Presented by Aun & McKay, PA, and Peggy Aun, of Coldwell Banker Realty. All ages. Cost: $2 parking. Melvin Park, 370-A Eptings Camp Rd, Chapin. Info: 803-345-8113, icrc.net.
SUNDAY, JULY 17
Creating a Spiritual Practice–10:30am-12:30pm. Carolyn Gregory teaches techniques to uncover limitations and develop new skills to create a spiritual practice. Bring a journal and crayons or colored pens or pencils. Cost: Suggested donation of $20. Online version offered on July 19, from 4:30-6pm. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: Info@ JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. Slip, Slide and Splash–11am-3pm. Cool off and have a blast with nine inflatable water slides, a maze, access to the splash pad and food trucks. Preregister or on-site the day of event. Ages 3 and up. Cost: $15 person. Melvin Park, 370-A Eptings Camp Rd, Chapin. Info: 803-345-8113, icrc.net.
THURSDAY, JULY 22
Lunar Astronomy Night–9-10pm. A night of observation and learning more about the moon. Earth's moon brightens the night sky, serves as a celestial landmark for animals, and influences water levels on a global scale. Understanding its formation and surface features can help us learn more about our own planet. All ages. Cost: Parking $2. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: icrc.net.
FRIDAY, JULY 23
Paddle and Pint–6-8:30pm. Paddle the Lower Saluda River and enjoy the beautiful scenery. After an hour on the water, sample delicious craft beers from Columbia Craft at the River Overlook. Take home a Saluda Shoals Park glass. Light refreshments served. Ages 21 and up. Cost: $47. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info: icrc.net.
SATURDAY, JULY 24
Reiki I Class–10am-6pm. Learn how to scan your body for blockages in the energy field and alleviate it. Cost: $150; manual is included. Holistic Wellness and Counseling Center, 519 E Main St, Lexington. Preregistration is required. Info: Contact Joy Stagg at 803-575-0811 or ReikiByJoy.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 31
A Course in Miracles–Retreat–10am-3pm. Intro; no experience is necessary. Cost: $55. Info: Contact Joy Lee Connor at 803-447-6499 or JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net. Tomorrowquest Theatre at Jubilee! Circle–7pm. Columbia's top improv/sketch comedy group Tomorrowquest takes the stage. Donations accepted for refreshments and beverages. Masks not required for those fully vaccinated. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: Info@JubileeCircle. com, JubileeCircle.com. plan ahead
SUNDAY, AUGUST 8
Plant-Based Cooking Class Series–4:30pm. Class and tasting feast is designed to help you succeed in prevention and reversal of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, low energy, digestive issues, and more. Cost: $5. Columbia Adventist Academy Gym, 241 Riverchase Way, Lexington. Info: Contact Sandra Sturkie at Info@ ColumbiaFirst.org.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28
driver programs Senior Rides of Lexington and Feonix Volunteer Force, which provide rides for seniors and those in need in Richland and Lexington counties. Cost: $40. Turner Memorial AME Church, 1122 Monticello St, W Columbia. Info: Contact Melanie Dalton at 803-361-3645 or Melanie@ FeonixMobilityRising.org.
ongoing events
sunday
A Course in Miracles–Original Edition–4:30-6pm. Every Sunday. Study group via Zoom/phone. We read together and discuss questions, insights and experiences. Donations are accepted. Info: Conatct Joy Lee Connor at 803-447-6499 or JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net. monday
Trance Healing Group–7pm. Every Monday. Session via Zoom. We will go into a meditative state and link with my guides, and they will perform the energy work. Cost: $15. Pay at ReikiByJoy.com. Info: Contact Joy Stagg at 803-575-0811. tuesday
Healthy at Home Facebook Live–7pm. Every Tuesday. Please join Ms Tracy for her Healthy at Home segment live on Facebook. Info: Contact Ms Tracy at 833-678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@ gmail.com. saturday
Virtual Zumba–8am. Every Saturday. Join licensed Zumba instructor Shaunita Grase via Zoom. Cost: $5. Info/register: ShaunitaGrase.Zumba.com. Health on Digital Radio–1pm. Every Saturday. Health, Hope and Healing digital radio broadcast. WDRB media on iHeart Radio or TuneIn app. Info/cost: Contact Ms Tracy at 833-678-7229 or OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com.
CLASSIFIEDS
GROWTH OPPORTUNITY
Find a New Beginning with Arbonne–8:30pm. Every Sunday in July. Zoom and discover Arbonne. Start the year earning extra money while making a difference in your life and the life of others. Info: Call Sasha Davis at 803-665-4352.
Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, call 803-309-2101 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakenings.com. ACUPUNCTURE
THE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC
William D. Skelton, DAc 620 Sims Ave, Columbia 803-256-1000 • SCAcupuncture.com Bill Skelton is dedicated to helping people live happier, healthier, active lives with safe, gentle and effective techniques. He has 38 years’ experience and trained in the Republic of China. Call to schedule an appointment. See ad, page 23.
AROMATHERAPY
GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE
4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15-A, Columbia Trenholm Plaza, in Forest Acres 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com Improve your level of stress, depression and mood with natural products from a locally owned family business. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you using aromatherapy for pain, anxiety, energy enhancement and more. We carry several brands of essential oils, including doTERRA. See ads, page 3 and back page. CHIROPRACTIC
CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER INC
Dr. Shelly Jones, DC 5209 Forest Dr, Ste C, Columbia 803-771-9990 • DrShellyJones.com Webster Technique certified, Dr. Jones provides family chiropractic care, health information and wellness resources to support the body’s natural ability to heal, allowing one to feel better and enjoy living a more active lifestyle! Call to schedule your appointment or discuss bringing our onsite chiropractic care and health-education services to your business, school or athletic team.
DOWDY RUDOLPH CHIROPRACTIC LLC
Dr. Dowdy Rudolph, DC 1444 Barnwell St, Columbia 803-376-6293 • DowdyRudolphChiro.com Dr. Gerald Rudolph, DC, focuses on finding the root cause of your problems and not just treating your pain. He utilizes digital X-rays to help diagnose problems, spinal adjustments to stimulate proper movement of spinal and extremity joints, active therapeutic movement exercises to correct movement disorders, and spinal decompression to help relieve numbness and tingling down your arms and legs. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic also offers a state-of-theart full-body lounge hydromassage table that can help you feel more rejuvenated and relaxed. See ad, page 25. FLEX CHIROPRACTIC
Dr. Angela Larson Dr. Felicia Danio 1811 Bull St, Columbia 803-252-0108 • FlexChiros.com With more than 22 years of experience in the chiropractic industry, our team is knowledgeable, experienced and courteous. Combining a passion for healing and alleviating pain with two decades of good old-fashioned knowhow, we give you the customized chiropractic treatment you truly deserve. Our vast list of services includes: decompression; Pro Adjuster; pregnancy care; newborns, infants and toddler care; massage therapy; ultrasound; Kinesiology taping; and cold laser. Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Larson or Dr. Danio. Let our team help you achieve a happy, healthy life through chiropractic care!
COLON HEALTH
SPRING RAIN HYDROTHERAPY
Linda Salyer 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste H, Columbia 803-361-2620 • LSalyer@ymail.com All disease begins in the colon. Constipation; slow, sluggish bowel; gas and bloating? A colonic will help to rid you of these problems. Colonics promote good digestion, help speed metabolism, help lower cholesterol, and help relieve joint pain. Linda Salyer is IACN certified and a retired nurse. Saturday appointments available with an additional small convenience fee. See ad, page 23.
DOULA SPECIALTY
TWIN WATERS HEALING
Carla Franklin, Placenta Encapsulation Specialist 803-200-2284 TwinWatersHealing.net Placenta encapsulation is the practice of consuming the placenta usually after it has been steamed, dehydrated, ground and placed into pills. Traditionally, this is taken by the birth person and has proven to impart numerous health benefits. Some of those benefits include increasing milk production and help with postpartum depression. Our professional staff is certified and we practice safe COVID-19 protocols to ensure your safety and ours. To schedule your encapsulation, give us a call today!
Connect with us naturally!
ECO-RICH SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
JUST WANNA MELT LLC
Misty Rawls • 803-331-0063 Info@JustWannaMelt.com JustWannaMelt.com A green skin care company that creates high-quality, non-GMO, all-natural products that are gentle to the skin and safer for the environment. Our brands include ingredients such as organic oils, butters, flowers, herbs, botanicals, local grains, beeswax and honey. Find our products at such stores as Garner’s Natural Life, Four Oaks Farm, Wingard’s Nursery, Whole Foods and more. For a complete list of retail locations, visit our website.
HEALTH FOOD STORE
MURRAYWOOD HEALTH FOODS
Richard Beale, Owner • 803-732-3847 7001 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo In Murraywood Shopping Centre Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm Locally owned and proudly serving Irmo and the Midlands area for more than 25 years, Murraywood Health Foods is a health and specialty food store featuring the very best natural product brands, vitamins and minerals, herbs and homeopathic remedies. The store also carries natural and organic gluten-free foods and health and beauty products. Call today for more information or to schedule a special appointment. See ad, page 10.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC
120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com Our main focus is health education and healthenhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aqua-chi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hardto-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 27. ARBONNE
Certified B Corporation Sasha Davis 803-665-4352 SashaDavis.Arbonne.com Healthy Living to Improve Mind. Body. Skin. We utilize a holistic approach to beauty, health and well-being. Our products are vegan, crueltyfree and formulated without gluten. We use plant-based ingredients grounded in science and clinical research with high standards for safety. Nutrition, skin care, makeup and personal care
160 Medical Cir, Ste C, W Columbia Book@INVODrip.com 803-830-7212
At INVODrip, we care about your overall wellness. Our goal is to increase your energy levels, help meet your weight-loss goals, and ensure you’re well hydrated— not just with water, but also by incorporating the vitamins, minerals and electrolytes your body craves. The absorption rate of our vitamins and minerals surpasses any oral supplements you may have taken. Give us a call today to book your drip now. See ad, page 9.
ORIGINAL ORIGINS HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Tracy R. Jacox • 833-678-7229 OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com OriginalOriginshw.com Ms. Tracy has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. The mission of Original Origins Health and Wellness is to educate, equip and empower the community to adopt a predominately whole food, plant-based lifestyle, which will improve and optimize your quality of life, health and wellness while preventing, delaying, reversing or eliminating chronic illnesses. Original Origins can assist you with maximizing your health and wellness holistically! Our wide range of services include health coach partnering, comprehensive health HOLISTIC FOOT CARE
ELEVATE FOOTCARE
Geneva Holiday, MSN, WCC, RN-Bc 160 Medical Cir, Ste C, W Columbia ElevateFootCare.com 803-373-2299
Elevate FootCare recognizes the importance of caring for your feet. All services are provided by a board-certified and registered foot care and wound care nurse who cares about the health of your feet. “My goal is to help those with diabetes, thick toe nails, poor circulation, or anyone who is unable to complete the basic maintenance of their feet. We come to your home or you can visit us in West Columbia,” says Geneva Holiday.
SWEET FEET FOOT CARE
Mona Patterson/Master Pedicurist 9153 Two Notch Rd, Ste 11-C, Columbia 803-394-4421 • SweetFeetCare.com Columbia’s foot care service with a holistic approach. Here at Sweet Feet Foot Care, we focus on Preventive Care, Effective Pedicure Treatments and Cleanliness. With advanced knowledge and skills, we help correct disorders of the feet and lower limbs with pedicure treatments and orthotics. Services are ideal for Diabetics, Seniors and Knee- and Back-Pain Issues. Gel manicures available. Call today to learn more about our services. See ad, page 25.
LOCAL RETREAT
JOY LEE CONNOR, LMT (SC#1229)
Healing Minster at Springhill AtONEment Center 803-447-6499
Retreat to the trees! Come and experience 100 beautiful acres near Chapin, South Carolina. Joy Lee Connor invites you to bathe in the forest and “ground” in the peaceful fields of Earth. Breathe in love, heal your mind, and nurture your spirit. We are often overwhelmed by body pains and emotions. Experience mind and body transformation while being loved, forgiven and released. Your energy field will be restored and balanced, allowing you to feel lighter and burdenfree. Joy offers instruction in reiki, Touch for Health, meditation, yoga, meridian movement, and selfcare—both online and in person. Private or small groups are available. Call Joy today! EXPECT WELLNESS
Dr. Rachel Hall 130 Suber Rd, Columbia 803-796-1702 • DrRachelHall.com ExpectWellness@sc.rr.com Find us on Facebook for great health tips. Integrative/Holistic medicine consults for anyone wanting to approach their health more naturally. Dr. Rachel Hall is board certified in both family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. Together we will focus on finding the root of the problem, not just treating symptoms. Call today for a consult if you are looking to achieve balance. In-house diagnostic labs and therapies. See ad, page 4.
INSPIRED HEALTH
Dana Nairn, MD, FIAHM 3700 Forest Dr, Ste 200, Columbia 803-676-1030
Are you ready to take charge of your health? Dr. Dana Nairn is a fellow of the Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine and board certified in integrative holistic medicine and internal medicine. Dr. Nairn is excited and looking forward to partnering with you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself. Call today to schedule a consultation! See ad, page 8.
PROHEALTH CENTER
500 Plaza Cir, Ste J, Clinton, SC 864-681-0555 MyProHealthCenter.com Our integrative approach offers traditional and holistic health and wellness services. We don’t believe in just treating symptoms, but rather getting to the root of the problem. Our practitioners customize patient care through functional medicine specifically tailored to each individual. At our clinic, you are not just a patient number … you become part of our ProHealth Center family. We serve all of South Carolina. See ad, page 5. SPIRITUAL
ECKANKAR THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM
Contact Dee 803-749-2459 • ECK-SC.org Meetup.com/columbia-spiritual-seekers.com Eckankar has suspended ALL group events worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will update this information as changes occur on our websites listed above and in this Natural Awakenings of Columbia listing.
The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.
~Thomas Edison
Justin Williams 803-467-8322 Justin.Williams2@gmail.com Justin is an intuitive counselor and energy worker. He power cycles, overhauls and unblocks energy fields from afar to remove negativity from your life while jumpstarting your career, relationships, money and general blessings. Justin also provides distance house cleansings to produce a peaceful home and comfortable environment tailormade for abundance and success
SUSTAINABLE WEDDINGS
FLOWERS BY TUPELO GROVE EVENTS
Denyse Croft Nodden 1004 12th St, Cayce 803-730-5096 • TupeloGroveEvents.com We offer completely local sustainable wedding design options, including: locally grown seasonal flowers, foraged greenery and reusable nonperishables. No plastic is used. Clean up is composted afterward, not trashed. See ad, page 17.
THERMOGRAPHY
ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC
120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aquachi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hardto-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 27. PALMETTO THERMAL IMAGING
Mobile Thermography Unit Heather Terry, Certified Thermographer 864-681-0555 • 803-924-0813 Thermography is a noninvasive, radiation-FREE and pain-FREE thermal scan of the body. This exclusive technology uses a clinical imaging procedure to create a map of the body’s infrared patterns. It is a valuable tool for alerting your healthcare provider to changes that could indicate early stages of disease. Heather Terry travels to multiple locations in South Carolina. Call today to schedule your session. See ad, page 5. VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS
GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE
4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15a, Columbia 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com At Garner’s Natural Life, we offer the purest, most innovative highquality natural products. With more than 130 collective years of wellness experience! Allows us to encourage your healthy choices. See ads, page 3 and back page.
Composting Made Easy
Turn Food Waste into ‘Black Gold’
Just 3 percent of uneaten food in the U.S. is composted, reported the Natural Resources Defense Council in 2012. The remaining food scraps rotting in landfills account for 23 percent of U.S. methane emissions, a greenhouse gas at least 25 times more powerful than carbon monoxide in global warming. With minimal planning and effort, however, food scraps can be recycled through composting into an organic, high-nutrient fertilizer.
Compost is called “black gold” for its high value in gardening, but it’s simply decayed organic material. Consider all the organic materials that fall to the forest floor, break down and return to the earth. This process can be easily recreated at home.
To start composting, get a couple of containers.
n A covered kitchen bucket.
Beautiful containers abound, but an old pan will work. Countertop positioning makes it easy to toss in kitchen scraps, but it could also be placed under the sink or
in the freezer. A review of several options can be found at TheSpruceEats.com. n A yard bin or pile. Due to critters and pets, a lid is recommended.
Gardening stores sell compost bins, but they can be made using instructions at Homesteading.com. Bins in place, start collecting and piling. Organic materials will break down—it’s just a matter of time. The pile should consist of yard waste (grass clippings, plant scraps, small sticks) and kitchen waste (peels, cores, eggshells, tea leaves, coffee grounds, bread). Do not include invasive weeds, meat, bones, dairy products, oils or pet excrement.
The basic recipe is a mix of nitrogen-rich/green materials (food waste, grass clippings, plant trimmings) and carbon-rich/brown materials (dried leaves, sticks, shredded newspaper or cardboard). Shoot for 25 percent green materials.
An unbalanced pile can be amended.
n If it’s wet, moldy or stinky, add more brown materials and stir with a pitchfork to increase oxygen flow and loosen the pile. n A pile that is too dry will take longer to break down. Add kitchen scraps, green grass clippings or sprinkle with water to encourage microbial activity.
A balanced pile that is stirred or turned weekly will decay the fastest. Seeing worms and other soil organisms in the pile is a good sign that the process is working.
Finished compost looks like dark, rich soil. Spread it onto the garden in the spring. Scoop some into the holes for new plants. Side dress plants all season.
Compost releases nutrients gradually, improves soil condition and helps retain water. Plants thrive with better root systems. Compost gardeners reap bountiful harvests.
