Coffee with Moe - Spring_2022s

Spring 2022

Editorial
9
@moe-
Creative
1 8
Weedy Wonders
1 0
Acts of Kindness
2 2
About Kindness
1 4
Seeds
2 6
presents: Spring coffee talk with Moe
ISSUE 19: Coffee, Art & Kindness
On The Cover: There’s something
aligning about a few moments with
a rich warm cuppa. Shoulders drop,
breath deepens and quite often, great
connections are made.
For digital Prints & Commission work, please
Contact: monique@moecreative.com
Website: www.moecreative.com
Blog: www.moecreative.com/blog
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/moecreative/
IG: www.instagram.com/moe_creative
Coffee with Moe Digital Magazine is
published in association with Moe Creative
Inc. based in Calgary, Alberta Canada
Publishing made possible by Moe Creative, Yumpo & the
Adobe Suite of Products.
* Art & photography by Monique for Moe Creative inc.
Many thanks to Family, Friends & Inspiration:
Gratefully & alphabetically listed:
AB, AC, AG, AL, AR, BCV, BD, CF, CG, CR,
CS, DD, DK, DL, DO, DR, EC, ED, EN, GD,
GDC, HC, HM, IF, JD, JH, JM, JR, JS, KB,KH,
KN, KW, LB, LD, LK, LM, LOL, LP, MB, MC,
MH, MQ, MS, MY, ND, NH, NS, PA, PB, RC,
RS, SB, SH, SK, SP, SMG, TN, TR, VH, YK.
& all Moe Creative’s clientele & suppliers.
All for whom this issue was created, with
heart & much gratitude.
© 2022 Moe Creative Inc. All rights reserved.

Coucou.
[koo koo]
In France, coucou is a warm, sweet and casual way of
saying hello to a dear friend.
What better way to start off our time together.
Coucou.
& Welcome to the latest edition of this mixed media coffee
break:
Coffee with Moe.
What can you expect as you wander through this spring
edition?
An assortment of freshly watered creative thoughts,
meaningfully cultivated quotes and a colourful bouquet
of my art & lettering meant to inspire thoughtful and
kindhearted connection, actions and conversation.
I trust you’ll enjoy your time here. Remember there are loads
of back issues so that you always have a reason to visit
again and again.
Afterall, coffee is always better when shared together.
XO
Moe

Weedy Wonders
Mother Nature has a reason and a season for pretty much everything.
We may not always understand her, but if we investigate a little, we’re sure to
find the w5* of all she quietly and organically manages in this huge and complex
organism we call earth.
*Who, what, where, when and why
One aspect of her that is often disregarded, misunderstood and villainized is the
existence of plants that are widely regarded as weeds. To some, any plant that was
not willingly planted by the property’s guardian is considered a weed. For others,
there is a select list of garden “Enemies” to be eradicated at all costs.
Today we are going to chat about the latter category. Not exhaustively but, I trust,
in enough detail that it may give you pause before you rip any plant out of the
ground because it doesn’t fit with your personal aesthetic. Weeds can bring beauty
and biodiversity to your garden in ways that you (and definitely your garden), will
actually find helpful.
As I started to write this essay, I quickly realized that reading about a world of
wonderful weeds, might feel a little overwhelming. I’m guessing that you’d rather
get a clear read on just one (1) weedy wonder.
So, let’s start our weedy exploration with a pretty little flower that you either love or
hate, the Dandelion.
Originating in both Europe and North America, the Dandelion is known world-wide
as a symbol of growth, hope and healing. Sure, it’s hated by lovers of the perfect
green lawn and folks bent on eradicating this sunny flower from their cultivated
palettes. Yet, I wonder if, their views might be swayed if they understood the
wealth of benefits each little Dandelion possesses. It dominates as a helper for the
soil, the bees and our health, if we simply just give it a chance.
From the very first glance, the humble Dandelion is quietly doing its job as an
indicator species. Being an indicator means that its very presence is letting us know
that the soil it inhabits is compacted and potentially low in calcium. Soil conditions
are always important to keep track of and better yet, Dandelion has shown up to
do all the heavy lifting. It can reverse soil issues with its long, strong tap root, the
same one that makes it a brute to weed out. A dandelion root will lay waste to
compaction issues and that sturdy taproot will also pull nutrients like calcium from
cont’d

cont’d
deep within the earth to ensure the soil and plants around it (including lawns) are
properly nourished. Dandelions help your lawn and garden breathe (aeration), thrive
(nutrients) and stay happily alive.
Above the soil, Dandelion has an assortment of other roles. One of its most
significant, is it being an early spring food source for bees. In my garden, I manage
seed spread by deadheading the flowers every dusk. It’s a nice way to keep in touch
with what is happening in my garden and allow the sunny little flowers to feed the
bees by day.
Some evenings if I’ve collected enough flowers, I’ll wash and pinch out the yellow
petals for an evening tea. The flowers themselves are treasured in certain circles for
their slightly analgesic (pain reducing) properties. They can also be collected and used
to make soothing and healing salves to heal rough dried skin. I’m personally a huge
fan of Dandelion Salve.
For your internal health, Dandelions may just be one of the most nutritious things
you can grow in your garden. With more vitamin A than spinach and more vitamin C
than tomatoes, it’s not surprizing that dandelion greens often find their way into the
fancy spring mixed greens that you buy from the supermarket. In the tea section and
supplement aisle you’ll also find Dandelion. All parts of the plant are edible and boast
benefits such as detoxification of your liver. This detox will positively impact your liver
function and ailments of the liver and it will also impact your eye and skin health.
Studies have also shown that teas made from organic, unsprayed dandelions can
soothe digestive problems and contribute to the regulation of blood sugar levels.
For most people, Dandelions are generally safe. The only contraindications are for
those suffering from Gall Stones, those on diuretics and pregnant or nursing mothers.
For those on any sort of medication, check with your doctor. Dandelions are an
active liver tonic which can reduce your medications effectiveness. If the Dandelions
you’re consuming are boosting your health, then your current medications may
need professional adjustment. I hope it goes without saying, that if you’re allergic to
dandelions, do not consume them.
If you have any questions or fears regarding the consumption or use of botanicals,
your best resource is an appointment with a naturopathic or an integrative medicine
doctor. But for those of you that don’t spray and like the idea of adding a little more
plant-based nutrition to your kitchen. Give the mighty dandelion a place at your table.
Afterall, this deceptively powerful flower has truly no agenda to annoy us. Mother
Nature has given it plenty to do and we should be thankful that Dandelion always
shows up for duty.

ABOUT KINDNESS
I’ve been thinking.
What sort of a world do you think we’d live in, if instead of leading into most
conversations with:
“What do you do for a living?”
Instead we asked:
“What kindness do you bring to the world?”
I think it’s the sort of conversational shift that could change everything.
Just think about it.
A conversation that started with kindness, would set the tone for a value-based
connection and would allow us to proudly acknowledge the tangible ways we are
all actually living out our values
Instead of jockeying to impress people with an enviable job description, we’d all
start to focus on being the change we want to see. The sage words of Mahatma
Gandhi would stop being a platitude and start resonating in our thoughts, actions
and interactions.
Our views regarding work might shift enough that we might stop valuing the idea
of being our job’s unsung hero of overtime, a glorified busy burn-out or a casualty
of the endless hustle. Instead our focus might land squarely on who and what
we deeply believe matters. It might bring our attention to how we have and can
impact the people, places and things around us.
Sure we’d still have to pay the bills, feed our families and pay our taxes, but how
we chose to do that would be a footnote in our life’s story, instead of the headline
our hopes and dreams have been buried under.
Kindness was once believed to be a sign of emotional weakness. This was not
based on any science, but on the fact that caregivers were traditionally women.
Thankfully, years of actual scientific research has proven that quite the opposite is
actually true.
cont’d

Kindness has proven to be a powerfully strong mindset that plays a vital role in
society. Kindness is also directly linked to elevating our mental health. It increases
our happiness, levels of feeling satisfied and boosts our overall health and
wellness. Acts of kindness decrease anxiety and stress levels, which we all know
are linked to loads of diseases. But the absolute best part of kindness, is that
you don’t have to wait until kindness happens to you. The benefit’s really kick in
deeply when you start initiating regular acts of kindness yourself.
In a world where people crave control, but often feel out of it. Isn’t it relieving to
know that the self-governing act of kindness allows us to fill our own cup with a
scientifically proven dose of internal health and a wealth of personal agency.*
Doesn’t it make you want to revisit negative stereotypes and replace them with
your own personal scientific discovery? Perhaps the science will even prompt you
to take steps towards your own healing, bringing you ever closer to asking:
“So, What kindness do you bring to the world?”
*It’s really important if you are struggling mentally to reach out to a professional
who can bring you safely to a point where you can explore all of ways that acts of
kindness can germinate and grow into long term benefits in your life.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. It is based on personal
experience and exploration. I bring it to you as a way of inspiring a deeper
conversation and exploration into the topic of kindness.

From the Studio
Moe on Instagram
Inspiration at your fingertips
Visit www.instragram.com/moe_creative
A place for us to connect, share our
creative hearts and support each other’s
journey in this beautiful life.
NEW DESIGNS ARRIVING MONTHLY
Get your new favourite T and more...
Moe Creative’s Studio Shop.
Filled with birds, nature and a doses of
fun. Every detail thoughtfully researched
to serve the environment, social justice
and YOU. Visit www.moecreative.com/Shop

#Moecreativecolour
Turn this
Into whatever colours your fancy.
Each month a new collabourative colouring
page is created. I’ll draw, you colour!
It’s as easy as downloading from a link
provided in the Moe Creative newsletter or
at www.moecreative.com/Subscribers-Library
When you’ve finished colouring up your
page, share it on instagram by tagging
me @moe_creative and using the hashtag
#moecreativecolour so that I can give you
a shout-out across digital space.

ACTS OF KINDNESS
If there is one thing that we could use more of in this world, it’s kindness.
One look at the news will verify this sentiment through and through.
If you’ve already read the article I wrote called “About Kindness” in this
issue, (Page 14) then you’ll understand the value of peppering your world
with acts of kindness.*
But where to start?
Here is a list of 50 easy ways, to prompt your inner kindness into action.
I’m sure you probably do some of the things on this list already. But it can’t
hurt to add a few extra easy and satisfying acts of kindness to your
repertoire & to your day.
*Your kindness does not have to target a human to have lasting impact
01. Buy someone a coffee.
02. Shovel or sweep a neighbour’s walk or stoop.
03. Bake something and randomly gift it.
04. Let someone in line ahead of you
05. Tell somebody why you like them
06. Serve a meal at a homeless shelter
07. Volunteer to walk, pet or play with animals at a shelter.
08. Hold the door open for someone.
09. Be kind with your words, always
10. Pick up litter while on a walk
11. Donate gently used items to a women's or homeless shelter.
12. Call someone you haven't heard from in a while.
13. Plant a tree
14. Put up a bird feeder &/or Bird bath
15. Say hello to your neighbour.
16. Wave to a truck or train driver
17. Say thank you to show appreciation to strangers and friends alike.
18. Make a favourite meal for a loved one
19. Grow your hair long and then donate it. (Min. 8 inches)
20. Learn to say hello in different languages
21. Donate books to a free library
22. Help someone cross a road
Cont’d

Cont’d
23. Plant a container of bee friendly flowers
24. Offer a ride to a friend
25. Recommend a favourite book or movie
26. Offer food, clothing &/ or water to homeless people
27. Spend time with the elderly
28. Be a pillar of positive encouragement on-line
29. Celebrate other people's wins
30. Surprise someone (including yourself) with flowers
31. Tell someone you love that you love them
32. Recycle
33. Buy Local
34. Offer an act of kindness to a stranger
35. Take a friend out to lunch for no reason
36. Donate your time to a charity of your choice
37. If you see someone struggling, ask if you can help.
38. Put a native bee home in your yard to attract these stingless pollinators
39. Buy toys for under privileged children during the holidays
40. Write positive chalk messages on your sidewalk
41. Leave your mailman a note of thanks
42. Tell a joke
43. Leave a letter, a poem or a note($) tucked into a library book
44. Learn to say “thank you” in various languages
45. Mentor someone
46. Leave heads up pennies on the sidewalk
47. Walk a 5k for a cause
48. Let someone merge in front of you in traffic
49. Buy lemonade from a child’s lemonade stand
50. Or Smile. It’s contagious.
While I was researching symbols of kindness around the
world, I came across a petition on Change.org. There is a
Kindergarden class in Florida petitioning to make this symbol
an official symbol of kindness. Their goal is to raise 7500 votes
(they are at 6770) and inspire people to show more kindness
in their everyday lives. The symbol shows kindness all around,
never-ending, north/ south/ east/ west, everywhere. How great
is that. I signed. You can sign that petition too right here:
https://www.change.org/p/barbara-wilcox-make-the-kindnesssymbol-a-national-symbol-of-kindness
Kindness can boost our serotonin and dopamine levels, causing our brain’s
pleasure and reward centers to light up. It also assists in the release of
chemicals in our bodies called endorphins. These chemicals interact with
receptors in your brain and reduce your perception of pain, isn’t that just
amazing. What other reason do you need? Through acts of kindness, we
can inspire a better way to live every day.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this Coffee with Moe. XO

It always feels a little sad when each
edition of Coffee with Moe winds to a
close.
Thank you for staying awhile. I’ve
enjoyed our time together and would
feel even more troubled if I didn’t
understand that endings are actually
new beginnings.
I trust that with the seeds I’ve sewn,
we will connect with new stories and
thoughts to share. That until and
around then, you will enjoy a spring and
summer full of uplifting and kismet
moments. I wish for you many new
beginnings filled with creativity and
wonder.
Concept drawings:
Here is a faux seed company
& a few direct sew seed
packets that I drew up for an
industry prompt.
Things to entice butterflies,
birds, bees and a friend or few
who happen to wander by for
a visit.
I love all of these varieties and
plan to direct sew real versions
of these seeds in my garden
this spring.
Perhaps, next time you brew a soothing
cuppa, you’ll take a moment to curl up
with another issue of Coffee with Moe.
A quote to ponder, a thought to reflect
on, an image or few to give your eyes
and brain a break from an otherwise
anxious world.
Because, let’s face it, Coffee is always
better when it’s shared together.
XO
MOE
What seeds are you planting?

NEXT ISSUE: OCT 22
Visit www.moecreative.com/coffeewithmoe for loads of finely brewed back-issues