Sunshine On A Brainy Day — PS Dwarf Star Lights Up My Life
Can you believe we have been sharing this journey for a year already? There is no stopping this momentum now. If you are wise to my jive, then you will recognize my mission and symptoms. But much has changed in the grow department.
Firstly, I'm celebrating my birthday this week and I'm so proud to be at this point in my life. Thanks to my garden and your journals, I'm learning and adapting to this complicated and compassionate brain injury lifestyle.
Secondly, I feel lucky to be alive and walk with grace when I'm challenged. Very important to remain grateful when I'm upset. I swear like a trucker but I look way more like the curvy girl on the trucks' mud flaps. lol
Lastly, The new light we bought (thanks for chippin' in supportive husband) should basically grow my plants for me and could be a valuable tool for those with brain injuries and mental health challenges. And the money I contributed to the light, was my first cheque I got paid (since sept 2015) from mega hard work and perseverance through brain/grow rehabilitation.
This is my legacy and welcome to it...
Organic Garden of Healing by Grow 2 Heal Me
2017-- "Growing green — still a novice but keen — made friends in the 420 mag scene — retraining my brain by planting a seed — humble harvests serving my need — walk the Lonely Mountain with the courage to lead.
2016-- "Growing green - a beauty to be seen - no time for mean - a friend, you can lean...on"
Welcome-to my humble experimental journal of rehabilitation & inspiration to give me a new purpose in life.
Growers Mission:Slow down degenerative brain disease through the processes of growing green medicine.
Purpose:-Retrain my brain and improve my executive functions through cognitive tasks.
Test results are in...but are not the final diagnosis.
"...these findings are worrisome for a frontotemporal neuro degenerative process. The differential include frontal variant Alzheimer's disease. Clinical correlation is needed. Consider psychostimulants to augment frontal lobe function and cholinesterase inhibitors to augment hippcampal function."
Novice Grower:1.5 years of growing my heart out. I've got one major harvest under my belt after 3 previous attempts. Thanks to help of the 420 forum, I am able to learn from others and challenge myself to be better each harvest. Now that I have a proper harvest under my belt, I am looking to increase quantity while looking for the ultimate formula that will soothe my soul and cradle my brain pain to go away.-
Accomplishments:
*I learned how to grow while battling a brain disease in my early 40's.
*I built my own "veg" area out of wired cubes and hung T5's.
*I have a "flower" area now.
*I am a retired soccer player and live my life through good sportswomanship values.
*I have the confidence to speak to people about growing in supply shops.
Tech Specs & Plant Details
(please excuse any errors I'm still learning)
What strains have I experimented with:
1. Outdoor Grab Bag of misc Seeds - Vancouver Seed Bank - July 2015
2. Afghan Kush - World of Seeds - almost 100% Indica - July 2015
3. Northern Lights Auto - Crop King Seeds - Indica/Sativa:70% Indica, 20% Sativa, 10% Ruderalis - Sept 2015
4. Purple Kush - Crop King Seeds - Indica 75% - Sativa 25% - Sept 2015-
5. CB Dream - Crop King Seeds - 80/20% - March 2016
6. Kushie Kush — Canuk Seeds — 80/20% - 2017
7. Quarter Pounder Auto — Canuk Seeds — 20% Indica — Sativa 80%-
8. More to come...why stop there?
Medicinal purposes only-—Seeking different strains for different pains. Also wanting to target my brain with as many healing nutrients from growing green. It's imperative that I don't grow any super psycho weed because my brain is hyper sensitive to change. It's just too much.
ALL INDOOR GROW
Vegetation Area & Flower Area
Soil Accessory: Rock - White Quartz Crystal from the 2nd largest granite cliffs in the world. White rocks have been charged with positivity based on the history of these cliffs. Super rare.
Growing times: 18/6 hr for auto, 18/6 hr for photo veg — 12/12 hour for flower — super important to remind myself.
Soil: Promix - "This potting mix is regionally formulated from Canadian sphagnum, peat moss, peat humus and/or composted forest products. Coco fibre, perlite, lime, controlled release fertilizer and mycorrhizae"
10 inch — Self Watering Pot *Veg area only-
2.5 & 3 Gallon Self Watering Containers for Flower area transplants
NEWNEWNEWNEWNEWNEWNEWNEW
"Grown with the Perfect Sun Spectrum. It is the only spectrum to truly be the sun's spectrum without the heat, thus why it is the Perfect Sun.
It's spectrum has the largest, most intense full-color spectrum, including deep blues, deep reds, infrared, ultra violet, etc. It grows-plants with tight node spacing, and blows up flowers with tons of frost. There is nothing else like it on the market. To prove it, it comes with a try it for a full 90 days, and if you don't like it, return it for a refund. It also comes with a full 3 year warranty that covers parts and labor.
-
With such a huge coverage, this light will outgrow a 400w HPS all day, even compete with a 600w or beat it and only uses 230w. That's half the watts a 400w HPS uses. The Dwarf Star is like having a mini-star in your grow room.
You don't have to change bulbs because the LEDs last 50,000 hours, which is 10 years if you run them for 12 hours a day.
Why the Dwarf Star will save you lots of money each grow because it uses so little electricity to fully cover 3.5x3 feet and it runs super cool, so you will not need to use all that extra electricity to keep your room cool.
Best of all, is you get the best light for the best price. This is true with the whole Perfect Sun line up. Find the one that best fits your growing style."
Black Diamond LED grow lights Perfect Sun 420 Mag Sponsor
Previous Lights still in use:
Germination lights: 2x 39 inch
(2) T5HO LED lights parallel to each other. 1 light used for early veg state. Then turn on second light after the first topping. Glass window/greenhouse type grow situation. Start off with very basic techniques in order not to overwhelm my brain with too much responsibility.-
I also have a Mars Hydro 48 Reflector that was donated to me by an angel. I still continue to use this in a smaller closet for autos. It's perfect and makes me think of my kind friend.
Yes, air-cooled during the day with fan, but not at night because it's cooler at night naturally here.
Veg Temp of Room 22-25 DC
Flower Temp of Room 24-28 DC
Humidity ranges from 45-53 % for veg — I now boil water and pour it into a bowl in the grow room and that humidity is maintained. I usually have to do this once a week, why didn't I catch on to this idea before? lol
PH of media or res? Mine is 5.5 ph balance using a colour chart every time for accuracy, transparent dirty green/orange.
Any Pests ? HUGS NOT BUGS.
-
How often are you watering? Once a week now in veg state, with food - or up to 3 times w/food in rapid veg growth depending on the strain.
Type and strength of ferts used?
Organic
— Root Booster *new to my lineup
- BioThrive Grow (4 3 3 — 5 ml/litre)
— Thrive Alive B-1 Green (0 0 1 — 5ml/litre)
— CaMg+ (10 ml/litre)
— Bio Bloom — (2 3 3 - 10ml/litre)
Thesis-- To prove that I can rehabilitate my brain deficiencies by learning the growing process and have fun doing it. Plants are the greatest teachers and most forgiving creatures on this Earth.
Must Improve:
1. Language aka Growing Processes.
2. Math aka Formulated Nutrients.
3. Focus aka Daily Routine Tasks.
Enhanced abilities:
1. Music
2. Innovation & Creative Projects
3. Driving
4. Extreme Appreciation for Life!
5. Garden Management
Goals:
1. Accept my new state of being.
2. Make friends and stay social.
3. Grow the best medicine I can to slow down brain degeneration.
4. Create a journal to document my progress as a record of inspiration.
5. Document my journey with grace and laughter.
Let the brain experiment BEGIN!
(Previous detailed explanation from previous journals to maintain continuity)
Experiment Details: To help you understand the barriers I face, here is just a brief quote of symptoms/results that I am addressing on a daily basis.-
Headaches - Headaches are my biggest enemy, but my brain attacks feel like I'm wearing a shrinking helmet.
Speaking Difficulties - I stutter when I can't find the word I need to say. I slur my speech after a huge day of brain activity.-
Confusion - It may feel as though it takes longer to think, or my thinking capacity is not where it should be. I feel confused or feel as though it takes longer than usual to understand things. But I am great with visuals and lots of patience to problem solve. Ice on my head will help during these times.
Changes in Personality - I am hypersensitive and over apologize for everything. I question my every move now.
Dizziness - I have spatial issues, bumping into things and dropping my drink are making me slow down when doing physical things.
Difficulty Processing Information — When people talk to me it's very difficult to remember everything they say. But if I have a visual cue I am able to solve problems. Being on the forum will allow me to read at my own pace without anyone detecting how long it takes for me to truly understand.
1. Headaches (Confusion, Dizziness & Speaking Difficulties) - Possible Solutions — Cannabis plants calm me down almost instantly. But when my headaches come on I have to lie down and put ice packs on my forehead. The headaches feel like I'm wearing a very small helmet and take me down a black hole. They can last up to 4 days none stop. Green meds relax my body as I tense up when I'm in pain. If I smoke during pain episodes, my body relaxes and brings my blood pressure down. I have a blood pressure machine by my bed to monitor my blood pressure every day. It has blue tooth and sends my health info to my app on my phone. My family doctor checks my readings every two weeks when I see her. I feel better knowing that I can monitor my own vital signs and take action if needed. The technology makes it easier to take responsibility for my health.
2. Language aka Growing Processes (Confusion, Headaches, Speaking Difficulties & Changes in Personality) - Possible Solutions — Must read instructions and understand the definition of the growing process. It takes me about 3 reads to understand a paragraph of words. Although I can still think for myself, I have much difficulty saying the right words. I speak in riddles sometimes and I find it extremely difficult to remember what I was going to say.-
It's incredibly embarrassing when I talk in front of people face to face and attempt to complete an entire thought. People look at me and say I look great, but as soon as I open my mouth, I stutter my words and forget what I was saying. Then I just stop trying to talk. I try to hide behind my husband sometimes in social situations but the more I practice talking to people the easier it will get.-
Some people are accepting, some people call out my disability right away, rudely. The important detail here is to remember that I can't isolate myself just because I have a brain injury. Now it is much easier to deal with this language barrier through my growing lifestyle because it's about gratitude not attitude. Growing keeps me social to learn new words, read out loud instructions, and rewards me with medicine from the Earth.-
3. Math aka Formulated Nutrients (Confusion, Headaches & Speaking Difficulties) — Possible Solutions - I think this is self-explanatory. I used to have trouble counting down, counting days on a calendar, adding numbers in my head and lastly, I was never good at math, but good enough. I am forcing myself to learn math by following nutrient formulas. This is my greatest loss, mixing up the wrong amount of nutrients. My plants in the past have suffered from my lack of understanding measurements. However, I have taught myself the basics and follow a grow chart that was given to me. Every grow I make a mistake, but my mistakes are becoming less and less, which makes me wiser and wiser. There is always room for improvement.
4. Focus aka Daily Routine Tasks (Headaches, Confusion, Changes in Personality & Speaking Difficulties) — Possible Solutions - Now I know how my husband feels....lol. Loss of focus and concentration is no longer just a male thing in my family...hahahaha. Sooo, I have regimented myself with a daily routine that requires me to complete a list of tasks. Feedings, cleaning, grooming, recording specs & pics and sleep time. The exact problem I face is remembering what I was JUST doing. I go from one task to the other without always completing the prior task. This is a great opportunity to make lists and be methodical. Take risks but don't deviate from the proper formula. I am impulsive if I think something is wrong. I try to fix it, but many times it was my brain playing tricks on me. Therefore, my grow is a mirror of myself, imperfections are okay to accept.
5. Socially Awkward to Social Butterfly (Confusion, Depression, Changes in Personality & Speaking Difficulties) - Possible Solutions -
Make friends and ask for help, very difficult things to do. Go easier on myself. Accept my loss but celebrate my gain. My plants give me a new purpose and regiment to follow. I am not depressed, my brain is depressed because I couldn't be happier in my life. I can handle this as long as I remember that it's my brain playing tricks on my perception. In my opinion, if I was depressed, why would I work so hard to rehab myself with such a complicated by compassionate project? But I must be humble when I make mistakes instead of getting angry at myself and treat the plants like they were an extension of myself. I think I treat my plants better than myself. I would like to balance that, there is much work to be done. I'm excited.
Your support will help me get through one of the best and biggest traumatic experiences in my life.
But in the end, as long as I surround myself with grow lights and love, it will help me feel..."Alive Inside."
I can't wait to learn from you guys and shhhmoke a few rounds with my green family!
hugs
New journal post coming up on April 16, 2017!
Can you believe we have been sharing this journey for a year already? There is no stopping this momentum now. If you are wise to my jive, then you will recognize my mission and symptoms. But much has changed in the grow department.
Firstly, I'm celebrating my birthday this week and I'm so proud to be at this point in my life. Thanks to my garden and your journals, I'm learning and adapting to this complicated and compassionate brain injury lifestyle.
Secondly, I feel lucky to be alive and walk with grace when I'm challenged. Very important to remain grateful when I'm upset. I swear like a trucker but I look way more like the curvy girl on the trucks' mud flaps. lol
Lastly, The new light we bought (thanks for chippin' in supportive husband) should basically grow my plants for me and could be a valuable tool for those with brain injuries and mental health challenges. And the money I contributed to the light, was my first cheque I got paid (since sept 2015) from mega hard work and perseverance through brain/grow rehabilitation.
This is my legacy and welcome to it...
Organic Garden of Healing by Grow 2 Heal Me
2017-- "Growing green — still a novice but keen — made friends in the 420 mag scene — retraining my brain by planting a seed — humble harvests serving my need — walk the Lonely Mountain with the courage to lead.
2016-- "Growing green - a beauty to be seen - no time for mean - a friend, you can lean...on"
Welcome-to my humble experimental journal of rehabilitation & inspiration to give me a new purpose in life.
Growers Mission:Slow down degenerative brain disease through the processes of growing green medicine.
Purpose:-Retrain my brain and improve my executive functions through cognitive tasks.
Test results are in...but are not the final diagnosis.
"...these findings are worrisome for a frontotemporal neuro degenerative process. The differential include frontal variant Alzheimer's disease. Clinical correlation is needed. Consider psychostimulants to augment frontal lobe function and cholinesterase inhibitors to augment hippcampal function."
Novice Grower:1.5 years of growing my heart out. I've got one major harvest under my belt after 3 previous attempts. Thanks to help of the 420 forum, I am able to learn from others and challenge myself to be better each harvest. Now that I have a proper harvest under my belt, I am looking to increase quantity while looking for the ultimate formula that will soothe my soul and cradle my brain pain to go away.-
Accomplishments:
*I learned how to grow while battling a brain disease in my early 40's.
*I built my own "veg" area out of wired cubes and hung T5's.
*I have a "flower" area now.
*I am a retired soccer player and live my life through good sportswomanship values.
*I have the confidence to speak to people about growing in supply shops.
Tech Specs & Plant Details
(please excuse any errors I'm still learning)
What strains have I experimented with:
1. Outdoor Grab Bag of misc Seeds - Vancouver Seed Bank - July 2015
2. Afghan Kush - World of Seeds - almost 100% Indica - July 2015
3. Northern Lights Auto - Crop King Seeds - Indica/Sativa:70% Indica, 20% Sativa, 10% Ruderalis - Sept 2015
4. Purple Kush - Crop King Seeds - Indica 75% - Sativa 25% - Sept 2015-
5. CB Dream - Crop King Seeds - 80/20% - March 2016
6. Kushie Kush — Canuk Seeds — 80/20% - 2017
7. Quarter Pounder Auto — Canuk Seeds — 20% Indica — Sativa 80%-
8. More to come...why stop there?
Medicinal purposes only-—Seeking different strains for different pains. Also wanting to target my brain with as many healing nutrients from growing green. It's imperative that I don't grow any super psycho weed because my brain is hyper sensitive to change. It's just too much.
ALL INDOOR GROW
Vegetation Area & Flower Area
Soil Accessory: Rock - White Quartz Crystal from the 2nd largest granite cliffs in the world. White rocks have been charged with positivity based on the history of these cliffs. Super rare.
Growing times: 18/6 hr for auto, 18/6 hr for photo veg — 12/12 hour for flower — super important to remind myself.
Soil: Promix - "This potting mix is regionally formulated from Canadian sphagnum, peat moss, peat humus and/or composted forest products. Coco fibre, perlite, lime, controlled release fertilizer and mycorrhizae"
10 inch — Self Watering Pot *Veg area only-
2.5 & 3 Gallon Self Watering Containers for Flower area transplants
NEWNEWNEWNEWNEWNEWNEWNEW
"Grown with the Perfect Sun Spectrum. It is the only spectrum to truly be the sun's spectrum without the heat, thus why it is the Perfect Sun.
It's spectrum has the largest, most intense full-color spectrum, including deep blues, deep reds, infrared, ultra violet, etc. It grows-plants with tight node spacing, and blows up flowers with tons of frost. There is nothing else like it on the market. To prove it, it comes with a try it for a full 90 days, and if you don't like it, return it for a refund. It also comes with a full 3 year warranty that covers parts and labor.
-
With such a huge coverage, this light will outgrow a 400w HPS all day, even compete with a 600w or beat it and only uses 230w. That's half the watts a 400w HPS uses. The Dwarf Star is like having a mini-star in your grow room.
You don't have to change bulbs because the LEDs last 50,000 hours, which is 10 years if you run them for 12 hours a day.
Why the Dwarf Star will save you lots of money each grow because it uses so little electricity to fully cover 3.5x3 feet and it runs super cool, so you will not need to use all that extra electricity to keep your room cool.
Best of all, is you get the best light for the best price. This is true with the whole Perfect Sun line up. Find the one that best fits your growing style."
Black Diamond LED grow lights Perfect Sun 420 Mag Sponsor
Previous Lights still in use:
Germination lights: 2x 39 inch
(2) T5HO LED lights parallel to each other. 1 light used for early veg state. Then turn on second light after the first topping. Glass window/greenhouse type grow situation. Start off with very basic techniques in order not to overwhelm my brain with too much responsibility.-
I also have a Mars Hydro 48 Reflector that was donated to me by an angel. I still continue to use this in a smaller closet for autos. It's perfect and makes me think of my kind friend.
Yes, air-cooled during the day with fan, but not at night because it's cooler at night naturally here.
Veg Temp of Room 22-25 DC
Flower Temp of Room 24-28 DC
Humidity ranges from 45-53 % for veg — I now boil water and pour it into a bowl in the grow room and that humidity is maintained. I usually have to do this once a week, why didn't I catch on to this idea before? lol
PH of media or res? Mine is 5.5 ph balance using a colour chart every time for accuracy, transparent dirty green/orange.
Any Pests ? HUGS NOT BUGS.
-
How often are you watering? Once a week now in veg state, with food - or up to 3 times w/food in rapid veg growth depending on the strain.
Type and strength of ferts used?
Organic
— Root Booster *new to my lineup
- BioThrive Grow (4 3 3 — 5 ml/litre)
— Thrive Alive B-1 Green (0 0 1 — 5ml/litre)
— CaMg+ (10 ml/litre)
— Bio Bloom — (2 3 3 - 10ml/litre)
Thesis-- To prove that I can rehabilitate my brain deficiencies by learning the growing process and have fun doing it. Plants are the greatest teachers and most forgiving creatures on this Earth.
Must Improve:
1. Language aka Growing Processes.
2. Math aka Formulated Nutrients.
3. Focus aka Daily Routine Tasks.
Enhanced abilities:
1. Music
2. Innovation & Creative Projects
3. Driving
4. Extreme Appreciation for Life!
5. Garden Management
Goals:
1. Accept my new state of being.
2. Make friends and stay social.
3. Grow the best medicine I can to slow down brain degeneration.
4. Create a journal to document my progress as a record of inspiration.
5. Document my journey with grace and laughter.
Let the brain experiment BEGIN!
(Previous detailed explanation from previous journals to maintain continuity)
Experiment Details: To help you understand the barriers I face, here is just a brief quote of symptoms/results that I am addressing on a daily basis.-
Headaches - Headaches are my biggest enemy, but my brain attacks feel like I'm wearing a shrinking helmet.
Speaking Difficulties - I stutter when I can't find the word I need to say. I slur my speech after a huge day of brain activity.-
Confusion - It may feel as though it takes longer to think, or my thinking capacity is not where it should be. I feel confused or feel as though it takes longer than usual to understand things. But I am great with visuals and lots of patience to problem solve. Ice on my head will help during these times.
Changes in Personality - I am hypersensitive and over apologize for everything. I question my every move now.
Dizziness - I have spatial issues, bumping into things and dropping my drink are making me slow down when doing physical things.
Difficulty Processing Information — When people talk to me it's very difficult to remember everything they say. But if I have a visual cue I am able to solve problems. Being on the forum will allow me to read at my own pace without anyone detecting how long it takes for me to truly understand.
1. Headaches (Confusion, Dizziness & Speaking Difficulties) - Possible Solutions — Cannabis plants calm me down almost instantly. But when my headaches come on I have to lie down and put ice packs on my forehead. The headaches feel like I'm wearing a very small helmet and take me down a black hole. They can last up to 4 days none stop. Green meds relax my body as I tense up when I'm in pain. If I smoke during pain episodes, my body relaxes and brings my blood pressure down. I have a blood pressure machine by my bed to monitor my blood pressure every day. It has blue tooth and sends my health info to my app on my phone. My family doctor checks my readings every two weeks when I see her. I feel better knowing that I can monitor my own vital signs and take action if needed. The technology makes it easier to take responsibility for my health.
2. Language aka Growing Processes (Confusion, Headaches, Speaking Difficulties & Changes in Personality) - Possible Solutions — Must read instructions and understand the definition of the growing process. It takes me about 3 reads to understand a paragraph of words. Although I can still think for myself, I have much difficulty saying the right words. I speak in riddles sometimes and I find it extremely difficult to remember what I was going to say.-
It's incredibly embarrassing when I talk in front of people face to face and attempt to complete an entire thought. People look at me and say I look great, but as soon as I open my mouth, I stutter my words and forget what I was saying. Then I just stop trying to talk. I try to hide behind my husband sometimes in social situations but the more I practice talking to people the easier it will get.-
Some people are accepting, some people call out my disability right away, rudely. The important detail here is to remember that I can't isolate myself just because I have a brain injury. Now it is much easier to deal with this language barrier through my growing lifestyle because it's about gratitude not attitude. Growing keeps me social to learn new words, read out loud instructions, and rewards me with medicine from the Earth.-
3. Math aka Formulated Nutrients (Confusion, Headaches & Speaking Difficulties) — Possible Solutions - I think this is self-explanatory. I used to have trouble counting down, counting days on a calendar, adding numbers in my head and lastly, I was never good at math, but good enough. I am forcing myself to learn math by following nutrient formulas. This is my greatest loss, mixing up the wrong amount of nutrients. My plants in the past have suffered from my lack of understanding measurements. However, I have taught myself the basics and follow a grow chart that was given to me. Every grow I make a mistake, but my mistakes are becoming less and less, which makes me wiser and wiser. There is always room for improvement.
4. Focus aka Daily Routine Tasks (Headaches, Confusion, Changes in Personality & Speaking Difficulties) — Possible Solutions - Now I know how my husband feels....lol. Loss of focus and concentration is no longer just a male thing in my family...hahahaha. Sooo, I have regimented myself with a daily routine that requires me to complete a list of tasks. Feedings, cleaning, grooming, recording specs & pics and sleep time. The exact problem I face is remembering what I was JUST doing. I go from one task to the other without always completing the prior task. This is a great opportunity to make lists and be methodical. Take risks but don't deviate from the proper formula. I am impulsive if I think something is wrong. I try to fix it, but many times it was my brain playing tricks on me. Therefore, my grow is a mirror of myself, imperfections are okay to accept.
5. Socially Awkward to Social Butterfly (Confusion, Depression, Changes in Personality & Speaking Difficulties) - Possible Solutions -
Make friends and ask for help, very difficult things to do. Go easier on myself. Accept my loss but celebrate my gain. My plants give me a new purpose and regiment to follow. I am not depressed, my brain is depressed because I couldn't be happier in my life. I can handle this as long as I remember that it's my brain playing tricks on my perception. In my opinion, if I was depressed, why would I work so hard to rehab myself with such a complicated by compassionate project? But I must be humble when I make mistakes instead of getting angry at myself and treat the plants like they were an extension of myself. I think I treat my plants better than myself. I would like to balance that, there is much work to be done. I'm excited.
Your support will help me get through one of the best and biggest traumatic experiences in my life.
But in the end, as long as I surround myself with grow lights and love, it will help me feel..."Alive Inside."
I can't wait to learn from you guys and shhhmoke a few rounds with my green family!
hugs
New journal post coming up on April 16, 2017!
