Moth Mullein (Verbascum Blattaria)

Written by Diane Beauton

During our hike on one of the Corriganville Park nature trails, at the foot of Santa Susana pass in Simi Valley, Ca., we spotted what at first appeared to be a bold and vivid yellow plant resembling the stalwart hollyhock.

Moth Mullein is a biennial herb and one of 250 species in the figwort (scrofularia or scrofula) family. It derives it's name 'moth' from it's moth-like petals, and is also known as the 'velvet plant' for it's soft silky appearance.

The flowering stalk (peduncle) gives birth to white, soft pink and vibrant yellow clusters of rosette blooms with a tinge of purple in it's center. The seed of this species can remain 120 years in sandy soil.

Moth mullein is related to the common mullein and great mullein. Although Moth mullein is categorized as an herb it is considered a weed of pastures, hay fields, and roadsides, in several sources. This is one 'weed' that would adorn any garden.

The mullein plant is not a naturalized plant but is native to Europe and spread to the Americas during the early 1800’s where it has thrived in nearly every state.

Though not often recognized, moth mullein is said to have medicinal properties useful as a lymphatic herb. However, unlike the Verbascum thapsus variety which is known for it's respiratory virtues, the medicinal potential of Verbascum blattaria is not well-known, so buyer beware! In fact, it is speculated that the medicinal potential of Verbascum blattaria may have sedative and narcotic properties like Verbascum thapsus but much stronger. Great mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is more widely accepted and used as an herbal remedy.

CreativeImaging4u - by Mary Ann Photography: My Slideshow On You Tube

CreativeImaging4u - by Mary Ann Photography: My Slideshow On You Tube: Hope you enjoyed.

Baby Steps into Macro Photography

Hello Everyone!

I have been away for a few weeks, getting acquainted with my new granddaughter, working on website creation for clients, and now doing some transaction coordination work for a real estate agent. Life has been busy indeed. I finally forced myself to take a breather yesterday, attached my new wide angle fish eye / Macro lens to my camera and took some experimental macro shots of one of my rose bushes. So, for your viewing pleasure, here are some of the shots from these first baby steps into macro photography.

Abandonment Issues - Fabulous New Book!

Hey Gang! I wanted to take the time to bring your attention to a new book out by a fantastic, talented artist named Cheryl McDonald, who lives in Ridgecrest, California. The book, called Abandonment Issues, is now available through Blurb. To have a look, and hopefully purchase this superb book full of artistic photography of California's desert ghost towns, please click here.

You can also visit Cheryl's website at Cheryl McDonald Creative.

The Edwardian Ball 2013, Los Angeles

Cindy Recommends... TexasEagle Talks!

Sending a shout out to give a plug to the TexasEagle Talks blog, where I will be featured in an upcoming interview. But that isn't the only, or even the main reason to visit the blog of Charlie & Norma Brock. This sweet little blog covers a whole lot of interesting topics, so there is something for everyone, especially if you are an artist or have a wee bit o' the Irish in your veins.

TexasEagle Talks!

While you are at it, take a few minutes to visit their Fine Art America gallery, where you can view and buy some of their beautiful photographic art. Here are just a few examples...

Mark Your Calendars!

Just wanted to remind anyone who might be interested that Randsburg will be hosting their Old West Days on September 21st, 2013.  

There will be live Western and Bluegrass bands, vendors and other forms of entertainment, including an Old West shootout. Entry is free!

For more information e-mail Linda Gallman at lgallman1@aol.com, or call Bart Parker at 760 371 0965.

If you'd like to stay in accommodations within the town limits you need to book NOW, as rooms and cabins rent up pretty quick for this popular annual event.

Here are the available accommodations within the town of Randsburg...

Goat's Sky Ranch & Cottage Hotel: Goat's Sky Ranch & Cottage Hotel

The Randsburg Inn: Randsburg Inn

If everything is booked up in Randsburg, the closest town to book a hotel or motel room is Ridgecrest, which is about 20 minutes away from Randsburg.

Here are some videos from last year's event. I'm the saloon girl with the bustle and the rifle, LOL!

Lost in the Fog

Wow! I just realized that it has been over a month since I last updated my blog. I have been mentally “lost in the fog” of so much work on different projects that time has kind of flown past me. I have been out and about with my camera, for pleasure as well as for work. Additionally, I am now being paid to write historical articles for an internet forum. Here are a few of my shots taken over the past month.

On The Shelves!!!

Some great news. My book, "Randsburg" The Mojave Desert's Liveliest Ghost Town," will now be available on store shelves at Red Rock Books in Ridgecrest, California! That makes three stores who stock and sell this book.

New Book Description

I have finally motivated myself to change up the official description of my book. No doubt I can do more, but it is a start, LOL!

The new description:

A combination history, photographic journey and travel guide to the historic living ghost town of Randsburg, California, located in the Mojave Desert. Take a step back in time and live the Old West! This old mining town has a lot of tales to tell, some of which you will find in the pages of this book. With a population of nearly 3000 in it's hey day, Randsburg saw it's share of excitement, murder, hi-jinks and disasters, often gaining mention in the larger newspapers. See where Billy Bob Thornton made his supporting speaking role debut in the movie "Chopper Chicks in Zombietown." After months of thorough research I reveal the true identity of Randsburg's most famous red-light madam, French Marguerite. Read the scandalous headlines about the woman vampire seeking new virgin blood! Explore the stories of some of those buried in the Rand District cemetery, who, until now, have been forgotten to history. Learn all the details behind the murder of Emily Davidson, shot dead on Butte Avenue in broad daylight by her husband. You will also learn about some of Randsburg's current residents and shop keepers, and how they manage to keep the history of Randsburg alive for future generations. Full of photographs, both color and black & white.

Randsburg Book - New Cover!

I have updated the cover art for my book, "Randsburg: The Mojave Desert's Liveliest Ghost Town!"

Available at: CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/3962524
Or, if you want to save a few dollars, buy it direct from me at: http://www.cindynunn.com/books.htm

Old West Days at Randsburg, CA

Hey all, I have just returned from a fabulous and wild four days in Randsburg, California, located in the Mojave Desert. This little town was founded in 1895 by three gold miners and has been hanging on ever since. The population might be under 100, but the place is still alive and kicking. It is actually a living ghost town and is about as authentic as it gets, with many original buildings still standing and quite a few in use as homes and businesses. Little did I know that when Scrappy, one of the owners of the Cottage Hotel / Goat Sky Ranch, told me that dressing up for the festivities was encouraged that I would get pulled in and made PART of the entertainment. I dressed as an old west bordello madam and ended up getting arrested, thrown in jail and busted out by the Ghostriders outlaw gang three times, got to rob the stage twice, joined the parade through town and was included in a historical documentary being filmed about the town. So, it was a busy and enjoyable four days where I made many new friends.


Photos are still being processed, so in the meantime enjoy a few videos of the wild and woolly fun...

Thank you, Bruce Little...

I just want to take this opportunity to thank Bruce Little, owner of Select Travel Network in Camarillo, for using my photography/artwork to illustrate a story about one of our local historical buildings, the Strathern House. You can read it on his Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/bruce.little.

Thank you, Bruce!

The Santa Susana Cantina, aka "Wallie's"

The Santa Susana Cantina, now owned by SRM Properties and used as office space, has had a long history in Simi Valley. John Wayne and other movie cowboys hung out here and Jay Leno paid a visit as well. It is even rumored that Charles Manson stopped by to "wet his whistle" once. It is mostly remembered as being a bar/saloon or restaurant by long time locals. Some have claimed that this building actually started out as a stagecoach stop in the 1800's, but records show it was built in 1930. This date could be wrong and it could have been built earlier. Many of the older buildings in the Knolls area have been given estimated build dates on official records because actual dates have been lost. In the early 1900's it supposedly served as a small church for a time, which would give it a build date of earlier than 1930. It was in the year 1932 that the first liquor license was issued for this building to be operated as a drinking establishment. Since then it has been known by many names, such as "Scotty's," "Irene's," "Jave's Reef," "Rod's," "Otto's Oasis," "Otto's Beer Bar," and even, in 1984, "Olde Susana Restaurant." But most seem to remember it as "Wallie's Hideout."

"Wallie" was Lottie W. Matthies, who bought "Otto's Beer Bar" in 1986 and renamed it "Wallie's Hideout." Lottie herself was quite an interesting character, who, at age 14 learned to be a butcher from an uncle. In 1944 she joined the Marines and became a drill sergeant. After leaving the service she headed for California, where she worked for 33 years as a butcher in various grocery stores. She finally retired from the trade and bought the bar, which she dedicated 18 more years of her life to. "Wallie passed away from cancer on January 30th, 2003. But, she saw a lot of life and colorful events at her little bar in "Santa Susana," including the filming of one of the "Terminator" movies in her parking lot, as well as scenes for the televison shows "The X-Files" and "Twin Peaks."

Here is "Wallie's Hideout" in the X-Files, season 9, Episode 10, about 30:35 minutes into the show. As you can see on the photo, this is supposed to be taking place in Canada, LOL! I have my friend Gary Wayne, of the Seeing Stars website to thank for finding this for me. If you want to find out about Simi Valley locations to be found in movies or television shows Gary is the man to contact.

This shot of "Wallie's Hideout" can be found in the old television series "Twin Peaks." This is from season 2, episode 18, called "Masked Ball." Apparently "Wallie's" also shows up in season 2, episode 22, "Slaves and Masters," but I haven't looked yet.

True Blood in Simi Valley

In early May of this year my sister Diane, our friend Jean and me decided to hike around the Tapo Canyon area of Simi Valley. Our purpose was to see if we could gain access to the Big Sky Movie Ranch in order to photograph the former "Little House on the Prairie" film location. We meandered up and down small roads, photographing wild peacocks, checking out the old ranches and talking about the history of our hometown. Finally, we headed up Bennett Road, where the Big Sky Movie Ranch is located. Unfortunately we were unable to access the road leading to the former "Little House" set, but we did stumble upon some scenes being filmed for HBO's popular vampire series, "True Blood." Never one to miss an opportunity, I turned on my camera and captured some shots of the house.

Naturally, being the curious type (some would say nosy!) I wanted to know more about this little old house, it's use in the "True Blood" series, as well as it's history.

To find out more about it's purpose in the "True Blood" series only one person came to mind, Gary Wayne, webmaster of the "Seeing Stars" website. I have often utilized his informative and interesting site when seeking information regarding filming in the area. Gary was more than happy to help and he didn't disappoint. Not only that, he was silver-bullet quick with his responses! According to Gary, who took the time to re-watch older episodes in his efforts to provide identification, this house appeared first in Episode 12 of Season 3, when Hoyt surprises Jessica with her new house. But instead of telling you all about his discovery here, I invite you to visit his website and read for yourself. Gary has done far more justice to describing the scene than I ever could. Besides, I wouldn't want to deny you the privilege of having a look through the rest of his superb website.
Hoyt & Jessica's House - True Blood - Seeing Stars Website

Regarding the history of this quaint little ranch house, I believe it was originally part of the Tapo Rancho, which in 1904 was purchased by the Patterson Ranch Company of Oxnard, who intended to use this land for raising horses and mules, as well as grains and hay for feeding them. A 1911 map drawn up by Dessery & West, Civil and Hydraulic Engineers, shows this area of Bennett Road with a number of buildings identified, including the cook house, bunk house, Superintendent's house and the blacksmith shop. It is my belief that this was the former Superintendent's house. While part of the Tapo Rancho this area was known as the Home Camp, which indicated that this house was built before 1904. Later, this property was purchased by the Tapo Mutual Water Company, and is now owned by the Big Sky Movie Ranch.

If you'd like to view or purchase digitally filtered prints of this house please visit my gallery at:
Hoyt & Jessica's House gallery

Matilija poppy (Romneya)

Article written by Diane

Who doesn't enjoy setting their eyes on an open field of wildflowers? When you stumble upon the Matilija Poppy your eyes get a delightful surprise!

Also known as tree poppies this wildflower is native to southern California and northern Mexico.

The name Matilija (pronounced ma-TIL-i-ha or ma-til-EE-ha) appears to be of Chumash origin, possibly deriving it's name from Chief Matilija of the Chumash Indians of Ventura County, Ca. The name is also noted in Matilija Canyon above the community of Ojai and Matilija Creek in the Los Padres National Forest.

First noted by the author of the 1897 book, “The Wildflowers of California" Mary Elizabeth wrote “The Matilija Poppy must be conceded the queen of all flowers.”

A photographers delight; this dazzling and defiant wildflower grows where she wants, when she wants defying weather conditions and it's environment. Usually the Matilija poppy inhabits dry washes and canyons below 4000' in coastal sage scrub and chaparral away from the immediate coast and blooms from May to July.

Towering as high as 8' tall the showy white flowers are the largest of any plant native to California. It's bright yellow stamens and a single large pistil is the centerpiece of six crinkled pure white petals. Bees, butterflies and birds busily feed on the pollen of the large centerpiece the flower provides.

A little history tells us that In 1832, Thomas Coulter collected this species, most likely in the San Luis Rey River valley. Later In 1845, William Harvey, who introduced many of Coulter's collected plants to botanists in Europe and America, wanted to name the genus after him. However, another plant already bore his name, so he gave the genus name, Romneya, in honor of Coulter's friend, Reverend T. Romney Robinson, an astronomer, and the species name, coulteri, to honor Coulter. The common name, Matilija poppy (pronounced ma-TIL-i-ha or ma-til-EE-ha) is said to be named after Chief Matilija of the Chumash Indian Tribe.

In the stalk of the flower, there is a clear to yellowish liquid substance that the Cahuilla Indians used to drink. The Native Chumash Indians valued the plant for its medicinal value as well. The plant was used medicinally for skin and gum problems and stomach upset. The folklore of the the Chumash people believed the petals of the flower were made from the soul of a maiden, who died of a broken heart. Their Chumash gods transformed her into the pure white petal.

If you’re thinking about planting Matilija Poppies in your garden, keep in mind that the plant is 'normally' difficult to grow, but when the poppies take root, they can take over your garden so give them space to flourish. They are not called defiant without reason.

According to homeopathic medical advisors today, the tea or diluted tincture, as a drug analgesia, works well as a wash for skin pain and inflammation caused by an allergic reaction, chemical irritation, heat rash, or mild burns or sunburns.

As an astringent, it is a quality antimicrobial, and can be used as a powder to help with more common skin fungi. Though the diluted tincture is not very palatable, it apparently inhibits microbial growth in the mouth, lessens gum sensitivity, and decreases plaque buildup.

Painful and debilitating but not serious bacterial gastroenteritis can be soothed with the tea or tincture, helping to inhibit the bug, lessen the pain and cramps, and act as a mild sedative.

Warning: information on the herbal properties of this flower have been gathered from the Internet and has not been validated by the author. Always do your own research before using any herbal remedy.

Unfortunately, the species is slowly declining in areas of California where development is taking place a may soon become an endangered species.

Slender Flowered Thistle (Carduus tenuiflorus)

Article written by Diane

This thistle has been spotted so far on two of the five trails we've been on, Wildwood and Hummingbird. Standing tall above woodland grass and low lying wildflowers this woody stalked thistle is not very attractive but it's delicate bright blooms have amazing 'curb appeal' and add to the beauty of the array of wildflowers.

More commonly known as the winged plumeless thistle, and also known as shore thistle. The thistle plant in general carries quite a tale.

Thistle is an old English name given for a large group of plants with a questionable reputation. According to ancient Greek folklore the thistle was apart part of the original curse put upon the earth and specifically on man. In Grecian history 'Earth' made the thistle in a moment of grief for the loss of Daphnis, shepherd and musician, poet and hunter. In Norse mythology Thor, the thunderer god, protected the plant, known as the 'lightning plant', and all those that wore it was protected from harm.

The common cotton thistle or Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium L.) has quite a noble stature. During the reign of Malcolm I of Scotland, Norsemen attempted to capture the Staines Castle by wading across the moat in their bare feet, only to find the moat dry and overgrown with thistle. The agonized cries of the warriors aroused the castle guards and the Norsemen were defeated. To memorialize this victory, the thistle flower became the emblem of Scotland. In some stories, thistle is also the basis of Hans Christian Anderson's tale The Wild Swans, where eleven princes were freed from their entrapment as swans when their sister made shirts from thistle and placed them on their backs.

Our common noxious thistle weed does not have such a majestic tale. Discovered and identified in 1991 in Thurston County, Washington, this thistle plant like all others are deadly to animals and livestock such as sheep due to it's crown of thorns and spiked stalks. This pretty slender flower thistle is an aggressive exotic weed that invades and infests grazing pastures and open ranges.

The thistle plant is in the asteraceae or compositae family, along with the aster, daisy, and sunflower. Slender flower is not native of America but made it's way here from Europe and Asia.

The delicate cluster of rosette leaves deeply lobed with numerous spines have the appearance of a pineapple and each lobe produces clusters of pink, purple and mauve blooms. Each "flower" is composed of many individual florets.

Many edible products come from 'composites', or thistle plants such as cooking oils, lettuce, sunflower seeds, artichokes, sweetening agents, and teas, but not so with this particular species - look but don't touch!