Alena Botanica

Public art makes me happy.

MOTH ERA ••• The moth obsession ensues. I connect with the transformative beauty, night time presence, unique colors and patterns. My beau gifted me a new journal for my porch ponderings. I think I'll scribble a few LUNAR musings for the moths, today's new moon and me.

One year ago I was leaving the Oregon Coast and preparing for my trip to Nova Scotia. What a year it has been. Talk about transformation! Maybe the moths understand my need for change, maybe I see myself in them. I am feeling grounded as we head into the heat of summer. Summer is my least favorite season, call me crazy.

Enjoy your new moon transformations, kids home from school, kids starting new things, summer kick off, PRIDE, Knicks collective effervescence, quiet Sundays and mocktails.

Whatever your world is, make a choice for you somewhere along the way. 🦋

Still patio lurking in sunglasses with beer, but now it is with non-alc beer and zero proof hats. Want to join me? I am scheming up a new idea for social sober connections with the - it is far from its inception but feel free to follow along to see what bubbles up!
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As many of you know I was a corner of the bar and back patio beverage lurker, sipping suds and taking in the scene, for many years. Now I lurk less, I am introverted (recharge alone), but love being connected to urban hubs and cultural environs. I love people watching!
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Anyhow, I am thinking about starting up a monthly na beer club in the Portland Metro area - it might involve some rural spots and opportunities for adventure. Let me know if you want in on the club. I can do a virtual option too, for community connection, NA beer education and sober fashion will of course be involved!
For me, it has been often harder to connect with people in groups without alcohol - the sensory piece can be overwhelming. I think a lot about third spaces for neurodivergent people and sober people. My whole nervous regulation system changed when I quit and I am still learning how to move through this world differently.

Comment "Beer me!" if you want to connect, order hat, or learn more about ! Oh, and is still such a great solid beer.

👉 If you can guess what patio I am on, I will send you a prize! HINT: It is in Clackamas County.

Minty fresh Nojito Mocktail Kits were a best seller for AB. Shipped hundreds for events. We are now doing custom kits and mason jars for corporate gifts, events and custom branding. Our lead time is about 4-6 weeks depending on size of order and if custom branding is desired.
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Mint mason jar design done by Alena and originated from photograph of peppermint (Mentha) plant in her garden. Alena's artwork all stems (pun intended) from her original garden photography. Reach out via DM, text, website or smoke signal anytime to discuss mason jars and mocktails for weddings, staff events and farm parties!

Walked down memory lane in a rare early morning visit to my old stompin' grounds in the Montavilla neighborhood of northeast Portland. The streets were quiet, the coffee was good , I could hear birds. Muppet movie coming up 🎥, apparently a Gnome Circus is nigh and was opening up.
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I don't live in Portland now but love being able to get into the city in 30 minutes.
My four years living in Montavilla were so pivotal. Where I got sober, rebuilt Alena Botanica west coast, went through a pandemic, and leveled up my career.
I am so thankful for that chapter, its fun to look back and see how far I have come in ten years. A nice Sunday morn.

New AB Lavender Mason jar is available pre-order! You can pre-order single jar or case of 12. If you want wholesale for your farm, botanical gift shop or nursery, please send me a message. The new arch design with lavender offers us reminders of the beauty and strength plants give us as we transition through portals and thresholds that come with the end of spring, school years and all the other endings we are navigating. Ships 3rd week of June. DM with questions! Love, Alena

Lavender Art Mason Jar Now taking pre-orders for shipping week of 6/22. Alena's Lavender mason jar has been a big hit across the Pacific Northwest for years - sold at lavender farms, in mocktail kits, at events and even as a candle collaboration with Bridge Nine Candle Co. The new Lavender Arch design is available the fol...

Great article! I have been pushing for the tourism benefit for years, hello.

Oregon nonalcoholic beverage category takes off as alcohol sales slow - Portland Business Journal Oregon wineries and NA bars capitalize on growing demand for nonalcoholic drinks beyond Dry January.