Dear Friends and Neighbors, I run my thumbnail down the length of Jewelweed’s translucent, straw-like stem. Split and curled open, the inner surface wets and soothes the fiery blisters spreading on my wrists and forearms. Like Poison Ivy, Jewelweed settles disturbed areas. Remarkable. I found Jewelweed this afternoon growing in the recently-cleared back pasture at the Creamery down the road. Nearby I spot Nettle, grown to head high and beginning to form their flowers. I fold the long stems of Jewelweed and tuck the medicine plant into my back pocket to free my hands for Nettle, which I will wilt for soup and pesto. Nettle also soothes hay fever and sore muscles—check and check. Soon the swelling bundle of leaves spills from my hands and so I wrap them in my shirt. Like the others, Nettle grows in disturbed areas. Not forest and not field. Margins. Making food and medicine. Remarkable.
Your words always cause me to pause. This morning I am so grateful for this respite from the doing that must proceed later. And instead I think back to an interaction at the market this morning over a bag of perfectly imperfect freshly picked plums, small and lumpy and purple. The cashier and I laughed at memories of plum trees when we were kids, how free and easy they were, but also the painful consequences of getting caught by crotchety neighbors who preferred to let the fruit rot - yet it’s our laughter that remains in my heart this morning, I will stir it into the compote. All the best to you xo
Beautifully shared. Gratitude - and deep gratitude to the other life forms that share this planet with us and that we are all interconnected with. I love how you are on this journey of listening, wondering, connecting, and looking at what it means to live sustainably with....
Your words always cause me to pause. This morning I am so grateful for this respite from the doing that must proceed later. And instead I think back to an interaction at the market this morning over a bag of perfectly imperfect freshly picked plums, small and lumpy and purple. The cashier and I laughed at memories of plum trees when we were kids, how free and easy they were, but also the painful consequences of getting caught by crotchety neighbors who preferred to let the fruit rot - yet it’s our laughter that remains in my heart this morning, I will stir it into the compote. All the best to you xo
Growing in a disturbed area, how will I make medicine or food for those who will come upon this place after I’m gone?
Sounds like a plan. Let’s get started.
I love this.
Adam,
Beautifully shared. Gratitude - and deep gratitude to the other life forms that share this planet with us and that we are all interconnected with. I love how you are on this journey of listening, wondering, connecting, and looking at what it means to live sustainably with....
In Gratitude,
Garin