Wood Condition

During Autumn I have a checklist that ceases to quit; change seasonal clothes in the closet, wash under the fridge and stove, dust the last bits of summer away, de-clutter, clean up the plants off the patio......
This is just the household maintenance, I've discussed in prior postings about the harvest time too. Everything seems to be tended to though, all in due time and in whatever order. The other day, as I fumbled in my pot of utensils desperately needing a spoon but struggling with the tongs, I took a moment to consider this vi-eying call for attention. The wooden spoons were brittle dry in search for a dip in oil to quench the woody grain. It is my duty to care for the tools I use everyday, to give back in honour of their forever giving. I plunge spoons and ladles into hot steaming pots of soups and sauces, I stir and whip ingredients together, taste test jams and then scrub them clean in hot soapy water. That's enough to earn a pay check! The very least a day of relaxing, tender care. Upon receiving this wood grove's whispers of need I promptly took out a (much loved) pot, filled it with four spoonfuls of coconut oil and turned the element on to low. I went through my array of wooden spoons, ladles, bowls and cutting boards; collecting their stories and usage. Once the coconut oil had melted to a clear liquid I began to pick up a wood friend, one by one, and giving it loving - un -divided attention I lathered it with oil. Sometimes I used a pastry brush, for the cutting boards, a paper towel, or just my fingers. Careful! the oil is hot.
It was a nice way to reconnect with my much trusted allies, to remember whence they came, gifts, given or bought, the people in connection, how I utilize each piece... it's a special time to reminisce and to initiate the dream time coming with the darker weather. I lovingly noted the spoons stained yellow with turmeric or deep berry-blue. The cutting boards carry grooves of times past, bits chopped and diced, the knife striking the board in a rhythmic motion, like beating on a drum, striking a cord: it's time to nourish. Each piece of my gathered copse rests in a revived and glistening state, ready to continue weaving stories of nourishing meal creations.
We are not the sole creator in our story life, rather it's interconnected relationship of hardworking variables that inspire evolution. To appreciate the woods of the forest that live in our kitchen and homes and how they assist us in performing our daily routines, this is the conscious connection one takes on as the highest of responsibilities.
Many Blessings and thank you's to the trees, the tools and to you.

P.S
Nothing goes to waste in my home, any left over coconut oil went to conditioning wood containers and boxes and tables in other parts of the house.
Sounds like a nice way to nestle into rainy days.

Autumn's Introspection

From Spring to Autumn and absolutely EVERYTHING in between.
So here I am, contemplating the past few years, finding reassurance in the familiar turn of seasons. There is a natural need to cozy up and dream, to digest what has just happened for the past year(s), discard that which is no longer, treasure keep-sake moments and plant vision seeds for the future.

During a recent and lovely potluck dinner with sisters from the sacred dance circle, I was reminded of our journey together in a dance intensive work shop, lead by Nao Sims.
In this journey I wrote an intimate piece on my co-creative relation to nature. I have been asked to share this piece, and it is with honour I share it with you all.

TREE - Wisdom.

This sweet being of peace pains with truth. Pure bliss. Inexplainable honesty.
This tree is nature incarnate, the Earth's child.
A pillar of justice, a striking force of truth.
Through wind, rain and sun; it's sustenance remains strong.
The rain pours down, Down, Down, Down
No one is left. We have forgotten about the trees out in the rain.
And it stands quietly accepting the moment of forever rain.
Sleeping in a trance, this wise creation breathes methodically and meditatively through this journey.
Finally,
An Eagle comes to perch up near the very top boughs.
A transition in time, a waking to a new pattern, a new existence.
The Eagle is here only for a brief pause as it rests it's weary wings.
By this time the tree is soaked through, open to the nourishment, drinking in it's share of this liquid serum deep down into the roots.
The Eagle flys off and in that moment the sun appears.
Crystal water droplets shine bright upon the tree boughs.
Rejuvenated. Renewed.
The tree reaches for the sun.
The people return. All is Well.

The time has come again to bring the great rains to our rain forest, nurturing all life. As we lessen our schedules and find rest, remember to send a prayer to our friends the Trees.

Thank you Jamie, for being the catalyst for my courage to share with you some of my most intimate moments

Fall - ing into Autumn

This is a day when the rain encapsulates me into a deep state of solitude. Rain is one of the many sounds of 'silence' I crave and love; if that can be so, and it is so to me. All other sounds are muffled as I rest in joyful contentment in my home, with the rainforest peeking in at my windows.
This is also a day for tea, bathing, making bread and reading. Of course my music of choice is Van Morrison; 'The Healing Game' album. Soothing right to the soul. Just me and my space cozied up~ my favourite space to be in.

Of course the phone rings, my brother is on his way over.
Alone time is over and that's ok. I am in a calm state to greet him. I make a chocolate mint tea with ashwaganda powder and dried nettles. A nice blend to connect the soul back with the body and to have a nice conversation.
A few healing procedures on a persistent wound, a nice visit, and he is off.

Well, now I must tend those Chanterelle mushrooms I picked up at the market. Thick creamy mushroom soup to really set this Autumn into motion. A walk outside and I can garnish the table with Maple leaf flames.

Embrace this moment; there is nothing more important