A new tradition.

Wreath making is a fun memory for us, shoulder to shoulder weaving and breathing evergreen.  With the nostalgia of the season, these may be near the top of our crafty wish-list. But with winter celebrations, family visits, and life with littles they are certainly not on the top of our to-do list. So this year, a new tradition was devised.

A quiet walk in nature. This year along the river.

Talking, laughing, gathering, Resting on the bank.

And something beautiful to bring home and enjoy through the season.

Corn Husk Dolls

Remember those beautiful white husks we saved a few months ago from the indian corn we grew in our garden?

We had a bit of fun with them last week. We made a family of dolls to adorn our Thanksgiving table.

Wet. Tie. Fold. Twist. Tie. Fold.  Tie!

Smile! Play!

A Mid-November treat

We escaped…from the wind.  For just a few moments, but it refreshed our senses, warmed our lungs and filled a shelf in the refrigerator.

We glimpsed one last bit of green and smelled warm, wet earth just as winter sets up camp to stay a few months.  This U-pick greenhouse will soon be put to rest.  In the meantime, we are getting our fill!

With temperatures dipping down at night (and day), light covers keep these delicious morsels “just warm enough”.

Beneficial cover crops green up and then turn over to provide nutrients and organic matter.

Sweet, crunchy carrots- when our own are long gone.

Delicate lettuce mix for a fresh salad with just a splash of vinegar.  Nothing else needed.

What a treat it is, to linger just a little longer.

{: Up Close :} Solved!

Thanks so much for playing with us!  Join us again in a few weeks.

1: Corn Tassels

2: Sage blossoms

3: Strawberry leaf

{: Up Close :}

Hello growers, friends, visitors!

Here are our three close-up, zoomed-in, macro photos. You take a guess at the broad focus and post your ideas in the comments.  We’ll post the answers Sunday afternoon… Have fun!

{: Up Close :}

1:

2:

3:

A treasured friend

Sometimes, you meet a person and instantly feel a connection of kindred spirits. A friend, without question.  Our family is fortunate to have such a friend. He is a modest man, of many, many talents. (I had to tug a bit just to get photos of his lovely hands)

We met him not long after we moved here, and know him more deeply with each passing year.   We first knew him as a trapper, but have learned he is an artist of many facets.

At the age of 14, he began working with horses, shoeing them and making bridal bits.  This apprenticeship helped keep his active mind busy and “out of trouble”.  Many years, states, climates and homes later that first bridal bit still hangs in his workshop.  That early guidance has shaped his life and evolving artistic talents. Among his many handcrafted creations, I have a few favorites.

Garden tools – a local favorite.  He has quite a following at my greenhouse!

These tools can be found throughout our own garden, as well as front and center in my retail greenhouse.  Rarely will a customer leave without at least picking up a tool, holding the handle, and feeling the weight.

Willow furniture – often gifted.  Always Cherished.

He is also a painter of acrylics, a barn-wood frame builder, an avid reader, and a knowledgeable historian.  He is the friend who pulls up in front of your house and hands you an amethyst, before smiling and driving away.

We are so thankful for his deep generosity and presence in our lives.

Light in dark

It inches in, 3 minutes here, 2 minutes there; the dark rises up, wraps us. Drapes our shoulders like the gifted knit.

Instead of cold we feel warmth.

Instead of dark we see light.

Fire light, candle light, home light, sun light, twinkle light, moon light.

Child light.

Inner light.

And in the spirit of light in darkness, we celebrate.

Thankful.

As we inch closer to Thanksgiving, we are reminded again and again

of how we are grateful

1.  for brothers.

2.  for the peaceful flicker of candles.

3.  for the sight of a single streaking meteor.

4.  for crisp night air.

5.  for days with windows still open, even just a little.

6.   for apple cider.

7.  for family, near and far.

The fairy lodge.

They’re here. They’re there.  In the woods.  In the yard. Through the forest, next to the river. Past the birch, under the cottonwood.  We’ve seen them.

“Look!”  “Through there!”  “A fairy lodge!”

Bright green on layers of brown. An oasis in a thick, branchy forest. Tall pillars, long tunnels.  Hidden corners, deep shade. Wrapped in a living tapestry. Tiny blossoms sprinkled over the emerald velvet.

“I see them”  “They’re flying up”  And there they are. Wee, silent, bright white winged creatures taking to flight. What else could they be?

We find some extra adornments lying about, just right for our ever evolving little home. And when we return from our time in the woods, we arrange and re-arrange.  A welcome mat. A string of “beads”. A garden fire ring. A secret circle.

And home, is just as magical as our forest find.

{: Up Close:} Solved

Thanks so much for playing with us!  Join us again in a few weeks.

1:  Pumpkin

2: Clothespins

3: Swiss Chard- ‘Fordhook Giant’