Hi. It’s been a while. Writing for this blog— and even writing for myself — is a practice I often create barriers around. Historically, I have told myself that it has to be the correct time of day, with just the right balance of alertness and reflection in mind, etc etc. I digress. Explaining my hangups around writing is, at its crux, a barrier in itself…

Today marks a significant anniversary for me. On November 14, 2023, on my commute home from a part-time job I’d taken in the spring, another driver misjudged their timing and smashed into my car, instantly totaling it. I was lucky to walk away with only minor injuries…

Two summers ago, I set a shallow bowl out on our side porch and filled it with water. The impulse came after an odd encounter with a frantic squirrel. After describing the creature’s demeanor to a wildlife expert, she said it was likely suffering from a bot fly infestation which, while not fatal, would give her significant thirst and persistent itchiness. I wanted to help however I could…

These weeks post-storm have been a blur. Time is warped, the framework stripped away by Helene’s winds, by the rivers that rose to unfathomable heights. Every day that first week felt like its own distinct chapter. The air was filled with a 24/7 cacophony of helicopters, chainsaws, and sirens…

In the early morning hours of September 27, as Helene began to sweep across our region, I hunkered down in the stairwell of the two-story brick home we rent. It was the place I felt safest, surrounded by sturdy walls that had stood up against nearly one hundred years of moody mountain tempests. Our region is prone to winds and rains, and receiving fallout from violent coastal systems is not uncommon. Typically, though, they come in the form of tropical storms...

Today marks 2 weeks since Helene swept through our region and left a path of destruction I am still struggling to comprehend. Outside folks ask us if we are ok, if so-and-so is ok. I’ve stopped saying we’re ok. That doesn’t feel like the right word. Instead I say...

As the previous New Moon entered, in August, I had a transformative experience at a gathering of friends. I entered into the community space with an awareness of the coming of the New Moon, a period marked by the darkness, of night and of life…

Today I am thankful for the inventor(s) of the hose. Yes, that’s right, I bought a hose. Life has been full and many creative endeavors have been demanding my time these days…

These days are busy. The plants are busy making flowers, the insects are busy collecting pollen, and I am busy trying to balance work with play…

One new thing I recently, and hesitantly, did in the garden was a bit of pest control. I’ve been reading up about companion planting and polycultures…

Well, that was nice. I started this blog of accountability and then promptly left town for a week to visit family in Michigan…

As a kid, I always wanted a green thumb. I stared in awe at people who had mastered the enigmatic world of plants…