My mother baked bread almost every day. When my dad retired in the 1970s she taught him how to bake to keep him occupied! The night she died in 2001 he immediately went into the kitchen and started baking. I believe his tears salted those loaves.
The moss class was at Adkins arboretum at least 10 yrs ago.
Oh -- that's such a sweet, sad family memory. I love that your dad was willing to learn, your mom willing to teach, and that his heart led him to such a precious, tactile response when his heart needed it most. There's an essay unto itself in this comment, you know? 💗
Am up and running with the Miyawaki Method - researching to see if we can use it in micro-form in our ‘arboretum’. My grandson told me today as we observed the death of an adolescent weeping gum, that 'we might die if trees die because they filter our air and give us good air’. He was quite distressed and I promised I would replace the gum and indeed keep planting.
How exciting, Prue! Do keep me posted. I gather the method is more expensive than some others, due to the need for careful soil testing and amending ahead of time. But maybe not so bad for a small area. Smart, sensitive grandson you've got there -- no surprise. <3
I think for us, after reading about the method, it will be more simple, doing what we do on the farm - trees which grow in our geographic area. No soil testing. Just love and attention. We’ve planted 1500 so far with no losses, and more to come. The philosophy is just plant trees, more and even more trees...
Possibly. Essentially we have a longterm plan to re-vegetate the 500 grazing acres of the farm. We have done strips already between paddocks (hence the 1500) but we want to plant groups of trees for shelter. The plan is to create a microclimate and assist local wildlife as well. It’s going well. We plant them as tube stock in prepared ground and with tree guards as well as fenced off from our farm stock, and from kangaroos and feral deer.
It's a big and very expensive job but hopefully it pays off in the light of climate change.
So interesting how threads of thought wind together! I'm finally reading "Overstory" and have been losing myself for days thinking about the ways the trees around us are talking to each other. Also listened to the two-part episode on the Gettysburg Address on the Last Best Hope history podcast (highly recommend). Then I read your essay! Seems this season is pushing similar connections.
Overstory has been on my list for much too long. I know when I get to it, I'm going to be enthralled -- especially since I already believe pretty much every living being has the capacity to communicate at levels we can't comprehend. I'll definitely check out the podcast. Thanks for the tip. In much the same way instinct (and research) tells me about the conversations going on among the non-humans of the planet, so to I think we convey ideas and "gut feelings." So, yes, the season is abuzz with trying to help us understand each other. So grateful to know the essay found a home with you, Sybil. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
What a beautiful post - Pando, an amazingly ancient single being, brought goosebumps to my arms; the mosses reflecting the forests in miniature; and Jennie Wade, a story unknown to me here in the UK but how poignant, and how loving that her mother should continue to bake bread for the soldiers with the dough she was kneading when she died. Thank you.
I imagine nearly every tragedy has at least one moment of heart-expanding beauty in it, though it may not always be seen or known. And what nature has to offer is right there in the midst. Thanks for spending a little time in these thoughts with me, June, and for sharing the post as well!
Ha! Anne -- I hear you on that one (having actually done so, though never in an intentional barefoot moment)! They are a slippery bunch! 😅 Our slugs seem to keep to the undersides of pots and structures until nightfall, so I've little worry here.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing this piece. Much gratitude!
I might be better served to keep this to myself, but the truth is, we also have the stinkers that find their way indoors. I could show you a photo of one making its way toward my head as I sat reading in bed! 😱
Those bare feet prompted a question I've had for a while now. Sorry if I'm off topic, but what's behind the noticable trend in flip flops? They seem to appear more frequently in places other than pools, beaches, and other warm weather occasions. Do we feel closer to nature, inclement weather nothwithstanding? I'm going to see for myself the next time I have the opportunity. Or maybe I will go barefooted in the snow.
Now, totally by coincidence I recently heard a little about the Pando (or its equivalent) in the context of forest fires. Is it true that through the connected root system trees in jeapardy receive first aid (water) from those that can contribute? Is this nature's form of charitable giving? In words from Lincoln's inagural address, are these trees some of our better angels?
I had a theory on the flip-flops that I tried to validate with a little online research. I didn't hit pay dirt, but I found a few references to support my idea: The pandemic. While in Sydney a couple of months ago, I noticed nearly everyone was wearing trainers, or sneakers to us. My own strappy sandals, even the sturdier Tevas, were nowhere to be seen. Part of it might have been seasonal (spring had just sprung), but some Australian friends supposed it came in with Covid. Staying home, realizing how much better feet felt in casual shoes, no one wanted to go back. That, in addition to fashion brands and influencers creating upscale versions to further normalize the look, and voila!
I have gone barefoot in the snow a time or two. Newsflash: It's cold and wet! 😂
As for organisms like Pando (there are others) protecting itself by supplying water and other nutrients - yes! It's true! I also understand that plants can signal distress from, say, pests, which then causes all plant of similar species within range to produce distasteful chemicals that help ward off further attacks. The idea that language is a uniquely human trait is, I think, indicative of just how much we humans still have to learn.
Thanks so much for sparking more curiosity here, Rob. Much appreciated!
I love the interconnected movements, Elizabeth, and how they flow one to the next. The story of Pando... is fascinating: "Pando gives the impression of individuality—tree after tree after white-barked tree—but it is one life, one immense and ancient structure"
The Jennie Wade story ... wow. Somehow, reading this piece reminded me of how I "felt" when looking at the book Here by Richard McGuire (and I faintly think we may have discussed it and you may have looked at it) -- not a direct overlay, but something in that feeling of one place viewed over time. Beautifully done.
Well, shoot, Amy -- I responded to this lovely comment but I guess I didn't hit the right button afterwards. (A developing theme, it seems.)
There are other quaking aspens; the one in Utah is the largest and oldest that we know of. Certain sites refer to it as one tree, which I find hard to wrap my head around.
I don't remember the Richard McGuire book, but that doesn't mean we didn't discuss it previously. I found some images of it and totally see what you mean: the bison, the carpenter(s), the girl. I don't know that I'd want a way for us to know the deeper stories of those we meet - or others mine - but it's fascinating to imagine what that might do to our perceptions. Some insights would garner compassion, others would bring about disgust. There's always so much we don't know.
Since you're someone who is skilled at layering and weaving stories, it means a lot that this one felt meaningful. I really appreciate how you approach what you read and write, Amy. Thank you!
What a tender essay.
Years ago I took a moss class taught by a bryologist. We created tiny container gardens…
And then the bread story.
Thank you.
A moss class! That sounds fascinating. Truly a remarkable class of plants.
The bread story makes my heart hurt. For all our ills, humans do sometimes shine. Thanks so very much for sharing your thoughts today.
Love how you weave these stories together- I also learned so much. Thank you!
Thank you, Mary. I learned a lot, too, and I'm glad to hear the woven threads came together for you. It was quite a journey, I know.
Beautiful! Loved every word.
Oh, Kate - that makes me smile. Thank you for saying so and for stopping by today.
My mother baked bread almost every day. When my dad retired in the 1970s she taught him how to bake to keep him occupied! The night she died in 2001 he immediately went into the kitchen and started baking. I believe his tears salted those loaves.
The moss class was at Adkins arboretum at least 10 yrs ago.
Oh -- that's such a sweet, sad family memory. I love that your dad was willing to learn, your mom willing to teach, and that his heart led him to such a precious, tactile response when his heart needed it most. There's an essay unto itself in this comment, you know? 💗
Am up and running with the Miyawaki Method - researching to see if we can use it in micro-form in our ‘arboretum’. My grandson told me today as we observed the death of an adolescent weeping gum, that 'we might die if trees die because they filter our air and give us good air’. He was quite distressed and I promised I would replace the gum and indeed keep planting.
How exciting, Prue! Do keep me posted. I gather the method is more expensive than some others, due to the need for careful soil testing and amending ahead of time. But maybe not so bad for a small area. Smart, sensitive grandson you've got there -- no surprise. <3
I think for us, after reading about the method, it will be more simple, doing what we do on the farm - trees which grow in our geographic area. No soil testing. Just love and attention. We’ve planted 1500 so far with no losses, and more to come. The philosophy is just plant trees, more and even more trees...
Wow!!!🤩 I’d love to know more about those 1500 trees. Another essay for your future!?
Possibly. Essentially we have a longterm plan to re-vegetate the 500 grazing acres of the farm. We have done strips already between paddocks (hence the 1500) but we want to plant groups of trees for shelter. The plan is to create a microclimate and assist local wildlife as well. It’s going well. We plant them as tube stock in prepared ground and with tree guards as well as fenced off from our farm stock, and from kangaroos and feral deer.
It's a big and very expensive job but hopefully it pays off in the light of climate change.
Thank you for the investment of time, money, and heart!
So interesting how threads of thought wind together! I'm finally reading "Overstory" and have been losing myself for days thinking about the ways the trees around us are talking to each other. Also listened to the two-part episode on the Gettysburg Address on the Last Best Hope history podcast (highly recommend). Then I read your essay! Seems this season is pushing similar connections.
Overstory has been on my list for much too long. I know when I get to it, I'm going to be enthralled -- especially since I already believe pretty much every living being has the capacity to communicate at levels we can't comprehend. I'll definitely check out the podcast. Thanks for the tip. In much the same way instinct (and research) tells me about the conversations going on among the non-humans of the planet, so to I think we convey ideas and "gut feelings." So, yes, the season is abuzz with trying to help us understand each other. So grateful to know the essay found a home with you, Sybil. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Bravo! Thank you for this.
Ah, thank *you* Emily. Grateful for your readership.
thank you for this. there is a lot of magic in moss.
The more I look, the more I see, Destiny. 🪄Thanks so much for reading and adding your thoughts here.
Such life! Your words make life longer--or so I believe.
What a concept -- to think that words have the capacity to extend life! Thanks, Jill, for your steady enthusiasm.
What a beautiful post - Pando, an amazingly ancient single being, brought goosebumps to my arms; the mosses reflecting the forests in miniature; and Jennie Wade, a story unknown to me here in the UK but how poignant, and how loving that her mother should continue to bake bread for the soldiers with the dough she was kneading when she died. Thank you.
I imagine nearly every tragedy has at least one moment of heart-expanding beauty in it, though it may not always be seen or known. And what nature has to offer is right there in the midst. Thanks for spending a little time in these thoughts with me, June, and for sharing the post as well!
I'll not go barefoot on our grass while the slugs are waiting to be trud on.
Ha! Anne -- I hear you on that one (having actually done so, though never in an intentional barefoot moment)! They are a slippery bunch! 😅 Our slugs seem to keep to the undersides of pots and structures until nightfall, so I've little worry here.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing this piece. Much gratitude!
As bare footers, you’re lucky. It’s even possible here to tread on one indoors.
Once trud on, never forgotten. Xx
I might be better served to keep this to myself, but the truth is, we also have the stinkers that find their way indoors. I could show you a photo of one making its way toward my head as I sat reading in bed! 😱
No! In that case I think I might have to leave home.
Mind you, I once found a toad climbing through my bedroom window when I was on my way to bed.
Those bare feet prompted a question I've had for a while now. Sorry if I'm off topic, but what's behind the noticable trend in flip flops? They seem to appear more frequently in places other than pools, beaches, and other warm weather occasions. Do we feel closer to nature, inclement weather nothwithstanding? I'm going to see for myself the next time I have the opportunity. Or maybe I will go barefooted in the snow.
Now, totally by coincidence I recently heard a little about the Pando (or its equivalent) in the context of forest fires. Is it true that through the connected root system trees in jeapardy receive first aid (water) from those that can contribute? Is this nature's form of charitable giving? In words from Lincoln's inagural address, are these trees some of our better angels?
I had a theory on the flip-flops that I tried to validate with a little online research. I didn't hit pay dirt, but I found a few references to support my idea: The pandemic. While in Sydney a couple of months ago, I noticed nearly everyone was wearing trainers, or sneakers to us. My own strappy sandals, even the sturdier Tevas, were nowhere to be seen. Part of it might have been seasonal (spring had just sprung), but some Australian friends supposed it came in with Covid. Staying home, realizing how much better feet felt in casual shoes, no one wanted to go back. That, in addition to fashion brands and influencers creating upscale versions to further normalize the look, and voila!
I have gone barefoot in the snow a time or two. Newsflash: It's cold and wet! 😂
As for organisms like Pando (there are others) protecting itself by supplying water and other nutrients - yes! It's true! I also understand that plants can signal distress from, say, pests, which then causes all plant of similar species within range to produce distasteful chemicals that help ward off further attacks. The idea that language is a uniquely human trait is, I think, indicative of just how much we humans still have to learn.
Thanks so much for sparking more curiosity here, Rob. Much appreciated!
I love the interconnected movements, Elizabeth, and how they flow one to the next. The story of Pando... is fascinating: "Pando gives the impression of individuality—tree after tree after white-barked tree—but it is one life, one immense and ancient structure"
The Jennie Wade story ... wow. Somehow, reading this piece reminded me of how I "felt" when looking at the book Here by Richard McGuire (and I faintly think we may have discussed it and you may have looked at it) -- not a direct overlay, but something in that feeling of one place viewed over time. Beautifully done.
Well, shoot, Amy -- I responded to this lovely comment but I guess I didn't hit the right button afterwards. (A developing theme, it seems.)
There are other quaking aspens; the one in Utah is the largest and oldest that we know of. Certain sites refer to it as one tree, which I find hard to wrap my head around.
I don't remember the Richard McGuire book, but that doesn't mean we didn't discuss it previously. I found some images of it and totally see what you mean: the bison, the carpenter(s), the girl. I don't know that I'd want a way for us to know the deeper stories of those we meet - or others mine - but it's fascinating to imagine what that might do to our perceptions. Some insights would garner compassion, others would bring about disgust. There's always so much we don't know.
Since you're someone who is skilled at layering and weaving stories, it means a lot that this one felt meaningful. I really appreciate how you approach what you read and write, Amy. Thank you!