If You Love The Earth, You Know Me. Thoughts From A Kitchen Witch.

in #ecotrain6 years ago (edited)

I've been feeling truly happy lately, like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. We took time to relax and enjoy the autumn equinox and the harvest moon. It was a cool three days of just being.

The evening of the harvest moon was a good time! We drank rhubarb wine and sipped dandelion tea in front of the fire before coming in for the night. I also had several healthy concoctions sitting out bathing in the moon light.

We talked about life, this homestead, the worries and the wonder that we've been experiencing. We also sat in comfortable silence. We could hear an owl in the distance, the rusting of leaves and other nocturnal activity all around us.

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Sitting in front of the fire, watching it dance is hypnotic. I always seem to find clarity whilst gazing into those flames.

Over the past four years my focus has become much clearer. Although we do live a homestead lifestyle, my passions run far deeper than off grid living often accounts for in books and blogs. My passion is for nature, and nurturing and growing my connection with it. I get a thrill from exploring, studying and gathering wild medicine. I love to grow it as well.

We've chosen a life where we can be gentler, kinder and more mindful of the earth and so we are. We do our best because it matters. What is more important that caring for this magnificent place we get to call home? Nothing is more important.

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The more time spent in nature, the better my soul feels.

It feeds parts of me that have long been starved and broken. With the wind at my back I feel less disconnected, confused and lost.

This relationship I am building with nature is beautiful and fulfilling. I am brighter, healthier and more alive than I can ever remember being before.

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I feel gratitude that I can stand in my kitchen and run my hands along these jars of carefully grown and gathered herbs, plants, roots and bark.

It is more than just natural medicine but a connection with something that so many have forgotten. I can't help but wonder if this loss of connection with mother nature, with our own wellness is what leaves so many feeling incomplete.

That void is impossible to fill with entertainment, convenience, hospitals and instant food. Nature fires up all of our natural senses. You can see, smell, taste and hear better when you are in the wild. There is a sense of rightful purpose and timelessness when working with herbs and plants. You just start to see clearly the right and wrong of things in the world.

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Chicory Root freshly lifted from the soil.

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Natural ingredients = medicine.

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Rose hip oil, infused by the power of the sun.

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Raw All Natural Home-made Vinegars. We provide the environment - nature does the work.

I know some people think I am quite a strange one. A homestead blogger that writes more about plants and feelings than the practicalities of homesteading, but this is my journey. If I share all of these things that I believe so deeply, openly and honestly, perhaps I can change the world for the better, just a tiny bit.

The truth of the matter is that life here on this homestead is more than just a catch phrase or the in-thing. It is freedom and awareness and a connection that runs. Mostly, I really do just want to run wild and be free. The more freedom I taste, the more I want. The more nature I experience, the more questions I have. If I can spend all of my remaining days learning from nature, making concoctions with natures gifts and living a life that nourishes my spirit - I'll be a happy woman.


[@walkerland ]
Building a greener, more beautiful world one seed at a time.
Homesteading | Gardening | Frugal Living | Preserving Food| From Scratch
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You can also find me at: walkerland.ca |
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this is so beautiful and nourishing. in the face of everything that has been crossing my screen in the past few days... THIS (what you have shared, your creations, sentiments, ethos.. heart.) is the healing balm of the world. thank you my dear friend! you are a blessing <3

Thank you, this means a LOT coming from you. I am really feeling warm and happy from having read this. Thank you.

"I can't help but wonder if this loss of connection with mother nature, with our own wellness is what leaves so many feeling incomplete.

That void is impossible to fill with entertainment, convenience, hospitals and instant food."

I so very much agree! The disconnect from nature is so severe in this society today it is really scary.

This is such a lovely post, the way it was written with gentleness and thought, and of course, your lovely photos.

Thank you so much @goldenoakfarm. I hope those that are feeling that void find a way to come back to a place that nourishes them. Maybe in writing about it we are helping. xx

Lovely! Thanks for sharing your love and gifts (and gorgeous photos). God is great!

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. I really appreciate the comment! :)

I know some people think I am quite a strange one. A homestead blogger that writes more about plants and feelings than the practicalities of homesteading...

That's another grand benefit thought. The feelings and emotional fulfillment are an integral part in the wellness of humanity. It's one of the ends, and the practicalities are the means.

I really appreciate this comment @nateonsteemit - well said!

Your harvest is beautiful and the fruits of your labor sure look good. I am happy that you had such a fruitful year and that you enjoyed the equinox. Enjoy the flames and enjoy the clarity, much love 💚

Thank you @zen-art! I appreciate the warm message.


Congratulations! Your post has been recommended by @nateonsteemit to be the Global Homestead Collective's promoted post of the day. We invite you to use our tag #ghsc! Come join us on discord! https://steemit.com/ghsc/@ghscollective/today-s-promoted-post-walkerland-and-sagescrub

Thank you so much @ghscollective I really appreciate it!

Ah, to be able to live in the country again, to spend time in the woods, to commune with nature, that would be quite nice! It's been quite a while...

it sounds like you have some fond memories of country living! :)

I know some people think I am quite a strange one. A homestead blogger that writes more about plants and feelings than the practicalities of homesteading, but this is my journey. If I share all of these things that I believe so deeply, openly and honestly, perhaps I can change the world for the better, just a tiny bit.

If you live in my area in Aceh, you are no longer as a strange one, because people here use natural medicine more than chemical medicine for generations @walkerland. Have a great day, wish you all the best

That is so nice to hear @el-nailul - I wish it was like that in North America! That is truly wonderful.

oh I love reading about your journey, your calling, I can so relate to your passionate and your way. Much love and respect to you xxxx

Thank you so much, this means so much to me. xx