Sleeping under the stars

Since we are a family of fair-weather campers, this beautiful outing represents the last trip of the year. And what a splendid time it was! We were so grateful to be invited along to this private remote campground.  This place was gorgeous and had some pretty luxurious amenities, as far as camping goes.  It was a real treat to enjoy the company of good friends in the natural world. The community of  Balsam Mountain has it's own nature center, where we got to learn about their resident creatures and experience the training process for their hawk, Zeus.

I was raised by the song

Of the murmuring grove

And loving I learned

Among Flowers.

- Friedrich Holderlin

Garden in Autumn

I have been taking extra care and time to really "see" and experience my dear green garden, before it takes it's winter's rest.

Women Together!

Such an inspiration it has been for me to attend the Southeast Women's Herbal Conference! This is the third year that I have attended the conference, and the first year that I have officially taken photos for the event. I am filled with gratitude to meet so many wonderful healers, showing up to participate in making change in the world. The exchange of ideas, energy, support and feeling of community was so uplifting. Some really inspiring women that I enjoyed seeing there were herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, wise woman Alisa Starkweather, energy healer Laurel Mamet, herbalist Suki Roth, yoga instructor Sierra Hollister and extraordinary musicians Leah and Chloe of Rising Appalachia. There were countless others who made the weekend so memorable and fun. While it was a different experience behind the camera, running to and fro to capture images, I still got the opportunity to connect with others, enjoy the beautiful location and delicious food (all inspired by Sally Fallon's Nourishing Traditions. For me, one of the most nurturing parts of the weekend was to participate in  heartfelt community ritual. Singing, drumming, lighting candles, holding hands in circle, celebrating the light in all of us around a bonfire on a starry evening... these moments will stay with me through the long days of winter and beyond.

"If ever the world sees a time when women shall come together, purely and simply for the benefit of humanity, it will be a power such as the world has never known." quote from Alisa Starkweather

Autumn Equinox and Michaelmas

This is a most special time of year for me. It is the midway point from Summer Solstice/ St John's Tide to Winter Solstice/ Christmas.  We have enjoyed marking this time with an Equinox bonfire and potluck with our friends. The flowers are still so glorious and cheerful.  

Jasper made Dragon bread and dyed a silk cape with goldenrod at his little morning class, and I helped to prepare for the community Michaelmas festival by making a felted dragon and some scenery for the puppet show. It was a good learning experience to be a part of the production.

Jasper in his cape of golden light

The lovely princess was made by Becca.

I got to be the King in the story. This beautiful puppet was made by Lenka. They are so glorious in action, with their flowing silk bodies.

Ines practicing the scene with the knight

The tamed dragon

Weaving with nature at the festival. The kids also made beautiful wool felted comets with trailing ribbons.

Mother Earth leading the children to the puppet show. During the show, we had a torrential thunderstorm. It was quite dramatic the have roars of thunder in the dragon scene. But after getting thoroughly soaked (with glee...) as we crossed the property, the sun shone again for the potluck and cider pressing time.  The children delighted in playing in the mud puddles.

The Michaelmas dragon was gifted to Vivienne(something that Mia and Jasper insisted upon), honoring her bravery and strength after a very unfortunate playground accident. She slipped on a ladder, landing in a very tender place and had to miss the festival to rest at home with Daddy. She is feeling much better today.

Jasper's favorite tee from the local and fabulous Ollie Kate

Brave and True

Will I Be

Each Kind Deed

 Sets Me Free

Each Kind Word

Makes Me Strong

Fight for the Right

Conquer the Wrong

~author not known

Check out more wonderful photos at the Moment to Moment Blog!