Summer is officially half way through, and with it comes the fleeting magic of the last peony blooms. A few days ago, I visited Jānis’ mother’s garden to gather the very last of her magnificent peonies. There is something heartbreakingly beautiful about the final flowers of the season—they feel like a quiet farewell to summer’s … More Summer in a Gravy Boat: Peonies & Foraged Bilberries
I was feeling a bit down yesterday, so I went to the forest. I foraged for chanterelles and russules, and ate a few bilberries — enough to turn my mouth completely blue. Saw a huge patch of ferns and a whole field of heather (Calluna vulgaris). I couldn’t resist taking a few stems home. Butterflies … More Vacation Day 8: Forest Foraging & A Not-So-Great Ending
I usually don’t reflect on my blog stats, but I couldn’t resist after reading Deborah’s inspiring blog post here: Reader Favorites 2024. Her retrospective gave me the nudge to look back at what resonated with you all this year. Despite being away from blogging for four years, I returned to this space in August 2024 … More Your Most Loved Posts of 2024