The Rules
#1 I must return to the woods any bits I don’t use.
#2 I cannot take but a few steps off the path.
#3 I must receive permission.
#4 I will not break anything.
#5 I will only make one wreath to honor that person.
#6 I will either donate 10% to a local park or pick up equal parts garbage to forage material.
#7 I will not be rushed, walking in the woods is holy to me.
Photo taken by my dear friend Laura Russel, this is me probably commenting on how I love there are so many more cattails to phragmites.
Photo by my friend Laura Russel of me feeling if there was any bark about to fall, there wasn’t and I am ok with that.
This lovely person named Katie called me and asked me if I would be willing to “make something not FTD” and “something wild” and “actually really what I would like is for you to simply go into the woods and forage something.” I felt so lucky she called me. Absolutely I will.
I read his obituary. And he was like me and maybe like you. We are more comfortable in the woods, well than maybe anywhere. We walk slow; look, listen and think and not think. Where we find peace, beautiful breaths, wonder, connection to what is holy, perfect and simply right here.
This was last week and I feel I’ve found something and something has found me. I am so happy to offer this alternatively. No garbage (well I will be picking up garbage as I forage so actually there is garbage;) no flown flowers, no floral foam, just a simple and striking celebration of this Earth for someone who loved Earth.
Photo by me, completed wreath of 100% foraged materials.