Author: Anna

Building a Greenhouse in a Pool: Framing

Building a Greenhouse in a Pool: Framing

This month we were able to complete most of the framing on the greenhouse!  I learned that when you hammer nails at an angle two join to boards, it’s called toenailing. We are still working on finishing the two triangle-shaped ends, which will contain windows 

Fall: A Season To Receive

Fall: A Season To Receive

Fall is the season in which we “let go” so that we may receive.  This illustration is from the cover of the Fall Issue of “Woolgathering”, my quarterly magazine about the seasons, seasonal mindfulness, and our interconnectivity to nature. For this cover illustration, I was 

Nature Messages From Artist In Residence, Diana Sudyka

Nature Messages From Artist In Residence, Diana Sudyka

In the past two months, artist Diana Sudyka spent a few weekends at Spring Bird’s Cottage as the 2020 Artist In Residence. Not only did Diana work on completing an author/illustrator project, which I eagerly await seeing in print, but she also painted the nature 

Upcoming Forest Bathing Workshop

Upcoming Forest Bathing Workshop

Come celebrate the final moments of the Fall colors in the upcoming Forest Bathing Workshop! I was fortunate to participate in the earlier Forest Bathing workshop guided by Rachel, and I so enjoyed soaking up the woods with my senses, being fully present, and experiencing 

A Woodland Charm Box

A Woodland Charm Box

After watching Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” in the theater last December, I came home inspired not only by the color schemes, costumes, performances, and quaint house decor, but also by the little wooden mailbox in the woods, through which the March sisters and Laurie passed 

A Pile of Painted Paper Leaves

A Pile of Painted Paper Leaves

This month, I’ve been feeling stuck and depressed despite the glory of this season, and so I decided to make some painted leaves to be included inside greeting cards. (I get a kick out of little surprises – one of the few things sparking joy 

Stick To Letting Go

Stick To Letting Go

The trees are sending us a message: Let Go! This year’s Fall Issue of Woolgathering came with a magnet of  the above image/message – Let Go! I didn’t intend for the irony of making a magnet – something that sticks around – something that is 

Happy Harvest Moon!

Happy Harvest Moon!

Happy Harvest Moon!  Grab your bushels, your baskets, your pecks, your aprons, and your scythes! It’s time to reap what we have sown. Now that might be a grim thought experiment, but try to focus on the bounty that surrounds, the fullness of the moon, 

Upcoming Walking Meditation Workshop!

Upcoming Walking Meditation Workshop!

Walking Meditation / 60 min. 10/10/2020 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM $18.00 With deep roots in several Buddhist traditions, walking meditation aids us in cultivating deeper awareness of ourselves and our surroundings. Enjoy a 30-minute guided walk including instruction and silence, followed by free time 

Woolgather Podcast: October 2020

Woolgather Podcast: October 2020

October’s episode features a fall story about a woodland superhero – red tailed hawk and a spooky limerick about a ghost flower.  Listen HERE!

Building A Greenhouse In A Pool: Frog Rescue

Building A Greenhouse In A Pool: Frog Rescue

Last week, Pat and I slopped through 5 inches of sediment  (pine needles, leaves, twigs, and raccoon bones) sitting on the bottom of our defunct pool. In the days before, Pat pumped out the stagnant water, which was coated in a green skin of algae.  

The Paradox of the Fall Equinox

The Paradox of the Fall Equinox

Happy Fall Equinox!  This is one of my favorite times of the year! Fall offers us a paradox: We receive the fullness of the harvest just as we begin to let go of growth in preparation for Winter. Both offerings are to be relished and 

Building A Greenhouse In A Pool: September 2020

Building A Greenhouse In A Pool: September 2020

So, we’ve had a recurring problem in our defunct swimming pool. Each Spring, we inadvertently catch raccoons, who enter to catch frogs or to wash their hands, and then they become unable to get out of the pool. I suppose that’s the nicest way to 

Outdoor Meditation & Gong Bath

Outdoor Meditation & Gong Bath

The Fall Equinox is coming, and Rachel E. Maley of Still Life Meditation is leading an Outdoor Meditation and Gong Bath at Spring Bird! AND you are invited!!! Celebrate the new season with this guided meditation on finding balance and welcoming change. Seated outdoor meditation 

September’s Woolgathering Podcast

September’s Woolgathering Podcast

More tastes of Fall as we enter September! September’s episode of the Woolgathering Podcast features a story about desire and vulnerability. And, also, a limerick about apples! Listen HERE