Blog

Pathways and Boundary Walks

Pathways and Boundary Walks

This week, Pat and I began a practice of walking the “boundaries” of the property. In reality, we are trying to touch feet to ground on as many paths as possible without doubling back. Each day, we choose a different route.  The main purpose behind 

Weaving Away The Woes

Weaving Away The Woes

This week, I had an excess of nervous energy, and so I channeled it into a tiny weaving.  I had forgotten how calming weaving it is. I used to have the best thoughts while working at my big, floor loom. It’s been far too long 

Summer Quilts

Summer Quilts

I made this illustration for the postcard for the Summer Issue of Woolgathering, our nature magazine about the seasons and our deep relationship to nature. It’s heavily inspired by quilts (of course). Quilts aren’t always associated with Summer (because of the hot weather), but I 

Honoring the Sun Worshiper

Honoring the Sun Worshiper

Are you a sun worshiper?  When you live in a place with an interminable cold, gray winter, the Summer sun feels so good and so intense that it’s a wonder that we can make it through the dreary, bitter days without it. In fact, scientifically, 

Latest Episode of Woolgathering Podcast

Latest Episode of Woolgathering Podcast

Listen to the latest episode of the Woolgathering Podcast. This week Beatriz gets cozy in the witches’ village! Listen HERE!

Artist Janelle Rae’s Meditation Hut

Artist Janelle Rae’s Meditation Hut

I’m so pleased to introduce our new installation made by artist Janelle Rae!  Janelle, a former Artist in Residence at Spring Bird, wanted to construct a place for meditation using  invasive honeysuckle and willow. She was inspired by artist Patrick Dougherty who makes large stick-built 

Endangered and Dear Monarch Butterflies

Endangered and Dear Monarch Butterflies

You may have heard the unfortunate news (yes, more bad news) that Monarch Butterflies have been added to the endangered species list. Thanks to my neighbor Danuta Loane, I had the pleasure of taking care of some monarchs during their metamorphoses – a few Summers 

Summer Saltibarciai – Lithuanian Cold Beet Soup

Summer Saltibarciai – Lithuanian Cold Beet Soup

What an afternoon feast!  Yesterday, I made Summer’s favorite soup: Saltibarciai – or Lithuanian cold beet soup.  This was the first time I ever made this traditional recipe, because my Mom always keeps me well stocked in this beautiful pink soup. BUT, we had beet 

Garlic Harvest is a Good Day!

Garlic Harvest is a Good Day!

It’s time for one of my favorite harvests – GARLIC! If you are like me, you double or triple the garlic “suggestion” in any given recipe.  Having bundles of fresh garlic hang right outside the kitchen allow me to cook  with ease as I know 

Each Other’s Sunflower

Each Other’s Sunflower

Good Morning, Good Morning! This past weekend, Patrick and I toured several Farmers’ Markets.  Each time I glimpsed a big, yellow headed sunflower bending heavily over a bucket’s edge, I wanted to scoop it up and bring it home.  Somehow, I resisted, but I would 

Temple to Self-Reflection

Temple to Self-Reflection

During May and June, I took time off from regular duties to connect more intently with nature at Spring Bird.  It was a dreamtime of greeting each day with a question – what needs to be done on the ground? – Who is calling for 

Lots of Pots!

Lots of Pots!

During these last few months, I have been enjoying making lumpy, heavy and clunky terracotta pots. This process of rolling, stacking, and smoothing coils into a cohesive whole is a creative therapy that is very much welcomed and needed right now. In addition, I love 

Latest Episode of Woolgathering Podcast

Latest Episode of Woolgathering Podcast

Listen to the latest episode of the Woolgathering Podcast! In this episode, Beatriz follows that magical feather to its stopping point, and Grandma Eartha bakes away her worry. Listen HERE or wherever you get your podcasts!

Happy Full Moon

Happy Full Moon

It’s a full moon! This moon is: a sweet balm for bees a whizz, bang of a firework a sip of joy in a clinking glass a “short shorts” Summer Happy Full Moon Everyone!!!

Trees En Plein Air

Trees En Plein Air

A couple weeks ago, I painted over an old painting. It’s been about a million years give or take since I have painted on canvas.  I enjoyed reuniting with the process as I painted this stylized tree.  It was even more enjoyable to paint en