Thank you Pam. For us, it’s both an acknowledgment or our commitment to take care of our place in such a manner so that other Beings can live and thrive but also to hold us accountable to certain practices that do not poison Mother Earth. So we use no chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides; and we practice organic and biodynamic methods of gardening and land restoration for sustainability. We are temporary stewards of just one acre, and we trust our efforts are benefitting others—the least we can do in reciprocity for the benefit of the beauty and interdependence they give to us daily.
Kert, when we bought this land/house the former owners had ruined the wild places. They regularly did target shooting into the trees (we lost 4 large ones) and had 4-wheel tracks throughout the woods. There was NO wildlife here. Over the 30 years we've owned this property we cleaned up the mess left and then let nature take its course. We now have Pileated Woodpecker nests, squirrels, all kinds of birds and nests, etc.
Oh my gosh, that makes my heart sing!!! I’m so glad you shared that with me—I think those of us who understand our truly humble place in the grand expanse of nature should share stories like this so that we all receive affirmation of our efforts. Ultimately, it actually takes little effort, right?—we just need to allow Mother Nature to do Her thing and stop destroying Her places and our fellow Animal and Plant nations. I mean, come on…”target practice at trees???” OMG!!!
Your engagement with me this Sunday morning, Pam, is a great way to enter into the fullness of this day, with reverence and gratitude.
I had never heard of wildlife habitat certification. What a beautiful thing! And thank you for this homage to the spark of life in winter. In truth, what we consider the barren month of February is actually, I imagine, quite a busy one for the plants and animals and birds who will spring to life seemingly from nowhere in only a few short weeks. Nature is always growing. Always renewing. That’s part of her magic.
I love Braiding Sweetgrass (as well as Gathering Moss and The Serviceberry). Braiding Sweetgrass is definitely my favorite of the three. It may be time for a re-listen. 🥰
When I learned about all the underground activity going on during winter, preparing for Spring, I gained a new understanding of and appreciation for the intelligence of trees, plants and gardens.
And just that fact ALWAYS impacts me deeply whenever I see urban developers clearing land to build. It actually causes a felt, visceral response in my body now. We are so ignorant of the long term impact on our own health and wellbeing when we destroy life and habitat for Beings we could never fathom exist let alone how their presence in those spaces benefit us. We truly are interdependent—but the human species is the only one who believes we are above it all.
“They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” I think you’ve quoted this from Joni Mitchell yourself in the past, Gary. We both have an affinity for Ms. Joni. “Both sides now” and all.
Ain't it preposterous to think we''re "above it all" and we have the worst example in the world acting like he is above God herself. They are coming after him and he hasn't a clue. Given enough time and rope.....we can see the inevitable.
I’m loving your vibe right now Gary. I see what you’re doing here, and I agree 100%. Mother Nature, and all the positive forces She nurtures and supports, ALWAYS bats last. Hope you are feeling well my friend.
That's so great that you have officinally designated the land your steward as wildlife habitat!
A couple evenings ago I popped my head out my door for some fresh air and bird song and saw, in 2 different spots, deer ears poking out. They were bedding down for the night. This was in my front yard and my neighbours front yard and it made me happy! They certainly find all they need even in the "dead of winter".
I read and then re-read this post, Kert. Thanks for the part about "All my relations." I learned of that years ago, and it is a life affirming prayer worth repeating. We are all connected, not just to each other but to the land and its creatures, to all life. My favorite of your visitors is the fox. They always seem highly intelligent and curious to me and they're really fun to watch. May you continued to be blessed by such visits. Thank you for a beautiful and inspiring post.
You made my heart sing this morning, Stephanie. Thank you.
I, too, use Mitakuye Oyasin as a mantra/prayer. This is a part of Native wisdom we desperately need to bring back to consciousness. Can you imagine the impact if more people lived that? I’m thank you do. With gratitude…🙏🏼
Alive in winter.
Thanks for this, Kert. Much appreciated inspiring post for Sunday morning.
Thank you. I didn't know about the Wildlife Habitat certification. Now we have it for or 5 acres!
Thank you Pam. For us, it’s both an acknowledgment or our commitment to take care of our place in such a manner so that other Beings can live and thrive but also to hold us accountable to certain practices that do not poison Mother Earth. So we use no chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides; and we practice organic and biodynamic methods of gardening and land restoration for sustainability. We are temporary stewards of just one acre, and we trust our efforts are benefitting others—the least we can do in reciprocity for the benefit of the beauty and interdependence they give to us daily.
I wish everyone was a good steward to the land like you and your wife
Kert, when we bought this land/house the former owners had ruined the wild places. They regularly did target shooting into the trees (we lost 4 large ones) and had 4-wheel tracks throughout the woods. There was NO wildlife here. Over the 30 years we've owned this property we cleaned up the mess left and then let nature take its course. We now have Pileated Woodpecker nests, squirrels, all kinds of birds and nests, etc.
Oh my gosh, that makes my heart sing!!! I’m so glad you shared that with me—I think those of us who understand our truly humble place in the grand expanse of nature should share stories like this so that we all receive affirmation of our efforts. Ultimately, it actually takes little effort, right?—we just need to allow Mother Nature to do Her thing and stop destroying Her places and our fellow Animal and Plant nations. I mean, come on…”target practice at trees???” OMG!!!
Your engagement with me this Sunday morning, Pam, is a great way to enter into the fullness of this day, with reverence and gratitude.
I had never heard of wildlife habitat certification. What a beautiful thing! And thank you for this homage to the spark of life in winter. In truth, what we consider the barren month of February is actually, I imagine, quite a busy one for the plants and animals and birds who will spring to life seemingly from nowhere in only a few short weeks. Nature is always growing. Always renewing. That’s part of her magic.
Absolutely! Thanks Jamie, your comment made me smile.
Have you read Embers by Richard Wagamese? It’s one of my favorite books, and one I listen to frequently. I have a feeling you might enjoy it.
Well…now I have to!
I love book recs from people who share similar views of life and spirit. Seriously, I’m looking it up now and will add it to my TBR queue.
Now, for you…have you read “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer? I consider THAT book to be essential reading for all humans.
I love Braiding Sweetgrass (as well as Gathering Moss and The Serviceberry). Braiding Sweetgrass is definitely my favorite of the three. It may be time for a re-listen. 🥰
I have all her books as well.
See, a kindred soul!!!
When I learned about all the underground activity going on during winter, preparing for Spring, I gained a new understanding of and appreciation for the intelligence of trees, plants and gardens.
And just that fact ALWAYS impacts me deeply whenever I see urban developers clearing land to build. It actually causes a felt, visceral response in my body now. We are so ignorant of the long term impact on our own health and wellbeing when we destroy life and habitat for Beings we could never fathom exist let alone how their presence in those spaces benefit us. We truly are interdependent—but the human species is the only one who believes we are above it all.
“They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” I think you’ve quoted this from Joni Mitchell yourself in the past, Gary. We both have an affinity for Ms. Joni. “Both sides now” and all.
Ain't it preposterous to think we''re "above it all" and we have the worst example in the world acting like he is above God herself. They are coming after him and he hasn't a clue. Given enough time and rope.....we can see the inevitable.
I’m loving your vibe right now Gary. I see what you’re doing here, and I agree 100%. Mother Nature, and all the positive forces She nurtures and supports, ALWAYS bats last. Hope you are feeling well my friend.
Making progress, albeit slow. Thanks!
That's so great that you have officinally designated the land your steward as wildlife habitat!
A couple evenings ago I popped my head out my door for some fresh air and bird song and saw, in 2 different spots, deer ears poking out. They were bedding down for the night. This was in my front yard and my neighbours front yard and it made me happy! They certainly find all they need even in the "dead of winter".
"All my relations": I like that. Nice, Kert! 🙏💚
I love all of this! And the tattoo!! 🐢
I read and then re-read this post, Kert. Thanks for the part about "All my relations." I learned of that years ago, and it is a life affirming prayer worth repeating. We are all connected, not just to each other but to the land and its creatures, to all life. My favorite of your visitors is the fox. They always seem highly intelligent and curious to me and they're really fun to watch. May you continued to be blessed by such visits. Thank you for a beautiful and inspiring post.
You made my heart sing this morning, Stephanie. Thank you.
I, too, use Mitakuye Oyasin as a mantra/prayer. This is a part of Native wisdom we desperately need to bring back to consciousness. Can you imagine the impact if more people lived that? I’m thank you do. With gratitude…🙏🏼
Kert, you are an inspiration for me in these troubled times.
Takes one to know one.
(It really does. We recognize each other by the way we wear our hearts.)