Corners of a handmade home
The fire crackles in the stove next to me, a comforting sound on this cold evening. The little one is fast asleep, the chickens are safely tucked in for the night, and my partner is putting the kettle on for an evening cup of warm herbal tea. The olives are harvested and leaching now, soon to be packed in jars, with lemon and glistening olive oil, to then be savored throughout the next year.
It feels good, in these times when everything feels so uncertain — environmentally, socially, politically — to have these little rituals, small moments of contented joy, rootedness, and hope.
I’ve been feeling a big deal of love and gratitude for this abode we call home lately. Well, always, ever since we started working on this once small, ruined stone house, with trees growing inside it, that had housed two generations before us.
Who remembers the making of our bedroom, about five years ago?
Or the making of the kitchen, shortly after?
This autumn, we can say our house is finalized. No more heavy-lifting, stone-dangling, or wall-plastering. What a change! What a relief. And so I’ve been collecting little pictures of little corners, to share some of it with you, as I know many of you have enjoyed following along the progress while I was on instagram, and now no more.
So sweet to see it all come together after all these years. It’s a very special feeling! Would we do it all again? Well, yes, I mean, probably not?
On different autumn news, this has been happening too. In full mushroom attire with that new jumper that has recently left my knitting needles!
Now, as November soon gives way to December, if you are looking for inspiration for the season, I want to remind you that the winter issue of Botanical Anthology has just come out, with a recipe by yours truly.
I have enjoyed contributing to this magazine because it’s full of botanical creativity, joy, and magic! If you’ve never heard of it (although I’m pretty sure you have), Botanical Anthology is a seasonal, plant-centered magazine bringing herbs to your apothecary, kitchen, crafts, harvests, rituals, and winter celebrations. And you can purchase it in digital or print!
With 50+ articles from 45+ contributors, including Colleen Codekas, Tara Lanich-LaBrie, Ashley Moore, and Mountain Rose Herbs, among so many others, there is something for everyone here.
Until 12/10, you can get your copy for just $16 + receive two free booklets. As a contributor, this is my affiliate link!
This whimsical Ginger Citrus Solstice Cake, by Cassandra Heist, is only one of the pieces in the recipes section, and now I know what I’ll be making this winter solstice…
Recipe + photo by Cassandra Heist
And that’s all for today, friends. From my home to yours, I hope you’re having a good autumn, with all the shifts and reflections this season is bringing us 🍂
