I am rereading my own book,
A Naturalist's Cabin; Constructing a Dream--this really is a re-wilding, then. I miss the person I once was, 20+ years ago, and barely know her, now. So young, so full of energy...
I wonder if she is still here, longing to break the shell of years and life changes--but yes, I know she is, in the recognizing and noticing and delighting in nature close at hand.
Of necessity, I am somewhat less active; my knees object to uneven ground so exploring my 18 acres--which are virtually
nothing but hills and bluffs and deep valleys--in such detail is mostly an exercise of memory. (The book helps!)
In part, this is why we
built the shed in the lot we own next door to our house, and why we let nature have her way there...the desire, the
need for the wild and a place to nourish and observe it, accessible in all seasons. And flat enough to walk every inch of it! Observing the small changes, rejoicing in the magic...
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| Though right on the edge of town, the shed is nestled in a small wood that joins with a much larger forest. |
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| This is my view along the path... |
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| The path itself is very nearly overgrown...shady and private-feeling, though in fact it acts as a shortcut between the houses up the hill and the old mom-and-pop grocery on the edge of town. |
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| The shed's lot is growing up into volunteer wilderness, as well... |
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| One of my favorite journal pages, just come across in my files... |
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| Yesterday's super-fast squirrel sketch--Prismacolor colored pencil and wash. These guys often inspire me to grab my quickest tools and materials. |
...and yes, wishing the book were back in print...it's a wonderful reminder of a special time.
**
UPDATE, one year later: The book IS back in print, from
Echo Point Books! Life is good indeed!
Here's the page of my books...
