prickly pleasure

Nettles might not be everyone’s cup of tea—

—but this week—

—as I traveled—

—gathered¹—

—chopped—

—steeped—

—sautéed—

—dried—

—stored—

—and was generally fueled by them—

—they were defiantly mine.

How not to be inspired by a plant—

—that whether young and succulent—

—or dried to a crisp—

—can be food²—

—fiber—

—neighbor—

—artwork and metaphor—

—all while sporting formidable³—

—and unapologetic boundaries?⁴

1. Beryl and I went on a short jaunt to our beloved Palouse this week, both to see dear friends and to gather nettles in a place I knew I’d find them (if not the bear, which was a big surprise). I’m quite sure there are nettles where I live now, and there are probably way more bears, but as yet I don’t know either where to look or what places to avoid (cuz… bears….), so need to do some research. Also—the deliciousness of friends! Though truth to tell it was also kinda weird to be in my old town and not live there so I learned that I need to approach this visiting thing with caution. Cuz—bears (real and metaphorical).

2. Also medicine in the form of tinctures and such, as my friend R is doing.

3. While I don’t mind the odd prickle, I was not inclined to hold onto the leaves as I chopped—thus the rather ungainly (but ultimately effective) technique.

4. If not always quite so prickly.

And since I’m not yet as decisive as a nettle, I’ve included two walks today—prairie and woods—so take your pick!

Also—many thanks to all of you who checked out my back-on-the-internet old website and freshly-in-the-world new shop. It’s good to have them up and running as it frees my brain for other projects that hopefully, someday, will be part of both…