young nettle leaves make wonderful nettle crisps Lynn -- only take about 10 minutes -- and the leaves from dandelion are fantastic in pesto. As well as the roots making liver-salving decoctions :)
I think dandelion was the very first plant (other than eg blackberries, raspeberries etc) I foraged and ate. A long time ago, now, but I still find those yellow flowers so very friendly.
We're due 30°c at the weekend, which is a bit insane for early April. I love spring in Scotland, however, it arrives in a furious rush, everything greening overnight, seemingly visibly stretching for the sun.
I think, for me, I'll be mostly gathering nettles to make some cordage. It's been a while since I've done that. And also collecting dandelion root to dry and save! I'm doing rather well thus far with foraging and saving things, both edible and medicinal, much better than last year.
Wise! Starting small is the best way to stick at something, after all.
As for your own piece, there really is no pressure or rush, I know you want to share something and, whilst I can't wait to read it and share it too, patience is also a virtue!
Jan I probably don’t need to say this at all but I will… Wow! You write with such beautifully detailed knowledge.
What a wonderful walk you took us on, Thank you for taking us with you on this one…
It is a very great pity we, and by we I include you too Alex, all live so many kilometres one from the other… I have a feeling we would spend much time together on wild adventures learning and discovering.
Ah, that would indeed be an excellent walk! There's always so much to learn and discuss. I knew you'd love this piece too, as soon as I read it, so rich and delicious!
That would be quite a trio for a walk, Susie. :) Thank you so much. I really love what you write too and your post on this thread with Alex was wonderful. x
I have just sent out the cross-post of this piece, and found myself reading the whole thing again, despite having already done so three times. I think this in itself tells readers something—there is so much to enjoy, so many delicious details, all neatly wrapped together through and with your own history and that of the places you mention.
Add to this the thread of liminality stretching throughout the whole, the beautiful illustrations (and yes! Your husband should certainly start a Substack of his own!), and a sense of timelessness, of Being in the land, of listening to her and accepting, and I was in my very happy place!
Thank you so much for sharing this, and allowing me to cross-post. I am very grateful.
Huge thanks -- I feel very blessed to be here in this space -- it wasn't the easiest call to follow but the forest here feels like home and gives so much.
Enjoyed the snippet that I read...Am saving the rest for tomorrow (after a good night's sleep!).
Jan, I so enjoyed participating in your Paths through the Forest course-and this is the perfect reading to keep me in that vibe ! I am looking forward to reading it all tomorrow! And shall read Alexander M Crow's work as well! Thank you!
It is a wonderful piece. I ended up rereading it four times thus far and I know that won't be the total, either. And thank you, for saying you'll have a look at my own letter, that's wonderful.
Thank you so much for this wonderful exploration of the language of the land. And also for introducing me to The Crow's Nest - I have no idea how did I miss his Substack until now! This writing prompt truly sounds like it's right up my lane.
I'm really delighted with this piece, there's just so much detail, so much depth. When I shared this, I used the word richness, and I think that fits, across so many different variables. As you so rightly say, the exploration of the language of the land is compelling. And thank you, I'm very happy you discovered my own letter through this post!
Thank you Ramona -- really glad you like my writing prompt -- that's made my day. And Adam is my husband -- he's a writer, artist and book cover designer -- trying to get him to launch into Substack too :)
A delightful piece - I will be gathering nettles and dandelion leaves this year, I think
young nettle leaves make wonderful nettle crisps Lynn -- only take about 10 minutes -- and the leaves from dandelion are fantastic in pesto. As well as the roots making liver-salving decoctions :)
I think dandelion was the very first plant (other than eg blackberries, raspeberries etc) I foraged and ate. A long time ago, now, but I still find those yellow flowers so very friendly.
Both sound great! Spring hasn't sprung with us yet so will have to wait a bit longer before I can start gathering.
We're due 30°c at the weekend, which is a bit insane for early April. I love spring in Scotland, however, it arrives in a furious rush, everything greening overnight, seemingly visibly stretching for the sun.
It all feels a bit furious at the moment, but no greening as yet. I'm heading over to Lewis tomorrow and hoping for a benign crossing!
It really is a great piece!
I think, for me, I'll be mostly gathering nettles to make some cordage. It's been a while since I've done that. And also collecting dandelion root to dry and save! I'm doing rather well thus far with foraging and saving things, both edible and medicinal, much better than last year.
I think it'll be more for eating/drinking - start small!
(I haven't forgotten about a piece - I've started it but got busy, and tired 🙄)
Wise! Starting small is the best way to stick at something, after all.
As for your own piece, there really is no pressure or rush, I know you want to share something and, whilst I can't wait to read it and share it too, patience is also a virtue!
Ha, I shall think of you being virtuously patient as I write, lol
Jan I probably don’t need to say this at all but I will… Wow! You write with such beautifully detailed knowledge.
What a wonderful walk you took us on, Thank you for taking us with you on this one…
It is a very great pity we, and by we I include you too Alex, all live so many kilometres one from the other… I have a feeling we would spend much time together on wild adventures learning and discovering.
Ah, that would indeed be an excellent walk! There's always so much to learn and discuss. I knew you'd love this piece too, as soon as I read it, so rich and delicious!
That would be quite a trio for a walk, Susie. :) Thank you so much. I really love what you write too and your post on this thread with Alex was wonderful. x
I have just sent out the cross-post of this piece, and found myself reading the whole thing again, despite having already done so three times. I think this in itself tells readers something—there is so much to enjoy, so many delicious details, all neatly wrapped together through and with your own history and that of the places you mention.
Add to this the thread of liminality stretching throughout the whole, the beautiful illustrations (and yes! Your husband should certainly start a Substack of his own!), and a sense of timelessness, of Being in the land, of listening to her and accepting, and I was in my very happy place!
Thank you so much for sharing this, and allowing me to cross-post. I am very grateful.
Huge thanks -- I feel very blessed to be here in this space -- it wasn't the easiest call to follow but the forest here feels like home and gives so much.
Enjoyed the snippet that I read...Am saving the rest for tomorrow (after a good night's sleep!).
Jan, I so enjoyed participating in your Paths through the Forest course-and this is the perfect reading to keep me in that vibe ! I am looking forward to reading it all tomorrow! And shall read Alexander M Crow's work as well! Thank you!
Thank you Jeannine and for anyone who might like the course (it's free to download) it's on my writing site at https://janfortune.com/paths-through-the-forest/
It is a wonderful piece. I ended up rereading it four times thus far and I know that won't be the total, either. And thank you, for saying you'll have a look at my own letter, that's wonderful.
Thank you so much Alexander -- it was so helpful to have the prompt and the generosity of sharing the letter
My pleasure! I am really grateful for this post, it is a true treasure.
Thank you Jeannine x
Thank you so much for this wonderful exploration of the language of the land. And also for introducing me to The Crow's Nest - I have no idea how did I miss his Substack until now! This writing prompt truly sounds like it's right up my lane.
I'm really delighted with this piece, there's just so much detail, so much depth. When I shared this, I used the word richness, and I think that fits, across so many different variables. As you so rightly say, the exploration of the language of the land is compelling. And thank you, I'm very happy you discovered my own letter through this post!
Just to add, I love your choice of illustration by Adam Craig. A beautiful landscape and technique.
Thank you Ramona -- really glad you like my writing prompt -- that's made my day. And Adam is my husband -- he's a writer, artist and book cover designer -- trying to get him to launch into Substack too :)
What a blessing! If he does start his own Substack, he certainly has a subscriber in me :)
Yes! Me too, beautiful illustration.
Enjoyed this post immensely!
Thank you Liz -- it was a gift of a theme :)
Me too! There is so much here, all expertly woven together into a cohesive whole.
thank you, Liz :)