Scenes from Fall

We’re deep into fall now and with the delayed rains returning in full force the trees once again look nourished and radiant. Here in the Pacific Northwest we’re all accustomed to a certain level of dampness and for weeks we waited and none came. The leaves started to shrivel and dry before putting on their ruby colored coats. Now, we’ve been properly hydrated and the colors are shining and particularly vibrant against the muted gray skies. 

There was never an intention to leave this space quiet for as long as I did but I also trust in timing and feel so delighted to be back writing and connecting with you all. There’s been a good bit of work happening outside this space. My book manuscript is due in January and the woods were calling as the mushrooms made a late, sparse and quick appearance.

 My kitchen has been quite active but not with me in it. We’re in the middle of a remodel and while it’s hard to exist on microwaved foods and bags of salad I know that this is a short season with an epic payoff. No more chipped countertops and cupboards that don’t close. I’m saying a giddy goodbye to the oven that never understood how to stay hot. I can not wait to show you all the final pictures - which should be happening quite soon. The cabinets are mostly in, as is the sink (it’s massive!!)The new range is in place (although not plugged in) and the countertops arrive next week. The tile for the backsplash (which I’m making) will be the final touch but it may be a minute before they are all glazed and out of the kiln. 

Found the biggest mushroom of my life with the guidance of my friend and mushroom expert, Langdon Cook.

Hydnellum PecKiki commonly known as Bleeding Tooth. It’s not an edible mushroom but commonly used for dying and one that I’ve always wanted to see.

Amanita Muscaria or Fly Agaric in various stages of life.

One of several varieties of boletes we found including a few porcini which are an absolute favorite of mine.

I did want to share some photos from fall so far. Last week I had the great fortune of getting out into the woods for three days and each excursion I found an abundance of mushrooms. Most of the haul ended up in the dehydrator so I can use them when I have my kitchen back but some I brought to my brother’s house so we could use them fresh. With a third of the massive Bear’s Head mushroom I found we made “crab” cakes. I followed the recipe from my first book, Date Night In, and added a little bit of flour along with the Panko to help hold it all together. With some of the chanterelles and porcini we made a simple pasta with sausage, cream, and flurries of Parmesan cheese. I’m never not moved by the gifts from the woods.

Finally I’d love to share a poem that has been ringing in my head and finding a cozy corner in my soul. I first heard it on the stunning podcast, Poetry Unbound with Padraig O Tuama. I highly recommend listening to the episode to dig deeper into these words or read the poem once or twice and notice the words or phrases that stick out to you. Leave it to take residence in your being for a few days then come back to it and read it again. Notice what sticks out for you this time. 

Lost

David Wagoner

Stand still. The trees ahead and bushes beside you

Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,

And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,

Must ask permission to know it and be known

The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,

I have made this place around you.

If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.

No two trees are the same to Raven.

No two branches are the same to Wren.

If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,

You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows

Where you are. You must let it find you.