“Even now, after more than fifty Strawberry Moons, finding a patch of wild strawberries still touches me with a sensation of surprise, a feeling of unworthiness and gratitude for the generosity and kindness that comes with an unexpected gift all wrapped in red and green.
After fifty years they still raise the question of how to respond to their generosity.”
From the most sacred of gardens, Minnesota
Sweetness bundled in the shape of a heart,
Shaded by leaves of disproportionate size
Huddled low to the ground,
Protected from the elements…
A gift from the Earth
to be treasured,
savored,
sweet not sour,
red not white
if patience prevails…
our delight in this seasonal treat
became something more,
with each trip to the store,
their flavor subsided,
bodies hypertrophied,
to be available on demand.
With this full moon,
may we honor the cycles of the Earth
the gifts that she bears,
with each season,
hearts complete.
early morning on the prairie, Prairie Horizons, Minnesota
Good morning prairie!
Just after the May Flower Moon (which I just wasn’t able to muster a post due to some health issues and work demands), I returned to the farm in MN… Prairie Horizons.
A time to rest, recharge, connect with self, others and the Earth.
To nurture friendships and mentor a few dietetic interns.
To take in each day as it unfurled.
To let go of my daily routine.
It was intense, far more than I anticipated.
By choice, I slept in a tent, close to the Earth, to be more open to the lessons from the land.
It was hot… oh so hot. Days and days of almost 100 degree weather and no rain.
There were ticks a plenty…
And the coyotes just around the bend reminding me of their presence each night, multiple times.
Yet it was stunningly, breathtakingly, beautiful…
Egrets, swans, herons, pelicans graced the ponds and shorelines.
Monarch butterflies, bumble bees, golden eagles, and bald ones too.
New families of ducks, geese, and box turtles…
I fell asleep to the wonky call of the three resident Sandhill cranes and arose to their early morning chatter to assure my witness of the sunrise over the horizon of the prairie.
A time to deepen relations and for that I am truly grateful.
A gift… just like the strawberries.
Sunrise over the pond, Prairie Horizons, MN
“Strawberry moon” has been used by Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples, among others, to mark the ripening of “June-bearing” strawberries. Other tribes indigenous to North America have different names e.g. Blooming Moon (Anishinaabe), Green Corn Moon (Cherokee) and Hoer Moon (Western Abenaki). Since strawberries are not native to Europe, this moon has also been referred to as “honey moon” and “mead moon.” Considering that the moon is not specific to anyone culture or location, the names of each moon vary and are most often, place-based. You can read more about the Strawberry Moon here and here.
On my needles… in May, I spent some time creating an outdoor sitting area. Without realizing it, the space became a little sacred space honoring many loved ones. The patio furniture belonged to my grandparents (circa 1970’s), cushions made by my mum several years ago, the string of lights was my father’s. I’m surrounded by ferns (one new) and an older community (not shown here)... when the weather is cool, it is certainly a place of peace.
In early May, I began knitting a Ramona Pullover by Elizabeth Smith (the grey sweater in the photo). Returning to campus this fall necessitated a little inspiration so I decided to design a “fall outfit.” Grey sweater with a white button-down shirt, black pants and my favorite, clogs… black. In some ways, focusing on creating an “outfit” has felt a bit superficial however, I am choosing to think of this as a very creative way to bring some positivity to the situation. Overall, I’ve enjoyed working from home, have been very productive, and I’m not looking forward to that change. So, a new outfit is my remedy.
What I’m reading… this book is incredible. It’s taken me close to 2 months to read as it’s very dense. Yet, it’s drawn me closer to the Earth, provided a gateway to better understanding the utter, vital, critical role of plants, and given me a renewed focus on what it means to be healthy, self and the planet. If you are looking for a quick, easy, summer read, this one is probably not for you. BUT your outlook on plants and pharmaceuticals will most likely be altered for the better as a result of reading this book, The Lost Language of Plants by Stephen Harrod Buhner. I can’t remember who recommended this book but it was one of you. Thank you!
With the passing of the Summer Solstice on June 20, we honor the light and yield to the coming darker days. The global pandemic is far from over however, “normalcy” returns to so many with access to the vaccine. There is hope, however it all still seems a bit topsy-turvy (aka upside down). Just like this butterfly.
As the full moon wanes over the next 14 days, may you enjoy this time of motivation and enthusiasm for being productive. May the weather be favorable to the land where you live, and may you find enjoyment in these days of summer.
The gift of the strawberry is the reminder that there is a season for everything and that just like the moon, we too, need to wax and wane, ebb and flow, grow and rest.
I’d love to know what the gift of the strawberry means to you… please feel free to share in a comment below.