Category: Uncategorized

10/30/20

The autumn season is book-ended by themes of loss and thanksgiving. Nature has transitioned from the vibrancy of summer heat to the mellowing of shortening days. Storms have heralded (slightly) cooler temperatures and wind chimes are now catching more than the occasional breeze.

In many faith traditions, “All Soul’s Day” marks the loss and celebration of loved ones. The world at present continues to suffer the loss of many during this grueling pandemic. I sadly said good-bye, remotely, to my own mother during the lock-down period. But grief segued into gratitude for the wonderful human being and mother she was, for the gift of life and nurturing she bestowed.

This gratitude and thanksgiving mark this time as well. We gather in reality or spirit with our loved ones and friends to acknowledge the many blessings in our lives: the food we eat, our sheltering homes, our protective and giving family and friends.

I have much to be grateful for. I live in the most beautiful place on earth, supported and cared for by gentle people. Among these people have been the amazing staff at my shop, a more giving group would be hard to find.

Belinda Darrell has been among these ladies- a positive, encouraging presence. She leaves us now to grace the lives of the little ones who will be in her charge at Little Seeds Nursery school. It has been her passion and ambition to work with the young and we wish her well. We hope to see her occasionally at the store in the future.

I am grateful, also, for the continued support of our loyal customers and hope the Island Shop continues, in turn, to enhance your lives in some small way.

Please pop in to enjoy the lovely autumnal tabletops curated by Brianna and Lynn. I have created some small paintings that may amuse or delight. Perhaps pick up a pumpkin or Frasier Fir candle to light with thanksgiving!

-Barbara

 

 

 

 

For almost 2 months I have been leading an isolated life with my daughter Mia. I have been happy for her company. My impulse during such an anxious time has not been to develop butteries or anything of a whimsical nature. Perhaps in brighter days I will revert to that and my existing products will certainly add a bit of color, a pick me up to anyone feeling a bit down.

Rather, I have spent these last few weeks reading inspirational literature, anything to nurture the soul. Sharing quotes with my followers on Facebook, saving images from old magazines, trying out new recipes from the internet. My garden and terra cotta pots have been receiving extra attention as well and it certainly shows. It is amazing what some pruning and extra watering will accomplish. I’ve also been collecting seeds and small cuttings during my early evening walks with my daughter and exploring our neighborhood within the half mile radius. Everywhere here is teeming with wildlife of course but I only see a few well tended vegetable or flower gardens. I include my garden in this critique and I am going to endeavor to have a bit more of a vegetable patch, no matter how small. I’ve started with some herbs and lettuces, cherry tomatoes planted outside my kitchen door. I used some fresh tarragon in a sauce for my chicken last Tuesday night, the cilantro and parsley, basil and dill have been out to good use as well.

I’ve noticed one of my cedar trees full of berries and have read a recent article in the RG magazine referring to the strength and resiliency of our national tree. When I get back to my drawing board and start painting again I think I will start with an image of a cedar branch. Bursting forth with new life and potential, standing strong no matter the circumstance.

That resilience will take on more meaning for all of us now , perhaps the image (for a new collection ?) to end this year.