Circles Festive wreaths are traditionally made of evergreens that represent the everlasting life of Jesus; the circular shape of the wreath represents God, with no beginning and no end. December found me making circles. Wreaths. Lots of wreaths. In our wee poly tunnel turned studio. By studio i mean i added a table; i like things rustic and simple. I spent many happy hours twisting and coiling branches to adorn with wild foraged decorations. I felt safe in there surrounded by branches and seeds. It got chilly sometimes but that was a good excuse for a tea and snack break anyway. My morning runs became a scavenger hunt, my eyes scouring the hedgerows and woodlands, looking for bright snow berries, plump rose hips, pine cones, alder seeds and many other delights that i dont know the names of. I would return triumphant with bursting pockets full of my treasures and frozen fingers grasping branches of feathery cypress, trailing ivy and luscious holly. Each day as I found new additions for my workshop, I become more creative in my designs. I incorporated lichen and moss, twisted willow branches, pierous and unknown leafy things from the garden, ivy seed pods in green and purple, dried berries, leaves sprayed gold and hand made clay stars. I finished each off with a hand tied bow, a spritz of glitter spray (what is christmas without glitter i ask?) and a printed label with a pressed leaf design. I loved creating beautiful wreaths using the seasonal natural wonders that lay all around me. So many festive decorations are mass produced rubbish that are used once then tossed in landfill. My wreaths would naturally decompose and be of no damage to our planet. They came Full circle; borrowed from the earth then returned with gratitude. My mum kindly sold them for me because i am not good at selling what i make. I want to just give things away and then i worry that people are buying out of pity. Working on that. I was actually really pleased with how they all turned out, each one was totally unique and different and made with real love and attention to detail. I am very aware of the importance of sustainable foraging and I was always mindful of my actions. I gave 10% of the money I made to the woodlands trust as wee thank you to the Earth. I would like the life I lead to be a living example of gratitude to the Earth actually. I'm a big fan of this planet. Sooo, with New Year coming up and all, I got to thinking and realised that; A year is like a circle, it ends and begins and continues. The year may end but nothing has really changed. January 1st begins in the same way December 31st and all the other 365 days do. All that’s changed is our perception of this particular day. Really we could make every day a fresh new start if we chose to. That's quite a nice realisation, it takes the pressure off the whole "New Year, New You" nonsense. Its still going to be you in the New year and besides- you dont need a new version of you, your current self is more than enough. Okay? Maybe just try to make yourself happier, if you want to. No pressure. 2016 has undoubtably been a rough year for our planet. It feels like old wounds have been re-opened, views and opinions we all hoped long forgotten have re-surfaced. The Earth continues to heat up, the animals and most vulnerable people continue to bear the consequencces. What can we do? How can we help? I dont really know but i believe the answers lies somewhere in the deep forests of collective consciousness and compassion. As long as we care that there is injustice and try to do our own little bit, perhaps then that is enough. Heres some little things that if we all did, would create a big impact:
Five simple tips for ethical living 1. Go veggie. Or vegan if you can. Even just try to reduce your meat consumption and eat a few vegetarian meals a week; your body and the planet will thank you. I will too! Try veganuary. Plant based eating is delicious and undoubtably the healthiest way to eat. My mum has a blog sharing simple veg-ful recipes, check it out here for inspiration. 2. Recycle of course. Fix old things instead of throwing them away, donate to charity or check out this awesome group to barter your unwanted goods. 3. Use the bus, train or your feet sometimes. Its not always practical but if you can avoid driving on occasion- eco points for you : ) 4. Be mindful of where and what you buy. Consumers have a lot of power so choose to avoid companies that are not ethical. There are plenty of amazing people out there running businesses that benefit the planet and that are kind to their workers. Support them when you can. Check out ethical consumer for tips and information. 5. Buy a humblebrush! A beautiful bamboo toothbrush that is totally biodegradable and when you buy one, the compnay donates one to someone in a disadvanaged country! Mine makes me happy everytime i use it. If we all played our little part then the planet would gradually begin to heal. I often become so overwhelmed by the Earths many issues and feel personaly responsible for both causing the damage and fixing it all. I cant do that, no one can but Earth is home to all of us so please, can we try to be kinder?! I actually just read an article detailing that things are not as bad as they seem - feel uplifted here. Wonderful things do happen everyday. As we work towards positive change, let us dwell on them an feel inspired instead of disheartened. As my year draws to a close, i feel incredibly grateful that the 2016 curse has largely avoided me and my family. We have our challenges but we are all alive and well. 2016 gifted me with adventures, personal growth and flowers. How lucky I am. Ending the year with my wreaths has completed the circle in a lovely and positive way. My hopes for 2017 include some answers to my many questions, maybe some travel, bold creativity, new hobbies, more writing, lots of flowers to play with, new friendships and deep compassion and mindfulness. Plus world peace always but that may be a long shot. It's rather a lot to ask for but i hope to give a lot back and really, i'll be happy to have even one thing from that list. Actually, whatever the Universe decides i need this year, is cool with me. Wishing everyone health and happiness, sunshine and flowers. You are all wonderful and beautiful and unique and so worthy of abundant joy. Go get it; let this be your best year yet.
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As Christmas fast approaches, my own personal Santa duties begin. On my gift list this year we have; lindor truffles, toblerone and snickers bars, aromatherapy perfumes, body butters, a purse, coffee bean candles, chutneys and spiced jams, garlic chilli salts, eucalyptus and gemstone jewellery. Amongst others. Plus festive table arrangements and tree decorations. All natural, ethical and handmade by me. I like to shun consumerism and pour my love and time into my gifts instead of spending money on things. I always think i have no ideas then i get started and cannot stop. Theres often a few tantrums and "i hate chrstmas" is uttered more times than i'd like as my projects inevitably dont go quite to plan. BUt we get there and everyone s happy so i am happy. The gift of giving is my favourite part of Christmas.
While in peak creative flow, I also wrote this wee story for a competition; i enjoyed writing it so much as it reminded me of how magical Christmas time was when i was child. I'm so grateful for having such a happy childhood and wondeful memories to cherish. In the Woods It all began like any other year, the presents were packed, the reindeer were ready and Mrs Claus had polished his best boots and washed his red coat. Leaving his cosy cottage and stepping into the icy night, Mr Claus was very excited. “You fly safe now dear” shouted sweet old Mrs Claus from the little doorway “I always do” replied Santa “i’ll be home before you know it” With a tug on the reins and some magic words, the reindeer to kicked off from the snowy ground and leapt into the star studded sky. Santa Claus and the elves prepare all year for this night; they collected letters, gathered wishes and created toys for every child on earth. It was hard work but Santa believed it to be the best job in the world. On Christmas Eve each year he and his reindeer set off to deliver the gifts.His first stop was not far from his own secret home so he knew these children well, most wished for simple gifts, some new woolen socks or ice skates perhaps; Santa had these things in his sleigh plus some extra surprises of course. Passing over tall pines trees, sprinkled in glittering snow, santa spotted a glow of light, shimmering in the darkness. His first stop was close. “Okay Rudolf, this is it- time for our first stop of the year!” he called out gleefully, tugging the reins gently. The sleigh began to glide towards the snowy world below; the reindeer expertly guiding. Suddenly though the sleigh started to drop, the lights went out and it slipped quickly making Santa yell out in surprise! Before anything could be done the sleigh had crashed, with an almighty thud and a jingle of bells, in the middle of a deep dark pine forest. “What happened?” cried Santa, rubbing his large bottom which got a rather rough bump from the abrupt landing. His trusty reindeer looked as confused as he was. “Right well, let’s get going again, on 3- 1 2 3...” nothing happened. The sleigh stayed where it was, as if frozen to the snowy ground. Santa was starting to panic now, there were a lot of children to visit and not a lot of time! The reindeer kicked their hooves in frustration, they didn’t understand either. “Oh, we need a christmas miracle” he cried. Just then, as if by magic, 2 little white rabbits appeared out of their burrow followed by a family of robins. The animals, usually so timid, appeared without fear and began to sniff the snow around the great red sleigh. A sweet hoot from a robin brought an owl as pure white as the snow, silvery grey foxes, red squirrels and others too; the whole forest was coming to their aid. Santa couldn’t believe his eyes! So many creatures surrounded them, gently nudging the sleigh with their whiskers, fluffy tails, tufted ears, wet noses; with every touch the sled began to twitch. Santa and the reindeer watched in amazement as the forest animals healed the broken sleigh. With a final quiver, the lights blinked brightly, ready to go once more. With a whoosh they were up in the air, the quiet woodlands far behind and a busy night of deliveries ahead. “Wait until i tell Mrs Claus!” Santa laughed, before turning towards the forest and shouting: “Merry christmas forest heroes, and thank you!” It was almost dawn when Santa finished his deliveries for the year; the sleigh was nearly empty, only the festive treats gathered from his travels remained. He still had one last, very important stop to make though, “Let’s say a proper christmas thank you” he whispered, gliding towards the woods. Landing softly this time, Santa quickly unloaded mince pies and cookies, cakes and carrots, laying them gently under the trees for his kind hearted helpers. He glimpsed a few curious whiskers peeking out from the bushes before setting off home to tell everyone about his adventure. This was Santa’s favourite christmas yet, a night he would surely never forget. The actions of the animals truly embodied the spirit of christmas; kindness, granted wishes and the magic that happens when we help each other. May your days be Merry and Bright |
LittlebirdJenna. Free spirit, flower enthusiast, seeker of truths. Archives
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