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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LittlebirdJenna. Free spirit, flower enthusiast, seeker of truths. Archives
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