Mugwort growing in my garden path…
Dear Mugwort,
I owe you an apology. Or maybe three.
When I wrote Love Nature Magic I swore that I didn’t have a sleeping problem. That was the most obvious reason you were invading my yard according to the herb books. I scoffed. It wasn’t sleep that was my problem, I thought. It was just that I had to get up to go to the bathroom 5 times a night. That was a bladder problem, right? Well, thanks to my stroke and the ensuing sleep test, I realized I have sleep apnea. And now that I have a CPAP machine (my BFF Ricky) I can sleep through the WHOLE NIGHT without getting up at all. Or maybe once. Mugwort, you were right. I’m sorry.
I also apologize for not knowing about your Illustrious European history. At a book signing someone informed me that Mugwort is listed in the Nine Herbs Charm book from Old English from the 10th or 11th Century…
“Be mindful, Mugwort, what you revealed,
What you established at the great proclamation
Una you are called, oldest of herbs,
you are strong against three and against thirty,
are strong against poison and against onfliers [flying venoms]
you are strong against the foe who goes through the land.”
I can attest to your strength. So I additionally want to apologize for weeding—I mean harvesting—a large patch that was in the path of my herb garden recently. The sun was shining. The air smelled of spring. And the truth is I enjoy sitting on a blanket and weeding because it gives me time to observe and think. I realized that what I really need to do is make a more even bluestone path around my herb and veg beds so that what “weeds” do grow can be mowed or cut between the cracks rather than pulled. The evenness will also be safer since I am now thinking ahead to whatever future is in store for me, which hopefully involves old age. So I’m sorry for pulling all of you out. But I’m going to add the plants and roots to my Spring Equinox fire on March 19th and see what dreams come to me. Thank you.
Mugwort, you and I are in a long-term relationship. Because of you, I have changed my behavior more significantly than from any other thing or person. I no longer weed, for instance, unless it is truly necessary. I am curious about every single plant and what it’s trying to communicate with me. My image of what is truly beautiful has dramatically changed. I have radically shifted my perspective from feeling like a steward of the land to one of being a student whose purpose is to create and enable the best environment for all of nature to thrive — birds, bees, bugs, plants and trees, snakes and spiders, animals of all sizes. Because of you, mugwort, I am much more joyful in my garden and never annoyed. Thank you.
A Special Request
I love Spring. It’s full of hope and awakening life. I have been so excited to get out into the garden and get my hands dirty. But I have also learned the importance of waiting till things warm up a bit. So cleaning the garage will have to suffice. That, and making plans…
I’m making space and rethinking so many things, including what to do next in my life. I’ve got lots of book ideas. But here’s the hard truth. Love Nature Magic, while it has gotten rave reviews from everyone who has read it, has not sold enough copies to warrant a publisher investing in more books from me. (It’s a tough business, I know). So I have a favor to ask all of you. If you have read it and enjoyed it, can you please leave a review on Amazon? And if you haven’t read it yet, would you be so kind as to try? Or get a copy for a friend? Please help spread the word. And if you have thoughts about what I should do or write about next, I’m open to ideas!
In the meantime, I deeply appreciate you reading my newsletter Life. Unfiltered. It’s a labor of love. It’s essential to my sanity. And it’s a complete joy to connect with all of you.
I used to think Summer was my favorite season since I love the bounty of nature and swimming and the heat. But now I think Spring has become my favorite because it offers the hope of Summer to come, and the most glorious flowers and delicious tastes of greens after the long dark winter. Happy Spring everyone! Plant some seeds!
And thanks again Mugwort!
Not Mugwort, but my soon-to-bloom yellow magnolia. Smells so sweet!
A delightful read into the magic of tuning into and grounding with the Earth. Maria gives A delightful read into the magic of tuning into and grounding with the Earth. Maria gives you peeks into her inner consciousness, as she explores and solves her life's challenges.....
I'll see if I can get my library to get your book! I'd love to read it. Years ago I read your Organic Gardening book, which led me to the magazine, so this sounds like it will be right up my alley. I too also have a new CPAP friend and we're best buddies and now I sleep well.