Forest Born

As a little girl - I used to roam the woods, talking to the trees and animals every chance I got. I was easily entertained and found comfort and peace there. In 7th grade, we moved to Sultan, WA near the Skykomish River, with towering trees 🌲 and snowcapped mountains 🏔 - it was a magical place - the year I turned 13. I would spend hours with my friends “boony tromping” through the forest - doing nothing in particular. Damp toes from the mossy forest floor, giant ferns and impossibly tall trees made the world seem huge and the woods of that place seeped into my soul and never left. I can still smell the Douglas firs and the damp dark earth - hear the rushing cold water of the river - it all left an indelible mark like a tattooed memory on me. 

Pointy pine trees 🌲 - oh how I love thee - my husband has heard me wax poetic about how much I love the forest over the years. He has hiked through the north woods of Minnesota with me, camped in Sequioa National Forest, watched me cry over the gloriousness of moss covered bark, snow frosted boughs and lichen covered branches anytime we travel. Bless his heart - he has suffered through me crying over the beauty of it all more times than he can count. He must really love me ❤️ A LOT! 

The forest is my happy place.

When we purchased our acreage in Oregon - it was a dream come true - we OWN a forest. We have hundreds of trees - all of them pine or fir, cedar or juniper - all coniferous and glorious - and all ours. Fragrant, resilient, towering beauties - just for me. Ok - I share them as much as I can - but for me - this space is filled with magic, the air is exhilarating, and the wonderment I feel every single time I am in the woods - well, I just feel whole.

Forest born is a connection to nature, to the little things - hear that? A bird, a cricket, a frog. The wind rustling the pines, the spongy moss under foot. Deep inhale - for all it’s worth - this cleansing breath of peace and comfort fills me with boundless joy. Pockets full of rocks and pine cones, feathers, driftwood, and such. Look closer, explore, roam, wanderlust consumes me in this place. The stars shine so bright at night by the millions, and the sunrise dances with cotton candy hues so brilliant, I am overcome with gratitude. 

Every trip up the mountain road to our forest - I can’t help but exclaim how beautiful it is - how blue the sky shines and how I cannot believe we own this place. Stewards of the land. Creating beautiful forest born pottery, inspired by every step through the path of this life. I cannot believe this is my life. What a gift. 

Blessed.

It’s not just me. It’s a thing 🌲

“Forest bathing - or shinrin-yoku. Shinrin in Japanese means “forest,” and yoku means “bath.” So shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses.” (Read more about it here)