I love this composition of the senses, blending inner with outer, looking at both sides of our natural habitat, drawn towards the oneness of inner and outer, through the lens of weeding.
The inner and outer natural habitats are diverse with possibility; isn't it odd how much we resist and make preferences when the entirety of our ecosystems are needed in order to thrive. I know I'm preaching to the choir here.;)
I still catch myself resisting, although I should know better. It does take a lot of practice, for sure (and the occasional preaching won't go amiss either).
I am in love with "In defense of. . . "! And oh, the dandelion! Beautifully written, as always . . . the twists and turns of thought, the paradox, the praise. You brought a smile to this Monday.
Oh thank you Renée! I have a long list of things I'd like to tackle, but if you ever think of any, do let me know. Next month, I'm excited to explore the color beige... ;) So glad this brought you a smile.
Gorgeous writing, as always. And thought-provoking. As a kid, I don’t remember weeds being a big deal. They were abundant and sources of play. We wished on dandelion seed puffs and turned their flowers into perfume or ink. Weeds of all kinds made pretend-play props that I must’ve tasted at some point because I remember the taste too.
But after we moved to a single-family home neighborhood in the ‘80s, a weed-free lawn measured your family’s success, conformity, and discipline. So now I feel compelled to leave some weeds to say: it’s okay. It’s totally okay if you’ve got weeds. And they make great food sources for my son’s plant-eating dinosaurs.
Oh what gorgeous memories Daphne! You're so right... weeds are children's ever-present and always accessible flower boutiques, perfumeries, groceries, tailors, dream carriers and prop shops. What a strange experience that must've been once you moved to a more manicured neighborhood, all the abundance of play and interaction with the wild world suddenly gone. Perfect lawns always scared me as a kid. I mean, Can I even walk on that? I'm sure your son's dinosaurs are very pleased they aren't nearing extinction in your yard. ;)
One day last week, I woke up with the word “fecundity” on my mind. It is a word that I never use, so I had to look it up. It is astonishing to read this word today in your poetry! Weeds are truly just a matter of perspective. But I love the satisfaction of clearing them from certain areas of our garden.
Ha! How funny... and it's certainly not a word I use a lot in conversation. Funny to wake up with words and songs in our heads, appearing seemingly from out of nowhere. I would imagine with all the imagery that passes through your consciousness as you create your art, some pretty unique pictures get lodged in your brain for later dream-making. :)
"imagine with me a sacred garden for weeds—a place to kneel down and listen to their longing, learn their song, their flourishing and decay; a place where earth’s unapologetic yes reminds our own resilience; a plot of dressed-down miracles that invite us to shed prejudice and meet each moment anew." Gorgeous.
"My compulsive brain dope-lusts for tetris shapes falling into place"
"I unbecame into the season."
Urgh, amazing, Kimberly. Thank you for this on my Monday morning as I arrive into the chaos of the office and my inbox. I am going to sit with this for a while and simply accept the day.
PS meant to say, WOW on the photos. That first one is like some magical, fantastical tree towering above and over the ground. I love the perspective you created. The second photo is just pure ethereal beauty.
Urgh indeed… Kimberly always has that effect in me Nathan… I was dreading the day an essay on nature appeared!! I’m not even going to try and compete !
I, too, have spent some time weeding this, and every, spring. I always wait a while. The flowers of the purple dead nettle sustain the pollinators while they wait for other plants to flower. The vitamin C rich miners' lettuce feeds the rabbits as it once did miners. I try to get to the chickweed before pulling it sprays next year's seeds everywhere, but I always fail. All go on the compost pile and will live again as soil. Days sitting in garden beds and on gravel paths are meditative. The weeds will be back next spring and more springs, long past my presence to welcome them. Weeding is like swimming. Once we've passed, nature, like water, closes behind us.
What a beautiful comment John. Without pause, your paragraph marries so well with my thoughts that it should be added to the bottom of the essay. ;) I love that you "wait a while" to pull some of your weeds, recognizing the collaborative system that nature is so good at fostering. You reminded me of a French photographer who photographed abandoned places around the world... nature always wins, thankfully. :) https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/haunting-images-of-abandoned-sites-overrun-by-nature/index.html
Yes to weeds. Learn to make friends with or don’t bother getting your hands dirty.
What a beautiful lead-in , to forage for hidden wonders in uncommon places and things. I’m great at getting muddy, one of my fortes . Crossing slimy wet rock, simply to get to the other side. And any other obstacles you might throw, to see where they land.
All aboard~ sit back and enjoy the ride. Or, fasten my safety belt. Next stop, the three p’s. Ok, ready…
What a beautiful thing to say! Lot's of choking and near-drowning in the learning, but my gills are growing stronger by the day. ;) Thank you for such a thoughtful comment.
Though you’ve already heard it from others, I love this new series “In defense of-“! As a champion of underdogs, I’m sure I’ll be cheering plenty. “Beige” sounds full of drama 🧐 and my dandelions are taking charge around here. I feel right at home.
I'm so happy to hear this Tara! Your essays always pierce and penetrate with insight so I'm tickled and humbled to hear that your brilliant mind might enjoy some of my own meanderings. And you're right, Beige is a party!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS!! It feels like a playground full of possibilities, love, grace, and acceptance. All of my favorite things that make life feel so damn good. Your prose! Your photographs! The lines that whisper softly to our insides inviting us to soften and exhale. I’m ready for the transformation that will undoubtedly take place through this series.
Dandelions were always the main ingredient to my childhood “witch’s brew” and a makeshift crayon when I was missing the color yellow from my Crayola box. The wild things always serve a purpose for the curious, the dreamers, the adventurers. ❤️🔥
Dandelions as crayons! Oh what a lovely idea. I used to love finding wildflowers filled with a drop of rain and sipping them like tiny teacups. What am I saying, "used to?" I think I just did a version of this a week ago with tongue pressed on a pine needle drop.
I'm so glad you're looking forward to this series. Feels like I'm stirring up a witchy brew of all the neglected, dismissed or misunderstood underdogs and I'm happy that some are showing up at the table to enjoy!
The dandelion has always been a recurring image of strength, resilience, and yes, beauty and magic for me - love to see this ode to weeds, thanks Kim! 💛
Kimberly Warner has arrived!!!!! 😎
I love this composition of the senses, blending inner with outer, looking at both sides of our natural habitat, drawn towards the oneness of inner and outer, through the lens of weeding.
The inner and outer natural habitats are diverse with possibility; isn't it odd how much we resist and make preferences when the entirety of our ecosystems are needed in order to thrive. I know I'm preaching to the choir here.;)
I still catch myself resisting, although I should know better. It does take a lot of practice, for sure (and the occasional preaching won't go amiss either).
I am in love with "In defense of. . . "! And oh, the dandelion! Beautifully written, as always . . . the twists and turns of thought, the paradox, the praise. You brought a smile to this Monday.
Oh thank you Renée! I have a long list of things I'd like to tackle, but if you ever think of any, do let me know. Next month, I'm excited to explore the color beige... ;) So glad this brought you a smile.
Beige. *This* should be exciting.
😂
Gorgeous writing, as always. And thought-provoking. As a kid, I don’t remember weeds being a big deal. They were abundant and sources of play. We wished on dandelion seed puffs and turned their flowers into perfume or ink. Weeds of all kinds made pretend-play props that I must’ve tasted at some point because I remember the taste too.
But after we moved to a single-family home neighborhood in the ‘80s, a weed-free lawn measured your family’s success, conformity, and discipline. So now I feel compelled to leave some weeds to say: it’s okay. It’s totally okay if you’ve got weeds. And they make great food sources for my son’s plant-eating dinosaurs.
Oh what gorgeous memories Daphne! You're so right... weeds are children's ever-present and always accessible flower boutiques, perfumeries, groceries, tailors, dream carriers and prop shops. What a strange experience that must've been once you moved to a more manicured neighborhood, all the abundance of play and interaction with the wild world suddenly gone. Perfect lawns always scared me as a kid. I mean, Can I even walk on that? I'm sure your son's dinosaurs are very pleased they aren't nearing extinction in your yard. ;)
One day last week, I woke up with the word “fecundity” on my mind. It is a word that I never use, so I had to look it up. It is astonishing to read this word today in your poetry! Weeds are truly just a matter of perspective. But I love the satisfaction of clearing them from certain areas of our garden.
Ha! How funny... and it's certainly not a word I use a lot in conversation. Funny to wake up with words and songs in our heads, appearing seemingly from out of nowhere. I would imagine with all the imagery that passes through your consciousness as you create your art, some pretty unique pictures get lodged in your brain for later dream-making. :)
I do try to remember my dreams but don’t always have success !
"even in the act of removal, weeds restored me"
there is another Berry here...Wendell i think? 😉🤗🙏👍
I love me some Wendell!
funny i read this driving past louisville yesterday...on to: michigan 😇🫠
Well wave a hearty hello to Michigan when you arrive!
there....but not home yet
she is a beautiful thing all of her
Truly remarkable writing and photography!
Thank you Jeffrey! You made my smile wide and lasting today.
"imagine with me a sacred garden for weeds—a place to kneel down and listen to their longing, learn their song, their flourishing and decay; a place where earth’s unapologetic yes reminds our own resilience; a plot of dressed-down miracles that invite us to shed prejudice and meet each moment anew." Gorgeous.
Nothing like the earth reminding us how to go forth and thrive, right?
So looking forward to our conversation in a few weeks Alisa!
"My compulsive brain dope-lusts for tetris shapes falling into place"
"I unbecame into the season."
Urgh, amazing, Kimberly. Thank you for this on my Monday morning as I arrive into the chaos of the office and my inbox. I am going to sit with this for a while and simply accept the day.
Awwwww! I love that something about what I shared made you go “urgh.” ❤️❤️❤️
PS meant to say, WOW on the photos. That first one is like some magical, fantastical tree towering above and over the ground. I love the perspective you created. The second photo is just pure ethereal beauty.
Urgh indeed… Kimberly always has that effect in me Nathan… I was dreading the day an essay on nature appeared!! I’m not even going to try and compete !
You and Kimberly perfectly complement each other, there is nothing to dread or compete with 🤩
You make my evening glow just that bit more warmly with a comment like that Nathan… 🥹biggest heartfelt thanks 🙏🏽
I agree with Nathan! ❤️
I, too, have spent some time weeding this, and every, spring. I always wait a while. The flowers of the purple dead nettle sustain the pollinators while they wait for other plants to flower. The vitamin C rich miners' lettuce feeds the rabbits as it once did miners. I try to get to the chickweed before pulling it sprays next year's seeds everywhere, but I always fail. All go on the compost pile and will live again as soil. Days sitting in garden beds and on gravel paths are meditative. The weeds will be back next spring and more springs, long past my presence to welcome them. Weeding is like swimming. Once we've passed, nature, like water, closes behind us.
What a beautiful comment John. Without pause, your paragraph marries so well with my thoughts that it should be added to the bottom of the essay. ;) I love that you "wait a while" to pull some of your weeds, recognizing the collaborative system that nature is so good at fostering. You reminded me of a French photographer who photographed abandoned places around the world... nature always wins, thankfully. :) https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/haunting-images-of-abandoned-sites-overrun-by-nature/index.html
Thanks for the lovely reply and link!
Yes to weeds. Learn to make friends with or don’t bother getting your hands dirty.
What a beautiful lead-in , to forage for hidden wonders in uncommon places and things. I’m great at getting muddy, one of my fortes . Crossing slimy wet rock, simply to get to the other side. And any other obstacles you might throw, to see where they land.
All aboard~ sit back and enjoy the ride. Or, fasten my safety belt. Next stop, the three p’s. Ok, ready…
A muddy day is a good day! Love that you call it one of your fortes. That’s my kind of adult. ☺️ ❤️
In your deep dive it appears you can breathe under water…
What a beautiful thing to say! Lot's of choking and near-drowning in the learning, but my gills are growing stronger by the day. ;) Thank you for such a thoughtful comment.
Though you’ve already heard it from others, I love this new series “In defense of-“! As a champion of underdogs, I’m sure I’ll be cheering plenty. “Beige” sounds full of drama 🧐 and my dandelions are taking charge around here. I feel right at home.
I'm so happy to hear this Tara! Your essays always pierce and penetrate with insight so I'm tickled and humbled to hear that your brilliant mind might enjoy some of my own meanderings. And you're right, Beige is a party!
❤️
I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS!! It feels like a playground full of possibilities, love, grace, and acceptance. All of my favorite things that make life feel so damn good. Your prose! Your photographs! The lines that whisper softly to our insides inviting us to soften and exhale. I’m ready for the transformation that will undoubtedly take place through this series.
Dandelions were always the main ingredient to my childhood “witch’s brew” and a makeshift crayon when I was missing the color yellow from my Crayola box. The wild things always serve a purpose for the curious, the dreamers, the adventurers. ❤️🔥
Dandelions as crayons! Oh what a lovely idea. I used to love finding wildflowers filled with a drop of rain and sipping them like tiny teacups. What am I saying, "used to?" I think I just did a version of this a week ago with tongue pressed on a pine needle drop.
I'm so glad you're looking forward to this series. Feels like I'm stirring up a witchy brew of all the neglected, dismissed or misunderstood underdogs and I'm happy that some are showing up at the table to enjoy!
The dandelion has always been a recurring image of strength, resilience, and yes, beauty and magic for me - love to see this ode to weeds, thanks Kim! 💛
Not to be confused with Ode to Weed. :)
And your photos are utterly sublime too… dear lord I’m done for..!!