ArtStay II, 2023
One of the participants submitted this ripple (a brief newsy note to be shared) the second morning of ArtStay II, September, 2023.
“My morning reverie at the river-a blue heron flying downstream, a triad of female merganzers paddling in a row upstream, the chatter of acorn woodpeckers and the steam mystically rising from the water-my day is already complete, nothing more is needed……..except Tam’s delicious breakfast spread waiting in the dining room!”
Two workshops, vastly different, yet with some commonalities. The Oak Woodlands workshop headed up by Kate Marianchild, lovingly dubbed, “OakStay” was packed with information, and took the group to a different part of the property each morning through lunch. Afternoons were spent under the willows, studying, working on notebooks, sketching, crafting.
“Beneath flowing tresses of willow-
pears’ sweetness drips
pendants emerge
books are scoured for facts and stories
All accompanied by soft chatter: new friends”
Oak galls were of particular interest.
And on two afternoons, boxes of pears were peeled, cut and then frozen for future jams, butters…. and crisps! When we had peer counselors here in the past, this kind of thing was considered an “energy gift.” People gave of their time to help the farm. What a wonderful tradition, re-imagined!
The “Equinox Writing and Slow Craft” Workshop, led by Dani Burlison and Heidi Iverson, began their time here by walking the labyrinth and creating a small alter in the very middle.
“With measured paces and slow breaths I walk the labyrinth with the circuitous route of inward and outward and inward again, to the four directions, finally reaching the heart, the center, the sacred middle circle…… deep breaths, add a rock or leaf or feather to our little autumnal alter….and back out again to the wide world.”
They stayed close in, with writing on the deck each morning after breakfast, then working in the shade of the walnut tree outside the kitchen in the afternoons, dying various fabrics with natural dyes from goldenrod and madrone, to madder and cochineal.
Once the fabrics were dry, they began their journal covers, arranging, then stitching.
Between times, they created some Fire Cider…. a wellness tonic with raw Apple Cider Vinegar infused with nutrient-dense roots and spices.
We were to choose our intention for ArtStay. Mine is to re-acquaint myself with my senses, and appreciate the gifts they bring to my life.
Sound-the unique song of each type of bird; the gentle ripples of the slow moving summer river; the soft soughing of the tree boughs above.
Smell-the strong smell of the bay leaves and berries; the earthiness of the barn; the enticing fragrance of the next meal being prepared!
Touch/Feel-the softness of the afternoon breeze, the warmth of the sun on my skin; the coolness of the tree’s shadows in the heat of the day.
Sight-the glow of the deeply colored sunset; the absolute wonder of the overhead stars, the colors of the garden-and of natural dyes!
More ArtStays and Workshops are on the horizon for 2024. If you have an idea for one, do get in touch! We’re always looking for ways to share Emandal with others.