One of my most favourite Fungi…
On Gathering, Preparing & Nourishing
This week has felt particularly ‘autumnal’ to me. Even though some days have been quite mild, it’s becoming more noticeable how the leaves are turning, the wind has that familiar chilly bite, and the evenings are drawing in. Curtains are being pulled earlier, candles are being lit, and everything is beginning to feel a little more cosy.
One of my favourite things about autumn, is the fantastic fungi! It’s their time to put on a show above ground, reminding us of the unseen, magical networks below our feet! Beautiful colours, shapes and sizes, with so many varieties appearing on fallen trees, and pushing up through the earth.
The subject has captured my imagination in the studio in the past, as you’ll see from my existing gallery, and it still fills me with excitement to explore the views from the forest floor…
Walks in my local ancient woodland, have felt even more nourishing lately. The smell of the damp earth, the gentle confetti of falling leaves, the reds, yellows, golds and browns of the foliage, all revealed as the golden low sun beams, cascade through the thinning tree canopies.
The birdsong noticeably softer, and alongside the carpets of magical fungi, it is the many squirrels who now appear to be dominating my attention!
At every turn along the winding woodland path, there’s a rustle, followed by that unmistakable huge, fluffy tail, as a squirrel quickly scampers and twirls up a nearby tree trunk, having heard us coming. Their beautiful tails are apparently what gave them their name. From Greek origins of the word skiouros, the word ‘squirrel’, is said to mean ‘shadow tail’!
Busy in ‘preparation mode’, they are instinctively gathering what they need to see them though the leaner winter months. Burying seeds, acorns, sweet chestnuts, beech nuts and hazel nuts. The berries and fungi also providing some delicious dining for them.
Watching them has made me think about my own preparations for the season ahead. Not so much gathering acorns, (although I do love collecting things!) but gathering the little things that will help nourish me through the darker months. With changeable weather and longer evenings, I make it a habit now to prioritise any opportunity, to ‘observe the light’.
As well as getting outside when possible, I look for those moments when the low golden sun, streams in through the windows, from the comfort of my sofa.
I watch little, fluffy Sabrina, her seemingly all-black fur, illuminated by sunlight finding its way through the living room blinds, creating pools of warmth on our deep pile rug. Her fur becomes a palette of rich golden reds and browns, her fine fur hairs lit up as the dust motes float in the beams of light.
And the way the sky turns a deep golden pink, just before the sun finally sets. Little pauses throughout the day, that remind me to savour those ‘moments of noticing’.
I’m starting to make hearty soups, like leek and potato, slow-cooker stews and more warming cups of herbal teas (and mochas!). I’ve got the fluffy blankets out, the bigger cosy quilt is on, and a supply of tealights is ready for the evenings. I’ve also got some beautiful carved wooden fungi, just like those in the photograph above, sitting on my shelf to celebrate the season.
I’m also reflecting on spending more time in the studio, protecting the space I need to nourish myself, bring artwork to life, feel inspired and enjoy the process, rather than simply feeling productive. I’m looking forward to seeing what else emerges over the coming weeks and sharing a little of what’s been happening at the easel in my next Letters from the Studio, at the end of the month.
It feels like a time to prepare, to look at what needs doing (new glasses have now been ordered!), to take stock and reflect on what is needed to nourish, not only my physical health, but also my emotional, creative and spiritual health too.
Just as the squirrels are gathering, and preparing, I’m also savouring the moments of noticing the now, as well as thinking about the season ahead.
What can I do to make the transition into winter easier?
In what ways are you gathering, preparing and nourishing yourself?
Until next Sunday…
🌿 May you find inspiration in nature this week.
Tracey Anne x
