Ok, I could be a bit dramatic in that title, but honestly? It really doesn't feel like it when you are standing in what feels like a jungle or rainforest, pulling invasive vines from your native plants and out of trees. We are at around 6 contractor bags full of Fallopia, and still not done pulling it on the watershed. Plus I found another spot of it climbing an oak tree in a different area. I've made an itinerary for the next couple of weeks, that being on the to-do list tonight and tomorrow night.
Pond work has been start and stop, as the contractor told us it would be. They've been chipping away at the vegetation on the edges of the pond, and letting the cleared land dry out in between. On this most recent trip out, we couldn't believe how different the land continues to look with each project we take on. Moments of fear, panic, and being overwhelmed turn to clarity and relief as things get fixed. While previously I would have panicked and cried at the loss of beautiful plants and trees, I know enough now that most will come back on their own, and that this is the best thing to be doing to get things functioning properly. In the meantime, it is a bit of a mess.
These platforms had to be brought in and laid out to keep from sinking into the muck soil. 👇
Woodchuck and I are always in awe of how different the land looks as we try and fix things. This area was a wall of trees, blueberry bushes, dogwood, ferns, jewelweed and more. Now it's completely open.
I followed machine tracks into the trees of an area that we haven't really worked on yet (hoping to get to it this Winter) and was greeted with lots of fungi.
We are grateful for people being close by with the equipment and know-how to get areas on the land back to healthy!
So many sensitive ferns already standing guard.
We wondered how the wildlife was faring in all of the ruckus? I hoped that no nests were downed during tree removal (I did check the trees visually from the ground and didn't see any), and that no ground dwelling animal was displaced. Honestly, this is one of the balances that has been so hard to manage with the land: fixing things but still leaving wild spots for animals to have cover and homes. One trail camera caught numerous animals close to the area of the work being done, so I think they are faring well!
I have numerous images of this black cat frolicking! Once we move out there, we may have to bring this mini panther in and then we will have a ginger and a black one. ❤🧡
Usually this raccoon has babies with her, but the last we saw them they were getting big and maybe aren't with her anymore?
There is something about the color of deer, especially fawns, that are just so striking.
And what?! Welcome to the land, feathered friends! 😍
Another project we have been working on is getting the new trees protected better. The deer keep stripping them, then they leaf out, then they strip them, and it just continues like that. We ran out of poles, but protected the ones we had supplies for with these poles and some black deer fencing.
Of course we had to take in the early Autumn beauty around us as Summer starts to lessen its grip. You can't help but smile at Bumble Butts.
And say hello to each creature that stops at our land and utilizes what's there.
And when I find beautiful and native things, which some times are in very small amounts out there, I am grateful. Blue Cardinal Flower.
Outside of the land, we have been making numerous trips between two home improvement stores to price out as much as we can for the new home. Woodchuck is beginning to panic. The builder brought up a breaking ground date of October 1st, but we have no blueprints/schematics to be able to take to these places to get accurate quotes, we are waiting for them to come to the land to measure and get permits, etc. Woodchuck can't go to the bank to inquire about a construction loan without more documentation, etc. I continue to talk him through it. I believe it will all work out, however, we must be vigilant this time in not ignoring the warning signs of people we bring on to the project who might not be the best option. All will reveal itself in time.
I have been going to resale shops scoping out certain styles of furniture that I have ideas for once we are settled in and can take time for side upcycle projects. When synchronicities happen, they are delicious to me! I found this new turquoise coffee maker years ago when I worked at a resale shop. Woodchuck drinks regular coffee and does not clean his pot. I drink decaf and clean mine! His and hers. THEN, last week, I found a new turquoise kettle! Swoon 😍
I am spending as much time outside as I can, soaking in Father Sun, feeling breezes, hearing the sounds before some of the creatures migrate away. Although I love working outside on art, and just being outside altogether, at any time of year; Spring and Fall are my favorite times! Giving thanks for the warmth of Spring and making it through another Winter, and giving thanks for the relief from the heat. I have been greeted by some small friends on some of my days out there.
Soon we will have grapes to harvest if we can salvage some from the birds! And Woodchuck has been talking about grafting them to have some at the land as well.
Stay tuned for some pond updates! We will be going there tonight to see it! Although we can't afford to finish it right now, we will spend the Winter saving up for it and have the contractor out no later than next Summer to continue working on it, if all goes as planned. I resist the panic response that sets in in these moments, telling me I need to get back to work. I can't make people hire me, and none of my applications are producing anything. I have my hands full here, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that we will be okay. It will take diligence, hard work, and time, but we will get there. 💚
I have released the first of the Harry Potter items in the Big Cartel shop! They will be there from September 1-15, or until they sell. I am also taking them to the outdoor market with me, and I just got accepted to an indoor show in October as well. There is only ONE of each. They are hand-painted wood discs, an upcycled interior stem and base of a push-up pop, and are sealed (indoor use only). I hope you'll feel moved to take a look at them! I've also listed the mushie items, and some new earrings in the Etsy shop. So much magick to spread! 🪄
www.offorestandheather.bigcartel.com
www.offorestandheather.etsy.com
You can find me this Sunday, September 7th, 2025 at the Edge of Liberty located 606 N. Calumet in Valparaiso, Indiana 46383! Only 4 more outdoor markets left there!
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