Green floppy leaves

And foraging for hope

Wild Garlic unceremoniously wafting it’s way across my cluttered worktop in all it’s glory

Last weekend I found myself marching across woodland on the hunt for wild garlic. A dear friend had recently shared a big beautiful bag of her bounty and I had loved it so much I literally gave the bag it was stored in a wee kiss as I was nearing the end of my beloved green joy.

It’s true - I need to get out more.

I paired it in salads, made wild garlic pesto, sloshed it into soups and slipped it under perfectly poached eggs from my garden fluffy-bums (hens). I’m fairly new to the Wild Garlic gang and am a total convert. Part of the Allium family, it also goes by Allium Ursinum and not only is it taste-tastic but it has an impressive nutri-qualities, boasting antibacterial, antifungal, antibiotic and possibly even antiviral properties, and contains vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and copper within its glorious green tails.

Perhaps I have been swishing past WG for years entirely unaware of the delights offered within the glossy, green, pointed leaves, although the potent garlicky fragrance in the air is hard to miss. It loves a shady forest spot, often close to rivers and streams and grows in abundance with young shoots from mid Feb to full bloom in late March; going to seed in April and May (you can eat the flowers too!). Not to be confused with similar looking poisonous plants such as Lily of the Valley or the leaves of Lords-and-Ladies; you can identify wild garlic by crushing a leaf between your fingers and sticking your snoz close to it, inhaling the eau-du-garlic.

So, after a wholly pleasant morning of guided foraging with my chum I have been working my way through my treasure. I have some stowed away in my freezer and am making this delish pie on Saturday for friends. Quite honestly I may design an edible hat and munch upon it as I go about my business. In ancient times it was used to tell the evil spirits and vampires to do-one, but interestingly was considered a symbol of strength and courage and was often used by soldiers before battle. So perhaps nosh up on some wild garlic-o next time you head into that tense business meeting?

Photo by Disha Sheta: https://www.pexels.com/photo/layout-of-colorful-fresh-flowers-and-plants-4010464/

A little OM….

We have an ancient Abbey in our town. It stands proud across the landscape and is visible from pretty much anywhere. I find it immensely reassuring, especially if my noggin is busy with head-gremlins or a wee worry or woe. I like to imagine the thousands of people that have trudged past, with heads full and hearts heavy and it has remained solid and present, a little beacon of hope for over 1300 years. Every time I feast my eyes upon it is a little reminder that thoughts and trouble are transient and ever-passing. Every now and then I sneak a little lean against a buttress, admire the copious spread of trees across the parkland and I’m almost certain I can hear the voices of passengers of passing life murmuring within the brick, as if it has absorbed their stories along the way.

We had a cheeky little jaunt up to St Andrews in Fife over the Easter break last week; a mooch round the University for The Bold Boy. Walking along the Fife Coastal Path I was once again transported back in time, considering all who have walked upon this path, with loads heavy and light but an intention to put one foot in front of the other, moving forwards inch by inch whilst enjoying the magnificent view seaward. Foraging for answers or peace as they walk, or for the next part of their adventure with a heart full of hope.

What I’m reading this week………….

I’ve just started a new read. It was sent to me from my lovely Aunt so it offers a double whammy of parcel-in-the-post-ness (such sheer unadulterated joy) and a new author recommendation. It’s a translation from Japanese and so I’m already tickled by the unique, unfamiliar cultural references and delighting in getting my brain around the beautiful names of the characters. The premise is about tuning in, listening to out hearts and seeking opportunities to achieve our dreams; with literature offering a supportive conduit to that goal.

What are you reading? I’m always up for a good read-recommendio.

It’s made me reflect that it is all so often in that process of tuning in, slowing down and allowing nothing-ness to flow in that clarity becomes us; returning to ourselves once more. If only we remember to create the space.

I hope you have time for some peace and returning to nothing-ness, even if just for a mo or two this week.

Until next time my fellow hope-foragers.

Love and light from my heart to yours,

Pam

p.s. If you feel you’d like to share my substack with other like minded soul, go for gold…. but no worries if not.

*All content is provided as general information and is not intended as specific health advice or guidance.

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