A Crunchy Life - November 2024 Newsletter
A deeper look into this month's post. I share more thoughts and resources for tapping into a simple, intentional life filled with Earth-based practices.
Hello friends!
I just got back from nearly two weeks in Mexico and I can’t believe the weather change. When I left Baltimore in October it was still sunny and warm with temperatures in the 70’s F and 80’s F. Now, as I write this note to you, the fire is going and it’s in the 30s and 40s outside. I’m not complaining. I’m just noticing the dramatic shift that happened while I was away. Its time to snuggle down and take care of myself and those I love. Its a time to keep warm - physically and emotionally.
The November post is up and it is all about how warmth is more than just temperature. It’s the presence we bring to those around us, the thoughtfulness and love we extend, and the care we put into creating spaces that nurture. Its about acknowledging where I need warmth and gentleness for myself, too. As the light fades earlier each day, there's an invitation to slow down, reflect, release, and reset.
It’s also about how I’m especially aware of my ancestors right now. They are always with me but even more so in November. There is a heightened awareness of those who came before me and the legacy they left behind. Something about the darker days invites them closer.
Here’s how I'm using my hand, head, and heart this month
Here’s how I'm using my hand, head, and heart this month to find warmth, joy, and connection in this cold, dark season.
Hand: Martinmas, November 11th
Martinmas has come and gone, but the spirit of the day stays with us as we inch our way closer to Advent, December 1st. During this time, we focus on bringing light into our days.
The Halloween-colored lights on the crabapple tree have been replaced with white lights, and white candles now glow in the house windows. Beeswax candles are on the dining table and throughout the living room. Sparkling lights will gradually appear throughout the house until Advent arrives, when Christmas decorating begins in full force.
It’s never too late to make and use homemade lanterns. Here are some tutorials for a variety of lantern options:
For a Simple Stained Glass Lantern - this is the kind of lantern we enjoy making
For a Paper Balloon Lantern - this is the kind of lantern the kids made at school
For an Origami Star Lanterns - there are so many options for using these little lanterns. Lantern walks, winter nature tables, advent wreathes and rings, dinner table centerpieces, etc.
For a Crystal Cave Lantern - We have not made this one yet but may be next year!
Here’s the song our kids would sing during their lantern walks at school:
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine;
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine;
This little light of mine,
I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Everywhere I go,
I’m gonna let it shine;
Everywhere I go,
I’m gonna let it shine;
Every where I go,
I’m gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
“This Little Light of Mine” is a traditional gospel song first collected by musicologists John and Alan Lomax in 1939. It was often sung during civil rights protests in the 1950s and 1960s.
Whether its candles or lanterns or sparkle lights or songs, all are designed to help us see our own inner light and how it is powerful enough to drive away darkness. We are reminded that light brings love and the more the world is flooded with light and love the more we are able to conquer darkness where ever we find it.
Head: Books that capture the essence of the season and ancestral connections
This month’s post discussed my reading of Chasing Fog: Finding Enchantment in a Cloud by Laura Pashby and the The Painted Drum by Louise Erdich. Below are some other ideas for seasonal books.
Other books I’m interested in reading during this season:
Books I recommend for this season:
Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett - This is Book 1 in the Witches Trilogy about Granny Weatherwax
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden - This is Book 1 in the Winternight Trilogy about Vasilisa and Morozko.
Heart: St. Andrew’s Day, November 30th
In this month’s post I shared that I’m taking a lesson from my Kashubian ancestors—to find the fun. On November 30th, we’ll have a festive dinner, play games, and maybe even do a little divination by the fireside.
St. Andrew’s Day is most commonly associated with Scotland, Greece, and Russia, as St. Andrew is the patron saint of these countries. However, St. Andrew’s Day has always held a special place in Kashubian culture. It’s the last hurrah before the seriousness of Advent and is a night associated with divination and fortune-telling. The first written mention of the tradition dates back to 1557, and the basic elements have remained unchanged since then.
Nowadays, it’s more fun and carefree—food, drinking, and dancing—and less focused on divination and fortune-telling. It’s a reminder not to take everything too seriously and to have a good time.
I’ll be making Kashubian Plince. Plince are potato pancakes, a comfort food for me. They’re fried until crispy and golden brown, then dusted with sugar and served with jam.
Plince recipe:
1 kilogram potatoes, grated 1 egg 2 tablespoons flour salt and sugar according to taste oil Wash, peel, and grate the potatoes. Break the egg white into a medium size bowl. Pour the grated potatoes into the egg white and sprinkle with flour and a pinch of salt. Mix all ingredients and fry in oil. Place on a plate, sprinkle with sugar, and serve with jam. If I want a more savory flavor, I will grate in one onion and add 1 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, cumin, and marjoram. The topping then adjusts accordingly.
I’m beginning to think about how I’ll set the scene for a magical, fun-filled evening. A box of games has already moved into the living room, along with playing cards, tarot cards, and rune stones. I think a dancing playlist may be in order. We may even try pouring wax through our skeleton key just to see what happens.
Final thought for this month:
Distant Vision by Jimbeau Hinson, from his album “Strong Medicine” (2012)
I've learned to count my garden by the flowers Never by the leaves that fall I try and count my days not by hours But by the way I live them all To count my nights by stars, not shadows To count my love with smiles, not tears To count the blessings and not the sorrows And count my age by friends, not years I look to the old and I find wisdom I look to the young... to see what they see (then) I try to see with a distant vision Not what's just in front of me I stop and count each moment in all its splendor For in every one a story's told I know to count my rainbows by their colors Never by the pot of gold A man is rich who knows the value Of his word and of his love And I believe in the power Of a distant vision watching over us Look to the old and you'll find wisdom Look to the young and you'll find truth try to see with a distant vision Not what's just in front of you Why can't we... Count our gardens by the flowers Never by the leaves that fall Count your days not by hours But by the way we live them all
In an interview in 2013, Jimbeau shared that this song was the most deeply personal song on the album. He explained that it is important to him to “look past whatever's going on right now and try to see what I can do to get over to the next day.” I so appreciate his gentle reminder to be in the moment, to pay attention, to look back with wisdom and forward with truth, and to try to see with a distant vision. That seems like such a perfect reminder for this November.
This month my hand, head, and heart practices provide an opportunity for me to find warmth, joy, and connection in this cold, dark season. Opportunities to find more joy and fun are out there in this dark season, and I plan to discover them. Fun lifts our spirits and helps us feel connected to others. Ultimately, fun is one of those ways to infuse warmth into the dark and cold months, both physically and emotionally. Have fun this month!
Love,
Karen
Well You know I am alllll about this post! I was reminded of bees wax candles the other day. Need to find some. I love the dancing and the games. And those song lyrics. Just lovely. Your book list is overwhelming but no doubt well put together. Here's to cozy happy fireside time!
Love ya.
Shalagh