remember to look for beauty.
I just restarted working on the alphabet of pressed flowers I've had on my mind for years and that I attempt on finishing over time. I am not setting a date for it, as in this case the road really is the destination.
the project is a perfect training in awareness for the beauty around you and the little details that magic consists of. also there's a lot of knowledge about the use of domestic plants in natural remedies, potions and cosmetics you'll pick up along the way.
the tasks include wandering around, keeping an open eye for everything blooming around me.
when I find a flower I want to add to the alphabet I'll pick some petals (carefully, harming nature should be kept to a minimum) and carry them home where I classify them with the help of a book about domestic plants. I may have to shorten some stems for the flowers to fit into my flower press where I organize them on paper individually, according to type of flower. (if there is more space I'll combine some flowers like a miniature bouquet that I can frame later on)
the petals then have to sit in the press for some days. after this time having passed I can open it carefully and take the pressed flowers out to arrange them alphabetically into an album with leather covers.
creating an album with pressed flowers is a beautiful project and meditation, especially with the rain falling before my open windows, a cup of fresh coffee besides me and the music of vashti bunyan playing.
I'll spend some time letting my brain overgrow with flowers and see what comes out of it and I am very excited to do so.