It’s interesting to me how the two “poisonous plants” I was most afraid of and told myself I would probably never work with are the ones that constantly follow me everywhere - Datura and Amanita... there’s really something to waiting for the call to work with plants. It’s easy to get into our heads about how a certain plant sounds intriguing, looks beautiful, or is said to have the medicinal properties we need. But I’ve found that when I wait and listen intently, I get the right medicine at the right time. I think this waiting and listening has saved me from the terrifying experiences with these plants that are the norm. And I never take it for granted that I will always be spared from their wrath! Respect, patience, reverence, listening - these qualities must be embodied to safely and successfully engage with poisonous plants.

Anyway, pictured here are some of the *probably* too many little amanita friends I made out of clay to decorate my Christmas tree. Not pictured is a soon to be completed amanita tree topper ☺️