in april

The month of cherry blossoms. Harvested just before the buds are fully open, brined in salt, soaked in ume plum vinegar and placed carefully on trays to dry, and then packed in salt. A spring ritual for the ages.

haru kaze no

hana wo chirasu to

miru yume wa

samete mo mune no

sawagu narikeri

the spring wind

scattering blossoms

I saw it in a dream

but when I awoke the sound

was still rustling in my breast

- Saigyo Hoshi (Translation sourced from the digital Classic Japanese Database)

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A quick PSA: there has been no shortage of “beauty” horror stories in the media over the last few weeks. Here, and here, for example. My best advice? Eat wholesomely, stay hydrated, and care for your face and body with time-tested, gentle, plant-based formulas! A few suggestions for getting started, here.

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reading:

on new york city lichens

a history of correspondence art

on zines: “It is empowering then to put a piece of material work out into the world—on your own terms, with your own words—one that can’t be traced or surveilled through social media metrics.”

Rebecca McMackin's newsletter on native plants, she shares so many wonderful resources

(and! here’s a new tool for finding plants native to your area)

April Rain Song

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listening:

to Caroline Shaw & Attacca Quartet's Evergreen

Salam from the Al Andaluz Project and

Firas Zreik, a kanun player who was recently in town for a concert

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above, clockwise from top left:

{ continuing to observe the changing angle of the light at the studio }

{ a tray of treats on their way out to you }

{ our preserved cherry blossoms drying }

{ a new vintage coaster design for our beeswax candle sets, peonies! }

above, clockwise from top left:

{ something so unusual about the color of these carnations }

{ the current vintage selection, so many treasures ready for gifting! }

{ early evening }

{ sending you postcards by mail, a new seasonal ritual }

A new batch of our beloved vintage tea strainers has just landed in the shop, alongside another box of soap from Palestine. So grateful for your continued support of our mutual aid fundraising!

On our city walks this month we’ve been enjoying the scent of lilacs at dusk and the sight of the moon through cherry blossoms.

And a quick trip to NYBG in the Bronx recently revealed a magical assortment of native spring ephemerals, including the lovely bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), Rue Anemone (Anemonella thalictroides) and Sharp-Lobed Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba), below. My own native plant seeds that I winter-sowed in pots outdoors are also germinating (photos soon!), it truly feels miraculous!

Sweetest spring wishes,

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more spring things