A New Chapter Begins

Sometimes the path doesn't reveal where it's leading until you take the next step.

There are moments in life when you realize that the path you've been walking has quietly been changing beneath your feet.

For me, The Hedge & Wildflower began with a desire to share what I know, what I'm learning, and the things that spark my curiosity.

I have knowledge and experience with certain topics — botanical, spiritual, ancestral and more. But I don't know everything, and I discover new things every day.

I am a learner. I love knowledge and learning.

I have varied interests, and those interests lead me to some pretty interesting finds and magical folklore. I wanted to share the wonder, joy, peace, curiosity and beauty of the spaces around us. I wanted to share what I am learning and the journeys I take while learning about new things.

 How I Got Into Herbs

My journey with herbs began after I became suddenly ill at the end of December 2011.

During my recovery, I started questioning the things I was putting into my body and whether they may have contributed to my illness.

I started small, growing vegetable gardens off and on for a few years. Along the way, I began learning about medicinal plants — what they did, where to find them, and how to identify them.

I learned how to process them for different uses and spent a lot of time researching things that might be beneficial to myself and those around me.

There have been a lot of books bought and referenced over the years, and my library is always growing.

Today, I have a large vegetable garden and a decent-sized medicinal garden, and I continue to add to it every year. I also have fruit trees, bushes and vines.

There is always something growing.

And there is always something new to learn.

 How Breathwork Entered My Life

I had been struggling for a long time.

I was overworked, stressed, dealing with perimenopause, overweight, and managing multiple health conditions. My mind began to rebel against everything.

I found a therapist and started working to understand what was happening and to deal with the underlying issues, whether mental or physical, so I could come back to balance.

Or maybe, more accurately, find balance for the first time.

My therapist was great. She really helped me a lot.

I was also working out regularly and had lost 30 pounds. But it still felt incomplete.

I had been using box breathing for a while to help me sleep and to calm myself when I felt overwhelmed. That got me thinking more about breathing and how it affects the nervous system.

Well, you don't know me, but I like to be informed. 😂

So I hopped onto my laptop and started researching.

That's when I came across Elemental Rhythm.

I checked out their site and was impressed. Not only did they have an app with breathwork practices, but their flagship offering was the Elemental Rhythm Breakthrough experience. They also offered a training program to become a certified Elemental Rhythm Breathwork Facilitator.

I booked the discovery call.

I spoke with a lovely woman, and I felt a connection almost immediately. We discovered that we had some people and places in common, and the conversation just felt right.

After discussing the program with her, and then talking it over with my husband, I decided that this was it.

I wanted to share this with others so they could have their own experiences simply by breathing.

Breathwork has helped me with emotional regulation and has helped deepen my connection with my body, mind and spirit.

But my journey isn't over.

It is ongoing, as I strive every day to be better than the day before.

 What Does The Hedge Mean to Me Now?

The Hedge, for me, has become a place where I can share what I know, the things I am learning, history I discover, and the folklore that draws my curiosity and encourages me to explore my Celtic roots.

It's a place to follow those little threads of curiosity and see where they lead.

Sometimes that might be a plant.

Sometimes a piece of history.

Sometimes folklore, breathwork, ceremony, nature or something completely unexpected.

I don't know where every path will lead, and I don't think I need to.

I'm still learning.

I'm still exploring.

And I'm still discovering.

 What I Hope You Find Here

I hope you feel curious enough to explore on your own.

To discover new things.

I hope you feel like you've made a new friendship here. I hope you can relax a little, learn something new, or simply follow a thread of curiosity wherever it leads you.

Most of all, I hope you feel safe, warm and connected.

Because that's what I want The Hedge & Wildflower to be — a place where you can wander in, take a breath, discover something interesting, and perhaps leave with a little more curiosity than you arrived with.

 As the Hedge Grows...

The Hedge & Wildflower is still growing, and I have no intention of rushing it.

As it grows, you'll find more things making their way through the gate — including Hedge-crafted botanical products, ritual goods, gifts and experiences inspired by the plants, seasons and things I'm discovering along the way.

Some things will be planned.

Some things will probably happen because I stumbled across something that made me say, “Oh, I need to try that.” 😂

So if you'd like to wander along with me, keep an eye on the Hedge.

There's always something growing.

Welcome to The Hedge & Wildflower. 🌿