It’s been one of those weeks where time seems to slow down in the best possible way — the kind that’s measured not by clocks, but by the crackle of a fire, the feel of wood in your hands, and the smell of food cooking outdoors.
Our time by the fire this week was packed with simple, hands-on experiences that felt both grounding and quietly rewarding.
We began with carving — starting from raw pieces of wood and gradually shaping them into something useful. There’s something deeply satisfying about turning a rough block into a spoon or spatula, watching the grain emerge as each careful cut reveals a smoother surface beneath. Along the way, we learned how to properly handle carving knives and axes — not just how to use them, but how to respect them. It’s a skill that demands patience and attention, and it quickly teaches you that rushing only sets you back.
Of course, no time around the fire would be complete without food. This week’s challenge: homemade pizza, cooked outdoors using a Dutch oven system. It turned into a bit of a balancing act — managing heat, replenishing the embers, and keeping a close eye to avoid ending up with something closer to charcoal than dinner. There were a few near misses, but that only made the successes taste better. Eating pizza you’ve cooked over an open fire has a kind of charm that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
In between carving and cooking, we took time to slow down and look more closely at the environment around us. We’ve been cataloguing the species we’ve spotted in this location throughout the year, gradually building a picture of how it changes with the seasons. This week brought an exciting addition to the list: ground ivy. It’s a small find, but those are often the most meaningful — the ones that remind you how much there is to notice when you take the time to look.
Altogether, it’s been a week of learning by doing. Of working with our hands, trying new things, making mistakes, and figuring things out as we go. Nothing complicated, nothing rushed — just a steady rhythm of firelight, fresh air, and small moments of discovery.
And honestly, that’s more than enough.
