Mad about Mushrooms . . .

Seattle Amateur Scientist Helping to Unlock the Secrets of Slime Molds

I am fond of the titles “citizen scientist" and "citizen naturalist” because I believe in the value and in the honor of the designation.  Citizen scientists and naturalists on the front line of mushrooming have so much to offer and gain so much satisfaction from contributing to the knowledge of fungi.

Perhaps that is one of the reasons that I was so grateful to my friend Steve for sending me a link to the OPB article by Ian McCluskey, “Seattle amateur scientist helping to unlock the secrets of slime molds.”  This article introduces us to a amateur naturalist, Kelly Brenner, who has amassed a collection of slime molds:  “Roughly in the 200, 500 range, thereabouts,” she estimates, then adds: “and counting.”  Kelly has an appreciation of slime molds and commented that “Slime molds have a PR problem… they’re called slime molds and that’s not appealing and it’s not representative of how beautiful they really are.”

The Way through the Woods: On Mushrooms and Mourning

It seems appropriate to start off this year's postings with a salute to Lit Woon Long (author) and Barbara J. Haveland (translator) for my New Year's gift of the lovely The Way through the Woods:  On Mushrooms and Mourning.  What a way to start off 2022! 

In this little gem of a book the author embraces the loss of her husband, Eiolf Olson, with the help of the mushroom trail. 

All I had to do was follow the mushroom trail, even though I still didn't know where it would lead...Mushrooms provided me with a new perspective on things, not least when it came to making fresh sense of life.

But the book is more than an anthropologist's account of her journey of healing in the Norwegian forests.  It is also recipes and tips, thoughts, mushroom identification, mushroom history, trivia, fun facts, and quirky antidotes.  It is uplifting and inspirational!

 

 

Welcome, 2022!

I have been thinking back over 2021, trying to make sense of the challenges that we have undergone and overcome, trying to make sense of it all.  Time after time my thoughts return to the sixth century B.C. venerated philosopher, Lao Tzu, and I hear him whispering in my ear:  When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.

This may be the greatest gift that 2021 has so generously bestowed upon me.  It has offered me the opportunity to rethink, to re-imagine my life and my world, and to rejoice in gratitude for this emerging awareness.  I am feeling appropriately small in the midst of my magnificent surroundings.

2021 has refreshed the window through which I view the world, including my fungal world.  Yes, I now find enhanced fulfillment and deeper meaning and more sustained pleasure by having set aside long-held beliefs and desires and, instead, discovering joy in the simplicity and subtlety of the treasures that are offered:  a solitary mushroom standing defiantly in the sun-drenched landscape, the pattern of raindrops on leaves of a native rhododendron triumphing under a dense tree canopy, the early morning sun's rays dancing amongst the evergreens and reflecting on the Sandy River, December's powdery snowflakes clinging to drooping vine maple branches …

Welcome, 2022, and may you bring lessons and inspiration into all facets of our lives, enhancing the gifts of your beloved older sister, the year that has just passed, 2021.

Silently soaring above the silty Sandy River, our resident bald
eagle welcomes the new year with grace and
determination, filling the sky with his majesty and filling me
with awe!  Mural by Becky Hawley.

 

January 2022's Recipe of the Month: Terry's Acorn Squash with Wild Mushroom Cranberry Stuffing

For me, the New Year is all about celebrating the gift of friendship.  Thus, it is natural to peruse my recipe file, pondering the edible gifts that my cherished ones have offered over the years.  This particular contribution came from longtime friend, Terry, who also happens to be my mushroom mentor. 

Here's to you, dear lady, and, as always, my everlasting gratitude for generously sharing your knowledge and insight over the decades.  Without your patient mentoring, I should never have developed such love of our fungal world!  Without you, my world would be a much sadder place.