Hello friends! April is quite nearly here, and I am so excited to take full advantage of the warmer weather. We’ve been quite busy here at Hedge Witch Farms, preparing for both our incoming honeybees and our future orchard— we’ll be planting chestnut, apple, pear, and cherry trees, along with some black currant and elderberry bushes. I’m also excited to expand my herb garden this summer beyond our kitchen staples, with hopes of growing enough to support my apothecary work! It’s a busy, exciting time indeed, and I feel such gratitude to be able to do this work.
What I’m reading
My recent #spellbooksaturday Thistlefoot devastated me in a good way, and I’ve also recently enjoyed…
“They Built Stepford AI and Called It ‘Agentic'” by Abi Awomosu
Awomosu’s analysis is spot on, and I’ve been sending this essay to everyone.
“The Smithsonian’s ‘White Culture’ Graphic Has Conservatives Freaking Out” by Kahlil Greene
“The real scandal isn’t that the Smithsonian is teaching this history. The scandal is how successfully it’s been hidden.”
“Men Like Cesar Chavez Are Not Exceptional” by Kate Manne
“Such misogyny occurs across class lines and makes no exceptions for political affiliation. Chavez is not the first, nor will he be the last, much-admired left-wing man who nevertheless felt entitled to groom, abuse, and rape girls and women in ways that leave them shattered.
What I’m watching
I finally got around to watching Hamnet recently, and woah, it was beautiful, heart-wrenching, and definitely worth the acclaim! Is there anything Jessie Buckley can’t do?
For more recent movie reviews, check out Hedge Witch on Letterboxd! Visit…
What I’m listening to
I have been such a fan of Blúiríní Béaloidis for ages, and this recent episode on “Legends & Literature” was quite interesting, raising important points about researching folklore and legends with a critical eye regarding history, provenance, etc.
What I’m doing
I’ve circled back to a perennial favorite of mine: distributing Plan C stickers in my community. They’re an incredible organization doing necessary work, and I encourage all who are able to donate. For those unable to give financially, below I have shared a printable flyer that gives information on both Plan C and Planned Parenthood, as well as QR codes directing folks to their respective websites.
Also, I am hustling to produce enough soap to feel solidly prepared for a busy season of markets and events. Mark your calendars, it’s bound to be an exciting summer!
