Wow, what a find Christin. I like the concept of foraging as a way to connect with the natural world. In a similar way I feel like meeting real people out in the world is the equivalent of relationship foraging, rather than the curated and second-hand faux forging we think we're doing on social media to "network". Everyone once in a while you meet a person who is rare as a California King Bolete.
Is there a unspoken group of wisepeople who share secrets of foraging just as they do flyfishing? I guess you are a part of that group so you might not be able to talk about it XD Loved this!
Reading this reminded me of birding, another activity that invites being present in nature! Mushroom foraging has more tangible rewards (but also higher risk as you point out)
Also interesting to think about the contrast in how the outdoors is perceived in Asian vs American culture. It's certainly easier to enjoy nature in California climates vs humid Asian ones!
I relate so hard to growing up in the great air conditioned indoors in Southeast Asia. I don't think I've ever eaten something from the wild (unless it's those "nature farms" that are commercialized). So intriguing!
I also love: "Soon the processed piles became cream of mushroom soup, pizza, pasta."
This reminded me that I should seek out mushroom foraging workshops in Toronto, been meaning to do it for the longest time then COVID hit 🥲 enjoyed your thoughts as always :D
Ahhh I loved this essay so much! As the daughter of a passionate (hobbyist) forager, I always enjoyed those trips and the delicious meals resulting from the haul, and I connected deeply with this.
"Foraging is a way for me to reclaim my connection to nature–to be less afraid of what is “out there” when what is “out there” is the same as what is “in here.” - excellent!!
Can all your posts be a response to questions I ask you? I have so many.
What a darling reason to forage. Should I read that book? What even is spiritual adulting?
Wow, what a find Christin. I like the concept of foraging as a way to connect with the natural world. In a similar way I feel like meeting real people out in the world is the equivalent of relationship foraging, rather than the curated and second-hand faux forging we think we're doing on social media to "network". Everyone once in a while you meet a person who is rare as a California King Bolete.
Is there a unspoken group of wisepeople who share secrets of foraging just as they do flyfishing? I guess you are a part of that group so you might not be able to talk about it XD Loved this!
Reading this reminded me of birding, another activity that invites being present in nature! Mushroom foraging has more tangible rewards (but also higher risk as you point out)
Also interesting to think about the contrast in how the outdoors is perceived in Asian vs American culture. It's certainly easier to enjoy nature in California climates vs humid Asian ones!
I relate so hard to growing up in the great air conditioned indoors in Southeast Asia. I don't think I've ever eaten something from the wild (unless it's those "nature farms" that are commercialized). So intriguing!
I also love: "Soon the processed piles became cream of mushroom soup, pizza, pasta."
...what an amazing mushroom!!!...thank you for finally unearthing this [clown horns while exiting the comments]...
love this! and yay more Christin writing!
This reminded me that I should seek out mushroom foraging workshops in Toronto, been meaning to do it for the longest time then COVID hit 🥲 enjoyed your thoughts as always :D
Ahhh I loved this essay so much! As the daughter of a passionate (hobbyist) forager, I always enjoyed those trips and the delicious meals resulting from the haul, and I connected deeply with this.
"Foraging is a way for me to reclaim my connection to nature–to be less afraid of what is “out there” when what is “out there” is the same as what is “in here.” - excellent!!