9/18/12 - on my way to Troutdale, VA. On the internet, 2012 consensus shows a population of about 200 people nestled into these foothills, located approximately 40 miles from Abingdon and about 150 miles from Asheville, NC.  

 

 Kudzu along the roadside everywhere - so magical looking - 

Early evening I arrived at the home of Deborah Partridge (aka "Dancing Green Woman"). "DGW" introduced Brevard into my life in 1991. We've known one another for about 20 years, and perhaps have spent a total of 3 hours together during all that time. After Brevard's passing from this world in 1999, she and I sustained our connection through letter writing.  Even though more recently our connection has turned to the convenience of email, I will always savor our snail mail times.

 

  

Lodging with "DGW" 5 days made it very clear that she has the spirit, confidence, muscle and stories of a pioneer woman.

                                                  Love that t-shirt - "Simple Abundance"
 



Your swinging bed was an ideal place for the fairy me treehouse lover to rock to sleep .. so cozy!

Dancing Green Woman, 

you are an amazing basket weaver and it was my pleasure to watch you at work.  Every morning rising early and heading outdoors to the backyard fire pit to soak the reeds in that big iron pot.

 If that sounds witchy... it was and I loved every moment.  The song below by Bonnie Lockhart which we sang together around the fire more than once deeply affirms our connection to one another and to the beauty, power and mystery of the natural world.


Who were the witches? Where did they come from?
Maybe your great, great grandmother was one
Witches were wise, wise women they say
and there's a little witch in every woman today.

Witches knew all about flowers and weeds
how to use all their roots and their leaves and their seeds
when people grew weary from hardworkin' days
they made 'em feel better in so many ways.

When women had babies the witches were there
to hold them and help them and give them sweet care
witches knew stories of how life began
don't you wish you could be one?
well maybe you can.

Some people thought that witches were bad
some people were scared of the power they had
but power to help and to heal and to care
isn't something to fear, it's a pleasure to share.
                                           

Dancing Green Woman, what a fabulous time we created together ~ walking the trails, identifying the native medicinal plants that surround you - dong quai, ginseng, goldenseal, comfrey, black cohosh, motherwort, dandelion, burdock, and more, feasting on garden herbs and wild edibles (and my favorite... burdock... yum!)

Thanks again for sending me off with several burdock roots and sage!

 

 Listening to the song of the creek, sharing stories, singing and dancing free spirited with our mama earth, watching nostalgic shows like Red Skelton and Monk, listening to ole' tunes on your record player (yes, record player!), playing Rumicube (great game - i'm hooked!), Monsoon Thai, Hot Tub Sunday..... and of course it was lovely visiting with Krissy, Cheryl and India too!

I had the privilege of witnessing the steps that go into creating these gorgeous basket weavings.

Preparing the fire pit

Making the dye - the dye color is determined by the bark, roots, petals, peels, vegetable fibers, hulls and leaves added to the pot.

Hours of spent soaking, boiling and straining to extract the dyes.

Marveling over the magic that is worked around the large cast pot as the dyes simmer over the open fire.

Once the dye is ready, the hanks of reed are added to the pot of dye.

Adding  reed to the dye.  It simmers and soaks for a long time.

A bowl of freshly dyed reed.






Drying the reeds...

 Variously colored dyed reeds are set out to dry...

 

That porch railing surely does come in handy as a drying rack!

 Wow! that added turmeric certainly does yield a fabulous yellow.

 

Beauteous dyed reed colors are ready to be hand weaved...

... those skilled hands

 and passionate heart...

create the most beautiful baskets!

Abundance of basket sizes, styles and colors galore!

 "The colors of nature and the feel of her fibers are the basis for my creations.  
You may wish to include your own fabric, bits of crochet or natural fiber cords to complement your decor.  Strips from a much-favored and worn garment can come to life again in a basket for your home.  
My works are enjoyed throughout the United States and in Europe.  Each piece is unique in its variation of colors, texture and distinct appeal. The character of each basket flows through my fingers and is dictated by the feel of the reeds and vines.

To find out more about Terra Nova Handworks
 one-of-a-kind naturally dyed baskets,
 I invite you to email:

Deborah  (Dancing Green Woman)
at onedjp8@yahoo.com

Thank you again -Dear One- for a fabulous visit. My whole being is nourished by close and conscious living with the land.  It was an honor and pleasure to love and play on the oh so fertile land that is so dear to you that you steward so well.  What a gift to be surrounded by national forest and cradled in your beloved El'Honiah (mountain of God).

It gives me great pleasure to have a gathering basket
joining me on my trip!