"You carry Mother Earth within you. She is not outside of you. Mother Earth is not just your environment. In that insight of inter-being, it is possible to have real communication with the Earth, which is the highest form of prayer."
Note: all photos on this website are by Marianne Bickett unless otherwise noted and are fully protected under copyright laws, thank you!
Using corrugated cardboard pieces from a used box can become a powerful example of the cycle of what trees do for us. Where does cardboard come from? Bingo! So, you use natural glue and paints (see below) to create a colorful and fun valentine to hang on a special tree for Valentine's Day!
The above example by Rose Shank from Hawai'i, Mahalo!!
Expressing Gratitude to and for trees makes a poignant statement in recognition for all the things trees do for us. Please visit Trees for Honolulu's Future link below and click on the downloads to see lessons you can do with children and adults to bring about awareness of how vital and precious trees are for all of us! We take trees for granted and yet they give us life.
For my final article for the Sherwood Gazette, I chose a topic of not only personal interest, but of vital importance. I grew up with Lakota people in South Dakota and have been influenced deeply by indigenous people wherever I've lived. Part of the healing of our society starts with our acknowledgement of the first people of America, and an honoring of their past and current presence. I hope you can find time to read the complete article below, thank you!
Above photos:
Left: exhibit of local basketry in progress at the Chachula Tribal Museum in Grand Ronde, Oregon, photo by Marianne Bickett with permission from the museum.
Middle: Earliest known photo of the Five Oaks Historic Site, circa 1925. Photographer unknown. Five Oaks Museum Collection, used by permission of the museum.
Right: exhibit of mortar and pestle by Hazel grass at the Chachula Tribal Museum, photo by Marianne Bickett with permission from the museum.
I've become quite enthralled with NW lichen! There is a great deal to learn about this combination plant and its many benefits. Click on the PDF file below for links about lichen at the end of the How to Make Lichen prints information.
Lichen print made from home made blueberry juice and turmeric powder with water added.
Bug Inn
Repurposed wooden cabinet, 2'x3' with assorted natural materials
Whilst we were traveling in England in September, we encountered a few of these
amazing "Bug Hotels" that inspired us to give it a try once we returned home. With dwindling open spaces and wild habitats, even insects need places to thrive. We need our helpful bug friends, such as the Mason bees, ladybugs, snails, caterpillars (hence, butterflies and moths), and spiders so as to keep in check any unwanted non-native critters and to be a part of the life cycle of a healthy ecosystem as food for birds and other animals. Please read my narrative with photos below to learn how you can build your own Bug Hotel! Thanks to WhatsNextForEarth for the Art Call!
Copyright © 2025 Marianne Bickett - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy