Positive encounters are rare… Weekly Recap 4/13/2026

Whenever we travel to a new place, I’m always surprised by the kindness of others.

Well, okay… I don’t necessarily mean “kindness.” I mostly just mean that I’m surprised when people will greet you, acknowledge your existence, or do something other than immediately pass judgment upon you. That’s probably because I’ve spent the majority of my life living in two of the rudest areas of the entire US: Northern Virginia and South Florida.

But yes, within the past six months, I have had at least one positive encounter with a stranger.

I was sitting in a parking lot, patiently waiting for a spot with my turn signal light on. The current resident of said parking spot was backing out very slowly, pulling forward, making minor course corrections, and then resuming their egress. In the midst of this, another vehicle approached directly across from me. Seeing the soon-to-be empty spot, they similarly stopped and turned on their turn signal, indicating their shared intention to claim the glorious vacancy.

And claim it they could have! Due to the angles, I had to wait for the exiting vehicle to fully pass me before I could move, giving the potential spot poacher an opening to take what was rightfully mine.

Instead of doing that, however, the dude saw me, gave a tiny nod, and then relinquished his claim. As he drove past me, he nodded and smiled.

Now you see… that’s odd for South Florida. Most people will take your spot and then yell at you for it. I fully expected it to go the other way.

I guess there are still a few people left in the world who don’t suck.

Good morning and happy Monday, friends!

• New Video: Highlights from My Book!

It’s been a crazy week—some of it frustrating, some of it good, but all of it very time consuming.

My book got my first 5-star review on Amazon!

I have been told by those much wiser and more experienced than me to ignore Amazon reviews, but I will at least take the win.

Lots of news on the topic of fluid condensers. I made quite a large batch of it, in fact… and some is already headed to the Netherlands. This is my first time shipping a liquid internationally, so I made sure to follow all the necessary regulations. I’m sure it will arrive safely!

If you would like to get in on this condenser party, I made a new Etsy item for it. (Plus, you can also get a signed book there)

On Friday night, one of our coveners taught a class on incense… and we all created something. I made a few little cones.

Look at those happy little cones! They’re almost done drying, but now I’m inspired and I want to experiment with all the different types…

On Sunday, we stopped by the local farmers market for some spices. We saw lots of flowers, had a delicious smoothie, and obtained a large bag of berries.

We also got a crepe, but to be honest with you, it wasn’t the greatest… so I refused to take a picture of it.

If you’re bored today, go check out this highlight clip for Kirk White’s interview, where he talks about handling multiple spiritual traditions.

That’s all for now, friends. Stay tuned for more soon!

The World’s Shiniest Fruit

https://tube.blueben.net/w/2rrnk1X2TnyQ2S1h9bK5pB

"The Three Musketeers"

Amelanchier species blossom. Otherwise known as saskatoon berry or juneberry.

One of my favourites due to the interplay of light and shade on their creamy lanceolate petals. Never fails to dazzle.

#agroforestry #permaculture #forestgardening #flowers #petals #saskatoon #creamy #berries #blossom #bloomscrolling

It's time for my annual Northern Hemisphere PSA about how to keep fresh berries from spoiling.

Short answer, hot water bath. The delightful Harold McGee gives the details. I've done this; it works.

https://archive.ph/ByQgQ

#food #berries #cooking