Birthday Smoke

Sunday was my birthday, and after a beautiful, rainy weekend visiting a few favorite places and being with family, I made an incense blend to mark the occasion (and return to it when needed).

We stopped by the Audubon’s native plant sale and picked up black cohosh, wild bergamot, and coneflower. They also have the coolest little shop where I found ‘Container Gardening with Native Perennials’ by Julie M. Young, which will be extremely helpful as we expand our gardens this summer.

I made the short trip to St. Anthony’s Chapel, where I was able to pick up some holy cards and spend a few moments with Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

My kids made me the most gorgeous cake.

An early present: last week, I was excited to receive Queer Saints by @mago_antonio_, which I’ve really been looking forward to (releasing June 1st, thank you @weiserbooks). In addition to an extensive array of saints (Mychal Judge, Bayard Rustin, Frida Kahlo...), Antonio also includes guides on veneration, magic, and historical sainthood.

Another gift was the response to May’s art and zine sale. With this support, $120 was sent to @the.auto.body.shop (a Pittsburgh-based mobile resource providing free info and supplies for reproductive health and harm reduction), for which I’m incredibly grateful.

Less than a month before I hit the trail! I’m wildly fortunate for the opportunity to spend time in the mountains, especially under the guidance of teachers—it strengthens and grounds my work in a way nothing else can.

My incense blend includes oak bark, dandelion leaf, pine resin, hydrangea root, bee balm essence, and rose petal powder. In the smoke: gratitude, love, spring bonfires, chilly sunsets, mountain air.