A beautiful nature's canvas and a medicinal powerhouse mushroom, the dual nature of nature itself—full of hidden treasures!
A couple of days ago, I was thinking about finding a reishi mushroom to make a tincture, knowing its many health benefits, from immunomodulatory to anti-cancer effects. However, I discovered another mushroom with similar potential, but not as visually striking as reishi but it is full of hidden beauty, just like us humans. You come to appreciate someone deeply once you get to know them; we are all uniquely beautiful.
I was initially ambivalent when I saw these mushrooms because they looked dirty and woody. Despite this, my curiosity drove me to explore it further.
The mushrooms were growing on a tree stump on the other side of the fence, surrounded by spiky brambles that made it challenging to access. I asked myself, "Does it worth it?" Nevertheless, I persisted.
The only way was to clear the side by the fence and try to reach them. I carefully trimmed the spiky bushes, even though I got stabbed a few times by the sharp thorns.
Initially, I planned only to take photos, but out of curiosity, I was tempted to pick them. I put my hand through and managed to pick two small ones. They were challenging to pick due to their woody base, but I persisted and got them.
The mushroom itself has a beautiful look, with the humble brown color outlining the white.
A little flower stuck underneath and created a cute pattern.
One of them had a soaring eagle naturally carved on it.
It's very woody inside and out.
After learning that you can draw or write on the underside, I excitedly scribbled something and I was stunned by the beautiful color of the markings after etching the underside with the tip of my scissors. Apparently, when it dries, the markings stay permanent and can last for many years. If you miss scribbling while it's fresh, it can still be used as a canvas for painting, hence the name.
As a nature lover, I would not recommend repeatedly picking them for decorative reasons, as it could deplete our forests of a perennial fungus that plays a key role in the ecological balance of our environment.
I walked home content.
Then I roughly sketched on the other mushroom the view that is very familiar to me, Mt. Isarog, a view from my parents' porch in the Philippines.
I will keep one as decor,
and the other one is infusing in overproofed rum as a tincture—a bottle for my family and a bottle for an ill friend. It's a beautiful way to share the gifts of nature and extend a gesture of care and healing to those around you.
An Artist Conk heart.
I carved this one out of the remaining bits.
It's a reminder of how nature, with all its intricacies, can be a source of beauty, inspiration, and healing.
Definitely an Artist Conk! Thank you for reading.
Have a wonderful day!
Mariah 😊