Acorn hunting, an autumn wreath and The Theatre of Golden Oaks.
A childhood story from the forest, a recipe & something beautiful & natural to make at home.
I was lost. It had taken me quite a few hours to realise I was lost, but now there was no denying it. That sinking feeling, the slow realisation that I had no idea where I was, or how to get home. The pressure rising in my chest, swallowing hard to keep the dread at bay. I stopped walking, my eyes darting from side to side, widening as the fear suddenly engulfed me.
I had been quite happily walking through the forest, exploring its seemingly never-ending corridors lined with ancient living columns that soared into the bluest of skies. The colours, oh the colours! Field maple, oak, beech, sycamore and chestnut all sporting their dazzling autumn collection of honey, cinnabar, Merlot and blackberry jam.
My neck ached from looking up so much and more than once I had bumped into a stout tree-friend. Apologies were accepted. 1The stick and bindle I’d been carrying over my shoulder was now light, but I knew there was one delicious homemade oat cookie left. I’d been saving it for when I reached The Theatre of Golden Oaks, a circular clearing deep in the woods surrounded by the friendliest of oak trees. In late September they put on their greatest show and it was worth the expedition just to be able to sit for a spell on its crunchy fall carpet and dream as the wind blew through their radiant amber cloaks.
I began my ritual. First I would lie down in the very centre pretending I was an angel on the leafy forest floor, like I would when the snow came. It made me laugh and the sound ricocheted around the amphitheater as if friends were laughing with me. It didn’t bother me that my clothes were now strewn with leaves, mud and creepy crawlies. Mum would sort it.
I untied the knot in the handkerchief bundle at the end of my trusty stick and carefully unfolded its four gingham corners to reveal its final oaty wholesome treat. How did she get them to be so crumbly and chewy at the same time? They had to be the crumbliest, chewiest biscuit in the world, surely? Every mouthful was better than the last, its rich, sugary dryness making my taste buds spasm and pop with delight. It was always so disappointing when I licked the last specks of deliciousness off my fingers, knowing that there would be no more till my next visit.
The Theatre of Golden Oaks had one more special treat in store for me though. At this time of year they would share their greatest gift and shower the ground with little nuggets of love. Acorns; life literally encapsulated in russet-coloured jewel boxes.
I would search for them like hunting for eggs at Easter time. With my handkerchief now empty, it was the perfect sack to store them in. I re-tied the knot to secure my treasures and set off home. It would soon be supper time. I just hoped it wasn’t liver and bacon!
To read the rest of this story from my childhood and find out how to make both the wreath and the cookies, join the club as a fully paid member. We’re a lovely bunch and there’s so much more coming up in the weeks and months ahead. We also now have our own private lively Chat Forum, where we talk about all things HOME & HORT and have a few giggles along the way. Don’t miss out!
