WriterByNature.com

I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I never learned canning or how to bake yeast breads. My farmer parents knew how to do both.

I’ve just inherited a canning pot and jars from my garden mentor, Sister Carole. I accepted them on the condition that I get at least one canning lesson next season.

While canning is not a difficult process, mistakes have serious consequences. I had planned to look for an idiot-proof pressure canner before embarking on this project. But I’m not going to turn down the opportunity to learn canning basics.

Paula, a fellow mycologist and COMA member, has a gift for baking. Her recipe for wine-cap mushroom muffins, includes yeast. My greatest yeast bread successes were during the short life of my bread machine. I haven’t met my pastry chef mentor yet.

Success in any new endeavor is the result of repeated attempts. Failure is really just a way of gaining experience. 

Time is my currency, so if I’m going to invest the time, I want to know how to correct what I’ve done wrong. Having a reliable guide or mentor is a critical part of my learning. Some things I just don’t see for myself.

As I assume the responsibility of coordinating the COMA walk schedule for 2009, I realize that my mycology skills have grown exponentially. When it comes to the world of nature, I’m a kinesthetic learner

As a writer, I’m more of an auditory learner. I almost have to hear the words in my head before I can write them down. But I have trouble hearing words if I’m not in the woods or the garden.

Since I cut back on driving miles, I notice that hikes are scheduled en route to some other necessary destination. Even though the price of gas is low, I’m not willing to increase my carbon footprint.

All of this has had an impact on how I use all energy, including human energy.

I’ve just discovered a dance studio located within walking distance. If they give adult classes, then I have a chance to do something to keep my hiking muscles and my brain muscle in shape.