Reflections on February and a Seasonal Mandala

Happy Leap Day! I have so loved sharing some of February's magic with you this month! Below you’ll find a re-cap of all of February’s glorious magic. It is truly a delight to be able to create these recipes, posts, and peeks into my life to share with all of you. I really do treasure every comment, message, email, or other interaction we’ve had. It means a lot to know that I am part of such a vibrant and kind-hearted community. Thank you for being here.

This month has been about earthiness - of roots and bulbs and underground delights. Since it's truffle season, I wanted to share a few wonderful recipes, from chocolate truffle truffles (flavored with truffles, of course.) From there, I moved to vegetarian Truffled Scotch Eggs, a wonderfully flavorful and extravagant breakfast. For an equally show-stopping lunch or dinner, I created a vibrantly beautiful Savory Tarte Tatin flavored with (you guessed it) truffles.

Of course, I couldn't forget the love component of this particular month. Beginning with self love, I designed a soothing ritual for Imbolc, but if you were looking for something to share with someone special, this gorgeous black walnut and beet pasta accompanies a commitment ritual. If you're writing love letters, send them in secret code accompanied by these special decoders (which also happen to be delicious hazelnut-cherry cookies.) By the way, none of these are exclusively for romantic love or commitment. They can all be adapted to fit a variety of relationships, so don't hold back in expressing your love to anyone that is special to you.

If you've been feeling a little dull or anxious for spring, I want to encourage you to notice all of the incredible beauty there is to be experienced right here and right now. Make this stunning rice pudding centerpiece dessert infused with mimosa blossoms to promote happiness, or have a drink of a colorful tonic to lift your spirits. Hold onto the joy of potential, too - the earth is positively buzzing with life ready to burst forth. I channeled that inspiration into these life-like savory bulb appetizers (accompanied by a rich and flavorful acorn mole sauce.)

Despite all of the richness above, this has actually been a pretty difficult month for me, health-wise. I've been sicker than I have been in several months, since my hospitalization in October. In fact, I actually haven't been able to eat more than a bite here or there since January, which has been pretty scary. I'm still finding ways to be resilient while still taking life one day at a time and allowing deep rest on the worst ones. One project in particular that really cheered me up was growing pink oyster mushrooms in a beautiful little home by my bed! I'm not yet finished with the magic of this beautiful process - you can expect a couple more posts about pink oyster magic fading into March ;) On the days that I'm up to working on ceramic projects, I have slowly but surely been reflecting on my Messengers series. I love seeing them come together with every little detail! I also loved the poppy seed-head inspired cups I created in January so much I made a matching tea set to accompany them! They are all in the process of slowly drying right now to prevent any warping or cracking. Then I'll be able to start the firing and glazing process. . If you want to follow the progression of these creative projects, the best way to do so is to follow me on Facebook or Instagram.

Patrons in my upper tiers should be getting their first seasonal collectable poster soon, if they haven't already! I'm so excited to be able to offer this quarterly gift to them in thanks for their support. You probably know by now that one of my biggest goals for myself this year is to get to a point where I can start giving my artwork away for free!!

I have some other surprises in store for you in March, plus lots of early spring green coming your way. (Though I must admit that I got SO EXCITED about February's themes that there are definitely a few more posts sneaking into March. You won't mind too much, right?)

To all of my patrons: thank you SO much for making all of this possible! I wouldn’t be able to share all of these recipes, meaningful events, and other bits of wonder without your financial support. If you are currently a patron, head on over to your membership page to find a download-able image of the mandala above! If you’re new to my work, you might not know about my patreon. It’s an easy-to-use platform where you can pledge a set financial contribution every month to allow me to create my artwork. Even just $5 a month helps tremendously! You also get rewards from Secret Recipes to downloadable photos to collectable posters and other surprises! Head to Patreon to learn more about what I’m up to. :)

Finally, if you’d like to get this design printed on everything from greeting cards to throw pillows, take a look at my Society6 Shop! Cozy insulated cup, anyone?

I hope that February has had many wonders to share with you, and that you’re looking forward to diving into some early spring magic with me with the arrival of March!

Magic Always,
Miss Wondersmith

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