20 Comments

Side question: Do you ever get Tundra swans or regular swans at the celery farm? Are there still celery root there? In Wisconsin we would get those birds because the sloughs were full of wild celery root. Geese also seemed to eat it.

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Wow so interesting! I logged into ebird.org because I wanted to know and yes, both Tundra swans and Mute swans have been observed there. I can't say I've ever seen any celery plants that have naturalized in the area though, but I will look closer next time we visit.

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I was curious if there were still remnant plants. At the sloughs we would watch them at the celery was under water, I think… but I’m no bird expert! 😄 (or celery expert… but I will have ants on a log made with chocolate chips)

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I have actually grown celery in my garden and had it go to seed and pop up here and there so it's totally possible! And what planet is this to have ants on a log with chocolate chips? I've only ever had raisins playing the role of ants! You're telling me chocolate is allowed???

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You'd have to talk to my mom :) I've always hated raisins for no particular reason, and this was the compromise to get me to eat veggies I think? She must've invented it. I'll still eat that ha! (gave it to our son when he was young too). I had know idea that you could grow celery in a garden, but, I'm no gardener. I let the farmer's market people take care of that for me.

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Jun 7Liked by Diana Pappas, Tom Bland

"It’s a little surprising that you are not permitted to go running on the trails at the Celery Farm but playing hockey in winter is 100% allowed and encouraged" made me laugh out loud.

I really enjoyed the woodland microcosms. particularly the top right. I kept scrolling back up to it. It really draws you in...

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Thank you Charity. Those decaying yellow leaves below the surface add a graphic element that I really like.

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Glad you enjoyed that line - makes no sense but I love it.

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Jun 7Liked by Tom Bland, Diana Pappas

That last photo is beautiful! I love those layers of color.

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Thank you Kevin, glad you like it.

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Jun 7Liked by Diana Pappas, Tom Bland

Good luck with your upcoming move upstate! ❤️👋

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Thanks Alon, hopefully we can meet up sometime once we get settled.

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Looks like a fabulous place to visit and revisit. Best for your transition!

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Thank you so much!

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Jun 8·edited Jun 8Liked by Diana Pappas, Tom Bland

I absolutely adore the photos of the Woodland Microcosms. I'm fascinated by finding abstract elements in nature. For instance, whenever I come across a puddle or body of water, I always search for more abstract reflections and shapes. Great interview too. I would also highly recommend Michela Griffith Substack for more inspiration michelagriffith.substack.com

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Thanks for thinking of me Tugba - everything changed when I began photographing water way back in 2012. It still teaches me new ways of seeing, and prompts me to experiment.

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Jun 9·edited Jun 9Author

Yes we love the work Michela is doing! Her corner of Scotland reminds us so much of Northumberland in England where Tom is from - love steeping in the color palette and abstracted forms as they change through the seasons. Always a surprise to see what she pulls from the landscape!

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Jun 11Liked by Diana Pappas, Tom Bland

Love reading thoughts about process and considering how they apply to the medium I work in (words). Will be thinking about portals now, and accessing the upside down. Sending good wishes for your move! Moving is such a full experience. Looking forward to reading about yours.

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Thank you Rita! Would be very interesting to see how a portal to the upside down might manifest itself in your writing! Describing moving as a 'full experience' really hits the nail on the head. I'm overwhelmed, excited, terrified and eager. Last time I felt this way I was about to have a baby!

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Jun 12Liked by Diana Pappas, PappasBland, Tom Bland

That tracks—you’re birthing a new life!

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