Greetings. I cordially invite everyone to a party in the woods. But wait… it’s not just any party, it’s a humbug party. But wait… it’s not just the people that are humbugs, it’s the trees. These ancient plants aren’t just wise, they’re wise-crackers and they’re tired of humans. They can’t stop you from coming to the party, though, so grab a bottle of your favorite wine, find a nice corner, get ready for the fetal position, and have a groovin’ party!
Jokes aside, I’ve been watching Yellowjackets and I think it only fitting to reiterate this love of mine… the woods. But I’ll talk about it in a more loving manner… no cannibalism here.
I’ve written about a party in the woods before, but it was a nice party…. a welcoming party… the kind of party that has no judgement. Wear what you want, even your birthday suit, because nobody cares. It’s a home party. A party where you’re comfortable in your skin, your environment, and your confidence is through the roof.
Here’s that rambling in case you didn’t read it on my old old substack…
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home is just a feeling, part two / and it can feel like a party in the woods
Going to a land with a forest is on equal playing fields with going to a land with an ocean. Both are needed for survival and the feelings from and about these places are no match to cities and suburbs and places with masses of humans — all in accordance with my own life essentials. Perhaps I’m a wee-bit biased and this may be related to the fact that I grew up in the woods, surrounded by trees and greeted by deer as we opened our front door and saw mountain lion scat along the deer trails we took to get down the hill to the lake. We could scream bloody murder and nobody but the hidden animals, composed trees, and undisturbed ground could hear. It was lovely.
I hear others talk about their childhood and say they would go to friends’ houses just down the road or walk to the store for a treat or meet up with some friends at the local park. I can’t relate to any of these stories because none were possible for me. The closest friend was a ten minute drive away and getting on the highway was necessary. The closest store was a fifteen minute drive away and getting on the highway was necessary. The closest park was… well, I’m not sure how far away the closest legitimate park was, but the reasons people go to a park were two steps away and no highway necessary, so we had that I guess. But I never feel like I missed out on this kind of particular childhood after hearing these stories and rather think maybe these others missed out instead. They missed out on wooded adventures and discovering animal dens and finding owl vomit to dissect (which I didn’t know until a few years ago that this is apparently something you can buy). I would not have traded my childhood for anything.
Anyway…
Being surrounded by trees full of life feels like a welcoming party. Not a typical welcoming party with loud music and celebratory drinks and everyone wanting to participate in small talk, but a calm party with no loud music and no drinks and no small talk. No invitation necessary, just if you happen to stumble upon the party, you will be greeted peacefully and with open arms. The music playing is the hushed sound of trees rustling in the wind, birds chirping and cooing amidst the air, and small animals breaking pine needles and twigs on the ground beneath their paws.
The air at this party is cleaner, fresher, and smells a whole lot better than a typical party. The exposure of smells in the landscape can almost be categorized by colors, with each variant of green having its own smell and air to it. You may be briefly immobilized by the sudden awareness of your ability to breathe easier here. With lungs now full of this raw nature, the mending has begun. Your body’s tension lessens and navigating through this corner of land becomes a cakewalk.
This party is saturated with new friends because you have never been to this neck of the woods before, yet, at the same time, they are old and familiar friends. In their presence, you are at ease with yourself — and for the moment, at ease with your life. The need to fit in does not apply. There is no judgement. There is no dress code. There is no obligation to speak and force small talk. You are only encouraged to perhaps listen to the natural sounds of these friends in their world and respect this realm and haven you have stumbled upon. This is a place that will always be available and free. This party is welcoming you home to a restful place you have never stepped foot upon, and this comfort and ease is an experience and understanding of home.
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The woods are a party (the best party, I avow), but they are - more importantly - home. It’s like that Pixies song “Hey.” Where have you been? If you go, I will surely die. We’re chained (x30). Whether the trees in the woods choose to be welcoming or not, I will always go home.
Thank you for reading and being patience and allowing me to quickly blather about trees. My wife likes when I find songs about Jennifers, so here you go muh lady: “Jennifer” by Styx (spotify | youtube)