Mj Pettengill

I stand at the edge of the woods, observing the contrast between the remnants of winter—death—and signs of new life. Brown and green,...

With all of the snow piled up around us, it had become an unintended commitment. I didn’t give it much thought. It just happened.

When my oldest son was three years old, he was convinced that a rainbow had fallen into the puddle...

There's a patch of old snow in a corner That I should have guessed Was a blow-away paper the rain Had brought to rest. It is speckled...

To me, the most incredible fact about opossums is that they consume thousands of ticks. I happen to live in a tick-infested area.

My native culture and traditions have taught me that the barred owl is a messenger, a bringer of wisdom.

The air is thin as twilight aches with clarity, and the almost-full moon illuminates a dreamy, snow-covered world. I stare out the...

She stood waiting in my doorway, which is often ajar. I invited her in and still carry her with me.

When it is too cold, I look beyond the intricate ice fractals painted on the inside of the kitchen window. I seek that which hides deep...

After extricating myself from the deep, black mud...

All life is sacred, and every living thing is a teacher.

I have a little studio in the woods. I love this space.

My instincts were to frown and wish away those pests, those greedy hoodlums. But then I realized that blue jays are not bad.

YES! ... not only in the woods but in the yard behind my kitchen as well. One young bear who lives nearby is familiar with me and my...

There are many spiders here. I used to scream and break into a sweat when I saw the big ones. That was a long time ago. Being out in the...

This time it’s different. Whenever I experience the shift of one season into the next, there is often an aspect of longing. The...

I have learned to appreciate all phases of that which was once thriving and full of life.

Within the first moment of meditation, I heard a rustling in the leaves.

I slid into the role of making the most incredible piccalilli east of the Mississippi River.

I’m married to the land and creatures that share this space, drifting in and out, leaving footprints behind.