September Milestones – Building, Planting, Becoming

If you want something, strengthen that desire and act. There’s no time to waste - change begins today, right now, often with the smallest things.

But this time, the steps weren’t small. This time, I went to Poland knowing I’d have my hands full from the moment I arrived. I couldn’t wait.

And yes - it happened. From the first day, I barely had a moment to breathe, and my muscles are still reminding me of their existence. But I’m happy, deeply happy.

Siedlisko Zmiana has gained its first real structure — a small log cabin.

Our wooden cabin in the making - it arrived in three parts. The terrace? Still on the road, lost and calling for directions when I took this photo.

It’s part utility building, part base camp, and part cozy shelter from the rain. A place to sit with a cup of coffee, rest, and look at what’s slowly growing into home. It may sound simple, but when you’ve spent months working outside in unpredictable weather, even a small roof becomes a luxury.

The cabin feels symbolic - the first “inside” on the land. The moment it appeared, everything felt more real.

There’s no sewage system yet (bureaucracy moves slower than I do), but there’s a bright blue portable toilet standing proudly by the forest. Not the view I dreamed of, but at least it works. We’ve started calling it our “blue lighthouse” - visible from afar, slightly ridiculous, but part of the story now.

Our "blue lighthouse" - a very important element... maybe even more important than the log cabin? :)

And the water connection - what a victory! Finally, I could start planting. After months of imagining and planning, it was time to give life to the orchard and garden I’d been drawing in my mind.

September came with perfect timing. The summer had been too dry to plant anything, but now the soil was ready. In less than two weeks, we planted over 30 trees and shrubs - apple, plum, cherry, currant, blueberries. I sowed grass mixed with microclover for resilience, there will be purple lilacs, white roses and blue wisteria climbing up the wooden columns of the terrace...

There will be linden trees, hazelnuts, and Japanese maples glowing red in autumn. I can see it all so clearly - the garden as it will be, not just as it is now.

Our orchard in the making

It doesn’t matter that you can’t see much yet. The roots are there. Things are taking hold.

For now, autumn has arrived, and with it, a sense of calm. The land can rest, and so can I.

Back in Ireland, I’m trying to keep that same feeling - to stay mindful of how I live here too. To notice how I spend my time, how I rest, how I feel. I’m preserving the energy and joy from my time in Poland - quite literally, in jars of pickled cucumbers, tomato salsa, and currant-apple juice. They sit on the shelf, just like my memories, waiting for their time.

It’s good. And it will be beautiful.