As I look back on this remarkable year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the journey that has transformed my life from a dedicated mathematics teacher to a passionate creator of natural remedies. The path of elderberries has been more than just a business—it's been a profound connection to my roots, to nature, and to the communities that have embraced my creations.
## Markets, Moments, and Magic
The Christmas markets have been a testament to the magic of small-batch, naturally crafted products. Each market was a celebration of sorts—with my elderberry syrups, winter elixirs, fire ciders, oxymels, and elderflower liqueurs almost entirely selling out before the day's end. The joy wasn't just in the sales, but in the connections made, the stories shared, and the trust placed in my handcrafted remedies.
What began as a passion has blossomed into something truly special. The unpredictability of working with natural ingredients is both a challenge and a blessing. Like cooking the same recipe and finding subtle variations each time, my products tell a unique story with every batch. The limited supply of frozen elderberries has become a symbol of intentionality and care.
## Roots and Routes: A Personal Journey
My journey is deeply rooted in my Polish upbringing, where nature was not just a resource but a way of life. The memories of cellars filled with summer's preserves during the challenging 1980s, when shop shelves were empty, have been my inspiration. My background in environmental sciences has been more than an academic pursuit—it's been a lifelong commitment to understanding and cherishing the earth.
The producers I've met—the passionate honey makers, the dedicated horseradish growers—have become more than suppliers. They are fellow storytellers, guardians of traditional knowledge, preserving methods that connect us to the earth's wisdom. The ginger, horseradish, and cayenne pepper in my fire cider are more than ingredients; they're a celebration of natural healing.
## Gratitude and Growth
Leaving behind teaching mathematics was not an ending, but a beginning. The Waldorf philosophy of education, with its holistic approach to learning, has seamlessly translated into my approach to creating natural remedies. Each product is a lesson, each market a classroom, each customer a co-learner in this journey of wellness.
The United Kingdom has been more than a place of residence—it's been a land of opportunity, of philosophical freedom that allowed me to pursue this dream. From my memories of Kenya's rich flora to the traditions of Poland, to the supportive community here in the UK, my journey feels like a beautiful, interconnected tapestry.
## The Heart of the Harvest: Celebrating Our Elderberry Farmers
A special mention must go to the organic elder tree farm whose exceptional elderberries have been the cornerstone of my creations. Their commitment to organic farming and the incredible depth of flavor in their berries have been transformative. These are not just ingredients, but a testament to careful cultivation and deep respect for the land—each berry telling a story of nature's pure potential.
## Looking Forward
As I set my oxymels, tinctures, and fire ciders to infuse into the new year, I am filled with excitement. Each bottle represents not just a product, but a promise—a promise of natural healing, of supporting local producers, and of continuing to share the treasures of the earth.
To every customer who has supported me, especially those who have returned time and again, thank you. You are not just buying a product; you are participating in a tradition of natural wellness that spans generations and continents.
Here's to another year of elderberry magic, of learning, growing, and honouring the incredible bounty of nature.
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