we find ourselves surrounded by shields and seals and symbols and badges and coats of arms here in this place that was already culturally middle-aged by the middle ages, and where war was a nearly constant thing for centuries. i decided to design my own rather more peace-loving coat of arms this afternoon. the shield of the distracted wanderer. designed to strike fear into the heart of not a single sword wielding enemy.

an arrangement with items from this weeks’ outings: the feathery dark green leaves are mimosa tree leaves, the large green thistle head in the center is wild teasel

hérault, languedoc, france