CAFETERIA MEDIA & MOOR HIKES CT PRESENT: A WALK THROUGH COTTON HOLLOW
ON SEPTEMBER 7TH, 2022, CAFETERIA MEDIA TEAMED UP WITH TERRISOL, FOUNDER OF MOOR HIKES CT FOR A STROLL THROUGH COTTON HOLLOW PRESERVE.
Our walk began with Terri leading a check-in, going around asking everyone how they felt in the moment. Terri explained that Cotton Hollow became a sacred space to her over the course of the summer, saying that she would go to the preserve almost daily to escape the world.
“Cotton Hollow is such a blessing because it’s so close to Hartford. I've found so much joy and healing just by showing up in this space and swimming in these waters- I actually taught myself how to swim again this year here in these waters. It used to be an old cotton mill, and for it to still be this magnificent and for it to still hold all this glory is just amazing. I'm very happy that you guys are here to explore her, she’s special, so let’s go. I’m going to do this barefoot, and you all are welcome to as well.”
We all walk to the first stop, not too far into the preserve, with Terri as our guide. As we get closer the rushing water grows louder with every step. We’re met with a stream with a few fallen trees across it, and as soon as Terri encourages us all to go play, that’s exactly what we do. Some of us decide to walk across the stream while others climb their way over the fallen trees. Some find volcanic-like rocks and others find turkey-tail mushrooms, all with childlike wonder.
We come across a bunch of large rocks neatly stacked on top of each other, which I learned was called a cairn; a man-made pile or stack of stones raised for a purpose. Everyone is off doing their own thing while there is still a sense of togetherness. There were discussions of what tribe we would be in if we were in the Avatar the Last Airbender universe, and several people said they’d be water benders, including myself.
On the way to the second stop, Josh Jenkins of Cafeteria Media had a question for Terri.
Josh Jenkins
TerriSol
How many of these treks and expeditions influence TerriShea Naturals? And is there a clear difference between your brands Moor Hikes CT and TerriShea Naturals?
I come to the forest to seek healing, and from that healing I’m able to make products that in turn heals everyone else in the community.
Right.
I come here when I'm not feeling too great, and even when I am feeling great I still come and get answers from the Earth and seek more wisdom and clarity on what I should be doing. There are still some days where I am questioning if this is what I’m supposed to be doing.
I started Moor hikes CT because I have a collective of friends that live in the city who need somewhere to escape and explore their inner child. We saw that happen today where as soon as we got to the first spot, everyone went off on their own and started playing.
As we continued the trek to the next destination, there were discussions of backpacking and camping together all through Moor Hikes CT. Terri explained that her goal is to create a larger network of BIPOC individuals who love spending time in nature. This sparked conversation about our personal relationships with nature, paying homage to those who helped us find our love for the outdoors.
We pass Terri’s fairy house made of sticks and leaves that she has been building over the course of the summer. “If you don’t believe in fairies, now you do,” Terri tells us confidently. “There’s some sort of troll that keeps knocking down the house, but I will keep rebuilding it.”
“I’m so happy you guys are here. Make sure y’all are taking deep breaths, this air is nice.”
The second stop is breathtakingly beautiful. We’re greeted by a man with the longest fishing pole I have ever seen casting off of a large rock. There’s a beach area where most of us place our belongings and remove our shoes. The water is the slightest bit chilly, but inviting. Part of the group is hanging out on the rock while others are in the water, searching for whatever the stream brings them. The scene is reminiscent of kids at camp- swimming, skipping rocks, and having fun. We even had an immensely therapeutic group screaming session, which we all agreed was sorely needed.
While I was enjoying a peach that Terri harvested from her garden, Josh had the opportunity to learn more about who Terri is, and where she’s from.
So tell me a little bit about your background.
I was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I moved to the United States when I was sixteen- one summer my mom told me I wasn’t returning to school and I knew that meant we were moving to the States. I did my junior year in Florida, then finished high school in Windsor, CT.
I had the whole American high school experience in one year. I got a locker, which was a big deal to me. I played lacrosse and had a boyfriend that did all the stereotypical high school relationship stuff, you know, like holding hands in the halls. After high school I moved to Hartford. Soon after moving here I went vegan and started making my own handmade skincare products through TerriShea Naturals.
I started working on a farm in Portland where I learned about all kinds of plants and holistic healing. At the farm, I was working for a youth program that aimed to help homeschooled kids connect deeper with nature. The kids truly helped me reconnect with my inner child, and Moor Hikes CT was directly inspired by this.
We need to play and be kids, you know, it’s really important. Without places like Cotton Hollow we wouldn't be able to reflect on how we were when we were kids. We have to let each other know that it’s okay to play.
Do you have any mentors?
No, not really. I’m my own mentor. My ancestors are my mentors.
Do you see any similarities between here and Jamaica?
This! This preserve right here honestly reminds me of Jamaica a lot. The forest and rivers feel very similar. I remember seeing a lot of the same plants that we have here in Jamaica too. I’m so far from home, but places like this make me feel so close.
Stay tuned for upcoming hikes with Cafeteria Media and Moor Hikes CT.
All photos provided by Bizzie R.
