I was feeling a bit despondent this week with the news Wednesday morning that my favorite cousin, Brian, had suddenly passed.
Then I got an email from Shaarika, who is one of our CSA members. They are going on an extended holiday back to India and are having to make alternate arrangements for the remainder of the season. I good naturedly joked that I should have been invited. Shaar replied warmly that I was more than welcome as she has a father there who has a beautiful small garden in the heart of the city.
That image evoked a smile and I got to thinking, if I had three wishes that allowed me to go and see anyone in the world, who would I go to spend time with?
After some thought, these are the people that came to mind:
First would be to sit with Shaarika's father, perhaps sipping Masala Chai and sharing with each other how and what we grow and the lessons the passion is teaching us.
Then I would whisk away to a small city in China. Once there, I would spend time with the father of one of my bank tellers. Outside of his home is a 5' x 10' yard that the government permits him to grow in. She described how he carefully uses every inch and that tiny plot to grow vegetables and at end of day, sits on a small wooden stool selling his vegetables to his customers who pass by.
Finally, I would go to Jordan. There, I would go and visit the father of someone I was once close to who owns an olive orchard that oversees the Red Sea. What I would give to walk among those trees listening to his stories and reflections on life.
That would be a journey of a lifetime.
In the meantime, here on the farm, we have once again, some lovely tomatoes, a hot pepper mix and eggplant. There is also very nice both Red and Green Kale, beets (baby and full size) Huge Kohlrabi and some incredible heads of red cabbage. I think you will be pleased.
Like our season in the field, this earthly journey, as many of us know...is a short one. Things and the people we love both come and go. Savour each day and enjoy :-)
~Michael
