Robin Wall Kimmerer in her book “Braiding Sweetgrass” (2013 Milkweed Editions, Canada) incorporates indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge to teach us about the world of plants. Her writing is poetic and like a prayer or chant, gently guides the reader through her prophetic thought. In the chapter called ‘Three Sisters’ Robin explains the relationship of beans, corn and squash as they grow together in the garden. When the English came to the New World they were perplexed by the native’s tendency to grow their plants in groupings instead of rows. As it turned out these groupings were based on the native’s experience that together, plants such as beans, corn and squash, flourish in a symbiotic relationship, and engage and share nutrients with their roots in the soil. Their reciprocal communication evolves naturally once their seeds grow to form vertical foliage, and flowers and fruits. They eventually not only give to each other but to the planter who inserted them in the earth to begin with. As an example, plants need nitrogen to grow and the nitrogen provided by the air isn’t enough so beans, characteristic of legumes, reaching into the sky, have the ability to draw nitrogen down into the soil benefitting not only them but the corn and squash that share their space. The beauty of the Three Sisters, represented in color by green for beans, yellow for corn and orange for squash is also founded in a native legend which describes how when the people were dying of hunger three beautiful women came to visit the village in colored garb. Symbolically they represented the three plants that eventually fed the people and saved them from famine. Kimmerer goes on to explain that each of the vegetables alone does not provide the necessary nutrients for a complete meal, but when eaten together, provide the perfect balance of vitamins and nutrients needed for a balanced diet. Kimmerer’s writing exudes positivity and the virtue of Simplicity. In a prior chapter called “Epiphany in the Beans’ she begins with a quote: It came to me while picking beans, the secret of happiness. I realized from this quote that our everyday living entangles us in rushing around and overthinking, when if we would just slow down we can find the joy in the simple things. This may be getting off track a tad but the same idea came to me when I was at the grocery store packing my groceries. Feeling at peace with myself, I looked up at the cashier and said to her: “This is going to sound crazy to you but I really like to pack groceries.” She agreed it was a mindless task. Anyway, back to topic, the next time I go to the store I will be sure to load up on scrumptious greens beans, yellow corn, and orange squash to bring home for my next feast. In the meantime I shall carry on my reading of “Braiding Sweetgrass” as I know it’s bound to be filled with more, and greater wisdom.
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People
As All Hallows’ Eve Draws Near
Halloween icons pop up all over the land – Witches with broomsticks, tales of woe on tombstones, sprinkle the neigborhood yards. Goblins dressed in white, and orange pumpkins delight our senses, as All Hallows’ Eve draws near. Boo!!
All Aboard!😊
October 10th, 2022
The place felt a little contrived, in some respects. On the other hand lots of history on the Maine railway system was on display. Worth going to just for the car museum and older buildings saved from Olden days of Boothbay, Maine. Couldn’t take the train but got this cute video capturing the sound and excitement from an adult tour group bussed in from Wisconsin. They were having a blast.
Oregon Coast
Heceta Lighthouse
Oregon Coast
Heceta Head Lighthouse can be seen on the peninsula in the distance. The light from the rotating prism casts a warning 20 miles out. Heceta Head has the longest visibility of any of the nine Oregon Sentinels. The 56 foot beacon towers 205 feet above the ocean. It first cast its light in 1894. Lighthouses are not only a technology for maritime safety but for many a symbol of hope and stability.
Close Encounters
A few weeks ago I recorded a pleasant encounter I had at the grocery store. My hope is that this story will add some positive vibes to the world
I’m always impressed how encounters with new people can be so meaningful, and almost magical. I had one such encounter in the grocery store this week. While I was checking out a young Asian man stood right behind me. We both did a double take because it was only two days prior that we were in exactly the same place together. I reminded him, “We met here two days ago and you were buying a bag of King Arthur Wheat Flour and you were going to make cookies for your girlfriend who was visiting.” He said “Yes, and here’s my girlfriend Sarah right here.” I said, “Hello Sarah!” Sarah smiled and said hello back. Then I asked the young man how the cookies turned out and he said “Great!” and that they would make them again. I saw he was buying Tofu so I asked him with all seriousness if he was going to make Tofu Cookies. He laughed as if one doesn’t make Tofu Cookies, and said they would make something, but I didn’t catch the name. “A Korean dish,” he said. We conversed a little more and I managed to get them to tell me they were students – he at UCONN and Sarah at U of San Diego. I said “Oh my son lives in San Diego.” Yet another coincidence. I asked what he studied, and he said, “Economics.” Then I asked Sarah, and she said, “Economics.” As I proceeded to leave he asked me what my name was and I told him, and I asked what his name was, and he said “Pin”, “Pin and Sarah” he said. I said it was a pleasure to meet them. We both agreed ours was a wonderfully joyful encounter and we hoped we would meet again. I then left the store, with a memorable experience to take home.
It never ceases to amaze me when a magnetic charm takes hold in this world. Really, what were the chances that I would bump into the same stranger in the same place within two days of each other? And on top of it, have such a pleasant conversation. Since these two consecutive meetings, I haven’t run into Pin, or, at least I am not aware of our paths crossing. Though, it’s possible we have – and maybe we will. Until then, let the magic of the world unfold.
A Day at the Beach
Tuesday, July 12, 2022 I love the beach It’s a special place for me I take naps Listen to waves And walk along the sandy edge of the ocean, Watching children make castles in the sand. Dreams of the inhabitants flood the beach My dreams, their dreams, everyone’s dreams. The salty water of the tide moves in and out And sweeps up all these dreams and moves them back out to the sea. Back and forth, back and forth, dreams tumble like shells with the riptide. Dreams that may never come true Dreams unseen in real life Except in the minds of those who dare to ponder that which is possible. A small girl with blonde hair to her shoulders Builds pyramids by the seashore with her dad. Chichén Itzá comes to mind. The re-creation of a place they never heard of before. Maybe shown in a picture, at some time, By some teacher, from who knows where. And it stuck in their mind. As the tide moves in at about 4 o’clock, Most pack their bags to go. Begrudging the work that lies ahead Their feet kick up their dreams in the sand. The lifeguard stays on, Talking away with an older female friend sitting down below. She keeps him company for the day. He talks about the sea, the wild sea so ‘bravo’ from the full moon rising in the sky. Gentle souls were he, and she. And the small blond girl stood before her pyramids Arms extended from East to West Absorbing the current through her veins, eager to gulp her up like a whale. But she stood strong, and firm, Impermeable and invincible against the steady gust of wind, As she overlooked the sea with its fierce and raucous waves. When her father said “Aria, it’s time to go,” A loud and thunderous “No” came from her tiny back turned body, Resistant to a thief who would dare to steal her dream. But she acquiesced leaving her castles behind, like the friendly couple Sitting nearby, she too packed up her things to return to her camp at Burlingame Park. A single colored, sleeping woman, with a indigo bandana, tied like a crown on her head, was awoken from her dream. Startled to find her dry little island in the sand Surrounded by the water, the encroaching tide told her she must flee - To save herself from getting totally drenched. Her dream clung at the edge of consciousness As she raised herself from the ground. The small girl was still standing in the distance with her parents. We caught her eye and waved, she waved back. Then they were gone. Disappeared as if they had never been there before. Their effervescent dreams dissipating like mist into the air. The beach was empty. Only the friendly lifeguard high in his chair was left chatting away, With his older female companion sitting below. Relating his stories of the sea. We too thought it time to go, Reluctantly, we gathered our things. As we stepped away, I searched my pocket filled with two white rocks To see if I had room to take everyone, and their dreams home with me. But no, I too, like Aria had to leave my dreams in the sand. At least for another day. By Georgianna Rivard
Dream Away!
Rainbow, overlooking a veranda, somewhere in California.
Two Odd Americans
Dr. Gatewood of Chicago, and Mr. William Perry of Audubon, both died in June 1938. Dr. Gatewood was 51, Mr. Perry was 86; they had nothing to do with one another, but there was something odd about each of them.
Dr. Gatewood never had a Christian name. His parents were unable to agree on one they liked, and decided to wait and let him choose his own. And he never did.
William Perry said nothing for fifty years. He wasn’t dumb. But on his wedding-day, when his bride jilted him, he vowed at the altar not to speak a word till she came back; which she never did. And kept his word.
“The New Book of Days” June 6 by Eleanor Farjeon
On Tiffany Creek 