Stories to Tell

Gardening has just the right touch of the unknown.

In Northern California, I can grow carrots in the winter. But when’s the right planting time – and when can I expect to pick them? To learn more, I went on an Internet carrot cultivation quest.

AI opined carrots are a “metaphorical reward for motivation”, listed nutritional benefits, culinary uses – and finally – growing carrots. AHA, on to carrot cultivation.

But first, I noticed a “Carrot Disassembly Hack” video demonstrating how to separate the xylem from the phloem. It tutors: “Roll the carrot with pressure so you can pull out the xylem like a cork.”  In the video’s comment section a viewer said, “This is truly a great solution in search of a problem.”  Agree.

Then, I came across carrot spiritual symbolism.  Time to circle back to carrot growing.

At last, cultivation information. Carrots are biannual.  The first year they grow their root – what we like to eat.  If left in the garden, in their second season they will continue to grow and then produce flowers and seeds.

When Life Hands you 3-Leaf Clovers

Walking along a storm overflow canal in December, I noticed clover growing after the summer rain hiatus.  I looked for one with four leaves. No luck.

Or ………… embrace their three-leaf symbolism: faith, hope, and love.

Not to mention it converts atmospheric nitrogen into a natural fertilizer.

Fabric Chickens A-Z

While making fabric chicken pincushions for a fundraiser – each one with a unique look – I starting giving them names. Along with names, their personalities evolved.

Amelia enjoys homophones, to the exasperation of her friends.  She often asks, “When you say crane do you mean the mechanical or bird variety?”

Augusta is dignified, rather like Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest

Citrine encourages optimism, going with the flow, and accepting constructive criticism.

Emily is an optimist who dwells in possibility – and is schooled in bird behavior.

Emma, a devoted Jane Austin fan, seeks to discover the proper relationship of the individual to society.

Flo claims to be a former Rockette (unverified).

Francis lives in the moment.  She subscribes to the doctrine that: “One today is worth two tomorrows.”

Gale, somewhat tempestuous, leaves a strong current in her wake.

Grace likes to quote Diana Vreeland: “A little bad taste is like a nice splash of paprika.”

May, a textile designer, has a partiality for William Morris designs.

Patience is a teacher. She uses immersive attention techniques with remarkable success.

Penny is a homebody who likes to cook – vegan.

Taxi (real name: Roberta) is a Lyft driver and an aspiring actor.

Zelda, a creative and cultural activist, has a surprising passion for video games.

On a wildlife safari to the micro world of moss, I experienced these ancient plants’ tiny world.

These bryophytes have no true roots or flowers – they absorb water and nutrients directly.

Moss has been called the “slipcover of rocks” and the “patron saint of floral lost causes”.  Mosses are fillers of walkway crevices, creators of microhabitats for friends, and developers of new ecosystems.  They soak up rain, stabilize soil, and some are luminous.