My younger sister Rica called me few days ago from Ojai, to check on me and my foot. I gave her physical details: the pain, the bruises, the swelling, and an over all picture of ugliness of my foot. Then I jumped to the most challenging aspect of this predicament: “staying planted.”
“You know,” I said, “I think in some ways, it’s been a good exercise for me, but I’ve really realized how difficult it can be for me to just sort of stay planted.”
Rica very casually responded back, “ I know, it’s hard to keep you in one place.”
“ Who me? “ I replied, in some sort of shock that she knows this.
“Yeah.”
“I know.”
We both laughed with a sort of mutual understanding.
There is something very liberating and grounding about knowing that someone understands you as well as a sister does. You see, Rica knows probably almost as well as I do that I like a lot of movement in my life. I am a very active person- active mind and active body. I like to keep those two elements engaged so that my mind doesn’t go too “ape shit,” on me. Needless to say this injury has required me to get creative with ways to keep these two elements engaged.
“But hey, I started planting some herbs,” I later told her, “to keep me busy and I’m loving that.”
“Awesome!” she replied.
It was exciting to share this news with Rica, because she has some stellar gardening skills. Many a times, we have nibbled on her garden’s goodies during visits. I had been holding out on starting a garden until my little sissy could come down and hold my hand through the process. But I’ve been stuck at home, so I decided to be a big girl and start one on my own (sort of.) Besides, I figure that little snot can at least come down to help water. And then we will cook a fabulous meal with the food from the garden, and listen to music and drink wine and talk and be goofy and, and, and… Is it apparent that I miss her? Anyway…
Nibbles from Rica's garden- Remembering some egg souffle that we made with her homegrown Swiss chard
As much as I enjoy local fresh grown food, I have no experience actually growing it. While I have many friends (and my sister Rica) who are expert gardeners, I have been sort of intimidated by this simple little hobby. With the exception of the basil plants that I have kept by my window in many little apartments, I have never done any real planting. Fortunately, I’ve had my friend Mary to run me through the basics of elementary gardening and even drive me to Armstrong’s for some soil. Thanks Mary!
Now I have a few pots and a couple of small boxes of things I can eat right outside my door. In terms of herbs, I planted some rosemary, basil, mint, cilantro, Italian parsley, thyme and purple basil. I also started some Swiss chard, a Serrano Pepper plant and a Poblano Pepper plant.
Little baby Poblano,can't wait till he gets bigger!
While my garden is petite and only calls for rudimentary care, I am really jazzed about it. Getting some stuff planted has helped me to find peace in keeping myself planted. I have really enjoyed getting my hands in the dirt. Going out to care for my herbs each day is both relaxing and stimulating. However, the most epic reward is the ability to just walk outside and pick the herbs that I want while cooking.
Yesterday I used my fresh mint to throw together delightful afternoon treat- Mint,melon and cucumber salad.
Ovenhappy 