Thank you Robin, you brought tears to my eyes. I’ve always remembered reading that the Shaker utopian communities planted enough so that animals and stray humans could take some in their need and there would still be enough for the community.
I love this idea. in some communities it comes with a rhyme when you're planting, and I've heard it in many different versions. "One for the mouse, one for the crow, one to rot, and one to grow." But the rhymes never mention the gift of food to people who may wander through, and it would be nice to fix that.
I’m also growing an edible garden for our community. Our fruit trees are still young but we’re staring to get a small harvest. Hoping to start sharing in the next few years!
PS: I have a bunch of different fig trees at home in Northern California and my nerdy wife checked, the desert king figs ripen in the PNW. I’m happy to send you some scions this winter (January or February) if you’d like to root them. You probably already know how to do it but if not, it’s super easy, I can tell you ☺️
You got it! I usually prune them around January/February. I can mail them to you then. Let me know if you need instructions on how to root them as well 😉
It makes me miss living in the PNW, where the abundance of my garden was overwhelming. I loved nothing more than taking a bundle of cucumbers or fresh asparagus to neighbours, or inviting them over to pick several pounds of blueberries and raspberries. So often the neighbours would try to offer me money and I pointed out we had more than enough to share—that was the point.
Beautiful prose, Robin! I'm so happy to see others share their experiences with homelessness here. It's such an impossible experience to describe. For a long time I don't think I could tell these kinds of stories in a way that would be empowering. I think, like you, I've had to garden and see myself within nature. Thank you for writing and sharing this.
Beautifully written, tender insight. We need more community orchards and veg gardens for those people in our community who are under resourced and unhoused. Many of us are just one salary payment or one family argument away from these kinds of situations. And anyway - sharing, sharing. Also, I'm glad you're securely housed now and have people around you.
I'm sitting here with tears down my face. This is such a gorgeous thing, your words. The celebration of autumn, of seasons, of abundance and hope. And then the sharp truth of the pain you still carry. And all that comes out of my heart is love. For the you of then, and the you of now. I am truly so glad to call you friend, to know you .
I was very, very poor for a long time. Food, electricity and safety never guaranteed. So I know poverty leaves these deep, deep scars. But I was never homeless; I can't even imagine how much harder it must to have gone through that. So, yeah. Love is all I got. <3
I don't think poverty or homelessness need to compete. They each bring their own scars and joys and memories. We each had to go through these things to be where we are now, and I wouldn't sacrifice that. Your friendship is worth what it took to get here.
This was beautiful Robin - and your garden is as well! I love reading you describe all the various plants and vegetables … I long for a garden one day. Thank you for sharing this piece of you with us - and for encouraging people to open their hearts to the experience of homelessness.
It is a genuine privilege to grow things in my garden, and I try not to take it for granted. There were so many of my own years when I didn't have space to call my own. So if sharing words and photos brings that growth to you, then it's a gift I'm happy to offer.
I think this may be my favorite piece of yours yet, Robin.
It has it all. Humor, food, Fall, gardening, family, heart, reflection, loss…
I pity those who still have all of their very-safe-carrots but don’t get the opportunity to be your friend or read this story.
🍁
Thanks, Rose. Come by and taste a carrot anytime you're in the neighborhood.
I was sitting here, thinking the same. 🥕
Yes! A really thoughtful and tender ligh-touch piece on some enormous issues. Beautifully done.
Thank you Robin, you brought tears to my eyes. I’ve always remembered reading that the Shaker utopian communities planted enough so that animals and stray humans could take some in their need and there would still be enough for the community.
I love this idea. in some communities it comes with a rhyme when you're planting, and I've heard it in many different versions. "One for the mouse, one for the crow, one to rot, and one to grow." But the rhymes never mention the gift of food to people who may wander through, and it would be nice to fix that.
That’s community, realizing then celebrating that we’re woven together (whether we see it every day or not).
Powerful words as always, my friend.
so moving and needed -- thank you
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing, Robin. 🔥✊🏻💜
I’m also growing an edible garden for our community. Our fruit trees are still young but we’re staring to get a small harvest. Hoping to start sharing in the next few years!
PS: I have a bunch of different fig trees at home in Northern California and my nerdy wife checked, the desert king figs ripen in the PNW. I’m happy to send you some scions this winter (January or February) if you’d like to root them. You probably already know how to do it but if not, it’s super easy, I can tell you ☺️
Oh yes!! I would love a scion from your fig tree! You are the best!!
You got it! I usually prune them around January/February. I can mail them to you then. Let me know if you need instructions on how to root them as well 😉
Thank you for this.
It makes me miss living in the PNW, where the abundance of my garden was overwhelming. I loved nothing more than taking a bundle of cucumbers or fresh asparagus to neighbours, or inviting them over to pick several pounds of blueberries and raspberries. So often the neighbours would try to offer me money and I pointed out we had more than enough to share—that was the point.
Beautiful prose, Robin! I'm so happy to see others share their experiences with homelessness here. It's such an impossible experience to describe. For a long time I don't think I could tell these kinds of stories in a way that would be empowering. I think, like you, I've had to garden and see myself within nature. Thank you for writing and sharing this.
Beautifully written, tender insight. We need more community orchards and veg gardens for those people in our community who are under resourced and unhoused. Many of us are just one salary payment or one family argument away from these kinds of situations. And anyway - sharing, sharing. Also, I'm glad you're securely housed now and have people around you.
I adore the structure of this piece as well as the message. Thanks for sharing.
May your bounty and generosity be returned to you many times over.
Felt it! Thanks!
I’ve got something for your anthology. Will send soon :)
L.R., that warms my heart!
I'm sitting here with tears down my face. This is such a gorgeous thing, your words. The celebration of autumn, of seasons, of abundance and hope. And then the sharp truth of the pain you still carry. And all that comes out of my heart is love. For the you of then, and the you of now. I am truly so glad to call you friend, to know you .
I was very, very poor for a long time. Food, electricity and safety never guaranteed. So I know poverty leaves these deep, deep scars. But I was never homeless; I can't even imagine how much harder it must to have gone through that. So, yeah. Love is all I got. <3
I don't think poverty or homelessness need to compete. They each bring their own scars and joys and memories. We each had to go through these things to be where we are now, and I wouldn't sacrifice that. Your friendship is worth what it took to get here.
This was beautiful Robin - and your garden is as well! I love reading you describe all the various plants and vegetables … I long for a garden one day. Thank you for sharing this piece of you with us - and for encouraging people to open their hearts to the experience of homelessness.
It is a genuine privilege to grow things in my garden, and I try not to take it for granted. There were so many of my own years when I didn't have space to call my own. So if sharing words and photos brings that growth to you, then it's a gift I'm happy to offer.
It absolutely brings happiness! Plus I adore fall vegetables. Squash, garlic, onion… everything is so pretty in the fall.
This was fantastic. 🥕💕
I love every bit of this ❤️