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 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.
🍁
I was sitting here, thinking the same. 🥕
Thanks, Rose. Come by and taste a carrot anytime you're in the neighborhood.
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
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.
This was fantastic. 🥕💕
I love every bit of this ❤️
I always enjoy your stories, Robin. This is my favorite time of the year. Happy Fall to you and yours.
Likewise, Charlotte. Fall is an amazing time to share with friends.