I'm rather loath to call myself an organic gardener, simply because it's the way I've always done things (as did my forebears). I prefer to think of myself as just an ordinary veg' grower.
But there I was, sitting up at Haddock's recently, thinking about organic growing, and how privileged we all are to be able to eat good healthy fresh food each day. And then I thought about how wonderful nature is, and how generous are her everyday miracles, and how we should appreciate them more than we do.
I thought about the miracle of honey and cheese, and of olive oil and potatoes, of chickens and of wine, and of all those edible molluscs of the sea. And I thought maybe there should be some international secular form of 'thanksgiving' that could be muttered under one's breath when presented with such miracles.
We take far too much for granted.
wonderful photos, Cro.
ReplyDeleteGrowing food is such a worthwhile (and entertaining) enterprise and has always been a good reminder to me that the simple things are best. Before I get too creaky, I would love the opportunity to live where I could grow extensively again, for I have fond memories of planning plots, helping plants along, searching through cookbooks for the best recipes for my soon-to-be harvest. I love canning and freezing for enjoyment throughout the year. Such a delight to have done this, with hard work and mother nature at my side. It's a no-brainer for those of us who love delicious and nutritious vittles. And, goes without saying, enjoy a quiet life of self-sufficiency.
My very best wishes and care to you Tara. You are in my thoughts!
DeleteI have been growing food and tending animals for most of my adult life and have always appreciated the wonders of nature - now I'm in my twilight years I hope to be able to continue to do so. The awesomeness of it all puts all the other minor stuff in life into perspective.
ReplyDeleteMy people were not 'lacking'; but they always had an extensive garden. OK, they employed gardeners to do the work, but the ethic was always onmi-present. I learned so much!
Delete"Amen" to all the above...and don't forget the miracle of flour, yeast and water turning into bread.
ReplyDeleteQuite right. Bread is one of the greatest.
DeleteI heard on the radio this morning that due to the inclement weather we've had this year the supermarkets are now going to sell 'ugly' fruit and veg that does not comform to the uniform shapes that have been required in the past.
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh. When it suits them they change the rules.
Being a Pagan, I appreciate all life on earth and that includes plant life.
Nice post
Briony
x
Methinks you celebrate too much to be a committed atheist.
ReplyDeleteOh, but I am Sir.
DeleteI'm not religious, but I'm not an atheist. Well, I'm not sure what I am! I don't believe in an old bearded guy sitting up in heaven. I definitely don't believe in hell. I just figure humans are not the top of the universal food chain, and I like to think some part of us goes on to something better. But anyway, I just say a little thanks in my head once in awhile. I figure it's good to put that out there, wherever it goes... :)
ReplyDeleteANd the world really is full of beautiful, miraculous things (as well as a lot of horrible stuff.)
In my younger days I had large organic vegetable gardens. It was a family project which made it even more wonderful and memorable. Now in these years, I only do a small garden of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and herbs. I grow them just for the two of us and the local food bank. It takes a lot of work but is very satisfying. Last week I took it down (except for the herbs), but still have many green tomatoes that are ripening on window sills and in paper bags. Your Haddocks is marvelous and I can understand your spiritual feelings toward it. I have a similar attitude in all I grow, whether it be my flowers, my trees, or my food. Dirt under my fingernails is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter if you're a deist or an atheist; appreciation and gratitude for life's blessings is in itself uplifting.
ReplyDeletetoo right
DeleteNice post, Cro. I, too, am an atheist (with pagan leanings)and sometimes I want a way to express my gratitude for good food, gardens, sunshine, etc. I am somewhat at a loss, too, but I never fail to appreciate all those good things.
ReplyDeleteLike minds. Maybe we should start an appreciation society!
DeleteWe sure do, Cro. I try to be grateful for all that comes from the Earth. We could not live without it. Thanks for reminding me.
ReplyDeleteP.S. After reading the above posts of atheist or not, it (bounties of the Earth)has nothing to do with religion , but in my humble opinion, it is just being grateful for what we are given.
DeleteThat's exactly what I was trying to suggest. Gratitude without bowing down to some non-existant spook.
DeleteThank you for this gentle reminder.
ReplyDeleteMonday (10/8) is Thanksgiving in Canada...we will all be together at a meal of magnificence bar none (regardless of what is served). I am grateful to whom/whatever with full knowledge it is a power greater than myself.
ReplyDelete