Boom! Little Bambinos

On Sunday, we will gather to celebrate Mother’s Day. Whether you celebrate moms of children, pets, or simply of good intentions, we will eat good food, tell old stories and cherish the memories of motherhood and families.

I am fortunate. Every day is Mother’s Day in a grower’s life.

From January to October, I have the honor of watching over budding charges, full of potential, full of unknown. Each week, I push tiny seeds into soil, place them on heat maps and gently water. After a few days or so a miracle occurs and a small plant breaks through the soil. Day after day the seedlings grow before my eyes.

Even after starting thousands of seeds the thrill of watching them grow never wanes. My favorite part of the day is turning on their overhead lights, watering them, talking to them.

Growing, for me, is all about the constant chance for renewal, for reinvention, for a fresh start. Sure, things inevitably go wrong along the way. Little plants are lost to wind, to cold, to lack of water. But more often than not they make it. And more often than not I stand amazed.

It occurred to me today, while harvesting baby spinach, it was just eight short weeks ago when Natalie and I stood in the kitchen pressing tiny seeds into tiny blocks of soil. And here we were, harvesting, washing, drying, and bagging crate loads for tomorrow’s market.

For the next four days, we’ll be out at the stand talking up the tenderness and flavor of the dark green morsels like proud parents. And, in the moments between customers, we will start another round of seeds. They will be put on heat mats, gently watered, encouraged and the thrill will start all over again.

Here’s to constant renewal. To reinvention and a fresh start. Here’s to all the moms out there, no matter who your current charge is, without your encouragement and care we wouldn’t be who we are. Happy Mother’s Day and thank you for all you do.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Carolyn

#FarmLife