Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Harvest time

We have a couple of plum trees in our backyard, and right now I'm doing my best to use all the plums they are giving to us.  It's the way I was brought up - to be thankful for a rich harvest, to preserve the best of it and enjoy it for years to come.



As I show my wee girl how to make plum jam, I hear my mother's voice and feel her hand guiding me.



I miss her voice, I miss her dimply, twinkling smile.... but as we (as a family) brace ourselves for the worst, I'm trying to focus on the rich harvest of her life.  She nourished with love, thoughtfulness and humility, and she lives on in her children, grandchildren and community in countless ways. 


When my daughter grows up, she may not have any memory of her grandmother - but there's something comforting in the knowledge that she'll know how to make plum jam. She may even have a daughter of her own one day, and will teach her to make it.

22 comments:

thornberry said...

Oh Nikki, what a beautiful, poignant post. I am shedding tears for you and your mother, although I suspect that you are shedding plenty of your own. You are a very wise woman, and are clearly passing your mother's knowledge on to your daughter in more ways than jam.

Cathie said...

sounds like a beautiful tradition.
{hugs} Nikki.

Anonymous said...

what to say?
A big hug, dear Nikki!

trash said...

A mother's love shines through these words.

Gillian R said...

Nikki, I'm sure your mother would be very proud to know that you are teaching your poppet the thoughtful ways of making the most of what you are given.
Just like now, when it seems as a family you are being deeply challenged, you are finding it in yourself to focus on some positives in your day and in your thoughts of your mother.
I wish you much strength Nikki. xxxx

Leonie Guld said...

Our plums aren't ready yet...but when the time comes its all hands on deck to get the jam going. I hope my kids will be able to remember it...if not I hope my recipe book will be treasured buy them...even if a few pages are stuck together and the pages are torn!! xx

MiM said...

what a beautiful post :) thankyou

Jan said...

What lovely memories, Nikki. Thank you so much for sharing them. When I was a child, my late mum and I stitched, baked and knitted together and those memories are so special to me. She died last year, and every time I do those things I think of her; it is a sad feeling but lovely too.

sooz said...

Nikki, I can't agree more with Lara, such a terrible time, such wisdom to be able to take from it as much goodness as you do. Growing older brings with it such complex events, filled with sadness, as well as a greater appreciation of the rhythm and cycles of life. A beautiful post, thank you.

Gay McDonell said...

Beautiful plums, bountiful jams, and thoughtful words.

laura said...

What a sad post. To me, you're far too young to have to go through this. But it really is important for little ones have something to hang on to, some kind of tradition that they too can pass on.

anna said...

That is a LOT of jam. It certainly will last you the winter!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing, and the insights. That's what is it is all about, passing homegoodness from generation to generation.

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

Lovely post, delicous looking jam & yes, my 4 children never got to meet one grandmother, too sad. I try to think up things & ways for them to remind her, like her 1960's Woman's Weekly cook book which we use frequently. We just talk Nanny like she's with us. Her love obviously lives on in your skills & a million other ways you probably don't even notice. Love Posie

Nikki said...

Lara's words are just as beautiful as yours Nikki.

Anonymous said...

Big hugs Nikki. Wishing you and your family strength as you walk this unenviable path. XXOO

Kirrily said...

Oh Nikki, I wish there were adequate words... I'm glad that in this difficult time you're able to hold onto these special little things - as bittersweet as they must be. x

Fer said...

Lovely post, and so very true. I think when we're making jam or bread we suddenly feel a stronger connection with all those women who came before us, providing for their family.

Cathy {tinniegirl} said...

Sending you lots of thoughts and friendship through this time. Anytime you need a friend, a chat, a quiet cuppa, you know where to come. xxx

Michelle said...

From the first bud to the fat fruit and finally the sweetest jam. A mothers love knows no boundaries and lives on in us all, as we teach our little ones what we were taught as children. Strength be with all of us when it comes to our personal challenges.

prashant said...

sounds like a beautiful tradition.

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