Fire, Smoke, and Water

I like to burn a fire while I’m watering my garden. To me there is something perfectly balanced between the heat and smoke of the fire against a pure and steady stream of fresh and cool water. There is a nice, dry pile of peach tree trimmings from the fall season ready to go up in flames quickly. I start by snapping the little twigs into armlength pieces and filling my above ground fire pit. They catch fire quick, too quick if I’m not prepared and sometimes leave me scrambling for bigger branches before it’s too late and all I have is a pile of ash and the need to start all over. Once I’ve got a good hot fire I can throw in a log or two, depending on how late into the night I’m willing to push back a bedtime, which is usually often. As the flames and smoke rise I reach for my gardening hose and as I stand in one spot after another, showering all of the plants, I look towards the fire, and back to the water. Back to the fire, and back again to the water. Both of these resources have meant survival since our species began, and I can still feel the satisfaction of having them- in my bones. If I close my eyes I can almost see images of Pangaea, the ancient world before us. I consider oceans, and volcanoes, some of natures most powerful forces and find my own power in capturing those events simply, at home. Fire and water both demand the virtue of respect, a good reminder to us all in times of social discourse and political disturbance.

The contrast between nature’s two forces, both in my own control, makes for the most pleasant experience in the back yard on a mid May evening. After everything is good and drenched but never drowned, I poke around my stack of burning peach tree trimmings and toss in another log. Last year I bought a truckload of firewood from a nice man for $80, who delivered and stacked it for me on a very rainy day. I’ve chipped away at my supply now, but still have enough for a few more months. The best way to split the wood is to use a small axe, and a 4 pound steel mallet; a two hand (but easy) job. Wedge the axe in with one swift strike, then hammer the axe into the log one tap at a time until the log splits. Sometimes a dry log will burst apart, other times (if I am still) once the axe is halfway down, I can hear the wood slowly cracking it’s way loose. I pretend splitting firewood is a necessary chore around here in order to survive, and that makes it more exciting; it’s even better to throw on a pair of overalls for the job.

Anticipating the harvest I’ve jumped ahead at making more concoctions in the kitchen. The results of the chive blossom vinegar are stunning, and I’ve been adding a drizzle to most of my plates. The little acidic zing is a cross between onion and garlic, and is a beautiful shade of lavender.

In the spirit of pickling I decided to make pickled carrots. Store bought carrots this time, chopped up nicely and added to a jar of vinegar, garlic, a light drizzle of maple syrup and a secret ingredient- a handful of thyme. This was no result of planning, just a split choice (a wise choice) made towards the end of the process.

My Friday night project was distilled rose water from a basketful of petals I plucked from my rose bush, and rose tea. The tea I’ve been adding to bath water and the distilled rose water makes for a refreshing face tonic.

I poured 2 candles with dried lavender and marjoram sprinkled in between layers of wax. As I’m typing here I’m reminded that I need to buy jars, not necessarily for canning, but for housing all of my potions. There are no rules in using herbs as I’ve said before. I don’t measure things, and usually I’m just making things up as I go along. This also means that sometimes I use too much or not enough but am always pleased to experiment. Being curious can seem like a somber trance, thinking as I use my hands to create. We look too much up online, or at least I have a tendency to. If we take all of the answers at our fingertips don’t you think we might lose the ability to imagine solutions for ourselves? Artificial intelligence answers are too easy sometimes. I’ll give this example: I have a beautiful chicken to cook for dinner and I’m not sure what else to make. I could reach down into my pocket and type “best side dish for chicken” “summer side dishes” “chicken casserole recipe.” The response is immediate, data to quickly glance through until I’ve let the internet decide for me. Don’t get me wrong because I certainly do this, however, isn’t there something better in the long run about scouring a crisping drawer or a pantry shelf and creating something of your own..? Use it or lose it must apply to thinking, and I believe if you don’t have time to cook then you could stand to re arrange your minutes.

Do have a wonderful evening.

As always, reach out to me because I do love to chat!

justicesarah67@yahoo.com