I have been away leaving G, my neighbour, in charge of feeding the animals : a holiday of sorts for a handful of days, very far away and always closer to me, slow progress, a car, a train, a boat, a lot of sitting down and looking and seeing, a lot of waiting, walking, a drive, a field full of people I had never met before. Wait, remembering to breathe, to make a wish, I am safe. I felt a lot of things I do not necessary have words for, a lot took place outside of my head, farther than the mind, precious. Talked a lot, listened a lot, enjoyed people (and some may become friends), learned a new song, stretched my awareness.
I came back in a little cloud of gratitude, it took a long time to feel I had landed back onto this soil although it feels I always carry it with me, but eh, the renewed perspectives ! A trip that was like a warm hug, and I like hugs. I had packed my tent, clothes and things in a large US postal bag loaded up onto a trolley I had bought when I was in New York in 1997, perhaps all travelling is linked somehow.
M gave me a fencing tool to bring back to my everyday, I did not mention it but he must have guessed that I treasure rusty metal and would not mind the added weight. A tool for cutting metal and stretching wire and remembering our conversations. A tool to hold and remember that when you struggle with your job in your field you are not alone, ever. I aim to send him a little parcel of hand-made things from fruit, leaf, wood or flower from here as barter.
I came back to enjoy steamed new potatoes, with butter and a basil leaf with every bite. Is that a recipe ? Perhaps it is too simple to be called a recipe, but it is indeed a marvel for July.
I like the image of a field full of people unknown. And a man who just happens to have fencing tools handy for handing out, And that marvel for July is for me, too.
I’m glad you were able to see it in your mind’s eye, being there is just what I needed,
Enjoy your potatoes !