Good Bye and Celebration of Mama Oak’s Life and Majesty
On Saturday July 2 – our first true summer day this year here in Berkeley – about 30 friends, old and young – are meandering through the Open Karinaland Garden, up and down the stairs. Contributing delicious food, snacking, gathering in groups on the several levels of patio and terraces beneath the live oaks. It is a sunny hot day that ends in a balmy sunset, everyone is enjoying the views, bright faces of nasturtiums, intoxicating scent of my iridescent sweet peas, and the welcome shade beneath the trees. Mama Oak feels honored, celebrated, admired in her majesty and magnificence.
(photo by Fern)
My longtime friend Renate, takes up my invitation prompting guests to wear a flamboyant colorful outfit. Her playful overalls from Creative Growth artist Lulu Sotelo, who is one of her favorites, fits perfectly into Karinaland. So fun – amazing! Thank you. Creative Growth
I forget that my nasturtiums seeds which I handpick yearly to dry in the sun and gift to people, are left on the wooden table’s back part. As dishes are accumulating, some visitors snack on those seeds, asking me what kind of nuts these are. I gasp – and laugh. What seems obvious to me, is not to others. Nobody is going to die. Nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible. I put them in my morning miso soup. They are good in salads or just snacked on while gardening, peppery, refreshing. So are the still green pods; when pickled they are used as substitute capers, a much cheaper version :) I did it two years ago, and am reminded to repeat this. The flowers’ seed pods come in clusters of three, and when ready – light green with sometimes red striped markings – they will separate and fall into your palm when touched lightly with fingertips. As with most harvesting, a sensual delight....
Many intimate stories are shared in the circle next to Mama Oak, of old times…. How she drew my late husband Bob to this place, then me, inspiring inner & outer growth and creativity in her protective and wide spread arms. How thick the canopy used to be even just 15 years ago. No sky was visible, sitting in this oak grove it was cool and wet even on hot days. Then came the drought and thinning of green foliage, giving a chance to other plants, like my colorful friends. Change. Time.
For each friend when leaving, I cut a bundle of lemon balm (melissa) to take home and make a fragrant tea that has a mellowing effect on the nervous system. Medicine from the old country.
Gratitude to all who brought their lovely presence, paying respects to Mama Oak, taking the garden’s gifts with them, reminding me of the wide support net I am lucky to be granted
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