What’s Your Inner Smile?
A sunny, but breezy, afternoon on the mountain seemed like the perfect time to investigate an old, forsaken orchard by the cottage. As I walked toward the grove, I noticed heirloom apple as well as pear, peach, and chestnut trees standing in a structured fashion. The weathered beauties welcomed me into a kind of garden room filled with the sounds of air moving through leaves, creaking woods, chirping crickets, and the occasional buzzing bee. Some of the trees were still flourishing with full foliage and ripening fruit; whereas, others were not. One old, gnarled peach tree stood entirely void of leaves or fruit, and sadly, not even a bird or bee alighted on its lonely branches. While tiptoeing carefully through the tall grass to ensure I didn’t step on any wildlife—particularly the cold-blooded kind, I happily discovered three or four mature high bush blueberry shrubs heavy with ripe fruit. I picked a blueberry and popped it into my mouth—sweet and tart.
After picking a few more blueberries, my eyes settled on something that made my heart smile: Random canes of black raspberries growing out of blueberry shrubs and beside apple trees–some intertwined with pink thistles. I was elated! I hadn’t seen black raspberries in over a decade on the farm. I fondly remembered sitting at Grandma Rieley’s old, oak kitchen table watching her make black raspberry preserves. And, getting to enjoy leftovers, still warm, on a piece of bread. Although there weren’t many black raspberry canes, and most of them were entangled with other shrubs, flowers, and trees, I didn’t care. I felt so grateful to find them in this unexpected place.
Here’s the thing: You just never know where you may find your inner smile. 🙂
“There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the passion of life.”
~Federico Fellini (1920-1993)
Categories: Tuesday Tunes
When I first saw your raspberry photos I said to myself, “I have never seen red blackberries before!” BUT, it appears this is such a thing as black raspberries, who knew??? How fortunate for you to find those bushes, it is definitely a reason to smile! xo
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I was thrilled! 😊
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Amongst the brambles was a delighted treat T- LOL xx
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A wonderful treat, indeed. 😊 xo
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xo
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Beautiful thought to go with wonderful photos Tonya! We get them growing in our hedge!!
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Thanks so much, Ritu. I just love black raspberries! You’re fortunate to have them growing so close to you. 😊
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I never eat them lol!
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😊
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mmmmmm. berries. I’d be making me some jelly. 🙂
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That’s a great idea, Jim! Thanks. 😊
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Tonya,
Your post awoke my inner smile 😀
This is such a beautifully written description of your orchard. I almost felt that I was there too. It kinda reminded me of a secret garden.
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That’s really sweet of you to say. Thank you for such a thoughtful and kind comment, Melody. I’m so glad you liked it! 😊
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What a wonderful find Tonya. I have never tried black raspberries, but I love ordinary ones and I love blackberries too!!! 🙂
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If you like raspberries and blackberries, then you would probably enjoy black raspberries. They’re great in jam or cobbler! 😊
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Yumm, I bet, and in a crumble too 😉
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Definitely! 😊
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Beautiful berries… 🙂
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😊
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Tonya, I saw in a big park, several black raspberry branches, now I know they are “canes.” They made me smile, as well as having my youngest daughter to walk with plus a mother wild turkey and 3 little gobblers. 🙂
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How delightful! It’s always special to observe mothers with their young in nature. I bet the turkey pullets were cute! 😊
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Sharing inner smiles is a wonderful idea. I enjoyed this so much.
Now you can return to your black raspberries each year.
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Thank you!
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