19 Comments
Aug 26, 2023Liked by Shannan Martin

I tabled at local church’s peach festival last week because they invited local nonprofits to do so (I work for a regional land trust). Bowls deep and wide with vanilla ice cream were piled high with this summer’s best peaches. And it was a delicious and beautiful communion for all—really, truly for all! No homogeneity here. And I got to feast and call these folks community too. My favorite was a guy named Chip who showed me photos of irises on his phone.

Expand full comment
author

My peach source lost their harvest to a late freeze. 😭 This sounds wonderful.

Expand full comment

Yes and amen. Took a real deep breath as I read this.

Expand full comment
Aug 26, 2023Liked by Shannan Martin

Same.

Expand full comment
Aug 26, 2023Liked by Shannan Martin

One of my favorite essays from you. Thank you 🩵

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, Mary. 🩷

Expand full comment
Aug 26, 2023Liked by Shannan Martin

The basil aoli sounds wonderful. Do you chop or process the basil leaves?

Expand full comment
author

It is BONKERS GOOD. I throw it all in the food processor at the same time and whirl it! Add more lemon juice if it seems too thick.

Expand full comment

Thank you! Can’t wait to try it!

Expand full comment
Aug 26, 2023Liked by Shannan Martin

Beautiful writing and expression of that often languid push and pull of summer. Do you know about using those spent berries to make a shrub?

Expand full comment
author

The weird thing about me is that I love acid and vinegar but I don't think I love shrubs? This makes me want to try again...

Expand full comment

Mix 1C each sugar and mashed fruit in a jar. Leave on the counter for a day, shaking on occasion, until sugar is dissolved. Add 3/4 c white wine vinegar, shake and put in fridge for a few days. Strain and return to fridge for a few days. Add an ounce to 6 oz cold club soda. Garnish and feel festive. ❤️

Expand full comment

I so enjoy your writing :)

Expand full comment

Our refrigerator died without me noticing. Had to throw out lots of stuff. I'm fortunate, I have a back up frig. I also have a freezer...my privilege allows me to buy another frig. I feel guilty for long enough to do refrigerate research and figure out when to move money around. I have to remember who we regularly share meals with :my daughter's family and my four grands and my 92 year old adopted great grandmother( for my grands, not me). My comforts and blessings allow me to continue to keep my table open to family and friends whose eyes I need to look in. Those blackberries look amazing. Thanks for the new read.

Expand full comment

I haven’t picked our blackberries yet, because I worry I will just leave them to ferment by accident.

My god mother, Joyce, often quotes Desmond Tutu, who once said, ‘life is untidy.’ It helps x

Expand full comment

Morning all. 3 things to share.

1) Did I say Martha is more & more my favourite disciple. Please imagine every time someone talks her down, I'm pulling my Maggie Smith from Downton face.

2) August has been tough. Al has been through it w/ her health (again!)

3) We did 'no mow may' in our garden this year. We've got crickets and butterflies as a result.

Expand full comment

Good Looooooord i love this. Just beauty.

Expand full comment

So so appreciated your words. It's so easy, at least for me, to start down that rabbit hole of shame. But to see God through it, to let God be there through it, and recognizing the blessings and forgiveness he has for us - that's pretty awesome.

Expand full comment

Ahhh. Amen. We are not in trouble.

We are here in the garden together.

Expand full comment