Wednesday, June 20

Harvest Justice

That's it: tomorrow summer officially begins. June 21st, the longest day of the year. Summer: the sunshine, the trees in bloom, succulent water melons, water games, the beach. I love it, I love it, I love it. I love the zest of lime squeeze on grilled fish. The sun on my skin. The smell of mature yellow peaches in sweet white wine. The taste of apricots that melt on your tongue ever so slowly. My grandad used to call me, and often still does, 'the little apricot lady'. He delights in telling the tale of the day I was born. A hot summer day when they were picking apricots in the fields and they had to rush to the hospital because little baby me was born - with a two week delay... Then growing up, in the shadow of my grandparents, spending my summers playing about around convivial apricot pickers. Then making jams and fruit juices in my grandma's kitchen out of the more ripen ones. In goes the sugar, the hot water bubbling away in the scorching sun, the stench of chicken's poo (which God knows why you are told 'is good for ya'!) mixed to the fragrant aroma of blended fruits..a cheeky little finger stealing a taste of the precious nectar..Nana telling you off, then my little hurt frown, then her heartily laugh; she chocks a little from too much laughing, her voluptuous figure fluttering, then brings her wrist to her face and one at a time swiftly dries her eyes from tears of joy. There is no-one in the whole wide world like my nana! I started off writing this post with a completely different agenda in mind - now, having stumbled upon some beautiful memories, I realize how lucky and blessed I have been. I received some of the most precious gifts in this world: life, a great family and, above all, the gift of a truly happy childhood. I wonder how many people can count on that.

6 comments:

Come Back Brighter said...

Do you enjoy watersports in the summer?

Tanya Heasley said...

Did I just read an extract from a book 'cause that was great writing?

Also are you describing British weather 'cause I'd like to know where in Britain that is.

The Wee Italian Chick said...

Oh, thanks Tanya!!! No, that's all me - as we say back home "it is all flour off my sack!". And that's a real story from my childhood, back in Italy. Got so many tales and anectdotes I could write a couple of books about them!

Jay: I am a former semi-professional swimmer. Guess I have flippers in my genes!!! Love water sports/games.

Tanya Heasley said...

Wow Ivonne semi-pro swimmer! Do you still compete?

The Wee Italian Chick said...

I wish, Tanya!!! I gave up pro swimming when I became more committed as a Christian (most competions are on at week-ends, you see). Sometimes I really miss it, who knows - I am planning on picking it up again when I move back to Italy..my "mystery guy" is a pro waterpolo player!!! Happy days!

Gorilla Bananas said...

Summer-loving girls are the best! I'm glad to find you in a sunny mood, Ivonne.