A seed is a mystery, a miracle, a cycle, a beginning and an end. Stored for years, a seed, planted and nurtured can stir life in days.
I was recently reminded of this miracle when I planted seeds from my Grandmother Emma’s garden; she died July 16, 1999 at the age of 94. The seeds (including snapdragons, onions, poppies, and geraniums) have been with me for years, kept in memory of her, and of the things she taught me.
In the years prior to my grandmother’s passing, I cooked with her, cleaned for her, and worked in her yard; beautiful with fragrant flowers, fruit trees and a bountiful garden. Culled from Emma’s yard in the fall, the seeds were stored on her on back porch, near birdseed for feeders in her yard, and clothespins used to hang her laundry. A farm girl and product of the Great Depression, my grandmother kept the seeds in recycled jars, tins and old prescription containers.
One of the greatest inspirations in my life, I spent my childhood, youth and much of my twenties at my grandmother’s north Denver home. Near the end of her life, we became extremely close. She trusted me, telling me of her life, including her hopes, fears and even her regrets. To my great fortune, my grandmother opened up with me, giving of herself and sharing with me in ways she had never done before—not with her parents, her husband, or her children.
Why plant the seeds after so many years? The short answer is timing and new inspiration.
After three decades, I reconnected with a high school friend. This seemingly simple gesture, turned into a life changing experience. Coffee led to conversations about the past, including the influence of our grandmothers, being raised by single mothers and influenced by strong women, and our passion for art including painting, printmaking, writing, typography and cooking. Commonality, trust and exchange gave way to inspiration, including the gift of a seed starter kit and this website; a way to share experiences, words and images.
Like the seeds from my grandmother’s yard, this initial post is a small beginning, a mystery of sorts, a creative adventure that will unfold in the coming months.
