When I was a kid my Dad had the entire backyard under intensive cultivation. We had a half acre section, and this means that over quarter of an acre was the source of our everyday organic vegetables. Sparkling stems of silver beet was a common sight, however I’m very sure Dad would have looked on these golden beet stems (grown in Dad’s garden by my sister) with joy.
While we were growing up Dad’s sweat and dedication provided us with a kitchen garden lush with healthy and vibrant food – a legacy worth a king’s ransom – but without a single photo to remember it by. It’s a fairly regular guilt moment for me – Dad’s garden was so normal to us that we never took a moment to photograph his huge efforts, and the efforts were huge. Instead of the traditional meat and two veg (peas and potatoes) meal, it was normal for us to have a meat and 12 veg. Twelve veg? Sure. Potatoes, pumpkin, parsnips, carrots, onions, kumera, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, green and butter beans, broad beans (urgh!), and sweet corn. Oh, and silver beet. Mostly from seeds Dad had saved himself. Unimaginable in today’s hectic life. If you ever notice the common being done uncommonly well – please – take a photo. The opportunity passes so quickly. Tomorrow is Father’s Day, and I’m missing Dad more than ever.
Manifesto
11. Every day do something for someone else.
18. Every day express love. Some people need to hear it. Most people need to see it. Don’t take it for granted.
20. Every day say thank you.
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