Preserving One’s Harvest – Survival on the Road

It occurred to me the other day that we’ve been on this island longer than we’ve been anywhere for the past eight years.  There’s no denying that Nico and I both have restless spirits, just like there’s no denying we feel rather antsy having-been semi-rooted for more than two years.  In so many ways, we are the same…he and I.

What is so-very different about us is that we have opposite beliefs on how we should spend our individual time while we’re sitting still and not on the road.  My husband believes we shouldn’t get too comfortable, nor should we involve ourselves too much in our surroundings; since we won’t be sticking around for long.  –At least that’s the usual plan.

I believe we should live each day to the fullest, and enjoy what is available for the making…for the taking.  I am a social person, although I’m very picky about the friends I make and the folks I allow into my space…or my life.  But most of all, my love for Mother Earth and gardening won’t let me sit in one place for an entire growing season and not grow something.

That said, I have become re-acquainted with preserving my harvest this year.  For the past two growing seasons, I’ve been getting to know my new sub-tropical climate; getting to know what I can…or cannot grow here.  Both seasons, I’ve had a lot of luck with tomatoes.  Squash or cukes of any variety?  –Not so much!

This year, having a bumper crop of tomatoes, poblanos, banana peppers, gypsy peps, and a ton of foraged citrus (fallen from trees around the island, and left to rot)…I decided to get back to one of my favorite things in this world — canning my harvest. 

And while my husband sees no purpose in growing and preserving, I know in my heart…in my spirit, that–like the birds, squirrels, and wild life around us– us human-folk must also reap what we sow.  Squirreling away my ‘nuts’ for the winter, or a day when we are in need, is the right thing to do.

Growing and foraging our food should be second-nature for us humans.  But in so many ways, humanity has lost touch with nature…and true survival.  For anyone who has ever read Euell Gibbons’ books on foraging, you quickly come to realize…the more you read, just how much we’re all missing by not being one with nature; in touch and in the mix.

Instinctually, with the voices of my ancestors speaking to me in so many ways, I cannot help but grow and preserve, forage and store, the riches Mother Earth and Mother Ocean offer-up for the picking, gathering, hunting or catching.  Being the descendant of nomadic peoples, it is only natural for me to be like the wild ones; for the survival of my tribe, no matter where we may wander or roam.

*Harvest What You Sow — Gather the Goodness of Mother Earth*

 

Thoughts on Being a Gypsy

It seems to me that there’s been a spike in popularity when it comes to folks wanting to mimic the Gipsy way of life. Well, let me just say; it looks pretty and all (the clothing styles, the caravans painted bright exotic colors) from the outside looking in, but in reality, it’s a very hard-fought way of life. I cannot claim to be a Gipsy by origin , though we’ve been referred to as-such many times (hence the name Gypsy Vin Rose).

I can however, resonate with the way of life: moving often, though not as often as one might like, for lack of money (no residual income or retirement to keep us going); doing anything…everything to make a living (which often includes salvaging items from curbsides to sell…or selling aluminum/metal, thus saving it from the landfills); playing music for measly tips and meager offerings of passersby…but performing or playing for the love of music; living in a trailer (though many frown-down their noses at such living arrangements); shying away from many situations where crowds or socializing is involved (most Gypsies like to keep to themselves); overcoming the pressures to conform to societal molds; persecution for not being, or living, like everyone else; homeschooling of children, to keep them from the influences of others; being seen as outcasts by many mainstreamers, though they all want to act like Gypsies.

I could go on and on, when it comes to how actually living like…or being a Gipsy is different from just saying you are a Gypsy. Most folks are just full of a lot of hot air, though very few want to make the sacrifices or give up their luxury autos or 2 story brick monstrosities, nor do they want to scrounge for a living or live small in a trailer. They do, however, have no problem with saying they are Gipsy and dressing the part for their own image-appeal.

One thing that comes to my mind when I do see so many trying to play the part is: if you’re going to talk about it…try being about it. It’s not an easy way of life when you don’t have thousands to spend on travel, and you feel the need to keep on the move to avoid persecution. That is the Gipsy way of life.

I just wanted to share. Agree or disagree. It is….what it is.

Blessings & .V..