I have a peach tree in my backyard that produced so much fruit that I've been covered in peach guts for the last 4 days. This tree taught me a lot though. When I first saw the fruit was ripening, I panicked. I thought, how on earth am I going to use all that fruit? There is no way we can eat it all before it goes bad! I tried to think of people I could give it to. I thought of maybe putting a "FREE PEACHES" sign in my front yard. I even thought about opening a stand at my local farmer's market. Then, while having a casual conversation with my sister, she mentioned she was going to can peaches with her mother in-law. I thought to myself, Duh, Erika! PRESERVE the peaches!
So far, I have 28 jars of peach halves, 20 jars of jam and new memories with my sister and my grandmother in-law. Each jar is sealed and has an incredibly long shelf life. So, why didn't I think of preserving my peaches? Why was it is so cut and dry to me that all I could do was eat my fill and then let the rest go bad? Did this have to do with a skill set I did or didn't have?
Speaking of skill sets I'm developing, I've been researching cleaning techniques. While watching a recording of a cleaning seminar, the speaker began talking about image. Having studied sociology, the thought of image dictating skill sets really struck home and I immediately began thinking of my peaches. As much as I may not want to admit it, I've spent most of my life developing my talents for my education and my job. I was successful in school and I was successful at work and yet, when I'm just in my home I find myself stumbling over the same problems time and time again. Did I somehow think homemaking would come naturally and therefore I wouldn't need to take the time to figure it out? I've also learned, the best way to develop homemaking skills is at the side of someone who knows. Book knowledge will only go so far.
So, what has this peach tree taught me? One: Our elders know a lot more than I ever gave them credit for. So what if they can't perfectly discuss the latest economic trends? They know how to get stains out of carpets, marker off walls, keep the tiny ugly germs away from little ones and live providently. Two: whether it is my harvest or my bank account, I need to "preserve" my bounty while the times are good. I need to make sure to not just splurge and waste my excess, but to put some away. If we're smart, we can be enjoying the sweet things all year long.
This is something I've thought a lot about. I don't think I had considered until recently that homemaking is a talent that I don't have naturally, but I *can* practice and get better at. I want to learn how to garden and can, too, but I'm totally intimidated on that one!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great message because yesterday Debbie (mom-in-law) asked if I wanted this metal thing that I can't describe right (made of metal, kind of like a pan but has a turny bottom) that she's used to make applesauce. Only she had one of her own and this was her parents and she didn't want to just get rid of it because she's not sure you can find them anymore. But I didn't want it because it was totally intimidating for me. My thought was "I make pizza and pasta out of a box and she's thinking I can make homemade applesauce?" Super long comment...but yeah. I may need to join your blog!
ReplyDeleteI have been learning how to sew from Mary Jo (an older woman in my ward). I am telling you...she seems to love sharing her expertise and I LOVE learning! So far, she has helped me make a baby quilt (I am due October 7th with my first) and she has helped me re-cover two wicker rocking chair cushions for the nursery. I feel like I am "preserving" her knowledge to pass on to my children and we will enjoy the sweetness of those fruits for many years to come!
ReplyDeleteShelly: You totally need to joing our blog! We want to hear from you, little momma.
ReplyDeleteRachel: You worded that so well! If we don't pass on that knowledge, who will? We live in an age where information is bombarding us from all directions and yet real, usefull knowledge could be lost! I know that kind of knowledge has sure been changed in the public eye. Who says it just needs to be little old ladies who know how to be self-sustainable? Itsn't going green and being more sustainable "in" right now anyway? Look at that, trends happen in more things than just fashion :)