Monday: Mellow.

Last year, my children and I discovered a blackberry tree a few blocks from where we live. None of us had ever seen one before and I was shocked to happen upon one in my local neighborhood. We picked a few berries from the tree on "that" occasion and sampled them after we cleaned them at home. They were so tasty. So much so, that I began purchasing blackberries from the grocery store on a regular basis since then.

What's my problem, right? Exactly. Why would I spend money on blackberries when I know where "I can" pick them for free? Exactly.


The blackberries pictured in each container are from two different places. The berries in the top tray are store bought. They're almost a week old, very ripe, and unusually plump. The smaller tupperware contains blackberries that my youngest daughter and I picked from the tree today. I know the better pick, but I'm going to eat each berry. Yes, all. No wasting!

When we finally did return to the tree a few months after our discovery "it" was completely bare. There wasn't one leaf only empty branches. I could've done some research to learn when blackberries are in season and when they ripen, but I still haven't.


However, I have driven by the blackberry tree periodically to check for growing leaves and any sign of blackberries. Guess what? Yes, the tree is full of beautiful green leaves and pretty little blackberries. Okay, so they might be raspberries. Who cares which? Not me because I like each.

What matters to me more is that I have access to fresh fruit from it's natural source. Not only that, berries seem to cost more than other fruits at markets. I feel so privileged having found "this" tree. I promise to visit "it" more and to help make sure it's fruits don't waste.