January 6, 2020
On our most recent trip to California; driving from Paso Robles to Bakersfield. It is Sunday and I’m taking pictures like a paparazzi to preserve these precious memories.
Although, I know it is not necessary because these memories are
deeply etched in my being. Many people call California, “Calli” I dislike this term it sounds so Hollywood!
I see oranges and almonds being harvested, hardened leftover pomegranates drooping on trees and I instinctually want to pick the pomegranates for decorations (but we are flying out to Texas tomorrow morning). I also see table grapes all within a mile.
I see miles and miles of orchard and vineyard crops, such as deciduous tree fruits, almonds and grapes, pruning and shredding activities are underway now.
Grape growers are pruning, irrigating as needed, cultivating and spraying to control weeds and removing old vineyards. This is the time of year that new, bare root orchard and vineyard crops are being planted.
I don’t only see the fruits and vegetables I see “la gente” working. I see mi Familia still working there, as I wave. I see myself, as a chamaca.
If only my words could paint you a masterpiece or sing you a love song to reveal mi Amor and reverence for this Tierra, I would.
La Tierra de Mi Familia; that keeps giving and giving. But, you take also; you cut, you scratch, you break many bodies; you’re a heavy toll on the body
You cradled me as a niña
I played, rolled and laughed on this Tierra I ate this Tierra
I slept on this Tierra
My sweat and lagrimas watered this Tierra
You fed mi Familia
I wept, hoped, had dreamt and prayed to escape you
And, once gone you gently appeared in my dreams, whispering my name
I smelled you from hundreds of miles away. And, your “raíces” have always had a magnetic pull and you drew me back; it’s undeniable and inexplicable as if tethered by an umbilical cord.
You always ever so gently pull me in and Mi alma está feliz.
Thank You, Father
Abrazos y Besos
