Obsessed with Cherries

My apologies for not writing again sooner. I've had to let the trip to Portugal seep in and mix with other experiences and impressions and sensations from life. Experiences don't stand alone.




Cherries. There were vendors selling cherries everywhere in Lisbon. The first night there - upon my return from the hospital - Diane had already purchased the local liquor, ginjinha. It is made from cherries and in fact, has whole, alcohol soaked cherries in the bottom of the bottle. It is so good. It tastes of summer and cherry pie and sitting outside in the twilight. I have already looked up recipes - I just need to find the right cherries... Pie cherries are needed...




On our second day, we bought cherries from a vendor just outside the Castle of St. George. I bought cherries later from a vendor in the large square. I had a little glass of ginjinha at bedtime practically every night.


When we got home to Seattle, cherries were everywhere. I have been buying them every week at the mini farmer's market close to where I work.


Last week I painted an icon, and because life is mysterious and synchronous and full of serendipity, Mary's robe in the icon is bing cherry red - dark, rich, and vibrant. I was so taken with the color, I may have put on at least a layer more of paint than everyone else.


And because memory is what it is, I started thinking about Mary and other places where she is linked to cherries. Which brought me round to the Cherry Tree Carol and the beautiful, magical crankie from Revels two years ago. It was breathtaking!


So, as long as cherries are in season this year, I plan on enjoying them. You will find me over there in the shade with red stained fingers, spitting pits, and remembering.