Feathering The Community Nest:

Yesterday, I found myself staring out of a third-story window, watching happily as a soft rainfall dampened the ground below. I had shoved the screen as far open as it would allow and was taking deep breaths of the cool, green air. A sudden flutter of blue caught my eye and I at once recognized it as one of the Blue Jays I've been casually keeping track of since the onset of Spring. It's mate was not far off, perched carefully a few branches behind, chirping quietly (as opposed to it's usual, more aggressive tone).  It was then that I discovered that between the two sat a new nest, carefully constructed and up until now, hidden from sight. With a shake of it's wings, the one bird flew off, as the other settled it'self comfortably into it's cozy new home.

I inched closer to the window, cursing the screen for placing so many tiny squares before my eyes. I assumed it was the mother guarding the nest and wondered how many, if any, little eggs sat beneath her soft breast. I sat cross-legged, the attic window perfectly aligned with the tree top, wondering whether the Jay knew I was there? I couldn't help but think that she looked rather satisfied, her head just peeking above the rim of the nest, eyes bright and alert. As I watched, waiting for the second to return, I got to thinking about how a nest represents the ideal conditions of both a home and a community.

I've always been somewhat amazed by the construction of bird nests. Delighted by the thought of tiny beaks weaving in bits of string, hair, and other soft stuffing- scavenged and sought out. I marveled at how self-sufficient these creatures were. To source all of their own materials right from the yard or neighborhood which they had so carefully selective to live in. Without a single cost for their chosen resources, those which others would never notice the absence of. Imagine if we, as humans, still practiced building our homes with only the supplies that grew natural to our surroundings. If we could rely wholly on the ground that surrounded us? 

I also couldn't help but think of what a nest stood for in terms of safety, security, and protection. Even exposed to the elements, they boasted the ability to support and nurture the tiny eggs and hatch-lings potentially living within. Food sources available close-by without the need to ship over country or import from overseas. Perhaps, I mused, we need to look to the birds to recognize what is most important to our quality of life.  A supportive and protective community with available, self-sustaining resources. Surely our families and children deserve a life as simple and as seemingly carefree as these birds?

It takes much more for us as humans to create the ideal type of community, which proves healthy and fair for all. In taking a lesson from the Jays, I will remember to look to my local surroundings to provide for me. I will search out the glittering, the bright, and the strong to weave into my work. To build this Fruit Share nest with the potential to  help protect and to support those who need it most. The more nests we build, the stronger our network will become. Please join our mission at www.fruitshare.ca and help Fruit Share soar! 

Who Will Help Me Share The Fruit?

Growing up in Brandon, the only food that I thought we could grow in the area was wheat. The Wheat City being surrounded by golden fields, it made sense to me that this was our crop. I wasn't entirely sure how the wheat was transformed into anything I ate, but I figured it somehow followed along the lines of "The Little Red Hen".  Her tale of steadfastly following through with her plans, despite facing hardships, was found admirable and brave by my young self.  It was the side characters who seemed to offend my already growing sensibilities. Why would you not help a hen plant a grain of wheat? Could it be so difficult? 

It surprises me to find, in coming back to that story, that it was an early tale of local food sustainability and community cooperation. Imagine just how many loaves of delicious bread the little hen and her friends could have made had they cooperated? Surely the duck, with a pre-disposed love for bread, would have seen the error in his ways? Although I could never argue with the Hen's final decision to share her bread with only her chicks, it still left a little ache in my chest for those who went without. If I was the Hen, what would I have done? 

Perhaps my early lessons in morality, especially where sharing is concerned, have brought me to the place I'm in now. A position where I can make that decision to share the bread (or fruit!) with those around me. So, do I go it alone, like the Little Red Hen, or do I look to my community, hoping for their support? I choose to believe that there are people in this city who are looking to do the same thing. Eager to help those who need it most. It is my hope, that along with friends (perhaps human and not duck), that we are able to make that difference. Our mission cannot be fulfilled by one person, so once again I ask, who will help me share the fruit? 

Please visit www.fruitshare.ca to register as either a Fruit Owner or Volunteer and help this little Hen sow the seeds of sharing. 

Small City Sharing

Word of mouth can be a very powerful thing in a city the size of Brandon. I've been doing my best to spread the word of Fruit Share and today I had the opportunity to speak with Jordan from the Westman Journal to discuss who we are and what we do.  It was exciting to share details of how well Fruit Share has done in it's initial locations, Winnipeg and Steinbach, and to describe what we hope to achieve here. I have to admit that every email I receive regarding someone wanting to become involved in the project makes me unbelievably happy. At first I had assumed that only my friends and family within the city would be volunteering, but it has been a terrific surprise to see names I've never read before who are reaching out and wanting to help. I'm starting to love explaining to people what our goals are and watching their expressions change as they fully understand how important this will be for our community. I feel lucky that I get the chance to make a difference in a city that deserves to be treated kindly and supported. I feel a huge sense of pride when people congratulate me on helping to start this initiative and express interest in assisting in our mission. I hope that everyone who becomes involved will feel this same sense of pride- this need to share. Please watch for our upcoming article in the Westman Journal- you may even spot me! If you're interested in volunteering or donating your surplus fruit, please visit www.fruitshare.ca or email me directly at fruitsharebrandon@gmail.com! 

Welcoming The Rain

I have always been particularly fond of rain.  I think a lot of it has to do with watching Disney's Bambi as a child.  The whole rain scene- from the innocent first drops, to the terror of thunder and lightening- can still elicit a response. The cheery melody immediately bringing to mind the fresh earthy smell, the sound of fat drops falling through trees. To be tucked under a mama bird's protective wing would surely bring one a feeling of unparalleled comfort.  Although we kind of missed the whole April shower thing, it might be even more satisfying now after such a long wait.  As I stood outside last night, watching one of our first rainfalls, I couldn't help but grin. Such big drops that as I looked straight up, I could have confused them for snowflakes, each visible from a great distance.  The sun and blue sky still shining clear, illuminating each small body of water. My eyes searched for rainbows, finding just the slightest shimmer here and there. A full arc spreading out as the wind blew the last of the drops at a slant, hitting me right in the eyes.  Everything was fresh, clean, new.  A feeling of relief and a quiet calm falling over the neighborhood. A V of Canadian Geese, still slowly returning to their Summer home, cutting through the evening sky. The magic of Spring! 
With grumbles of a rain-soaked May Long weekend echoing through the city, I can't help but smile.  I know that I'll enjoy the rain as much as I would the shine and that a city full of budding trees and plants will be our rainy weekend reward.

Would love to make this mine!

Rules of Rhubarb Engagement

With our first harvest just weeks away I'm getting excited to see just how much fine fruit we can find! There are a couple rules of thumb when it comes to picking rhubarb that will help result in your best yield.  Rhubarb loves the early Spring cool temperatures and will do most of it's producing in the months of May and June.  Once the Summer sun sets in and things start to heat up, rhubarb will slow it's growth considerably. When deciding whether your rhubarb is ready to be harvested, don't be fooled by the colour! In Manitoba, rhubarb can be all red, all green, or a mix of the two.  The key is to look for the size of the stalks, 20-40 cm. is best! Rhubarb can be gently pulled from the base, but can also be cut with a sharp knife if you find you're pulling up roots.  Start with the larger, outer stalks and leave the smaller ones for the next harvest. It is important to leave 1/3 of the stalks so that your plant continues to grow over the course of the season. Be sure to discard or compost the green, leafy tops as they can be poisonous if eaten. (Your compost pile will be happy for the additions!) Store harvested rhubarb in a dry, cardboard box to help keep it fresh longer. Be sure not to add in any extra-ripe fruit or fruit that has been damaged as it can spoil the rest! Once your rhubarb plants starts to flower, that indicates it is nearing the end of it's season. To help extend the growing season, trim off the flowers or rhubarb will become tough. A plant that seems to have fallen dormant over the Summer may still surprise you with fresh shoots come Fall, so don't forget to check back in! If you find a good crop in your neighborhood, ask the owner whether they might be willing to donate a portion or drop off a GOT FRUIT? form found on www.fruitshare.ca.  

Happy Hunting!  

My Ode To Rhubarb:

Sweet and sticky
When you bubble
If it burns you
You're in trouble

Fresh from the garden
Don't eat the top!
Find it everywhere
Bunnies do hop

I dip it in sugar
To make it taste sweeter
I peel off the skin
To make it look neater

It grows near the fence
Where a person can find
Great leafy villages
Of the same kind

I want you in pie
To eat you as jelly
To spread on my biscuit
And fill up my belly

I hope you grow up
To be tall and sweet
Then i'll eat you all up
My favorite treat! 

Fruit Share Brandon joins the blogging world! 
We're a brand new initiative in the city of Brandon, Manitoba.
We are following in the foot-steps of Winnipeg and Steinbach, Manitoba who have had amazing success in the past few years.  Since it's inception, the numbers of volunteers, fruit owners, and pounds of harvested fruit have sky-rocketed! I can't begin to express how much I love the idea of Manitobans getting as much local produce as possible in their diet.  Eating fresh and eating local is one of the best things that we can do for our bodies and our communities.  I can't wait for the first harvest, which is starting to draw near! I'm dreaming of rhubarb pie.  Please visit us at www.fruitshare.ca if you're interested in discovering how powerful fruit can be! 

Bitter-sweet beauties!