I’ve been here almost three years, and at last I’m becoming California. When I got here I thought all the fruit was delicious. Now I sniff at so-so farmers market cherries bubbling with lemon and sugar on my stove to bring out what small flavor they have. I know better ones are coming. When I got here I still thought the ocean was on the east, like in Florida. Now I am planning to take I-80 West to hit 101 and drive along my new watery edge of America. And three years ago I was overwhelmed by wineries, embarrassed because I loved the bottles at the grocery store. But this morning I went with other artists to draw at a lovely winery in Yolo County and deemed it perhaps still developing — too raw, too new.
It took a while, but I’m becoming California — our cherries, wine, and even our ocean make me happy.
This morning (May 25) I drove to Great Bear Vineyards in Davis. They welcomed artists to come in and draw. That is the generous, large spirit of California.
Love,
k
Great Bear Vineyards
Inspired by California missions
(I did not stay for wine tasting at 11!)
The big old barn smelled sweet
They dry lavender here
There was a field of lavender nearby, not quite in bloom
Lavender from another season
still attached to drying post
I tapped these barrels in the barn and thought they were full
my friend Leigh said they sound empty
They grow grapes and lavender … and apples
