A Sentiment

God knew what He was doing when He sent a gentle breeze and brought a lovely butterfly to set my heart at ease. The happiness of your friendship and the gentleness of your words have touched my life in special ways and now I feel assured. Thank you for your loyalty and for reading everyday. I only hope you find things to make a happy day.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Grapevines and Rose Hips


I was looking at my grapevine wreath this morning and memories just kept coming. Years ago, I did crafts to supplement our income. Although I loved to paint, crafting was in my blood. Fall craft shows, at my house, sent me looking for various natural things to use in my crafts. Grapevines were the best. I would go in the truck and scout out fence rows covered with vines...in our small country town. I would be dressed in jeans, long sleeved denim shirt, a farmer's handkerchief tied around my head, heavy gloves, and sturdy shoes...got the picture? Driving down the road my eyes would begin the search. After living in this town and doing this for a couple of years...I began to know where the "good ones" were. Sometimes I would beg my husband to go with me...to help. He did so...reluctantly...knowing what he was getting into. When you "pick" grapevines...you can't be shy, you have to just start cutting and pulling them down. I usually could fill the truck in an hour. They are very unwieldy...and have minds of their own it seems. Sometimes I would start pulling and find that I had almost a truck full with one tug. They were tough and if I pulled too hard they would suddenly let go and I would find myself sitting down hard on my behind. One year found me alongside a railroad track with rose hips growing. I got right into them. Clipping away and tossing them in the truck. My gloves were just cloth gardening gloves, and the thorns pierced my fingers. I didn't care...this was a treasure trove. I worked until my fingers were bleeding...so happy to have found this spot before any other crafters did. We were all in competition with each other...we crafters who sold to stores. We didn't let on to our secret spots. Sometimes I would share my vines with the other crafters in town...but they never knew my spots. I picked these rose hips for a few years...then one year..they were all gone. The railroad had sprayed for weeds and the roses never came back.When I drove back into town, the neighbors just shook their heads. They must have thought that I was a crazy lady at first. After they got used to me and my "gatherings" they would help out... by telling me where I could find more. The truck would be emptied and then the creative work began. Twisting and wrapping and tugging those vines and trying to make perfectly shaped wreaths with imperfect vines. Cutting off the leaves and stray twigs as I went...I loved it when there would be curly cues...and left them on for interest. Sometimes I would make them into heart shapes and tuck rose hips in...here and there. A truckload would make a dozen or so wreaths. The leftovers make tiny little wreaths. Such fun and good memories for today...the day before Valentine's Day.
Balisha

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Balisha, I bet you were a great crafter and had no problem selling your crafts. Only 35 more days till spring. I had to check because I am getting tired of waiting. lol. Loved the kitty poem and know you are both excited about the grotto project. You will have to keep us posted on that. I have heard that song by Carrie Underwood called "Jesus at the Wheel". You will have to write a poem about Jesus in the Rider's seat!

Balisha said...

Hi Judy,
I'll have to think about that one. I love that song...Can't imagine only 35 days left...it's so cold here. We are getting our grandson for the weekend. Trying to plan fun things to do here. Have a Happy Valentine's Day.
Balisha
Are you watching the Olympics?

Lona said...

Loved your story. I use to do crafts and sell them at a local craft mall here. It use to be all the rage around here in this scenic area with many visitors each year. It has about played out now here so I have about quit all of my crafting.
Have a great weekend!