.Good morning lovely people.
We all have moments of joy and moments of sadness. They can come when we are least expecting both. None of us are immune but we all have members of our community or family who are less robust at managing them. Mental health is a challenge for all, even the strongest but it’s our community that we need to help us through.
Lovely Sue Lawrence launched her latest book on Thursday, Whispers in the Glen. Perfect timing for summer deckchair reading. A story of two Scottish sisters from Clova, Scotland set between the First and Second World Wars. How can any of us imagine the mental health challenges of that generation? Sue hinted at secrets. Is it secrets or a lack of ability to share our fears and challenges today that can affect our mental health the most?
The Kitchen Garden is heading into its summer season. This feels like our natural community, Victor and my happy place where we get to rebalance from the busyness of the city. It’s definitely work but the rewards are the simplicity but wonder of nature with the restoration of our health and wellbeing. We also get the joy of sharing the results with the chefs and the teams in the restaurants who then get to share with you, our lovely customers.
The advantage of being in the country growing your own food is as special for us today as it must have been invaluable during the rationing of the wars. It struck me how lucky those living in the country must have been to be able to grow their own food. A habit in Picinisco or those still connected to the land that has not been lost. With thanks to Monty Don and the likes, gardening has become fashionable again. For years we’ve known of the healing powers of being outside for our mental, physical and digestive health but many don’t have access to it. Many, like us, are re-learning knowledge that we’d lost. Nettles and dandelion leaves (a favourite of my grandmother for salads) and their flowers that grow organically have been reidentified as one of our immune boosting super foods. No longer ignored or dug up and added to the compost heap but picked and dried for their health benefits. Despite the jobs that always need to get done, which can feel a little sad at times as no garden is ever perfect, gardeners John and Victor are doing a great job growing.
Genovese basil that you smell before you see. Rhubarb in abundance, rainbow chard looking like a row of soldiers standing to attention. Thanks to the warm weather in April and May, all the beautiful blossoms are turning to baby apples, pears, strawberries, cherries, gooseberries, quince, plums and currants of every possible colour. The fruit this year is going to be particularly abundant.
Sue’s ability to share her knowledge always leaves me struck by how clever this amazing lady is. She’s able to share so many learnings when she talks about her books. I asked her what she’d learnt about researching her latest, soon to be best seller, “loss of community” was her answer. Some things don’t change, some things need fixed, others can’t get any better. Our community is the one thing we can all help keep healthy and well.
Keep well and thank you for being part of our community.
Carina
