Growing up, my Oma made applesauce from their apple tree, and shared it with all of my aunts and cousins. It was a constant "after-dinner-treat, crisp refreshing, and easily accepted by any picky eater (and I sure was one!) In her older years, my Oma would come to our house and make applesauce with my Dad’s help. We’d use our Golden delicious apples, and I would also assist in cutting a boiling the apples.
Last weekend I stayed at my parents house and my Dad wanted to make applesauce with my son, who’s nearing 3 years old. He was excited to show him how the apple slices must be washed and boiled, and he let him turn the food mill handle. It was a delight, seeing my childhood come alive right before my eyes through my son’s experience. The apples were gravenstiens and make the most beautiful pink sauce, and we all enjoyed several bites together.
I’ve been thinking a lot about memories lately. The 90’s playlists I’ve been revisiting, give me a sense of life’s fleeting nature, and I well up with gratitude and love for the good parts of my life- for which there are so many. I’m feeling called to take time with these memories in some creative way. Maybe through art making (as I did today in this apple sauce painting), possibly through songwriting. Or both.
I have handfuls of notebooks from 9-20 years old, detailing my days, my anxieties, my Christmas gifts. We really art built from our memories. Some of them fade, but most of them become the tissue and cell matter that houses our soul, our personhood.
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I invite you to take some time with your memories this week. There might be an old song you haven’t listened to in ages. Maybe you have a memory box of trinkets from school plays and 8th grade dates. How do they make you feel in your body? What did you learn from those memories?
If you’d like to share, please do. I’m always interested.
Extra Extra:
You may not know that I have a special freebie section on my website for subscribers. You get free comics, an ebook and some wallpapers. Thank YOU for being on this journey with me. use passcode “comics” here.
I have retired from pet portraits, but I am open to painting commissions! In the past I’ve illustrated natal charts, made personal tarot cards, and done intuitive artwork. Just drop me a line.
I have added original art for sale on my website. And more to come as I work on more pieces for my Fall collection.
Happy August, Happy Summer days. May they be slow, sweet like honey, and filled with beautiful memories.
With love and lots of applesauce,
Annie