Dear Reader,
The Lovell Peach (or as my family likes to call them, lovely) is a classic yellow-fleshed freestone peach from California which has a long history dating back into the 18th century. Here in McMinnville and for my family, it is best known as a gold-standard rootstock used to graft other stone fruits, like plums, nectarines, and apricots.
But picture a semilla, a peach seed, growing out of its stone shell in clay sandy soil. Now that's a strong seed. The seed will undergo a transformation over time in a tree, where life can be visually represented by the leaves and branches it produces as it reaches about 5 feet tall in a year. We planted over 40,000 and its just the beginning. The maintenance and consistent management of life starts now and through the months of 2027. Walking over acres of land, we soon pruning branches to ensure sunlight reaches the lower wood. Providing consistent moisture during the growing season to establish deep roots. Clearing grass and weeds away from the base of the tree. Providing the nutrients and protecting from pest like aphids and fungal brown rot. These trees will only be grown for a year here with us, but the story does not end there for them. As we ensuring their growth of a strong framework, they will be pulled out and gathered together like a bundle of ixtle. Then sold for other campesinos, orchardist, and tree lovers to continue their growth. In 4-8 years, these trees will grow to 15-25 feet tall and a large canopy, reaching maturity to produce lovely peaches.
My life has fundamentally changed since I decided to move and I have felt deeply connected to nature more than ever. Feeling the trees, the goats that live next to me in the forest and birds that wake me up in the morning. I do not know what is in store for me, as the future feels more and more uncertain. Many of us who are continuously struggling to survive may feel lost. However, I believe if we are able to understand ourselves better, we can understand the world better. Planting seeds, requires a planter that knows its place in the ecosystem. I encourage you all the step outside and plant something of your own.
When you plant for the rains to be on the right time, it will be a blessing to see it grow. And it has truly been a blessing this year to see myself grow into someone I am meant to be. A loving, joyful, nuerospiced warrior seeking to bridge worlds unseen and protect the life that grows out of it.
Happy Spooky Halloween and enjoy Dia de los Muertos with your ancestors.
Tlazcocamati <3