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The other day my O Myth co-host and I took our kids, saddled them up in the car, stopped at the local coffee shop for a caffeine fix and took off to pick blackberries. I love the summer & early fall, and usually try to take in as much fresh fruit & products from the Farmers’ Markets as humanly possible. Pies, cobbler, yogurt with granola and fruit, salad and just straight up fruit and fresh veg. Ahhhh… Another thing I love to do is make homemade jam. It’s a simple pleasure that allows me to unplug and create something we’ll use in the coming months.
Simple Pleasures = Connection
I believe life is too short to be a workaholic, so I take time for hobbies that bring me joy. I love making jam in June-September because in February when my son bites into a PB&J I know I made that happen with my own two hands. Something about homemade goodies makes me happy and connects me to a simpler time. Blackberries + sugar + pectin + jar = yummy purply goodness on toast in the morning. Blackberries + sugar + butter + flour + water + lemon juice = a blackberry pie that makes my hubby swoon. Simple to do, and (when done right) smiling happy faces eating something positively yummy.
I’ve been asked how I have time to make jam, and I’m amazed at how many people not only don’t know how to do it but are intimidated by the entire process. Canning was a part of my life growing up, and I remember my mother staying up literally all night. In my hometown, summer temperatures soared to over 100F, so nighttime was a perfect time of day to heat up the kitchen without overloading the air conditioner. So, she stayed up with her wooden spoon, canning kettle and jars cranking out jars of peaches, pears, tomato sauce, jam, pickles and veggies of all kinds. I remember the shelves in our hallway overflowing with all the colors of the rainbow perfectly preserved and waiting for the cold winter months.
Nothin’ says lovin’ like something you made yourself. What hobby or activity makes you smile and connects you to good memories or a feeling of satisfaction? When was the last time you did it? What are you waiting for?
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Well nothing says nesting like baking homemade goodies! You got me dreaming of homemade pie right now. Thanks for sharing your nesting activity!
YUM!
xo
melissa @ the inspired rooms last blog post..Welcome to Fall Nesting Week
Yum!!!!!!!!! Looks delicious!
Neutral Dwellings last blog post..Fall Nesting Week & The Inspired Room
Well if you got your goodies in Hood River…..My guess is you live Oregon. I am in Oregon as well. I miss being able to just pick my blackberries myself…when I lived in the valley. I live in central Oregon now. Your pie looks yummy. cherry
cherrys last blog post..Some wonderful awards, a project or two, and an Old school vacation…..
I have wild blackberries on my property, I was able to pick enough to make a blackberry crisp this summer, yum!
Your pie looks oh so yummy and I wish I could have a piece right now!
So nice to meet you!
Bella
Bellas last blog post..Candice Olsen + Pumpkins =
Looks so good! I’ll admit to being intimidated by canning as well, but love to eat what my MIL cans! The farmer’s market is a wonderful place for fresh, in season produce. Lovely post!
Blessings,
Stacey
Stacey @ The Blessed Nests last blog post..September Days — It’s Fall!
Wish I could make a good pie- just can’t do it- my crust is never right- Yours looks great- I also have memories of my Mother canning.
Thanks for sharing.
Oh my! Your pie looks delicious! I am sure it smells just as delightful.
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne
I love homemade goodies, too - looks soooo good.
Ms.Tees last blog post..Fall Nesting - Mini-Pumpkin Madness
I am positively drooling right now… yum! I think I’m going to make a pie and soon
rue
I definitely need to work on allowing time for hobbies. Life moves so quickly, and we all need a respite.
jills last blog post..So Fall Begins With Labor Day
Oh, blackberry pie sounds wonderful!
Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolatess last blog post..Would You Like Chocolate With That? ~ Chocolate-Coconut "Cookies"
Love canning, doesn’t it make you feel absolutely pioneer-like? There is nothing so wonderful as looking at all those jars and the terrific colors.
Pat
I LOVE blackberries! Looks delicioso!!
Jeannes last blog post..Fall Front Door Idea
Great post. It seems at times we get wrapped up in our daily grind and forget to do stuff we like.
Bryans last blog post..Pottery Barn Spiral Votive Holder
Brandie, canning, freezing and pickling was a big part of my childhood too. I would help my mom and grandmother during the summers, to can and freeze tomatoes, peaches, green beans, corn, watermelon rinds, cucumbers and all kinds of other stuff we grew ourselves.
I have made preserves recently too and it’s really not hard if you know what you’re doing. Canning is a lost art, and sadly it is now mostly left up to commercial canneries. That pie looks amazing. I’m jealous though, because our blackberries are long over by now. (although I did make some delicious stuff with ‘em!)
~Monica
Brandie, that pie looks incredible and I can practically taste the jam. While I’m not one to spend time in the kitchen (luckily for me, my husband’s a skilled cook and baker), I’m totally behind you on spending time doing things you love. Life’s too short to do nothing but work, no matter how much we enjoy our work. I carve out time virtually every day to knit (last time I did it was yesterday), it’s the perfect way for me to wind down. Knitting connects me with a wonderful community of knitters. And the big bonus is the hand-made items at the end!
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