16 Comments

Absolutely love the gardening story, especially the reference to the Wyeth painting and the Churchill quote. Such clever tie-ins. I am writing about a gardening misadventure in my next newsletter. Guess it is that time of the year.

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Anxiously awaiting your next post!

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Aug 29, 2023Liked by Amie McGraham

I'm still loving the collage! What a gorgeous idea!

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The blog is a treasure! Sometimes I get confused about whether it’s your story or your mother’s— the tales and recipes, whether hers or yours, are so seamlessly told, so human, engaging and timeless. I love it all and admire the idea of doing it in the first place—such a beautiful tribute to your mom!

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Thanks, Ruth! I can see how this could be a bit overwhelming. It’s nice to know both our voices are heard.

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Not overwhelming at all--just an abundance of excellence from two terrific writers.

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Green is not the color of my thumb either, but I completely relate your mother's musings ~ the sheer determination of certain plants (not to mention people) to persevere no matter what is nothing less than extraordinary!

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The gardening story feels much like my own journey to the joys of dirt and growing stuff. I agree with Jillian that the collage of voices in this newsletter is gorgeous. Not easy to pull off I’m sure, but you make it look effortless!

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A gorgeous post, Amie! Over here we say someone 'has green fingers' rather than a green thumb - I love that we have different-but-similar expressions for the same thing. 🌱

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Alas, I have neither 🌿

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I'm the same - which is lamentable, seeing as I have sprung from a long line of horticulturists! 🤣

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Aug 29, 2023Liked by Amie McGraham

I live rereading Cook and Tell. Love you for making it come alive again. 🥰

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I wish I had known you Mom. Her sense of humor and irony has endeared her to me. Amie, you have endeared yourself to me for the same reasons. Glad you are in my life.

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I’m glad to know you, Bernadette, through your kind words and lovely blog and recipes. Thanks for reading “us.”

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Reminded me of my little plot lush with vegetables. I had had it plowed for tulips and instead did vegetables. With my basket, picking the bounty of ripe and testing the root ones. The kids took them round the neighborhood while I cut and boiled and roasted, broiled and candied --wrote my doings on 3x 5 cards now stained with use, and I, too, loved the Wyeth reference.

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Your mom's description of her veggie garden is definitely what my own garden would look like, if I ever actually attempt one... I'm also delighted by the weaving of both of your voices!

It's wonderful to have such eloquent writings from your mom. As a French immigrant to the US, my own mother wasn't nearly as "writerly" (is that a word??). She was, however, an amazing cook & seamstress, so we can celebrate her by cooking her recipes and wearing her lovely sewing creations.

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