Japanese Maple earrings Swirl Other figs would be cut

Other figs would be cut crosswise and laid in the sun to dry for making Sykomeda—a cake of figs

(length) x 4 in

We were told collecting these leaves brought wealth and abundance

cucumbers and pole beans

Their spirit taught me to evaluate my actions without judgment and take responsibility for them

Japanese Maple earrings Swirl Other figs would be cutAs a child growing up in the Midwest I took solace in a neighbors yard under the canopy of a rather anomalous tree with beautiful lacy purplish red leaves. Later, I learned it was a Japanese Maple which explained its bark scars that looked like slanted eyes kindly watching over me. I spent seasons getting to know this tree. Each spring tiny pointed leaves appeared and within days I could almost watch them emerge into lushness. The tree would send out