I once read that peanuts and watermelon are great companion plants. They help each other grow, even though they’re vastly different.
For God’s sake: one’s a tiny nut that’s so dry it cracks in half, and the other is a massive fruit overflowing with so much watery juice it drives your coworkers crazy when you suckle at it.
I read about these two unlikely friends in Dave Owen’s book, “Extreme Gardening: How to Grow Organic in the Hostile Desert.” For those of you who don’t live in Phoenix, Dave is considered the “Garden Guy,” a local expert on growing delicious food.
When I blurted out this great conversation-starter at work the next day—about peanuts and watermelon—a whole row of jaws dropped. Like loose hinges.
I realized that was because the mere seed of a thought that peanuts and watermelon would go together never crossed anyone’s mind. Yet somehow, nature shoved them into the same category, for something.
Kind of like life.
So that’s where this blog comes in. See, I’m a writer, who lately, can’t write. And I’ve recently taken upon myself a vast endeavor of unspeakable proportions. I, Shari Lopatin, ADHD-positive, organizationally challenged since pre-school, am going to grow my own food.
This is me, the little blonde-haired girl whose Barbies and books allotted only a slim pathway from her room’s threshold to her twin-sized bed piled with stuffed animals. This is the college-educated, professional woman who still wins awards for messiest desk at work, and prides herself on using her car’s trunk as a filing cabinet for her published writing clips.
Yes, I am going to take a dirt-filled backyard, which has never known the pleasure of landscaping, and create an oasis of food and flowers.
And I’m going to embark upon this great journey while in the midst of another crisis: I’ve become consumed by a life which has hijacked me of my loves and replaced them with the inevitable grown-up list of responsibilities. I’m not talking about the house I bought a year ago—and love. Nor am I talking about nurturing the amazingly romantic relationship I have with my boyfriend and love of my life, Oscar.
I’m talking about the monotonous repetition of work, paying bills, making dinner, cleaning up, getting enough sleep, working out. In the midst of it all, where’s me?
I’m a 28-year-old professional woman who began her career in writing by drafting poems about the garbage man at 4 years old, and writing short stories following the life of seven aliens all named after foods, at 7 years old. Somewhere between my 7th birthday, and my 27th birthday, that part of my brain fell silent.
This brings me back to my original point.
I have two items here: writing (peanuts), and growing a garden (watermelon). My hope is that, when fused, these two very unlikely activities will help me grow my life, my dreams, and my food.
And just like peanuts and watermelon help each other prosper, maybe my voyage toward creation will nurture the old me again—and thus, my writing.
Come, share the journey with me. I invite you to—no, I DARE you to.
Can i eat both Groundnut and water melon together? What result will it give to my body system?
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Hi Ajijola, thanks for commenting! Unfortunately, I have no idea the answer to your question. I don’t have any education in nutrition. I’d recommend asking a Registered Dietitian. Best of luck to you!
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Watermelon and peanuts were two things my grandfather grew well (the third being blackeyed peas). They both like loose, sandy soil. Did you ever have luck planting your yard? Here in southern Arizona, the best vegetables grow in the winter (unless you like okra).
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I love the layout of this page Shari. I have been a fan of your work since for many years. You are truley a gifted writer and person overall I am blessed. 🙂
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Mr. Del Torro, you are truly gifted at showering me with compliments. I am the one blessed to have you as my number one fan. =) (wink)
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Can’t wait to read more, Shari! I fully support you in your brave fight for creativity recapture…and food for me. I mean you. Ehem.
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Hi Michelle! Thank you for your support. Don’t worry, if I accomplish this unspeakable task, will have you over for dinner. =)
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This is the most creative blog I have ever read. It is not just another rant or rave about a fad that will some day pass. I see how many young professionals who are trying to make their mark and create their own nitch in the working world can relate to what you wrote. If we find something that can bring life to our dull senses and energize our creativity, than this one thing be it tangible or not, is worth minutes, hours, or days of our time. Let the garden grow and let its fruits or vegetables give you not just nutrients, but a way to feed your soul.
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