Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Vitamin C

I believe I live in paradise. Until July- and then it is possible that I may write a post that begins "I believe I live in hell..." But we are in March. And Arizona is paradise in March.

My flowers are beautiful, my grass is green, my garden is working on growing its yummy bounty, my fruit trees are shedding their blossoms and tucked beneath each delicate flower is a little fruit bud- peaches, plums, lemons and limes. Except the orange tree. It is our rebel. It has never produced for us. It is barren. I wonder if it feels sad.

People jump to judgment when a tree doesn't produce right away. I know what they are thinking, "Doesn't that tree know the plan? I guess it just doesn't want fruit." This can be hard on a little tree. What are the options for a barren orange tree?

In order for my family to enjoy the precious fruit of an orange tree, we must adopt all the oranges we get, since we are not able to have oranges on our own. Good thing orange adoption is easy. Not a lot of paperwork. And, get this, sometimes people just give us the oranges they don't want. It's shocking, but of course we accept them with open arms. Who wouldn't want an orange?

There are multitudes of orange orphans out there. Some fall right off their tree and society doesn't give them a chance- they just leave them there to rot. Admittedly, we have had a rotten orange or two at our house when we don't eat them fast enough. But we try to do our part and keep those bad oranges off the street.

Recently we purchased a juicer so that we can aid in orange rehabilitation and turn those fallen oranges into orange juice. And it is rewarding work. They have so much to give. And every time we juice those amber balls of juicy goodness, we know we have to help as much as we can. And we are committed to do our part.

We will continue to adopt oranges in the hopes that one day we will have our own.

And when we finally have our first little orange baby, it will always be paradise in Arizona.

14 comments:

fish said...

you are so funny! i found your blog from carolyn's and just wanted to let you know i've been having fun reading your posts. also, i noticed my profile picture on your blog frog thing and figured you'd know i was stalking you anyway. and now i'm really craving an orange. --sherry

Marni said...

Cute post! I too love oranges and I don't have an orange tree either. It's on my to-do list though! We have a lemon tree out back... it has no lemons yet. Wouldn't it be fun to have a whole orachard of fruitly goodness!!

Michelle said...

So, when are you publishing? Seriously, you have some pure literary talent. For now, I am happy to enjoy it for free! Have a wonderful week!

uniquelynat said...

well it's good of you to do your part. and hopefully that vitamin c has helped aid in the healing of your family's ailments. hope your tree produces something soon.

Cajoh said...

Maybe it's just me but I keep seeing deeper meaning in your posts. Way to go. Hoping that you have a bountiful harvest soon.

Jen said...

Huh, I wonder why it doesn't produce fruit. Does it need to cross pollinate? Mmmm, there is nothing better than homemade squeezed OJ!

Randibee said...

Yum, oranges...

You are the most cleverest, most funniest, most wittiest sister named Stephanie I ever had! I love all your posts!

That Girl said...

I'm going to forward this to a couple people - brilliant!

Little GrumpyAngel said...

I love this post, for it's literal meaning and what's between the lines. Very artistic and subtle analogy. You are a better writer than many of the "real writers" whose blogs I visit now and again.

We lived in Yuma, Arizona many years ago for about 2 years. I would have done a post that starts with "I live in hell..." if I was blogging then.

Patty B. said...

I love your sense of humor! I've been following you for a bit and have added you to my sidebar to keep up on your latest, funny perspective on life.
Your poor little orange tree will pull through, I'm sure, and bless you with generations of nice, juicy oranges for a posterity unmatched by your neighbors!

Me (aka Danielle) said...

I've always knew you were magnificent! You prove me right, yet again! Always giving, and kind. Who else would be so willing to take on the orange orphans of the world?

Loralee and the gang... said...

Cute analogy! Love it!
:~D

Elizabeth said...

That is funny that we both posted about oranges- we were definately in sync this week- I truly miss the valley this time of year- the weather if perfect and the fruit is great!!

Ashley said...

I believe you that Arizona is paradise in March! In Seattle, March is still pretty rainy and cold. But I can promise you that I live in paradise from about May-September every year. Five straight months of perfect temperatures and pure gorgeousness! I can't wait!