Blackberries on mesh fence

Being new to farming, I placed Pineapple Hill’s little vineyard too close to a huge oak tree that sucks up water the grapes need. No vines would grow near it. My solution was install a bit of mesh fence then plant blackberry bushes there. The canes are tied to mesh and trained to go where I want them rather than protruding out into the aisles between vineyard cables. I’m really pleased with this idea. It’s great to stop for a snack while mowing or out for a golf cart ride.

blackerry bushes

Bad things happened, an entire run of them that shut me down, caused me to withdraw from everything except my inner self.

One afternoon, in a hammock, I took a photo of myself. Just my legs. But there was no one to send it to. No one to understand.

I needed a sidekick so I sketched an armadillo because they’re crusty on the outside but not within. I made him my butler. Crusoe’s manservant Friday.

We began interacting—my hammock photo speaking to that critter, that critter speaking back.There’s a folder of cartoons somewhere. For now there’s just this one. (LINK)

Eventually after that I began writing novels.

I’m still a hermit, marooned you might say, but leaving my shell more and more—my inner self seeking its freedom through writing.