Berry Magic

Berries.

When I think of my childhood, I can't help but think of berries.

I mean, they're not the only things that come to mind, but they're right up there with skiing, my big ol' family, sheep, tall grass, Chelan, marzipan, and bedtime stories.

Berries were just always around.

Salmon berries, huckleberries, and blackberries - we could find them all over our property.

And every fall, we picked enough blackberries to make pies throughout the coming months.

Our recipe is a special one, and it reminds me of my mom.

You bake the crust first {there is no top crust}, work some berry magic, pour the filling in, refrigerate, and voila!

It's usually eaten cold, which is divine.

The best pie ever, hands down. At least in my book.

For whatever reason, the last few summers have been sparse with the berries at my parents' place. Enough for them, but not for both of our families.

So, I took the kids and the puppy to our all-time favorite green space - Discovery Park.

We hiked up to our secret spot, and the four of them waded through the tall grass, lounged, and smeared themselves in berry juice.

Literally.

It was hot and there was some whining.

We're all a little scratched and bloodied.

The puppy pilfered enough from our bowls to guarantee a colorful evening of intestinal distress.

But I picked enough blackberries for two pies!

And it was so nice to enjoy the solitude and peace that often comes with gathering.

When I think of Autumn {yes, I know it's still summer}, I think of gathering.

Pumpkins, leaves, apples, evergreen boughs, berries. The coming together of loved ones.

I like gathering all sorts of things.

Maybe that's why I love this next season so very much.

And now the berries are cleaned and frozen.

Ready for berry magic.