Written by Although I’ve never had dandelion wine in my entire life, it somehow jumped into my head with today’s prompt. More likely due to the Ray Bradbury novel of the same name. I didn’t have much time, so I did a fast and loose sketch of what I think it must look like. The entire concept intrigues me. When I was growing up, dandelions were simply thought of as a weed that was meant to be eradicated so the lawn would look green and wonderful. Well, that was something I learned from the neighbors, actually. In our yard they were usually left to grow. We’d mow them over and keep the grass short, but didn’t spend any time on what one might refer to as landscaping. We just weren’t those type of people. Our yard was often filled with these “weeds” and I always thought it looked rather lovely. A plain green lawn was sort of boring in comparison. But the idea of boiling dandelions in water and fermenting them into a drink is something I would now rather like to try.
It’s actually strange we didn’t have dandelion wine in our family. We would definitely have been those type of people. My dad actually had a moonshine still in the garage as his one and only hobby that I can ever clearly remember. There was always a mixture in a large plastic garbage can that smelled foul and left the whole garage smelling like a backwoods distillery. The strangest thing is, my dad never drank it. He just gave it out to friends as one might give a basket of fruit. It was so strong that I’m sure it could have powered an 18-wheeler truck and trailer, but I’ve been told the folks who sampled it said it made a mean margarita. Incredibly mean, I would imagine. But between the moonshine and my mother’s fabulous sewing and crocheting skills, I can happily say that I come from a family of makers. It was just part of my heritage. The need to create something is a wonderful need indeed. It fuels my spirit and won’t remit until it’s satisfied. We may not have been the slick family with the perfect lawn, but we were a family that loved to create.
Sometimes, when I look back on my life, I feel like much of it has been a whirlwind of ideas and new things happening too fast to remember. Mostly self-induced with my insane urge to “DO” and never give up. And sure, I’ve probably forgotten many of crazy things I’ve tried, but I can never forget that wonderful feeling of actually trying them. That drive to create isn’t always as strong in everyone. But I feel it’s still always there. We’re all naturally creative. Just spend a day with any mom on the planet and you’ll see a level of heroic problem-solving and creative thinking that would make Einstein look a bit simple. Dads too, of course. Creating and raising a family is probably the most amazing feat of making that exists. And proof, that each and every one of us is creative in their own incredible way. Perhaps that’s why I’m hoping to create a little family of artists right here on Doodlewash. Life is better when you’re surrounded by people who love the same things. Whether it’s watercolor, crafting or moonshine. Or even perhaps, a glass of dandelion wine.
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About the DoodlewashM. Graham Watercolors: Azo Yellow, Azo Orange, Gamboge, Ultramarine Blue, and Neutral Tint. Alvin Draft-Matic Mechanical Pencil in an A6 Hahnemühle Watercolor Book. |
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This story really resonated with me Charlie (we’re on the same wavelength today, evidently). Members of my family were always making something, and dandelions were always welcome…how are you going to make a wish when blowing on the puffs if you don’t let them grow? (K)
So true! The wishes are the best part!! hehe… so happy this post resonated with you Kerfe! 😃💕
I didn’t even know dandelion wine existed – hmm! It’s certainly an eye-catching colour. When I was at school, all dandelions were associated with was wetting the bed. Your guess is as good as mine on that one. I always quite liked them, though, as I did many unappreciated ‘weeds’. Who could resist a pretty little yellow flower?
Haha! 😃💕Seriously? Wetting the bed? hmmm…. yeah… I guess they can stain things yellow pretty well so maybe that works. But ewwww! And LOL!
Haha, ew! But yes, for some reason if you came into contact with a dandelion you were apparently going to be wetting the bed. No wonder people grow up disliking the things, really!
I’ll be sure to stay far away from dandelions then!! LOL
Your dad made moonshine? That is hilarious! Decades ago when we lived in a suburb of Detroit (yes, it’s as bad as they say) our neighbors made wine. We came home one day to see the old man passed out on his back in the driveway, totally sloshed. When we told his family, they said not to worry about it. I guess that’s how he got when the new wine was ready. Glad it had no such effect on your father.
As for your glass of dandelion wine – I won’t taste it but boy oh boy, is it ever pretty! That yellow, that glorious yellow – yes!
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 Yep… my dad was a moonshiner… hehe… it was really fun! I’ve never known anyone who made wine, but have stumbled across from beer makers. But wow… that must have been some wine! lol
The idea of Dandelion wine is a romantic and totally worthy pursuit. Nice piece!
have you gotten to try Dandelion wine since? I am curious to see what it’s like.
Good article!
Thanks so much! 😃 Actually, no… I still have yet to try it, but it’s now on my bucket list! hehe
there’s also pineapple wine if you are feeling adventurous as well 😀 I am yet to try that one too
Oh wow… definitely have a lot on my list to try then! Sounds intriguing! 😉
Would never mow down or eradicate a dandelion. In NYS they were a cheerful cloud of color outside my window and it meant that Spring had arrived. Dandelions are my favorite flower…miss them now that I live in FL.
Just saw this comment, so sorry for the delay in replying! 😊 I agree, Mary!! Dandelions are such a pretty burst of color!
Not a problem, Charlie. I just found that post recently when I was cruising around Doodlewash.com and it evoked some very happy memories. So, thanks for the memories :-).
Aww that’s always my favorite thing to hear! I hope my posts bring good memories! Thanks! 😃💕
My dad made wine!
Aww cool!! Far more sophisticated… my dad made moonshine. 😊hehe
We’re Italians!