Aint Julia

Once upon a time I was a curious kid living in NW Washington DC with my parents and a good bit of extended family.  I spent many days hanging around the house with my great grandmother, Aint (aka Aunt) Julia.  I don't recall what we talked about during the day but I do remember a few things about her quite vividly.  She had a scar on her face that appeared to be from an unkind meeting with a sharp blade.  Her favorite seat in the house was by a window that looked onto the alley.  She'd always sit at the window and dip her snuff while watching TV or looking out at passersby.  Aint Julia was an awesome cook and she liked her food fresh. She taught me how to snap beans, shuck peas and clean the collard greens.  She unknowingly ignited my love of food and introduced me to gardening.  I can clearly see my younger self standing in the kitchen watching Aint Julia tend to her tomatoes which she grew in pots on a 2nd level patio.  Over 30 years later, I grow my tomatoes in pots too.  Some days I think about her and the gift she gave me and I just say thank you.