The Power of WORDWALK: Basil-fest
The Power of WORDWALK: Basil-fest
By Alice Jane-Marie Massa
Since all four of my grandparents were from Levone in Northern Italy and still spoke a good deal of Italian after they immigrated to the United States and since my parents and other relatives spoke Italian fluently (as well as English), some Italian words came into my vocabulary. In at least a few instances, not until I was in college did I realize the English word. One example is “basilico,” which I eventually learned was the same as “basil.”
Are you wondering why I am again referring to one of my favorite herbs in this 410th blog post of WORDWALK? As you may recall (or you can read below this post), I did mention in last week’s post that although I was content with my container garden, I did miss having the fragrant and flavorful basil as a part of this year’s garden. Well, some especially thoughtful, kind, and too generous readers of WORDWALK did find some basil plants and gifted them to this happy gardener! I was thoroughly and most pleasantly surprised to receive six basil plants from neighbors and friends–delivered by hand and by mail. Thus, my container garden now has three times as many basil plants as in other summers. Milwaukee’s Summerfest may have been cancelled this year, but my “Basil-fest” is in full swing–thanks to some caring people whom I am blessed to know.
To determine the success of a blog after 410 posts, one may check the number of visits in a day, a month, or a year; one may also note the number of followers. However, I have decided that this week, I am determining the success of WORDWALK by the number of readers who gave me basil plants! Quickly, quickly, I must add: no more! I have more than enough basil, and I am truly absolutely content with my container garden of 2020.
Over the past week, “Basil-fest” has given me many smiles and has warmed my heart. I wish you many smiles and heart-warming moments during these upcoming weeks of a most unusual summer.
Happy Basil-fest!
With gratitude and good wishes to all who give garden gifts,
Alice and Leader Dog Willow
June 24, 2020, Wednesday
alice13wordwalk 
Oh, how sweet, I’m so glad to hear that friends and readers have demonstrated their affection and appreciation of you this way, a delightfully tangible proof of all you bring to the world, Alice, blessings and love to you and Willow *hugs galore**singing birds**yellow butterflies*
Hello, Joan–Special thanks to you for reading my post, for commenting with such kind words, for giving my post a “like,” and for including all the emoji.
Sending you more summer smiles and good wishes–Alice and Willow
So happy to hear that you now have basil! We are going to have some for lunch with tomatoes and mozzarella. Also, congratulations on 410 posts for WORDWALK. Just finished picking peas, and so wishing I could share some with you and Mary. It’s so nice to read your posts again,
Hi, Sue–Your salad and the garden peas do sound good. Thanks for the “congratulations.”
We have been enjoying some lovely summer weather and hope that you are also.
Happy gardening!
Best always, Alice and Willow
How nice to read of your basil gifts that brighten your days and salads. Isn’t it nice to receive such lovely unexpected gifts! Gifts of love and appreciation of you and all you do for so many people.
Dear Alice,
I’m not surprised that you have declared a “Basil-fest” in your new Michigan community. After all, you moved from Milwaukee, a city of festivals—Festa Italiano, Irish Fest, German Fest, and so on— every weekend of the summer. Enjoy the fragrance and flavor of your basil plants! Share the luscious green leaves with friends! Learn how to dry, freeze, or otherwise preserve this delicious Italian herb! Congratulations on your highly successful blog!
Love to you and Willow,
Mary
Congratulations, Alice, on creating 410 interesting and informative blog posts through the years! Also, it’s great to hear that your “green thumb” has been busy at your Michigan residence. In addition to your and Willow developing new friendships, enjoy your container garden and the bounty of the basil!
Love,
Carole
Hi, Carole–Many thanks for the two “likes” and for the comment on this basil post from the grand gardener of Florida!
Stay cool, and Happy Fourth of July!
Alice and Willow