Happy Birthday to Me!

by Caroline Schier Garden Intern 2013

It is no secret here at Songaia that people love to eat. I fall happily into this category and am lucky to be in such good company of fellow foodies. So when I learned the tradition of a birthday celebration complete with a dessert of choice I was thankful for my summer birth date. 

I have witnessed this birthday ceremony at a previous dinner and was excited for it to be my turn in the hot seat. Since this only happens on Monday nights I got to start my July 9th birthday a day early and shared the ceremony with a fellow community friend. Brian graciously made the most scrumptious apple pie and Karly made a killer carrot cake. 

To earn the indulgence of your birthday treat it is required to answer three questions, it’s almost like a test but impossible to fail at. 

Question One. How old are you? That was easy, I’ve surpassed my teenage years and have survived two decades, now a 20 year old.

Question Two. What have you done in the past year, and what do you look forward to in the coming year? This was trickier, but I got to share with Songaia all the travels I have done in the past year including trips to Nicaragua, Colombia, Colorado and various other states. I also shared my experience of college, learning and growing from that and looking forward to doing so more in my future. And most important to me, implementing lessons from the garden into my everyday life once I leave Songaia. It will be a challenge an adventure for sure. 

Question Three. How can the community support you in the coming year? This was bittersweet knowing that I would soon be leaving Songaia. But, I have learned from the community and knowing that they are open and willing to continue sharing their knowledge and good energy to myself and anyone who comes their way is all I ask for.

Upon these responses I got a heaping slice of pie with icecream and was a very happy camper. It was a delight to be able to celebrate my birthday with such a great bunch of people and it will be a day to remember.