"Mama doesn't like winter. She spends the whole
season wrapped up in big quilted jackets, making
steaming pots of congee and taking care of her
houseplants. She never wants to go outside."
A mother and her young daughter cannot seem to agree about the weather. With winter's approach, Mama stops smiling and starts bundling up to keep her warm through the colder weather. Her daughter loves catching snowflakes and seeing the beauty in the outside world.
Mama was born 'where summers there are hot and humid, and the winters are filled with warm rain'.
Quite the contrast, indeed. The child has never seen her mother's homeland; this winter will change that. The two are going to make a trip to visit Mama's sister. No winter coat will be needed. A long flight later, the two deplane into air that causes hair to frizz and t-shirts to stick.
As they make the trip to her auntie's house, the child gets a chance to take in the scenery and notice the lack of snow despite the season. There is so much to see as they spend time with family visiting all the happy places that were once Mama's home. At Uncle's farm, the two take note of the many vegetables that Mama ate as a child. Too soon, it is time to return to their home. The families share sad goodbyes.
"Back home, Mama waters her houseplants. She wears
big quilted jackets but never goes outside."
Her daughter spends her days learning about plants, and keeping track of the trees, pine cones, birds and everything else she can see in her visits to the forest. Her excitement is apparent when she invites her mother to join her on a winter walk; she will be happy to teach her all she has been learning. She wants her to know there is beauty in her new home, too.
In the spring, the two plant a garden that includes some of the things her mama has always loved to eat; there are also local flowers to grow and name.
"Together, we are growing a
garden that feels like home."
Such joy to be found in both places! A glossary helps with unfamiliar words, and is accompanied by a glimpse of their garden as it grows.
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