BRAMBLE JELLY
The steps opposite the bakery led to the very
best blackberries, but everyone knew they were reserved for Old Betty - it was said her
bramble jelly would cure everything from coughs to cancer.
Trudi, recently arrived in the village, scoffed, “Peasant nonsense!” and set out with visions of blackberry-and-apple crumble for dinner. She picked fast, the brambles parted easily to let her reach the plumpest berries, and her basket was soon full.
Wearing a self-satisfied smirk
she turned to leave, but there was no way out of the thicket.
The villagers all agreed Old Betty’s bramble
jelly was even more effective that year.
...................................................................................................................
And the moral is...don't mess with tradition, especially if you're a newcomer!
I've used an old story this week as I'm busy editing my next book, but I couldn't ignore Rochelle's photo. If it wasn't for the red barns we could be in England, but our barns are either brick, weathered timber or corrugated iron, and I've never seen a red one!
Beware the newcomer who does not listen to the locals. And besides, who the hell does she think she is, anyway? Well, we know she's not anything anymore...
ReplyDeleteApart, possibly, from compost!
DeleteThere is that...
DeleteMwah-ha-ha!
DeleteBlimey!
ReplyDeleteAh well. This be country life in tooth and claw!
DeleteMeddle not in the ways of wise women, for they are subtle and quick to anger
ReplyDeleteAnd forget that at your peril.
DeleteThat'll teach her ... but perhaps too late. We could do with some of that jelly here, my eldest is down with pnuemonia and it's hit him hard.
ReplyDeleteCalves-foot jelly might be more effective. Hope he improves soon.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteThat should teach the newbie a lesson.
Shalom,
Rochelle
She should have paid more heed to country ways.
DeleteTypical outsider behaviour! Shouldn't mess with Betty.
ReplyDeleteExactly so. The incomers in our village would be wise to take heed.
DeleteLOL...fun evil, my favorite kind.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dawn - I'm quite nice really !!
Deletelessons learned but, hopefully, not too late.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it's possible she escaped. Maybe,
DeleteThat's interesting about the barns over there. I'm not sure I've ever seen one over here that wasn't red!
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah, Trudi... she wanted blackberry-and-apple crumble for dinner but became dinner for the enchanted(?) brambles. Serves her right!
Enjoy the editing!
Re the editing, I'm getting there!
DeleteIt's folks like Trudi who just don't get it and when they finally do, it's too late. Excellent read!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteSometimes when you learn the hard way, there will not be another chance to learn. One such, I think.
ReplyDeleteMuch too late!
DeleteOh dear. Poor Trudi. She should have listened. No blackberry crumble tonight for anyone, it seems.
ReplyDeleteNot for Trudi, at least!
DeleteTake care not to mess with tradition!
ReplyDeleteApt lesson.
All the very best for your book! Advance congratulations! :)
Thanks, Anita!
Delete