The Madeline Saga: Ode to the Strawberry

Strawberry’s were my one craving when I was pregnant with Madeline.  It hit at about 6 months.  Cravings are all consuming when you are pregnant, it’s all you can think about and your body feels like it’s going through withdrawal.

It being the middle of winter, alas, no luscious strawberry’s were to be found.  (Frozen just wouldn’t do).

Every week I would trudge to the grocery store, praying to see that splash of red, that nectar of the Gods.  Every week I would trudge home defeated.

And then…finally.  We walked into the store and “HALLELUJAH” resounded throughout the store.  I stood in front of the objects of my desire…..and started hysterically crying.  Scott walked to the other side of the produce section so he could pretend he didn’t know the crazy pregnant lady.

They filled my vision, green and red, hearts calling to me.  With a trembling hand I reached out to grasp one.  Every pore was visible, every curve and line.  The smell filled my nose, every part of me screaming in desire.

I brought it slowly to my lips, quivering in anticipation, and closing my lips lightly around it I bit down.  The mix of sweet and tart flooded my taste buds, the juice staining my lips as I sucked at this ambrosia.

I was interrupted from my sensual revelry by a man clearing his throat behind me, wanting to purchase some.  Like an animal I almost bared my teeth at him. “MINE!” screamed my body.  Some semblance of sanity reasserted itself and I backed away.

We bought a flat of berries, and I gorged myself until lips and face and fingers were stained red.  Ahhh…sweet relief.

LONG LIVE  STRAWBERRY’S!