Hi, I just want to say I very much notice and appreciate your presence here! Not to create any divisions or anything, but I do like seeing your posts, and that its not just a bunch of dudes talking about fruit. Also us guys tend to take things to extremes, fig collecting is no different, and you bring a moderating influence, sort of like the pacific ocean :) I want to share a wonderful little essay about a search for the perfect fig, written by a lady named Camille whom, after I first read it 4 years ago, was lucky enough to make friends with. She invited me out to her place in Ojai and though she has since sold it and moved to a condo by the beach (!), it's still a great piece I enjoy reading.

Enjoy! 

http://www.ediblecommunities.com/ojai/summer-2004/summer-2004.htm#fig

PS: has anyone else noticed they have picked up the ability to spot a fig tree at 1500 yards? While driving? In your peripheral vision? It's amazing!

Forrest,

Let me be one of the first to thank you for that wonderful experience!  I have added many of your friend Camille's favorite figs to my wish list.  I loved her descriptions, her lessons to young entrepreneurs, and her ginger lemonade recipe!

I hope the guys on this forum read her comments also!

And I definitely can spot a fig tree while driving in my peripheral vision!!

Thanks again for your post!

Suzi

Thanks Forrest for the link to the nice article.

Not sure about women not taking things to the extremes however, lol. Speaking just for myself of course.

And, yes, I have found myself watching for fig trees as I'm driving. I've recently had to remind myself to keep my eyes on the road.

Fig looking is as addictive as texting. Watch out or they will pass a law.

Forrest I agree that the women here add a very nice touche, but that's what they do to our everyday lives. I must disagree with not taking it to extremes. Women are extreme beings LOL, and we like it that way.
"gene"

Yes...good to read comments posted by the "skirts".  They add that "touch of mink" to this forum.  : )))

There's nothing like a Dame!

Frank

Thank you Forrest.  We do have our moments!

The essay was a nice read.  Her list has helped me with my own.

I don't think women offer any other viewpoint or presence except as a person who has grown up under circumstance, lived with feelings and aesthetics unique to her.

A welcoming environment simply means taking their opinions seriously and respectfully as you would anyone else.  The good feelings follow.  No need for "a woman's touch" or any other gender typing...

Shah8,

Long time Female member responding to Shah8.  Should I start a thread saluting the good men on this forum?  What did you contribute here?  Criticism?  Go with it! 

Did you even read the link that Forest posted?  I doubt it, because if you did, you would have come in with applause instead of criticism.

JMHO
Suzi

First of all, I gave an opinion, a critical opinion, but an opinion.  I didn't criticize the poster, and only indirectly criticized the sense of the thread.  First and formost, this is a person we are a talking about.  She's talking about her history, what she liked growing up, her relationship with her daughter and the ag folks, how her land is set-up, etc.  We are not talking about some generic "woman" here, but a person who was influenced by everything around her.  Her story is set in a column with other reminisces that reflect people's deep tied with their towns, what it was like in the old days, and what it's like today.  Her story is valuable because it's her story, one that we can all take inspiration from.  Not the fact that it's a woman who told her own story.  No abstract feminine grace or wiles.  Just rich human-ness lived as a woman.

And a love for figs.

Hi all, thanks for checking this and reading the article! I really do feel appreciative whenever someone uses their valuable time to read and contribute to one of my topics. Sign me up for the 143-36 fig, btw.

I assure you Shah, this arose from an innocent place... Like when I would go surfing, the people out in the lineup were always 95% male. Even more during the winter and also more at what we could call high performance breaks. Aggression and silence was the dominant vibe. I was always glad when summer rolled around, not just for the warm water, but all of a sudden, 20% of the lineup were girls and the atmosphere was waaay different. The male tendencies that had been so overt at other times were very subtle for the most part and it was like some balance had come in. Order had been restored to the force :)
So when I came back to this website after a few years, I saw many new female names and felt happy about it, hence this topic.

No biggie.

Note: the ability to spot fig trees has spread to fruit trees in general. I just got back from a long drive absolutely exhausted from all that noticing!

wasn't directed at you, Forrest.  And totally agree with encouraging an open place for all to enjoy. 

As you said, the vibe is different.