Whenever University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) Farm and Garden program holds an event, I delight in going. It is an excuse to visit one of the most beautiful and well-run farms I have ever been to. The farm sits on a cliff overlooking Monterey Bay. It is surrounded by redwoods, and the veggie beds run here and there across the gentle slope of the land. It is a haven for young and old, soaking up the sweet sights and flavors, learning, sharing, and growing. There is something heavenly happening on that land, waiting to be experienced. It floods over me and runs through me as soon as my foot crosses the threshold.

Yesterday Joaquin and I ventured out to the farm to enjoy fresh strawberries at their Strawberry Festival. Strawberry shortcake, pretty farm, happy baby, painted faces, lots of dancing... it was a good afternoon, good enough to forget about the strawberry stains on those brand new clothes.