MIMOSA SOUP as recorded by Dorothy-Jean (Dody) Christian Chapman Bark from a poplar tree; about two one inch

pieces will do 20 blue asters from the windrow; more for decoration 10 sumac leaves stripped from their stem 4 Iris leaves, cut up 2 handsful of crusher run from the driveway 2 sticks from the walnut tree 20 mimosa leaves, stripped of large stems 20 mimosa pompons; more for decoration 5 leftover chips of pine from the rabbit hutch construction 1 handful of pigweed Utensils: 1 pair of scissors, 2 one quart/litre plastic yoghurt containers, 2 cups of water DIRECTIONS: 1)Two grubby children will collect their choice of items from the ingredients list. They will discuss everything from one end of the field to the next (that includes the yard) using their highest volume and running to their hearts content. 2)Said children will perform the obligatory stripping, cutting, and plucking of specific items on the list using their hands and a pair of scissors from the kitchen with moms blessing. 3)With dirty hands, the dirtier the better, children will place the poplar bark into the two yoghurt containers which already contain a cup of water each. 4)After the poplar bark has seasoned the water adequately by stirring with a piece of chicken wire, these mud-streaked children will divide the floral spoils between them. Arguments are allowed with little or no intervention since most children tend to work out their cooking differences on their own. 5)Messy hands will then pile greens into the yoghurt containers for the soaking. Use manual mixing method at this point of the receipt. Water may spill or spurt, covering already dusty/muddy clothing, but thats a given since clothes have the uncanny capability of being cleaned.

6)Sprinkle in the walnut sticks, the asters, and the mimosa pompons. Continue to squeeze the water through the mixture until it begins to stain hands, shirt, shorts, and legs. 7)For seasoning, these green-speckled children will sprinkle in the crusher run and continue mixing. 8)Garnish the two containers with extra asters and mimosa pompons. Thoroughly grubby children should be satisfied with their discovery and self-directed adventure into cooking. Much has been internalized by the growing brain and mind. This episode must be repeated though the ingredients may be altered to suit the players. And the value of this culinary creation has been worth at least a convolution or two! And there you have Mimosa soup.