or orange tree. My commitment to producing something was severely challenged with this one. It was an experiment in pushing boundaries, and I learned more about what NOT to do than what to do. But hey, it’s done—not perfect. If there’s one thing I gained, it’s the accomplishment of painting the background. Mostly, I have a pocketful of adjustments for the future. Silver linings, right?
“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”
-Andy Warhol
Growing up in California’s Central Valley, oranges aren’t just fruit; they’re a part of our DNA. Every day, whether I was off to teach, working at the coffee shop, or just running errands, the endless rows of orange trees are my constant companions. They’re everywhere—shout out to Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer who brought the orange tree to California way back in 1513.
Today, California is the powerhouse of citrus, producing a whopping $2.2 billion worth in 2023 alone—92% of the nation’s fresh citrus comes from right here. The Central Valley is the beating heart of this industry, home to more than half of the state’s citrus acres. Hot, dry summers, cold, foggy winters—this is the land where almost all of the state’s navel oranges thrive. Valencia oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tangerines—they all flourish in this unique climate.
Sure, we might deal with some of the worst air quality around, and those July and August days can be downright brutal. But the farmers here are nothing if not resilient. They plant, they nurture, they brave the whims of nature, and year after year, they bring in the harvest that keeps this region—and the world—fed. The Valley grows things.
And let’s not forget the health benefits of these fruits. Oranges are packed with vitamin C, boosting your immune system, and they’re loaded with flavonoids, which offer a whole host of benefits—antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties, to name a few. Plus, they’re a great source of fiber, potassium, and folate, two vital nutrients your body needs.
Every type of orange has more than 100% of your recommended daily amount of vitamin C.
-webmd.com
Eat real, and remember the farmers who brought that juicy orb to your table. Maybe it’s just nostalgia kicking in, but no matter where life takes me, the Central Valley and its orange groves will always hold a special place in my heart.
nikolaidesigns.com 
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