It's the hottest part of summer, and blackberries are a staple of Southern Indiana's July. Every summer, my family and I pick blackberries on our property. You never know what you're going to find in the woods, but blackberries have taught me some fundamentals about life. Think "Red Dirt Road" by Brooks and Dunn.

Timing and patience can be everything. Blackberries peak for just a couple of days, but you're always tempted to rush the picking. You think, "Well, it's almost black..." and then you pucker as your mouth is overwhelmed with sour juice. Having the patience and self-control to wait for the right time pays off.

Vigilance is rewarding. It's almost time....... closer..................... closer....... BOOM the berries are ripe! You will only know this if you are looking. Patience is good, but you also have to prepare for when it's finally time to pick.

Pay attention to detail; scan and re-scan the bushes, or you'll miss half the crop (probably more). You know what you're looking for, and you would think blackberries would stand out amid bright green leaves. This isn't necessarily the case, and you often find that you pick another few handfuls when you later return to a spot you thought you had finished.

Focus is important, but it's equally important to avoid tunnel vision. Berries are typically found in a forest or in high grass. You must watch for branches, poison, other animals, and especially the thorns that grow on wild blackberry plants. How you regard factors that could be considered background noise can make or break your pick, and it definitely affects your attitude.

Don't step where you can't see reasonably well. Solid and agile footwork is the basis for a successful picking stance. To avoid snakes, holes, rotten logs, etc, always rely on firm footing, but be prepared to move quickly. Give a proper amount of time to planning and situating yourself, but 95% of the time should still be spend picking. Preparation should not lead to a fear to move. Always know where you're headed, and keep in mind plenty of alternative routes and destinations along the way. These change as you move through the patch and in the varying conditions of nature.

Choose your blackberry picking crew wisely. Don't pick with those who will chase every butterfly or who will disregard preparation only to end up lost or laying in a patch of needles. Go with those who pick at about the same pace and who will be there along the way and when you need help. Blackberry picking is fun! Pick with people you can laugh with.

Wearing heavy clothes is worth being slightly uncomfortable. Long sleeves, heavy pants, and boots are essential. Step into a blackberry patch in typical summer attire, and you'll last about 30 seconds. It's better to be a little uncomfortable than severely hurt or miserable later.

How much do you really need to get the berry that's in the middle of the bush, just out of reach? That's up to you; weigh the risks and the potential reward. Keep in mind that the further away the berry, the more likely to fumble and drop it or to fall trying to get it. And when you do succeed, be careful not to squish it in your hand. You're on top of the world after you finally snag one of those difficult finds, and you always come out with a few more scratches. But seriously, once you finally reach it and it's in the bucket, you can't quit smiling. Off to the next acquisition!

Know what type of environment suits you. To this point, I've spoken of wild blackberries. If this more rugged type of pick isn't you, pick the tame blackberries. Tame blackberries are usually planted along a fence row, do not have thorns, are often treated with pesticides, and are much larger and juicier (while lacking flavor). They're basically more domestic. I'm not saying this is an absolute choice, but know your preference and that it can be fluid (I won't get into where I fall on the continuum). Most importantly, recognize the give and take to either type of berry, that both have benefits and negatives, and that your perception of these things is neither stagnant nor unaffected by your experiences and surroundings.

Happy blackberry picking!