For a few weeks, our class has officially traded the heat of gas burners and convection ovens for the warmth of a Colorado sunshine. I’ve also inadvertently traded a working internet for a non-working one, but that little challenge has finally been resolved. Grateful to be reconnected.
As much as I love the kitchen, I’ve found my own little heaven weeding row upon row of three-inch fledgling cucumber plants. There’s something innately satisfying with removing obstacles and encouraging life. It sounds melodramatic. But I’m finding it incredibly fun.
We’ve spent time at two local farms which have completely different approaches to agricultural production both within ethical and sustainable parameters. It’s fascinating. Mornings can be early and days could seem endless, but how often can I say “we planted 100 thousand lettuce seedlings today?” We did. And in about three weeks they’ll look like this.
I’ll continue to get my hands dirty for the next few weeks on a larger scale, and they’ll surely stay somewhat soiled playing in my patio garden for the rest of the season.
And amid the recipes and farmers’ market photos I may just drag you back onto the farm and into the sunshine another time or two…
Terrified Tastebud 
I was just at the New Roots Refugee Gardens here in Salt Lake. It’s one of the projects we started. Not only is it a way for many of the refugees to do something they know and love and fresh food for themselves, we’ve been able to sell to local restaurants who are partnering with us so it’s a money making venture for the refugee “farmers”. A win-win. There’s something so marvelous in growing your own stuff. Hope you enjoy your summer and the time spent in the big and little garden!
I love to hear stories like this- a solution that is good for refugee “farmers”, good for local restaurants, and providing high quality, local produce to both! I just google searched New Roots and found an article today in the Tribune that even had a pic of the garden area 🙂 Thank you so much for letting me know this exists- and this is a project that you’ve helped initiate? Way to go!
Did you see the picture of me with my other refugee friends? I don’t know if the electronic copy has that but the actual paper had that picture and a great little article kicking off world refugee month activities.
I did see the article kicking off the month. I loved that the meeting spot was your garden!! Is there a pic of you speaking at a podium? … and I definitely won’t trespass 🙂 Cute!
Yes, that was me. Aren’t those signs great? The kids made them.
Hi Deb, I thought you’d gone off the grid but figured it was end of your course and you were celebrating steadily! Little did I know you were out trailing amongst the foliage but hey, it’s a celebration with mother nature in another way!
Is that also you sporting a summer hair do in the above picture? I’m so nosey! Looks like an amazing project for the next few weeks and I look forward to seeing the baby lettuce and cucmbers and more come to fruition.
Love it 😉 I’ve had a little of both celebrations I suppose! Incredible garden/farm time… and a few good microbrews and delicious wines.
And yes, that is a shorter ‘do’ that’s a bit easier. Speaking of, I’m in need of a little trim. Have a birthday coming up (do I get from one of your posts that you do as well?… my turn to be nosey!) so maybe I’ll schedule a little haircut “me” time 😀
Hope you’re enjoying your trip!
Excellent! I love the hair! Yes, mine’s over the queens long weekend. Hence we get a public holiday here and I can take time off for the road trip too 🙂
Oh that’s perfect! I’m glad you’re able to go… and I hope a BBQ might somehow turn up free for you to work your magic along the way!
I’m so grateful that you see the big picture. If you feed the earth it feeds your soul. Keep spreading the word.
Thank you for sharing the big picture with us! It has made such a huge difference… the contrast is distinct between those who connect to the earth and those who don’t as much.
And most of those patio pots are your seeds! 😀 Really hope you’re all doing well~
Oh it sounds absolutely glorious! Glad to see you reconnected and sharing such a great experience. There is something so special about getting dirt on your hands, getting out in the sunshine and helping things grow. Your post put a big smile on my face. Looking forward to more! 😀
And I’m glad you have reconnected with some (gorgeous as always) cupcakes and minis 🙂 Smiles are good… as are dirty fingers, sunshine days, and the occasional fudge cupcake for breaky!
😀 😀 😀
Hello TT, first of all I want to say Congratulations on mastering your cooking skills on all counts this year. You did a heck of a job! Also, working with your hands, in the open air, out in the sunshine, in the dirt, is the most relaxing and rewarding thing to do in my mind. It puts you in such a hypnotic state of consciousness that you feel lucky to be alive!!
Thank you, thank you, P&E! The congrats surely do mean a lot coming from you! And you hit the nail on the head with feeling lucky to be alive… glad we share the admiration for open air, sunshine and dirt!
I agree: There’s something very satisfying and deeply spiritual about tending to little plants. I think it’s good for our spirit to nurture these little spirits. Enjoy your spring gardening!
Eleanor
Well said, Eleanor. Thank you for your insight! And enjoy your next planned potluck… 🙂
Isn’t that amazing how simple actions as weeding doing wonders to our spiritual well being and show us all-around connectedness. Wonderful post!
‘Connectedness’ is such a perfect word here, Sibella. You’re completely on target. I’ve heard the term ‘connect’ several times just in the past week… and it’s resonating with me. Thank you~
Oh so jealous Deb – I would love to be amongst the little cucumber plants too! This looks and sounds like a rather idyllic way to spend the days. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Thank you for joining the journey. It is quite the idyllic way to spend days in my opinion. Little cucumber plants will grow into the inspiration for a refreshing raita this summer… 😀
I think I was a farmer in my past life. I love gardening and getting my hands dirty!
Not a bad past life at all! Dirt is… ‘hideous’ (you said I could use it) 😉
Thanks for spreading the “word!”
What fun to get out of the class and work outside!