My sister brought home spinach last night, real live greens already harvested from her small plot in the nearby community garden. Lunch today was exponentially better with a hopeful salad bringing tidings of more of the green bounty to come.
Though you may not live with an urban farmer, I know you are seeing those plants all around you that have stubbornly decided to grow. I so admire their efforts to push through the cold earth, even if to be immediately eaten by a hungry passerby.
We may only notice these green things after they become seedlings, but just think of the energy it took for those seeds to germinate! It reminds me of the effort that goes into a business that may not show signs of life, until all the conditions are right, a bit further down the road. Of course, there will always be some seeds of ideas that will remain dormant, but If we give up too soon, we will never know how much they could thrive.
Despite what the overflowing produce section may tell you, growing food is not easy. But thankfully there are people everywhere who continue to sow new seeds each year with no guarantee of favorable climate conditions or a return on their efforts. Understanding the amount of risk and work that goes into growing food makes those spinach leaves taste even better and the meals we make from them even more meaningful.
Growth also is meaningful in our personal lives but it is harder to measure than our abundant gardens. No matter how many languages we learn, books we read or sourdough bread loaves we bake - how do we know how much we have grown?
Of course, most growth is positive but under certain circumstances more sinister proliferations can appear. And whether it is an invasive species invasion, widespread conspiracy theories or mounting fear - a good gardener not only knows what to nurture but also what to weed out.
So what have you grown recently? And what dishes do you enjoy making from your favorite freshly grown ingredients? More importantly, how has Covid challenged you to grow this past year and how do we stop the rise of fear and violence in our society?
In honor of Earth Day, our next Virtual Gathering’s Theme is: Growth
When: Thursday, May 6th, 8:00PM ET / 5:00PM PT
How: Sign up here
What: Please join our call with a favorite food or beverage that connects to the theme (and if you don't have time to cook just come with a story!)
Cost: $15 to secure your spot (Venmo @Ellen-Cosgrove)