We’re rushing this afternoon, whispering encouragements to the pork to finish braising, washing bowls and spatulas as quickly as we dirty them, slamming utensils back onto their shelves and racks as fast as possible. There are more important places to be than prepping in the cafe when the light is like this, when the temperature […]
Saoirse’s Choice
I remember the first time I stood in the barnyard, looked at an animal, and saw food. Growing up, I saw the livestock purely as animals. I stayed away when it was time to load them on the truck, mentally left the room when my parents, aunt, uncles and grandparents talked about the price per […]
Baking Lessons
“In professional settings,” writes Claire Saffitz of the New York Times this week, “machines called slab rollers in temperature-controlled rooms laminate the dough quickly and effectively, producing light, flaky, uniform croissants. Home bakers, however, must complete these tasks by hand, making it harder, slower and much more variable.”* The article makes me snort. I guess […]
Joyous Afflictions
“I don’t get it.” Ula’s flops across the couch, letting the heat of the fire melt away the chill of her day at the farm while she recounts her adventures. “Jenn accidentally poked herself with the needle while I was showing her how to do injections,” she continues, “and Pop Pop says, ‘you better go […]
Dog Commands
Journey sheds even through her turds. Her droppings throughout the yard are packed with bleached golden retriever blond hairs. The day to clean them off the lawn is carefully chosen – enough spring sun to convince us the task is pleasant; warm enough so they can be pulled away from the sod; cold enough that […]
On a Long Winter Nap
Folks, It’s been soooommmmmeeeee year. We’ve all seen a lot. We’ve all grown wiser. Your presence here on the blog and podcast has helped me reflect, learn and expand my thinking. I’m deeply thankful. And now, I’m taking the winter off to rest and recharge. The cafe is closed. The podcast is quiet. The blog […]
The Disease to Please
Psychic training, violin and fashion design. These are not the academic subjects I’d have chosen for my 13-year-old daughter. But she’s begged, pleaded, found the money, found her teachers and organized to work the lessons in between her writing, farm tours, waiting tables and math lessons. According to my conventional academic upbringing, these courses are […]
The Ideal Customer
IMMORTALS ONLY. I’m wondering if I can fit the sign on our already cluttered front door. Lifetime commitment required should be added there, too. Today is taking me by surprise. Sap Bush Saturday is when I step lightly, dance in the kitchen, shout joyfully to my customers. But I want to run from here. If […]
The Knight-Errant
“I am I, Don Quixote, The Lord of La Mancha, My destiny calls and I go.” Without looking up, Saoirse grabs a green mug off the back counter and pulls his coffee. She pours the cream and checks the volume in the sugar bowl. Not full enough. She tops it off, then pushes it all […]
Racial Reckoning
Nothing looks the same anymore. Last week I worked up the courage to pick up my copy of White Fragility by Robin Diangelo. My friend Vivian insisted I buy it over the summer. Demand for the book was so great, I waited weeks to get it. Then I procrastinated reading. Now, I can only read […]
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