Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Hugging a Farmer is Good Self Care...

The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses. ~Hanna Rion



I was raised most of my life on a farm.   We always had large vegetable gardens and orchards and livestock and an abundance of good, wholesome foods.   When you grow up on a farm you learn to appreciate hard work and simple pleasures.  The smell of fresh picked tomatoes signals summertime to me and all produce just tastes better when you pick it straight from the tree or vine or stalk.

With May upon us, we will soon find ourselves in summer weather.  I encourage you to support your local farmers by joining a CSA this season, or by attending your local farmer's market each week.   The food is more fresh, much better for you, and so much better tasting when purchased from a farm or farmer's market.  You might be surprised to find that the produce is cheaper than your local supermarket too!  Farmer's markets are great places to show appreciation for simple, healthy food and convey gratitude to the small, sustainable farmers who lovingly share their bounty with you.    That is very good self care!

Cultivating your own little pea patch can be quite good for your soul as well.  Digging in the dirt is meditative and, surprisingly, good exercise.  There are few things more satisfying than planting a little garden and patiently watching it grow- especially when you are rewarded with a handful of juicy strawberries, or a bowl of crisp green beans or cucumbers for your efforts.  

Be sure to let me know what you grow!

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