Foraging at the Bookstore

I hate when I’m attracted to the “New in Hardcover” table at the bookstore. Just like a moth to the light. I can’t help it. The table is right in front of the door (of course). I’m a classic consumer. The books cost so much more than soft covers, and I don’t like the pretentious feel of hardcover books in my hands. But I could not resist purchasing Plenty: One man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally by Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon. In fact, I was surprised by the number of titles related to food production. Eating locally and organically is on the up-and-up. Mark my words.

Hooray!

Unfortunately, the gardening section was quite pithy. Alas. I’m still waiting for my square-foot gardening books to arrive at the local library through inter-library loan. I can’t decide between the old or new edition. The newer edition seems even more wannabe-gardener-proofed than the first one. On the one hand, that’s probably good for me (given my inability to nurture even the most hardy of house plants). On the other hand, it feels really lame to take so many short cuts.

Actually, I probably will sacrifice my principles. Making it harder on myself is not likely to yield the desired end. As Stephen Covey said in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, you’ve got to start with the end in mind. Then again, in contrast to what Machiavelli says, the ends do not justify the means.

I feel okay going with the newer edition. I’ll still be using real dirt and real seeds and stuff.

Hey, get this. Here’s the dedication to the new book I’m reading: “To maverick farmers, fishermen, gardeners, foragers, and others feeding the future.”

That’s me! (er, that’s about to be me!)