Is it really a surprise that Practicality won the debate with Purity? Well, maybe it is surprising, if we’re talking about it in the context of my own life.

Last week I was debating between the old and new versions of the square-foot gardening method. The new version seem so simplified and so yuppified; I worried I would be selling out. Process matters. Our society’s over-emphasis on product has left us in quite a few conundrums.

Actually, I’m not trying to say that process matters more than product (even though I do love Annie Dillard’s idea that “how we spend our days, is, of course, how we spend our lives”–the … Read More

I’m in denial. Like an obese person who indulges in a week-long, junk-food blitz and then refuses to step on the scale.

My avocado seed was doing so well. With “was” being the operative word. Matt went to a student’s home, and the mom taught him how to grow an avocado seed. Take the seed from a delectable avocado. Let it dry out. When it’s completely dry, peel away most of the dark brown exterior. Poke with toothpicks and immerse half-way in water (heavy-side up).

I’ve taken to making guacamole. For birthday parties, community picnics, dinner at home. Really, it’s just an opportunity to grow avocado trees. The more … Read More

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 … Read More