Rationale

If you read the last post, you are probably aware that my city-loving ass decided to go country. :) If you know me, then you know that following in the footsteps of farmers is not expected. So, let me explain myself...

As some of you know, I have been working on a film that follows a tomato seed from its origins at a seed company, to being planted at Eco Farm (in Carrboro, NC), to its harvest, to being sold at the Carrboro Farmers Market. Filming has opened my eyes to the farmers right down the street. It has also re-connected me to nature, our planet, and our food in ways I never thought were possible. Every time I went to the farm to film, a calming feeling would come over me and I felt like I was home (I know, super duper cheesy...). During filming, I witnessed farmers growing delicious food AND giving back to the land, which is an exchange that does not always occur, especially in the industrial agriculture system (don't get me started on that problem). I became interested and passionate about sustainable agriculture and local food. Since, I am often monotone and am not the most excitable person in the world, it was a miracle that I found something that truly evokes emotion in me. So, I knew that I was meant to nurture the land, grow food and share the power of food with others.

So, I figured this out, but then I had to break the news to my (mostly) supportive parents and boyfriend. I got a few laughs and a few expletives, but I think they know I am serious now. :) If not, they aren't getting any of my fresh produce in the future.

Now, my career plan has changed a bit, but I am more excited than ever.

Thank God, because I was getting worried I would float around in life without any true passion.

Plus, if I am eating (mostly) raw, then what is better than fresh from the farm produce? It definitely will make my dishes taste EVEN better.

Side note, I was super lazy this week in the cooking department. This was what I did:

• bought kale and collards
• cut up purple, white, green, yellow, orange, and red bell peppers
• cut up an orange (yes, orange) watermelon and added orange mint to it
• cut up cabbage, carrots, and zucchini cores
• sliced zucchini
• cut up a big ass cucumber
• bought a box of multicolor cherry tomatoes
• bought shittake mushrooms (from Eco Farm, they are DELISH)
• poached chicken

And, the above ingredients will be mixed together in as many ways possible to make lots of salads, and crunchy dishes. :) Lazy, yes. Raw, mostly. Yummy, definitely! 

enlightened.

Let me just start by saying that I am sorry to my blog and readers that I neglected you so long. Frankly, by the end of the day, the last thing I want to do is type and stare at a computer screen (I would much rather stare at a tv screen or a magazine). 


So what has been happening, one may ask? 
A LOT OF DELINQUENCY! 

Adam (the parent) is out of town and I (the friend) can not yell at this cute little guy, even if he just sneezed in my glass of water...

Seriously, though, raw food has been out the window. Not because of a lack of fresh produce. Not because of limited time to cook. But because I have wanted anything but raw food. Can you say ice cream, pizza, sushi (eh, kind of raw), etc.? 


Creating a new lifestyle does take time, and maybe some failures. That being said, don't get too cranky at me yet. This week was raw week (besides the poached chicken or greek yogurt for protein). Here is what I have been eating today: 
Smoothie (a custom creation)

• 1 c blueberries and blackberries
• 2 inches ginger (which made this smoothie quite a zinger ;) )
• about 3 c spinach 
• about 1 c fat-free plain (sour cream tasting) greek yogurt

Blend the berries and ginger first with a little water. Slowly add the spinach then the yogurt. 

Marinated Mushrooms with Spinach (and I added some happy chicken)

• 3 Tbsp Nama Shoyu
• 2 1/2 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp chili-garlic sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 4 c button mushrooms, sliced
• 8 c spinach leaves
• 1 c corn kernels (surprisingly delish raw)
• 1 avocado, peeled and diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 3 tsp sesame seeds

Mix the first 5 ingredients in a bowl and add the mushrooms and toss to coat. Marinate for about 2 hours. Toss the other ingredients together in a large bowl and add the mushrooms. Eat! 

"Tuna" Salad

Salad:

• 3 cups raw sunflower seeds, soaked for 3 hours, drained and processed in a food processor
• 4 stalks celery, diced
• 1/2 bunch scallions, sliced
• 1/4 c dill 

Dressing:

• 1 1/2 c coconut water
• 6 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1 c lemon juice
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 2 1/2 c pine nuts, cashews, or macadamia nuts (i used a combo of cashews and pine nuts)
• 1/2 c stone-ground mustard

For salad, combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss to mix. For the dressing, combine in a food processor and blend until combined. Pour over salad, mix well and serve. I added sprouts (alfalfa, that I sprouted myself), too! 

Now that the food talk is over...Why is the title of the post enlightened? 

Well, I have been in a very happy and content mood because I finally figured out how to mesh everything I like into a career. And, I found a new passion, that I know deep down in my heart is right for me. And it is...Farming. 

Filming this movie has made me realize the beauty and huge reward in being able to nurture a little seed into a huge tomato plant. I want to be a part of that. 

That's all I'm sharing until I organize how to make that dream into a reality (and hopefully a career). Have a good night, friends!