Well said Oscar. A gallon of wisdom stuffed into a quart jar. I empathize with so many of my friends who are feeling frustrated or anxious about wanting to connect with a job or profession that’s more fulfilling. Money for the sake of money doesn’t seem as popular right now. Most people I know and meet want more balance. They’re not willing to do stuff like sleep at the office, or spend all day at work then work all night from home, or take abuses from management. High Five! I’ve chosen not to work with rude or disrespectful clients anymore. I’ve put up with some really appalling behavior from clients in the name of possible production awards but wasn’t what I was about so I decided, if I was going to be happy doing this work, I was going to have to be myself. Being me isn’t always easy because I have a strong craving for artistic expression but haven’t found IT. I hear the calling. Wait up, I can't see you but I can hear you. Keep talking till I get there.
I started a small potted plant garden on the deck where I’m learning to grow a variety of tomatoes, herbs, garlic, and potatoes. I feel like an urban sustenance micro-farmer. It’s been a surprise to learn how excited I get watching my little ones grow up. I’m very protective of my pots. When I see leaves wilting I feel bad and rush to the hose. I’m so happy for the harvest. I give them food and water and care and they give me food and a really good feeling. I bought a bunch of tomato plants from a fellow down the road and they’re all kicking ass except for the Yellow Pear tom. It never grew and the stalk began to rot. What to do? I’ve never grown tomatoes before. I asked a couple people then decided to go it on my own. I named this plant Cinderella. I cut the stalk at a healthy point, set it in a glass of water with some fertilizer in it, and set the glass back inside the pot where it lived with two other tomato plants. After a week Cinderella had sprouted roots from the stalk (right) so I planted it in a fresh pot. Cinderella wants to live! and I’m going to do my best to help.
Before Cinderella’s surgery, I found my first tomato on my very first tomato plant. I was so crazy excited, I named this Green Grape tom Hubie (left).
My wine glass was empty tonight but I'll share the following simple recipe in honor of Cinderella and Hubie. Btw, tomatoes pair well with Grüner Veltliners and I'll start drinking and talking about Grüners this week.
Stem 10 Green Grape toms and cut them in half lengthwise. Load each tom half up with ½ teaspoon of fresh chèvre. Sprinkle with fresh-ground black or white pepper to your own personal taste. Green Grape toms are heirlooms (cross of Yellow Pear and Evergreen) are sweet, juicy and have an acidity that goes really well with creamy cheeses and other rich fillings. Experiment and share what you come up with.
