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Want a truly humbling experience? Go back and read 13ish years of blog posts (or journal entries) by your younger self. Woah. I started this blog-turned-website when I was a wide-eyed college senior: hyped after working a summer on an organic farm, looking for ways to put my journalism skills to use, and about to graduate during an economic recession. My site became a virtual space that deepened my interest in food and agriculture, led me to graduate school, and allowed me to put my professional skills to use. But, I’ve been quiet the last few years. I was and still am going through a sort of professional identity crisis. Since 2008, I was a food grower and writer in some capacity. Last year, for the first time, I did neither of these things. The demands of a full-time job and a heaping dose of crippling self-doubt don’t readily foster creativity. Add to this a political and cultural climate that made it abundantly clear—to those who were truly listening—that white people needed to take a step back and amplify the voices of others. Oh, and even more fun when you’re an anxious person who is working this all out in your head during a pandemic. I feel a bit untethered and listless…and I think that’s ok? This is new territory for me. So, I’m leaning into this vulnerability and uncertainty (Type A’s are great with these concepts…), while also rediscovering and embracing things that make me feel energized: farming; food; writing; photography; championing people and organizations that are doing good work; and, hopefully, motivating others to think more critically and take action. Speak With Your Food remains a work in progress. Over the course of the year, I’ll be using these updates as a way to hold myself accountable, be more creative and mindful, and better refine what I want to do. I hope you, too, find something here that you enjoy. At the very least, you can skip the intro and scroll to try a new recipe. Thanks for reading - I really do appreciate you! Be kind and eat your vegetables, Alex
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