Dearest Earthlings,
I feel silly using that term: “earthlings”, like I am some sort of Sci-Fi enthusiast. Believe it or not, I don’t spend my time watching Star Trek re-runs all day. Instead, I nurture a complex system of bio-diverse plants, animals, and insects in a very large suburban backyard.
My livelihood as a farmer is a constant reminder that we are all truly people of the earth – hence the term “earthlings”.
However, a modern lifestyle full of gadgetry and technological accessories that fall far from the realm of necessity can quickly make one forget their earthly origin. When the term “blackberry” evokes images of a fancy computerized device before that of a juicy, bite-size fruit bursting with flavor, then perhaps it is time to step back and reconnect with the earth – if only for just a moment.
One way to step back and reconnect is to prepare a meal with friends and family from locally grown foods.
Prince Charles, a man who views agriculture as the most important of humanities productive activities, believes that “local cuisine is one of the most important ways we identify with the place and region where we live”. The food produced in our immediate communities is more than just food, for it represents an entire culture.
So my friends, let’s get “cultured” and fill our bellies with local-organic delights grown sustainably and with a whole lotta’ love from your dedicated gang of gregarious urban growers at the BADSEED Farmers Market this “first” Friday from 4:30 – 9 PM!!!
This weeks “earthly” delights will include:
*Heirloom Tomatoes in Green Zebra, Japanese Black Trifle, Brandywine, Lemon Drop, Tigerella, and more….
*Orgasmic Eggplant in all shapes, sizes, and colors (try the Japanese, they literally melt in your mouth!!!)
*Sweeter than Heaven & Hotter than Hell Heirloom Peppers
*Red Velvet OKRA (tender, elegant, wickedly good…)
*Varietal Summer Squash including French Heirloom Scallop, Lebanon, Costata Romanesca, Eight Ball, and more….
*SHOW-STOPPING Carnival Winter Sqaush (from the “squashfather” himself)
*MEAN GREENS – Late Summer Saute Mix with Lemon Sorrel and Sweet Potato Greens, Peppery and Perfect Arugula, Russian Kale, Rainbow Chard...and the list goes on
*Gourmet Potatoes in Purple Peruvian, Yukon Gold, French Fingerling, and Agria
*Crisp Cabbage Heads in Savoy and Red Rock
*Flavor Bursting Garlic & Onions
* FOOT-LONG CHINESE RED NOODLE BEANS (OH MY GOD!)
*Herbs, Glorious Herbs – including the BEST BASIL EVER!!!!!! (make some PESTO or else….)
*Fresh Cut ZINNIAS in retro pink, green, and burnt orange
…….and that’s not all
Who needs vegetables when you can stuff yourself with local GOAT CHEESE from Goatsbeard Farm, and FREE-RANGE EGGS & BAKED GOODS from Bread of Life Bakery, not to mention that much needed jolt from Puddin’ Head Coffee with their organic/fair-trade and oh so delicious Coffee Beans and hot hot cups.
And last but not least: Musical stylings will be provided for your listening pleasure by our favorite folkies, Checkered Past !!!!
-And now on a more serious note -
BADSEED Farm Up-date:
Well, our fight to keep our farm continues. Strange, huh! Who ever thought organic vegetables grown in a well-manicured and idyllic backyard would be a controversial debate? To read the latest publication on the issue please visit: http://www.kansascity.com/news/neighborhood/southland/story/1418209.html
Anyway, Dan and I are doing our best to stay focused and take things day by day. It is easy to lose faith and motivation in situations like this, but the plants and animals (as well as my dear old Grandpa) still need constant attention. The ill intentions of a few community members (as heavy as their influence may be over our future) cannot cause us to abandon our ultimate responsibility to the land. There is a plethora of luscious food in the ground! These nutrient packed bodies of life must get into the mouths of our dedicated “eaters”. I AM A FARMER and my allegiance is to just that – FEEDING PEOPLE responsibly.
Our sweet and angelic dairy goats are now gone. As you may know, we lost our appeals hearing to receive a special extension to keep them. The farm is a lonely, lonely place these days. I have never felt such a sense of loss in my entire life. Losses have been particularly potent as my lovely Grandmother, Betty Lou, who once adored the goats from her kitchen window, passed on the same week as our hearing to keep the animals. Wow!! - Life can really sneak up on you sometimes, and before you know it you are drowning in all its tragic glory.
As they say – “when certain doors close, others open”. I have been putting a lot of faith in that “saying” these days. Perhaps I will not always nurture the land in a suburban backyard at 95th and Stateline Rd, but I promise you this:
Somewhere, somehow I WILL dance with my goats, I WILL cackle with my chickens, and I WILL stare across a sunlit field full of food into the face of the man that I love. I WILL BE FREE.
THANK YOU KANSAS CITY – the greater community has supported BADSEED since our humble beginning. We will not forget.
SEE YOU FRIDAY
Most Sincerely Yours,
Brooke
– Farmer & Mistress of the BADSEED -
