Lettuce Impose on Each Other!
There’s a little thing known as imposter syndrome. The feeling of being found out you’re a fake. In a few instances this week, that feeling overtook me. I read it’s actually a common phenomenon, so this is me talking us out of it. Both times, in self dialogue, I had to coerce myself into my decisions as a real part of who I AM, although I may not entirely “fit the mold”.
Let me explain:
I’m a graphic tee imposter. Sometimes I wear band tees and I couldn’t name a song they sing. Try me on it sometime, we can both laugh at me. Or, for example, I don’t like Star Trek. I think it’s creepy and obscure. Growing up it came on late and the only reason I would feign interest in it, was to avoid going to sleep. I’d look at the bald guy and their weird ears and just wonder when the ship would crash and put us all out of our misery.
So as I’m wearing this Star Trek shirt around, I’m hopeful my belly will detract attention from any Trek fans high five approvals, or ear twerks- whatever y’all do.
So why did I buy It? 5 reasons actually. FIVE!
The graphics- look at that symmetry.
The colors- primaries done well.
The words: “Mirror Mirror” printed- I love the concept of staring at another person, and knowing that they serve as a mirror. That we are all mirrors to one another, reflecting back energy and facial expressions and the list goes on.
The price tag of $3 @ Austin Pets Alive Thrift- (check them out.... there’s also a few more of these brand new tees there if you wanna ear twerk with me laters.)
Finally, the fact that maternity wear makes my skin crawl and I’d rather shop in the Men’s section.
And for those reasons- I feel validated in my choice to rock this Spock.
On to scenario dos (see how I did that, I can’t speak Spanish)
So, scenario three....
There’s this new App that just launched called Veggie Vinder. I’ll let them explain it-
Purslang- a wild spinach varietal that grows in TX.
“Its all about the #DoWhatsRipe
Vinder is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and buy local produce. We want to connect home growers who have an abundant garden with community members looking for local produce. We’re here to create a transparent agricultural system that informs consumers about who’s growing their food, how it’s being grown, and where. Vinder makes it easy to buy ultra local food, boost your community’s economy, and promote sustainable agriculture.”
I’ve been following Vinder on IG as they have conceptualized this process. Can’t wait for the veggies and the growers I will meet through this concept!
Anyways, they had their app launch at Eden East on Sunday. We adore this farm in East Austin and I was excited to hear more about Vinder. So I signed us up for the potluck.
When we arrived, we were among the only ones not affiliated with the app, or farmers/growers being supported by this incredible service. ahhhhhhh, hi.
I did that thing, you know, where you second guess yourself, wonder if you missed the fine print. Feeling like Elle Woods in that bunny costume. Ultimately I had that imposter syndrome pop up...I was quickly wondering if I should say I grew the beets I brought for the potluck. (Recipe Here)
Here’s the thing: I love vegetables, fruits and herbs. I believe in the power of food to heal and nourish and whole food has always been grounding and nurturing to me (the colors, the smells, the textures).
Do I ALWAYS eat organic? I try, but, No.
Do I garden, compost and produce my own vegetables, no.
Do I always eat SEASONALLY? No....
Do I someday want to? Absolutely.
Did I plant 75 onions this spring and then forget about them when temps broke 85... Absolutely.
But right now- there’s lot of days Annie’s MAC and Cheese takes the torch over broccolini. I’m tired and toddlers are tiring and fighting with a toddler about food is the most tiring. (Pictured below: The process of making beets with fresh horseradish sauce and incorporating a non-toxic art project in for Atlas. He loved stamping the ends and the peeled skin onto paper and the mess it made for me.)
Regardless of the fact I didn’t fit the mold exactly, I wanted to be a part of this bigger conversation, to be more mindful of food choices and the process of growing food. Saenger and I ended up having the most incredible time. Turns out everyone was super excited to share what they were growing or how they had conceptualized Vinder or partnered for the event. We had dinner with a couple that owns a micro-farm in ATX, they filled us up with so much inspiration and soul food!
What sparked me was the dialogue of creating community where you actually know who grows your food- a personal relationship, inviting trade back into our culture.
Like:
”Hey Ryan, thanks for growing this cauliflower for 100 days” (yes, I learned that from the awesome couple of the micro farm.... cauliflower heads take 100 days to mature.) That fact alone creates such a different resonance for me when I think of making cauliflower. Taking more time to appreciate it and savor the textures and flavors.
This week I’ve acknowledged that I can identify with, be curious about, embrace pieces of, or support things that are not entirely “me”. Imposing on other people’s passions brings rich new perspective. The most memorable experiences, generally transcend from diverse interactions. Stepping into any scenario with curiosity- with the absence of judgment or ego-that is the fun of it all!
“To Boldly go where no man has gone before”- LOL I googled that.