A Time of Change!
“There are only two types of change: something new comes into your life, or something new comes out of you. Be that ‘something new’ and strive to help others tap into theirs.”
- Brendan Burchard.
I have been recently working in Decorah, Iowa, guiding a team and mentoring two leaders and their inexperienced crew through a fresh department transition. It is a lovely town with a wonderful co-op, and both leaders are eager to create the smoothest transition possible. I love this type of work where I can share my years of experience, help maintain stability and structure during the transition, teach latest ideas, and encourage curiosity and - curiously learn myself!
During my time onsite, there have been so, so many produce questions and opportunities to share while working with the team. What is the difference between organic uncured and cured onions? How do you tell if an organic pear is ripe?
Or, from my end: Have you ever tried winter squash? Or the different varieties of sweet potatoes? What a blast explaining the differences and answering the questions.
Every day when working, I pull out my knife and cut into something fresh or open a package to offer a bite, so that everyone has a chance to explore what’s in season in the produce department right now. It’s so fun seeing the delight and surprised expressions, or hearing “this isn't bad” or “Wow, this is delicious!” My hope is always that they’ll be a little more connected to their work or even share this type of experience with a customer. It will open their world, and they’ll want to try more on their own.
Mostly, I think it's the sharing together that creates an opening for something new to occur, which brings me to our own homes and kitchens, as we start to spend more time inside and do more cooking this month.
Wouldn't it be fun to bring home four different Melissa's organic pears and do a taste test with your family or friends? Maybe cook up an organic kabocha and a butternut squash at the same time and try them side by side, or perhaps three different packages of organic baby yams, such as: Organic Baby Charleston Yams (Sweet Potatoes),
Organic Baby Jewel Sweet Potatoes, Organic Baby Garnet Yams (Sweet Potatoes).
I do these types of sharing with my family several times a year, and it always brings us together and allows us to slow down and share a moment of flavors and textures - opening up our world and being grateful for our experience together.
Who knows what you’ll find? It's certainly worth a try!
