ThinkFOOD conference in Grt Barrington MA 4-19-14. See Turtle Garden Posts too

There were many facts and ideas to feast on at the first Think FOOD conference at the Great Barrington MA Simon's Rock College. I got to enjoy a lovely vegetarian meal with the directors of the food programs of both that college and "Big Bard" who I happened to meet last week on that campus' open house event. Talk about a small world or travelling in 'the right circles' for good food and life to happen. Anyone would have been inspired to hear that more schools like Bard and Hotchkiss have active garden programs on or near campus that engage the students and faculty in meaningful ways, and oh yes, Feed Them Healthy Grub! (A term endearingly borrowed from a lad no longer enjoying earthly days but likely smiling down with my own son and other bright-souled beings such as a young man  who passed away  a few years ago in a car accident before Thanksgiving, a time families and people across the US gather to share food and give thanks) which I just heard about 'by chance'...at Bard I'd met a two students with the same name as the man who died in an car accident. Big love goes out to the families of all missing their loved ones whether during the holidays or times in every season that tug on the heartstrings as wishing they were here by our side..We can find some comfort in acting 'as if that were the case' since there may be a chance and really is a lot of reporting from various circles that it likely the case...

The two students entering college will be  pursuing their dreams and I felt there was something I should take note of, not having heard that name before..maybe it's just one of those more popular names now, but I take it as an affirmation from the other side that these are meaningful connections and times to 'take attention to things that matter' from our friends to our food, from our growing concept of healthy family and community and wider circles of inspiration and influence'.)

The speakers were engaged with the topic on both a personal and professional level. I'll share more from my notes, but check out more of the 'local food' sources at your neighborhood farm markets, grocers and restaurants.

Treat yourself to Serevon in Amenia NY on Rt 44 where a passionate Armenian chef is creating inspired dishes featuring both local and imported gems of delectable foods. I'll end on that savory note, having just had a s'more after an Easter eve service at Trinity Limerock where the music and spirits were uplifting.

 See www.chileus.org to donate directly to a fund to help earthquake victims, especially children, with rebuilding homes in a poor city. A special service with Spanish music under the fine direction of Christine Gevert will be held at Bard in Rhinebeck on Earth Day, April 22nd about 7pm. Take time to 'think FOOD and nourishing both body, mind and soul as www.drsha.com promotes. Many thanks and many blessings to all...