A Little Light During Stressful Times

I do not know if I have ever experienced a time more steeped in uncertainty. Simple acts of personal and professional planning seem foolhardy, almost daring cosmic destruction. As the months of this global pandemic progress, and as our society reckons with its failure to live up to its foundational notions of equality, I have found solace in refocusing on what I value. Friendships—maintained both virtually and gathered in backyard gardens, spaced six feet apart—have allowed me to maintain some form of sanity. Growing food, even if just a small trellis of peas or my micro patch of raspberries, brings a sense of accomplishment and security. Appreciation of beauty, both of what is right outside my door and the rare foray into the Lost Coast or along the Eel River, soothes my frayed nerves. I remain constantly on the hunt for effervescent moments of joy.

We never know what the future holds, but that feels especially true now. Labor shortages due to the pandemic may have real effects on California’s harvest. Autumn is typically a time of bounty, so we’ve included an overview of food preservation methods to help you make that harvest last (p 19). The security and satisfaction of a full pantry can help put anxious minds at ease.

In stressful times like these, we want to shine a light on the good news stories happening around us. The health crisis has inspired a wonderful community collaboration to revitalize the Harrah Senior Center Garden (p 11), bringing together the Gardens Project, the Willits Garden Club, and 100 Women Strong. As a result, the community garden is producing again, providing increased food security and helping community members combat the loneliness so prevalent in this moment.

I’m inspired by the Mendocino County food pioneers who continue to pursue their various passions. A Willits couple is delving into the cultivation of coveted black truffles (p 4), while homesteader and primitive skills expert Steven Edholm has defied accepted dogma for orchardists by breeding apples from seed (p 13). These stories of commitment and ingenuity never fail to make me want to roll up my sleeves and try something new.

Jumping into a new project can help refocus our minds away from the world’s woes. But we can’t check out altogether. Included in our current reality of health crisis and economic upset is our upcoming election, despite the fact that it seems so abstract at times. This was always going to be a consequential election, but the stakes have been raised even higher because of the reawakened urgency around the pursuit of racial justice, the imperative to move toward environmental sustainability, and our hunger for any sort of leadership to guide us through the challenges brought on by the global pandemic. Please do your part. Educate, organize, and support the candidates that embody your values, and vote on November 3rd.

Wishing everyone a beautiful and bountiful Fall,

Holly Madrigal, Publisher