Well, life is full of ups and downs, and boy has that been the case in the past week – hence the light posting. Thought you might like to know what’s been going on.
Life Changes
1. Linus. Last Thursday, this little kitten appeared on the front steps of my apartment building as if out of nowhere. I couldn’t bear to leave him outside to fend for himself – he was obviously someone’s pet. I worked diligently to find his humans – posted flyers, communicated via my extensive social networks, contacted Animal Control – and no one came forth.
In the end, we chose to adopt him and name him Linus (Great Pumpkin/Peanuts reference appropriate for this time of year – thanks to my cousin for the suggestion!). He has a clean bill of health, for which I’m grateful. He’s very friendly and full of kitten energy. Marina, my long time kitty girl, is getting used to him, but is still a bit growly. Hopefully peace will come between them sooner than later.
2. Marina. This is my “senior kitty” at 15 years. She’s been with me through thick and thin. She’s dealing with some health issues, and we are hoping and praying for a positive outcome. That said, she is looking so good these days! Beautiful soft coat, bright eyes, energy. We love her so much.
Harmonious Belly (and Meg) in the News
1. Audiofiles: DIY in NYC. Last month I met with a lovely woman, Michelle Bangert, a CUNY grad student, and we chatted about canning, food swaps, and gardening in NYC. She recorded all our exchanges and a small part of that made it into an episode of Audiofiles, broadcast on WBAI earlier this month. The segment on DIY starts at 25:00 and lasts approximately 4 minutes. You can hear me around 27:00.
2. CSA’s and low-income shares in Astoria. I was interviewed by Linda Thompson, a graduate student at Columbia, about the state of low-income shares and CSAs (unfortunately, we didn’t have any low-income share holders this season). The article, New Recipients for Subsidized Vegetables: College Graduates, includes my quote: “In this economy, recent college grads don’t have a monopoly on being poor.” Sadly, people from the majority of the economic spectrum are suffering financially in this economy (myself included, to be honest), and we hope to be able to provide access to fresh produce via our CSA’s low-income program next season.
3. The Vanderbilt Republic. I’m now contributing to The Vanderbilt Republic, and online publication featuring critical thought and analysis, as a food writer. I wrote my first piece, Real Food: Real Options, which was published earlier this month. It’s a great site and has a number of thought-provoking pieces in it. Check it out.
4. Food4um Food Blog Post of the Day. I was honored to have my post on the braised beef shank chosen as Food Blog Post of the Day on Food4um. I’m thrilled and honored to have been considered. Plus that beef shank really is delicious. Thank you Food4um.com!
Other Stuff Going On Locally
1. Next Queens Swap. Oh yes, we are going to have another food swap soon! Next month we’ll be holding it at Sweetleaf, a wonderful cafe in Long Island City. It will be on Sunday, November 13 from 4-6:30pm. We are thrilled to be working with Sweetleaf and I think it will be an awesome and fun afternoon. Invitation coming soon.
2. Queens Harvest Food Co-op. I’m active with the Steering Committee (I head the Tech committee) of the impending food co-op in Queens. This will be the first food co-op in Queens, so it’s a big deal. We’re having an Open House meeting on Thursday (tomorrow) night, at 7pm in Sunnyside, where we’ll update interested people on the progress of the food co-op and answer any questions. More information can be found over on We Heart Astoria.
3. Queens Blogger Social. I help organize these as well. Every other month or so, myself and my colleagues from We Heart Astoria bring Queens-based bloggers together for socializing, networking, and delicious food. We’ll be meeting at Sweet Afton this time, which is a wonderful gastropub in Astoria. They have a small but beautifully focused menu that uses products from local purveyors.
We’re excited about working with Ruairi, Mike an the rest of the Sweet Afton crew this month. If you are a Queens-based blogger, please drop me a line and we’ll add you to the invitation list for the next Social.
So…
That about sums it up. Other stuff is going on but it’s minor, all things considered. I could do some fall planting, but not sure I’ll have time; I’m really a spring/summer gardener (makes sense, as those are my two favorite seasons). We’ll see, though.
Also, just to put this plug out to you and the Universe: I’m looking for work; I’ve been unemployed for 6 months (as we know, the economy is super shaky right now). I’m an excellent food writer (and writer in general), an expert on Astoria, Long Island City, and Western Queens in general, and a pretty good project manager. I was a Community Manager for some time, too.
Please drop me a line if you can help! I’d love to be working doing something I love, and would allow me to make a difference.
I just want to say that Linus is ADORABLE. I miss having a kitty, especially at that stage when they are totally hyper and entertaining. Too cute.