What’s Up at Harmonious Belly

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

linus

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.

marina

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.

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Queens Harvest Food Co-op

tomatoes

One of the most exciting food developments in Queens is the coming of the Queens Harvest Food Co-op, which happens to be the first food co-op to be developed in the borough of Queens.  I was involved in the very early stages of this project, so I know the efforts are heartfelt and determined by those involved.

According to their website:

The Queens Harvest Food Co-op is a new community driven venture into the world of fresh, high-quality food at affordable prices. They will be a member-owned and controlled market that puts community before profits. Anticipated opening in the Queens Plaza area in 2011.

The location of the co-op will greatly benefit western Queens’ low-income populations by being near the Queensbridge Houses and other housing developments nearby.  This will provide access to real, quality food to people that would otherwise not be able to easily find it.

The Co-op is participating as a host of the upcoming Queens Green Drinks, details of the event can be found here.  I am hopeful to attend so if you are local to NYC, perhaps I’ll see you there!

I will be very interested to see the co-op plans progress and excited to shop there once it’s up and running!