Put it in the Ground and it will Grow
This illustration is part of my Collective Food Wisdom series, for which I asked people across different languages and cultures to share a nugget of food wisdom or advice they’ve received that they continue to carry with them in their kitchen, garden, or life.
This piece comes from Paula Keeton, who was kind enough to share these words from her mom.
What is the most useful piece of food wisdom or advice you have ever received?
Paula: Just put it in the ground and it will grow.
Who gave it to you?
Paula: My mother (who grew up on a farm and is now 92 years old), Robena McKay Keatley.
How does it show up in your life?
Paula: She told me this pearl of wisdom because I was trying to design and plant the perfect garden. I worried about each little thing...soil, temperature, pests, frost, etc. When she told me to just put it in the ground, I did and most of it did grow. Now when I am stuck on some larger issue in my life, I "just put it in the ground" and wait for it to grow!
Oh, there is so much we can learn from folks who have lived long, lesson-filled lives. For those of you starting to put together this year's garden and those putting something new together in life, I hope this sentiment simultaneously calms and ignites you as it did me.
To sink your teeth into more Collective Food Wisdom, and perhaps even hang a reminder of it in your own kitchen, head on over to my shop. Sometimes I sell the originals, too, so make sure you're signed up for my monthly inspiration email to be notified next time they go on sale, and you can snag your favorite.