Eat Simply
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 Laura Neff, someone who's been cheering on this project since its inception. Thanks, Laura :)
What is the most useful piece of food wisdom or advice you have ever received?
Laura: Eat simply, close to the earth. Grow your own food, and savor every bite.
Who gave it to you?
Laura: My wisdom comes from my dad. Dad was born in 1925 and grew up on a multi-generational family farm in Pennsylvania. For his family, self-sufficiency was a way of life. All the meat, vegetables and fruits they ate came straight from their land and efforts, and they were prepared simply, with great care. This connected Dad to the rhythms of the earth and gave him a sense of pride and appreciation for what they ate in every bite. He continued this tradition to a degree in our family as we grew up, and I've never felt better than when following his lead. It takes effort in this day and age, but it's so worth it.
How does it show up in your life?
Laura: When I was in my 20s and moving a lot, I always looked for an apartment or rental that had good sun, so I could at least grow a few things in containers. Now, my husband and I live on a few acres of land, and we have multiple gardens every year. We grow mostly vegetables, and we share with friends and family as much as possible. We also have chickens! Their antics and eggs are a never-ending source of delight.
I love that this wisdom can be adapted in a sliding scale fashion. Take the sentiment and translate it in a way that works for you, whether that's growing one plant on your windowsill or farming one acre of land. Either way keeps you connected to nature's rhythms and fosters pride in each bite.
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.