Gratitude Salad

It has been almost 6 weeks since the Northern California wildfires; not very long at all. Driving around town is so surreal and shocking. Sometimes I forget and accidentally drive onto a street that has been completely destroyed or see what looks like a war zone where a favorite store used to be. There are so many people without homes, without jobs, and who have lost loved ones. We are getting through it, but it is a painful, slow process.
Yet within the devastation, there is an overflowing of good and kindness everywhere you look. We are all embracing each other, looking into each other’s eyes, and doing all we can to love our fellow woman and man. I find myself in tears many times throughout the day. What will rise out of the flames? Time will tell.
Before the fire, one of my favorite Saturday morning adventures was wandering through the Santa Rosa Organic Certified Farmers Market. This vibrant outdoor market had dozens of local merchants selling their prized veggies, fruits, meats, and handmade wares. Because it was in the evacuation zone, the market was closed for several weeks. It has just reopened, and the community is coming back together under the rows of white tent canopies. It is a sanctuary of local, wholesome food and community pride.
Today’s trip to the market resulted in this gratitude salad. I visited, tasted, and hugged my way up and down the rows of vendors. It was great to be home with my people. I am so happy to be able to support them and am so moved by the resilience of the human spirit.
This salad was inspired by the farmers with their colorful array of autumn bounty: pomegranates, Roma tomatoes, salad greens, sweet red peppers, and my favorite olive oil from Suzanne at Eyrie farms. Enjoy!

Visit your own farmers market, and send me a comment to let me know what inspires you!

 

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