Growing a Farm: Book 1, Post 1

-

Growing a Farmer: How I Learned to Live Off the Land
By Kurt Timmermeister

When Professor Clark first introduced Growing a Farmer, the Pacific Northwest setting and unusual subject matter piqued my interest; I ordered the book that very evening. Before I began reading, however, I perused a few websites which contained reviews by other readers. Many of the reviews gave only one or two stars, citing that Timmermeister’s journey was interesting, but his writing abilities limited the success of his storytelling. Although I have only read the first few chapters of this piece, I am pleased to say that I enjoy Timmermeister’s writing style; he is able to paint vivid imagery throughout his narrative without coming off as self-indulgent or sappy.

The plot itself has yet to fully unravel, so at this point I am primarily invested due to my connection to Seattle (and its surrounding islands). For example, at the very beginning of ‘One: Before the Farm,’ Timmermeister describes waking up in his Seattle apartment every day at four in the morning and walking two blocks to begin preparing pastries at his (first) cafĂ©. This triggered a visceral sense of nostalgia as I reflected on my own morning walks to work in downtown Seattle this past summer. The book also does an exceedingly good job in illustrating the juxtaposition of Seattle’s rapid urbanization and its proximity to the vast network of rural islands woven throughout Puget Sound. My favorite quote from the book (so far) articulates the physical shift one feels when embarking on a ferry ride to one of these islands:
Although the distance from dock to dock is minimal, it takes just a quarter hour, the distance in mood and feeling and sensibility is tremendous. As the ferry pulls out of the Seattle dock, the present-day rush and modernity are left behind. Upon coming off of the boat, a feeling of calm, slow-paced island living always washes over me. (Timmermeister 17)
I look forward to reading the rest of Timmermeister’s story and I hope to continue experiencing small doses of home along the way.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

AMDP Investment Proposal (Draft)

-
To : Professor Clark Hansen, CEO, AMDP From : Rachel Orehek, R&D Analyst, AMDP Date : March 11, 2020 Subject : Recommendation to Invest in Aveda You requested information on potential investment opportunities with socially responsible businesses that support local living economies. After researching many companies, I have found that Aveda not only aligns with our organization’s values, but operates in a socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and greatly profitable manner. AMDP Standards Let me first outline the AMDP criteria for investing opportunities. The Triple Bottom Line The Triple Bottom Line provides a framework that requires organizations to conduct business ethically and successfully. The three P’s of the Triple Bottom Line are: ·        People : Fair and mutually beneficial treatment towards all involved individuals (customers, employees, suppliers, and communities) ·        ...
Read more

Random, Post 2: Netflix Recommendations from My Quarantine, to Yours.

-
Image
Netflix Recommendations from My Quarantine, to Yours. Although Coronavirus is the main thing on everybody’s mind these days, I might lose any remaining sanity if I spend three paragraphs reflecting on it. So, instead, here’s a brief overview of some Netflix shows and movies I’ve watched during the pandemic that you might enjoy as well. TV Series/Miscellaneous Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness (2020) Director : Eric Goode Starring : Joe Exotic, Carole Baskin Description : I’m sure you’re sick and tired of hearing about this insane docuseries centered around ‘zoo’keeper Joe Exotic. If you haven’t checked it out yet, I can vouch that it is an entertainingly bizarre compilation that will keep you guessing from beginning to end. By the time you finish, you’ll be well-aware of the complete lack of morally redeeming characters, but by then you’ll be too emotionally invested to care. This miniseries is a binge-worthy show, perfect for waiting out the quarantine.  ...
Read more

World We Dare to Imagine: Post I

-
I believe our generation's biggest challenge will be to slow the progression of climate change. However, through education, capitalist incentives, and diplomacy, I believe this is a manageable task.   Growing up in Washington State, I spent a lot of time in and around nature. I believe that the proximity of people to natural resources somewhat influences the liberal-leaning policies of this area. However, this is not the case for most people (and for most voters). We cannot approach environmental education from a naive position. Many people who protest environmental measures do so to protect their own livelihood. We must approach environmental awareness in a way that does not shame certain demographics (e.g. coal miners). Instead, we should spread awareness of the objective threats that climate change poses. Awareness, paired with national and global environmental measures, will help us to achieve our goal. These fundamental changes will require several tools, including in...
Read more