Somewhat recently, I have begun listening to audiobooks as I work in the studio. I have always been a big reader, and as I have been spending more and more time with clay, I feel at a loss with less time to read. So audiobooks have been a great source of enrichment during the long hours spent working alone. There is just something about listening to a wonderful book as I work with my hands in the clay…when a part of my mind is occupied with processing what I am hearing, the ideas are somehow left to flow more directly into my hands.

Currently, I am listening to Animal, Vegetable, Miracle…A Year of Food Life, by Barbara Kingsolver. The book, which chronicles the year Kingsolver and her family spent eating only locally grown foods, is described as “part memoir and part food journal.” This witty, enlightening look at the way we as Americans have grown away from whole foods and our connection to the Earth, is read by Barbara Kingsolver herself (along with sidebars from her husband Steven L. Hopp and daughter Camille Kingsolver.)

I truly feel that it is our duty to seek out good, whole, sustainably grown foods. Think about where your food comes from…how far did it travel to get to your table? Make a trip to the Local Farmer’s Market. Help kids learn about healthy eating. Plant a few of your favorite veggies or herbs…even if you only have space for a window box. Simply take time to gather fresh ingredients and cook dinner. Through tiny steps like these, we can begin to develop a healthy food culture in our country.