Edible Delmarva: Holiday/Winter 2020
(In my sleep I dreamed this poem)
Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift.
“The Uses of Sorrow” by Mary Oliver, from Thirst, 2007. Beacon Press.
The poems of Mary Oliver have a way of speaking directly to my heart. This one has been on my wall for months now, reminding me to look hard for the silver linings that (supposedly) come with the stresses of a pandemic, economic crises, election turmoil, and all things 2020. Along with just about everyone I know, some days it’s all we can do to just b-r-e-a-t-h-e.
But most days, watching the weeks unfold with a reckless abandon that is no longer shocking, it does actually seem that we have gotten better at uncovering the gifts: celebrating the small victories, finding joy in simple moments, and redirecting our internal compasses towards hope and faith. While social distancing restrictions may have curtailed our ability to see each other, just like the relentless forces of the natural world we are finding other ways to connect with our families, our friends, our colleagues, and even ourselves.
Each story in this issue is one of resilience and hope and finding tiny joys — in the kitchen, on the land, in the community, and in each other. We have been so inspired by our neighbors and local businesses and entire communities across Delmarva who have responded to all the challenges with open hearts and minds, innovation and creativity, and a commitment to not just a new normal but a new “better than it was.” It is a privilege to hear and share your stories.
So as another season begins, we are grateful to be here in Delmarva with all of you. Your support of our small business has meant the world to me and my co-publisher Anne Monti. There’s nowhere we’d rather be than here, heading into 2021 with hope and appreciation and as much optimism as we can muster.
