Affordable vs. Quality . . . What's your Preference?

Most of the world is not aware that I have switched gears and I am now employed by another company . . . Temporarily.  Mind you, fifteen years of holding the reigns in my company (Phenomenal Productions LLC and Hannah's Grace, Inc.) are deeply saturated into my being and I've come to realize there is no changing my independent spirit . . . However, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn something new and exciting!

A special thanks to a dear LGW colleague and friend, Harry! I have into the world of cybersecurity. The best part is, this specialized discipline is in line with my educational objective  . . . Environmental Ethics.

Google Image

Needless to say, cyber security is not a new.  It is all becoming to common, the on-slaught of cyber attacks here of late we need experts in the technical, cyber, engineering and intelligence professions, as they are becoming extremely significant and in-demand in our world today. The media report that, if not personally, citizens are discovering the magnitude and the seriousness of these issues and how often our security is being threatened -- hundreds, thousands, billions of citizens are affected by hackers finding their way into our personal lives, eager to snatch information from us. I can relate as my beloved mother's bank account was "attacked" while incapacitated in the hospital. Hence, the phrase . . . "warfare."

Now that I have returned into the thick of the busyness of downtown, needless to say, a home based business was one of the best gifts I was afforded. Self employment has its challenges, however, literally, it took 2 seconds to get to work!  One click and my laptop was open and I was on the J-O-B!  Now, I travel 30-40 miles round trip, a half hour in the morning and one and a half hours back home. How in the world did I do that years ago! Not to mention, people downtown don't smile or speak to you . . . Not so good for my spirit! I suppose it's due to the fact that so many people always have their faces pointed downward peering at their IPhones that they just don't know how to look at a happy, smiling face. But my spirit was renewed! I was just out for a stroll during my lunch break . . . Oh, I do that now too! and a group of Asian students had gathered together on the sidewalk to take a photo -- you know how much friends of this culture enjoy taking pictures, so I stuck my head between the clasped arms and smiled! Snap goes the camera and laughter filtered the air!

The best part of my commuting experiences into the city is that I have the opportunity to watch people and observe how much my hometown has changed. Mind you, over the years I have always ventured into town for meeting planning conferences, events, or meeting up with colleagues for lunch or dinner.

During the first few mornings, while sitting in traffic after passing through the 2nd Street tunnel, I glanced to the left and peeped through the guard rail and I could not believe my eyes -->
For some residents, this is "affordable housing". . . Under the bridge (7/23/14) . . . Believe or not, while driving into the city this morning (8/8/14), I noticed that these tents were no longer visible . . . Hummmm.

This image was surrounded by a backdrop of towering condominiums and the George Washington Law Center across the street. And if you live and work in the D.C. region you've probably heard about the new owners of the Woodley Park apartments who recently purchased the building for a pretty hefty penny. But what made my jaw drop is the rent . . . $12,000 per month!  Another  . . . Hummmmmm?

 

Recently, I've heard that D.C. has become one of the most popular cities in the country!  Wow! Really?  As a native, I've always considered my hometown as the BEST place to live, work and enjoy all of its treasures. All of my life, I have touted to many that D.C. is rich with so much history, places to go, people to see and things to do! When a transplant approaches me and says, "you are unique" meaning, it is rare to meet a person who was actually born in D.C. So, I simply tell them, "not really, I know exactly where Washingtonians reside . . .  In the neighborhoods!"

And speaking of "affordable" . . . You know I cannot chit chat without talking about food! I so enjoy my new market -- "Roots & Stems."  Although it is still just me and the two farmers, the market is taking "root" in the community!  Folk are starting to discover that we are there every weekend and they now include the market on their Saturday morning things to do. People are venturing out to purchase local produce from the farmers after their morning walk, run, bike ride, during softball games, tennis tournaments, playing basketball, or engaging in other fun activities.

And . . . August 5-11 is . . .

'The 15th Annual National Farmers Market Week' "is off to a great start! Farmers markets connect and unite people living in urban and rural environments, provide access to fresh, healthy and delicious foods, and—best of all—put a face to the farmers and ranchers who produce their wonderful wares. We, in turn, can support farmers and local communities with our purchases. Read more » - See more at: http://blogs.usda.gov/tag/national-farmers-market-week/#sthash.zmh6ALmY.dpuf

Beet salad served at the MD Governor's Annual Cookout

Passing down family traditions is almost something of the past; but I am hopeful, people will realize that purchasing food that has been wrapped and packaged in "plastic bags and containers" is not a good idea.  I look forward to the weekend. Market shoppers spend time sharing memories about their lives growing up in the south on the farm . . .

"I remember when I was a young boy/girl, my mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, uncle, aunt had me out in the fields everyday pluckin' berries or cuttin' greens, pulling corn, pickin' and shuckin' cow peas . . .  I was in the fields so much, I missed going to school!" "Oh, but the fruits, vegetables had so much flavor and healthy!"

Cow peas

And the fruits and vegetables purchased at farmers markets today are the same . . . 

DELICIOUS! 

It is sad to hear folks share their disappointments regarding the produce in the local grocery stores. There's no flavor in the produce they purchase . . . And the farmers reply, "of course not! The food is picked off the vine while it is still green, stacked up on the trucks for who knows how long, and then the food travels across the country. By the time it reaches the food shelves, the food begins to ripen . . . Maybe." Believe me, the quality of produce at the markets is worth the "competitive" price!

Farmers Know BEST!

If you have a question about a particular vegetable, fruit, or how to prepare a food, they will certainly tell you!  As they should . . . They plant it, nurture it, and harvest the best produce and ummm, ummmm! It is sho nuf good eatin'!  Just like these cow peas!

That's a wrap!  If you are in the area, come on out and support our local farmers! And if you desire to sell your healthy food -- baked goods, relishes, sauces, etc., give me a call (301) 910-8076 or send a note to phyproductions123@gmail.com.

Let's celebrate and enjoy good food and

develop healthier lifestyles!

Phyllicia
Roots & Stems, a Community Farmers' Market
Tucker Road Athletic Complex
1770 Tucker Road
Fort Washington, MD  20744
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Saturdays until October 25th

Feel free to share with your family, friends and neighbors!

We will see you soon!