The “Updated” Carrot Seed
As I reflected on this month’s post, my mind wandered back to the past. A few years ago, I wrote about one of my favorite books “The Carrot Seed.” 
Like so many of our readers I have a new college graduate back in my home. After 4 years away, it’s time for him to begin a new chapter. And as with most beginnings it starts with creating a dream or vision for the future.
It’s in this spirit and for all of us experiencing transition I wanted to re-share these reflections.
Post from June 2013
When our 3 children were young one of the things my husband Steve and I enjoyed doing most was reading to them each night. While their individual preferences and varied attention spans required that we read to each of them separately, one of their favorite books was The Carrot Seed written by Ruth Krauss in 1945.
It’s the story of a little boy who dreams of growing a carrot and starts by planting one seed. His Mother, Father and Big Brother tell him that his seed will never grow. While he patiently listens to their criticism each day, his faith and devotion to his tiny plant never waivers. Finally – the day arrives when he triumphantly presents an enormous carrot.
I have read this book numerous times over the years. But it was not until recently that I realized the depth of this simple story and how relevant it is to today. While it was published over 60 years ago, the little boy’s connection to his faith and belief that if he was truly attentive to his dream that “all would be good” really speaks to our modern day concept of being “present” and “mindful.” He reminds all of us to not only stay connected to our dreams but to cultivate them as well.
In closing, as a young mother I felt responsible for helping my children carefully choose and plant the seeds to grow. But this time is different. As a mother of adult children, it’s time for me to take a step back, focus on my own faith and turn over the hoe to them.
As my dear friend Ann loves to say we are …”On the journey…”
Vendor Spotlight
With the season of fresh produce finally arriving in Chicago I wanted to do a shout-out for one of our favorite Zen partners, Fresh Picks. Fresh Picks was founded by Irv Cernauskas and Shelley Herman. Irv & Shelley have dedicated their lives to helping make fresh, organic food available here in our nation’s bread basket. So, for those of you who want to take advantage of fresh fruits/veggies landing at your doorstep each week, please check them out!
Events Coming Up: Looking ahead
Stop by and see us this weekend! We’ll be participating in two local Whole Foods Market events – one in Lakeview on Saturday, June 8th from 11 am – 2 pm and in Naperville from 11 am – 2 pm on June 9th. Then the Zen Team is off to New York City for the Fancy Food Show. Jane will be sharing highlights on Instagram to stay tuned for our take on what’s happening in the culinary world.
Zen Bear Gift
For Father’s Day we have put together a Zen Bear package featuring Smoky BBQ blend and one of the coolest products we found at the Atlanta Gift Show – Bear Paws! For more information, click here and will make sure to get it in the mail for the special guy in your life!
Zen Moment
A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust. — Gertrude Jekyll
