Slow Down!
The last boxes have been delivered, the office papers have been sorted away, the debts have been corralled, the book keeping is being finalized, and the last sales have been deposited. It’s time for moving on.
Fifteen years of retail was an interesting project, albeit unprofitable. When I started, I offered a paper catalog that was the primary sales play. Internet was second. In the span of fifteen years, everything changed, and now even I must admit that the internet is my go-to for practically everything.
This week, a former customer from New York City contacted me regarding some hand-woven tortilla baskets they needed for their restaurant. They emailed back to say they were sad that my business closed, and that they wished me luck in my future endeavors, and that perhaps they should have purchased more from my business through the years. Ah, well.
Writing, Photographing and Storytelling through Food
So now, it will be writing and storytelling. The story line was there all along, as my focus has always been the beauty and goodness of our local food culture. But I live in an interesting time and space when people want to know more about the border. And so, I will continue to tell that story, but in words and photos, no longer with things and customer experiences.
And, after writing a short series on the realities of living on the Mexican border, I realize I do not want to be a journalist. Most journalists that craft honest critiques of our border culture have the luxury of reporting, and then hopping on a plane to return to their distant city. They can critique from the anonymity of elsewhere.
But I live here.
So, I will continue to write about food, and I will continue to photograph in my dark, still-life style. I will still post recipes, and nibbles of food history. And I promise, I will be more regular. It was difficult to write while moving boxes, and worrying about taxes.
But I will also begin to write fiction, as I feel it is the best way to speak honestly of border living, without offending, without incurring attention from anyone that feels my viewpoint needs correction, without the need to consider the option of hopping on a plane to get away from the people I write about.
I will do my best to tell our border story, from the perspective of here. Wish me luck.
Cannot find recipe for the orange marmalade with chili piquins. As I love to make preserves, would like to have this recipe.
Also interested in more about your cooking classes.
Hi, I thought I had posted it…Let me dig around and see if I can put that back on the site. Thanks for the heads up! MG
I would like your recipe for orange marmalade with chili piquins as well as info on your cooking classes.
Best of Luck in your new endeavors. Can’t wait to see where you go!
Thank you so much! I loved your note, and I’m glad TCR stopped by the ranch to see me. Stay tuned, more writing happening! Hugs! MG
I love your story , your candor and your honesty ., So nice to have caught the Tx.Reporter and look forward to following your expierences and reading your stories .. Best of luck
Carol
Thank so much!! There is loads more writing happening, and I really thank you for taking time to write me!! Hugs!!
mg
Saw your story on Texas Country Reporter! I look forward to following you and your stories!
I live west of Corpus Christi and , of course, am interested in my neighbors to the south! Thanks and best wishes!
Can’t tell you how much I appreciate you dropping me a note! There will be more writing, stay tuned!! Hugs ~ MG
Loved seeing your story on Texas Country Reporter. I am very interested in trying some of your recipes and watching your work with photographing the dishes you make. Good luck in all your future endeavors.
Veronica Strackbein
Thanks I appreciate that! I love Texas and we have so much to brag about!! Hugs~ MG
We saw you on TCR this week and loved the story. We live in Idaho and raise beef cattle. We have a large garden and raise much of our own food. We have a web site…Viniferdranch.com We sell our beef locally. I do love to cook and enjoyed all the color in your story and your photography. It’s obvious that you are passionate about your life. I’ll look forward to seeing more..
Thank you so much! Yes, I’m going to post more on beef. As of this week, I decided to go Paleo, so there will be definitely more photos of meat. Lets stay in touch, always glad to hear from other cattle raisers! What kind do you have? We have Beefmaster and Longhorn.
We would like to know if you have your orange marmalade for sale in jars. We saw it on Texas Country Reporter and we would like to buy some……..probably several jars at a time. I am 78 years of age and just don’t do preserves any more my self. Thank you ever so much.. Lil’ Brown.
Hey! How are you! Right now, I don’t have any orange marmalade, as we ate all our last batch (oops) and the new oranges haven’t come out yet. Where are you? I’m traveling all over Texas right now and maybe I could bring some with me. email me melissa@melissaguerra.com Hope to hear from you soon!