I love sharing the planet with author Atina Diffley, her husband Martin, my friend Camey and probably you if you’re reading this blog.
Atina wrote the book Turn Here, Sweet Corn about plants, relationships and their court battle with the Koch brothers who wanted to run a pipeline through their organic farm.
She took them on. And won.
Every once in a while I find myself complaining about profit-driven, international corporations. Meeting Atina reminded me that it’s possible to channel emotions into positive action. She refused to let society define her. Who better to stand up for Mother Earth than a woman?
Being raised on Minnesota farms, Camey and I have often reminisced about the reinforcement from male authority figures to remain passive. We’ve been taught to hold back our feelings even when we see injustice.
Atina’s love and respect for the land, her family and community helped her overcome obstacles that stop most of us before even attempting to change the system. She was and continues to be light, funny and hopeful as she encourages others to speak their truth. The way she interacted with her husband onstage was delightful.
It’s been said that our relationship with food is a metaphor for our relationships with other people. Do we have relationships of convenience, grabbing packaged food on the run? Or are we mindful and grateful for the food on our plate? Do we feel a sense of entitlement and domination or understand the interrelatedness of all life? This book is for anyone who eats, wants to be inspired and understand relationships at a deeper level.
Thank you for coming to Port Townsend, Washington Atina and Martin! For anyone who wants to see their talk, a DVD will be at the Port Townsend library in the next couple weeks.