A new beginning…
It was a really good weekend for The Kale Project.
We had the meeting with the mustard greens farmer. Turns out that the sweet woman I spoke to last week helps her at the market. On Saturday, I met the real Madame Mustard. She is the epitome of a French flower-child: delicate features with a long, gray braid down her back and modest farmer clothing. As the lone seller of wheatgrass, she already stands out amongst the larger organic distributors. Her smaller selection of perfect spinach, herbs and small plants for sale are a stark contrast to the other operations that sell everything.
Before heading to the market, I had done a lot of “prep” work for my sharing of the kale photo. Turns out that the best photo I had also happened to be a packet of kale seeds that were sent to me by family. Upon our arrival, the woman from the week before did not remember me. And already that got my spirits a bit down. But it worked out.
Madame Mustard was open-minded. She listened and was pleasantly surprised when I told her that kale can be grown in France. She was even more excited that the packet of seeds were hers. “I’m going to try them,” she said.
Then we went for coffee – well, she took a chocolate chaud. And we talked and talked about kale – mind you, I had a lot of language assistance from my husband. They talked and I added thoughts here and there.
She asked about quantity and seeds and logistics. It was more than I could have imagined.
And when it was over, she understood and was interested in the mission of The Kale Project. Is it possible that Madame Mustard might be my farmer?
If Madame Mustard does become a farmer of The Kale Project, I can’t wait to introduce her to you. She is one inspiring woman.
Ohh, I’ll be crossing my fingers! In the meantime, I was going to offer you some of our balcony space for growing, but I see you may have some petites pousses of your own??
You’re such a sweetie! These are little sprouts I found today but I’m not sure how much of a green thumb I have. I’ve never successfully grown anything!
K- can we expand your Kale movement to Puerto Rico? I would love to try growing some here. I have high hopes to start a box garden on my balcony after we settle in.
CR- yes! let’s do it! you have to try… I’m sure you’ll be able to. When you start, let me know and I’ll email you some tips. Perhaps The Kale Project will go global someday?!
Ok, I’m hooked on your kale project. Can’t wait to hear how things turn out with Madame Mustard!
Hey Jenni! So nice to hear from you and great to meet you this past weekend! Crossing our fingers in Paris that Madame Mustard works out!