There is a theme to our second issue of Southern Soil. One that was unintentional and isn't clearly defined within each of the articles. But as I reflected on the people I've met and the interviews I've conducted to put this issue together, it struck me - second chances.
For Josh Yates, owner of The Green Truck Pub and Karen Smith, owner of Southern Native Planting at Longwood Plantation, the second chance at a new career brought them into the world of sustainability. Each took the opportunity to move forward and create new businesses centered around plants and food produced responsibly.
For Michael Maddox of Green Bridge Farm whose original plan for the farm was foiled by the housing crisis in 2009, his second chance has come in the form of an evolution of that plan - delayed, reformulated, but ultimately successful.
Connie Oliver of Waygreen Market and South Georgia Slow Food took a second look at food and how our accepted means of producing it was causing unintended consequences. When her first grandchild was expected, she looked for ways to protect her from a growing epidemic of childhood cancers. By taking a second look at conventional foods, she discovered a more natural path to better health through good nutrition. And through her own discovery, she is blazing a trail for others in her community to follow.
I myself am on a second chosen career path. Taking a second chance at pursuing a dream. The chance to do what I love every day to promote something I'm passionate about and believe will make a difference to the world in which I live.
Sometimes things happen that are devastating in their moment. Lost jobs, failed business attempts, real estate deals gone bad. But life has a way of bringing about restoration and renewal. Good things can come through bad experiences.
As always, I'm excited to introduce you to some of people involved in our local food systems. I hope as you read our next issue (which is on its way), that you will be entertained, enriched and maybe even a little inspired.
*photo credit: Karolyn O'Cull of Ordinarily Perfect