Jon, my husband, has always been my muse.  He says things that make me laugh, he provokes me to wonder, to debate, to investigate and, once I officially solidify my thoughts, his supportive nature makes me brave enough to share those thoughts with the world. I’m inspired by his calmness and also by his ability to take a passionate stand. I’m continually surprised by his unique combination of incredible strength, intellectual smarts and AND an ironic inner innocence–this sweet desire to trust, when there’s so much (everywhere) to instigate wariness.

Like just the other day–We were at the airport going to Florida to celebrate my father-in-law’s 89th birthday and Jon says to me “Lauren, do you think they’re going to give us something good for lunch on the plane?” I said …”Jon, they just made us pay $20 extra for each piece of luggage…Do you really think they’re going to “give” us lunch??”

And– when I see Jon eating fruits and vegetables without necessarily washing them first–just “because” they’re labeled “ORGANIC! (Of course, this always drives me crazy…)

Just like when a mother sees a child about to put a dirty grape into their mouth –I immediately feel my adrenals kick in, wanting to protect my husband– So, I’ll blurt “Jon, wash that!” His reply? “Why? It’s organic.” (“Oy vey,” I always say…)

Listen, if you (who are reading this) are anything like Jon–please hear this! Even if you buy vegetables and fruit from a store that swears up and down, all about the purity of the soil used to grow their wares, this has NOTHING to do with the need to wash things before you eat them.  The word “organic” simply indicates that those doing the growing had a certain level of both consciousness and conscientiousness, which is good (very good, indeed!), but that’s ALL it means.

Here are some things that the word “organic” DOES NOT address: The personal hygiene of the people doing the harvesting and packaging, the cleanliness of the floor of the farm-facility (or of the truck) that transports a crop–AND, it also doesn’t relay any information about the integrity of the destination (the place where you’ll make your purchase). And, even if the place is pristine, there is NO WAY to know if, five minutes ago, a person who was standing where you’re standing now was wearing shoes that have remnants of lovely things like dog poop– And, what happens if this person drops a gorgeous head of organic lettuce on the floor–and this person (with the dirty shoes) puts back that head of lettuce to get one that didn’t fall on the floor… (You get the picture).

My apparent paranoia is not unfounded. I’ve been in well-respected “gourmet” shops and have seen merchants place a seeping package of raw pork directly on top of a batch of fresh muffins (unwrapped muffins!)–I’ve seen freshly roasted chickens, sitting out in the open where customers have coughed and/or sneezed directly on top of them and then just walked away–totally oblivious. I’ve seen tubs of peeled garlic fall on the floor, sending the little nuggets all over a dirty floor and then watched, as the shop-keeper simply scooped them up and dropped them right back into their container. Oh, I’ve seen a LOT, trust me.

The point: Although, at times, I do admit that it would be nice to be more like Jon and just assume that produce labeled organic guarantees that it’s spanking clean and ready to meet and greet one’s saliva, I truly don’t suggest it–I do love, though, having a partner that continually keeps my head and heart fully engaged. I guess that’s what having a muse is all about…Laur

Comments (6)

6 Comments »

1. I love reading about all your insights. And I love how personal you get. You really have given me some wonderfully practical advice and skills.

   Comment by kathy — January 31, 2010 @ 3:03 pm

2. Thanks, Kathy! I love that my site is a positive source for you. That makes me VERY happy!
   Laur..

   Comment by Lauren — January 31, 2010 @ 7:38 pm

3. It’s so easy to assume that just because pesticides weren’t used, that no other ickiness has come into contact with the “organic” item…I believe some of the things that end up on the bottom of our shoes are also “organic”. Thanks for this reminder, friend =)

   Comment by Dian Reid — January 31, 2010 @ 8:48 pm

4. Yes, Diane, you’re so right. The word “organic” simply means that things happen naturally–And, since most of us are not privvy to “what comes naturally” to those who are random links in the process of providing us with something that had a conscientious start–it’s wise to treat our ingredients thoughtfully, once purchased. Thanks so much for your comment, friend : – )Laur..

   Comment by Lauren — January 31, 2010 @ 9:28 pm

5. I loved your story. I don’t have to worry about my husband eating anything that I haven’t cleaned yet. But, you brought up a major paranoia of mine regarding shoes. I insist people take off their shoes when they come in my house. I always hear “but their clean”. I know better!! Who knows who has stepped in dog poop or other things. Not to mention the natural dirt that is outside.

   Thanks for sharing!

   Comment by Patty Baker — January 31, 2010 @ 10:26 pm

6. Yes…the word “natural” is great, but we certainly don’t want to eat ALL THINGS created naturally. Thanks so much for posting..Laur.

   Comment by Lauren — February 1, 2010 @ 7:22 pm

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