Hands in the dirt. Picking out nets of grass roots. Balancing on the logs that edge my garden plot. I press my thumb into the earth to create tiny pockets where nasturtium, parsley, delicata squash, marigold, spinach, and marjoram seeds will rest. I gently set the roots of tiny rhubarb and tomato plants into the ground, folding the ruddy dirt around them. Angel, my friend and roommate, sets sproutling sunflowers along one corner of the bed, spacing oregano and thyme and peppers with care. She pots the Thai and Genovese basil. We cover a different strip of ground in my yard with black plastic to kill the grass and weeds beneath, preparing it for the wildflower and strawberry patch it will become a month from now. Blue-grey storm clouds start sending down warm droplets. We amble back to the kitchen to watch from the open windows how the storm sifts water over our work.

Logan's sister sent him a birthday card a couple of weeks back that read, "If you have a library and a garden, you have everything." I remember when he opened it he just laughed and nodded and said, "She just knows what to say."

We get so caught up on our ambitions and projects, with this glimmer of our future-life free of worries about money, that it's easy to forget. Hands in the dirt. A fresh tomato straight from the vine. Face in the basil. A great book in a sunny spot, looking out over it all. Soft red flax flowers weaving in the breeze. It's all you need.

On Sundays I love to spend time with friends. Angel makes a soup, I make this popcorn, and we invite our friend Anna Beth over to watch a terrible girly movie. We had some reflection time on the question what are your gifts? (whilst munching on handfuls of chocolate popcorn). As artists, we most often get asked what do you do? But that question leaves out so many elements of what makes your work, whatever it is, unique. Thinking about your gifts offers a more realistic, holistic perception of yourself as a creative. And gives you the opportunity to reflect deeply on what you're bringing to the table.

So, today, ask yourself: what are your gifts? Are you great at promoting other people's works? Are you observant? Good with numbers? Do you have a refined palate? Are you agile? Good at making other people feel comfortable? Share! I'd love to learn more about all of you!

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can make it to fit your preferences! Instead of sesame seeds, pistachios, gojis, and hazelnuts you could add:

Golden mulberries, bee pollen, macadamia nuts, and cacao nibs!

Cashews, chopped dates, unsweet coconut chips, and chia!

Chopped brazil nuts, dried wild blueberries, and toasted sesame seeds!

Sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, chopped dried mango, and calendula petals!

1 tsp Nettle powder, black currents, a drizzle of raw & unfiltered honey, pistachios!