To gain wisdom and knowledge about the world of food it’s important to understand the interconnectedness of eating to history, culture, politics, recipes (or not), new and well-loved cookbooks, community action, thought leaders, and a multitude of stories in this case focusing on the African Diaspora.

Eight bites of wisdom these past couple of weeks:

One, ride out two nights of thunder storms and tornado warnings with a little trepidation, relief, and wonder.

Two, since storm winds blew a lot of the bolted cabbage collard flowers away and you can't let them dry on the vine, go to Plan B and pick the remaining flowers. Then, let them dry on the kitchen island for seeds.

Three, harvest your first ever homegrown one carrot and two beets (picked a few days apart). They may not feed the masses, but my goodness it’s thrilling to see the fruits of your labor.

Four, don’t despair when you check on partially collapsed hoop house and discover invasion of ants, aphids, and spider mites. Remember you live in the MS Delta, you’ve moved to a new home place, and you’re learning its ecosystem.

Five, spring into action. Get the Neem oil, dilute, spray.

Six, get busy planting a) seedlings (cucumbers, yellow pear tomatoes. Black Cherry tomatoes, eggplant, and bell pepper) and b) small purchased plants (sweet banana peppers, cayenne, and Jalapeño) from the hoop house into outside raised beds.

Seven, don’t get a big head, but put up your feet, breathe and smile when you realize the popsicle sticks on your seedlings say 'plant April 17'. It’s April 18.

Eight, make yourself a fruit salad with fresh pineapple, kiwi, and orange haloes. Wise woman, keep it real. They ain’t local, but sure taste good. Just the fruit.