In Fall 2020, a local and beloved farm community, Coastal Roots, developed a drive through harvest celebration. They wanted to offer some kind of community art, and invited me to be part of that creation.

I asked questions, made sketches, participated in meetings, researched, and made more sketches. I listened to the wants of the farm team and we settled on a design together.

I primed the space and drew the outline for the paint-by-number, made decisions on paint color. Over the course of several days, I supported artists of all ages as they approached and painted, with pre-vaccine protocols met. When the festival was finished, I completed the mural, and I’m proud that it is still on the farm property today.

Every year at this time, I’m so moved by the music, sermons, gatherings and traditions, I contemplate converting. Can we talk sometime about what it’s meant for you?

a friend asked me to talk about my conversion to judaism. it’s been 3 full years since i converted.

i told her, of course, it would be an honor to share that story with her. but, since such an answer would certainly change day-by-day, perhaps this is the best way for me to respond: sometimes in writing, sometimes a photo, sometimes a drawing, sometimes a painting.

so many ways to process the meaning i find for myself.

a delicious challenge.

thank you, laura, for asking the question.