Needing Bread: Iraq/Vermont
And knowing "enough"
Top: A baker in Baghdad, just before the US-led, shock-and-awe invasion that brought death and destruction to Iraq and further destabilized an aready troubled region. The repercussions of that war, justified by falsified claims and verified greed, reverberate still.
Below: Blair Marvin of Elmore Mountain Bread uses locally grown, stone-ground grains and a an oven fueled by wood provided by neighbors. She has not only built a useful business, but is part of a vibrant community of like-minded people who live their values. After I photographed her, she offered me some rye flour (my acknowledged favorite) and a freshly baked loaf. I offered to pay. “No,” she said, “we have enough.” And therein lies not only generosity, but wisdom: Being satisfied with “enough” and recognizing what it is.
Sadly "enough" is not a current widespread corporate view in the world today.
Knowing what the meaning of "enough" is, was enough for me. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a basic community need lovingly provided.