Last night I was at Burruss Hall on Virginia Tech's campus for a book reading by Barbara Kingsolver. Kingsolver's book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" was the common book for Virginia Tech freshmen this year -- I always try to read the common book, even though I don't interact with freshmen much. For me, Kingsolver's book was a great companion read for our inaugural gardening attempt at the YMCA Community Garden -- and my attempt at eating a healthier variety of foods, like veggies.

I was impressed by the turn-out, and though I suspect that most students on hand (like the chirpy group behind me) didn't read the book and were made to attend the event, I loved that the idea of locally grown, healthier foods has entered the local culture. Our fast food nation could use some local inspiration, I think, and starting a major trend of independence in Appalachia is a great way to tap into the region's culture. Maybe we'll see a return to the days of my grandparents, when everyone had a garden in the back yard and knew how to can tomatoes for the winter.

In fact, after my summer, I think everyone should have to attempt to grow a garden for just one season -- for the educational experience and health dividends. I for one, failed miserably at gardening (weed-eating the entire garden just last weekend), but I did learn a lot and found genuine inspiration in Kingsolver's book.

And she lives a couple of exits from my parents in Abingdon, Va.. So I feel a connection by sheer proximity and know that she's accomplish a lot in that part of the Commonwealth (and here in the NRV). Kudos to Virginia Tech for looking at sustainable and healthier ways to fight the Freshmen 15, too. Woot!

The sketches are a big nod to an inspiring sketch artist from Florida, Thomas "Thor" Thorspecken, who covers local events in the Orlando area. Thor's work is brilliant and inspiring. Be sure to visit his blog Analog Artist, Digital World, or catch his cross-posts on Flickr.  Fantastic stuff! I'm a big fan.

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