You may not even be looking, but you see something and just know, “I need to get that for so-and-so because they will love it.” 

Well, a Pie Pal recently did that for me.  She found these two hand-embroidered tea towels with PIES ON THEM.  Of course I would love those!

What pleases me so much about these?  Yes, that someone thought of me and gave them to me as a gift.  But even beyond that is the fact that someone actually took the time to embroider them by hand.               

Why does that matter?  To make anything by hand – whether sewing, building furniture, painting or sculpting, throwing ceramics, or making a pie – requires a kind of presence.  It takes literally holding something in your hands and paying attention to it.  You look at it, hold it, change it, change it with your hands.  It is the essence of putting your energy into something and, given that these things take time, putting something of value (your time) into it. 

That energy may seem ethereal but it’s still real.  Anything made by hand will always hold the energy of its maker. 

So, here’s to things made by hand, made with creativity and love.  Including pie!

And thanks again, Debby!

Local Pie Contest @ Local Food Festival

October 14 , 2012 – Local Food Festival in Albuquerque, NM (see below)
Ages: Adults - 18 years and older (Amateur bakers only)
Categories: Fruit (ex: Blackberry , Strawberry, Rhubarb) Other (ex: Pecan, Cheese, Coconut Cream, Chocolate)
For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A note on “local”: They want you to deeply embrace the concept of “local.” The basic requirement of this competition is to use at least one locally grown or produced food. Local ingredients will be defined as those grown or produced in New Mexico.

If these products also use locally sourced food items, even better! Items you have grown or raised yourself are as local as you can get. In tallying bonus points these factors may come into play. Again, local food items will be defined as those grown/produced in New Mexico and additional points may come from purchasing these items at locally owned, independent businesses.

For more info about the contest, including rules and entry times:  ENTER HERE!

Festival is Sunday, October 14, 2012

• 11am to 4pm

• Located at the Gutierrez-Hubbell House, 6029 Isleta Blvd SW, in Albuquerque's South Valley.

In honor of the New Mexico State Centennial, this year's theme is "A Celebration of History, Culture and Farming".

This event is free and open to the public.

HANDICAP PARKING:  Limited availability in the small north lot.

Download the flier! Feel free to print, share and post this!

For more information about this event, including calendar of events and schedule for the day, click here.