GGW is never far from Joe's mind.
With 19 out of 26 episodes of Growing a Greener World already in the can, I have been ordered by my family and crew to cease and desist immediately for a much needed break.
I have to admit, actually stopping to take a break is a forgotten art for me. I never think I was very good at that anyway. But thank goodness I love my work and as they say, when you love what you do for a living, it’s really not work. That’s how I feel. Yet with many deadlines and a calendar that never stops, neither has our production schedule…until now. For the rest of this week, I am going to be doing something that seems rather foreign to me: rest.
During our most grueling winter days on the road, I would often hear one of my favorite country songs on the radio and dream of summer days doing just what he was describing in his lyrics;
“Toes in the water, a.. in the sand, not a care in the world, a cold beer in my hand, life is good today….life is good today”.
So to all of you who have been so supportive of all of us at GGW and our efforts thus far, this is a time to celebrate and rest. We have accomplished so much already. And the best is yet to come. I hope you all continue to have a safe and happy summer… and remember; when life gives you limes, put ‘em in beer!
Cheers everybody,
JL
About Joe Lamp'l
Joe Lamp'l is the Host and Executive Producer of the award winning PBS television series Growing A Greener World. Off camera, Joe dedicates his time to promoting sustainability through his popular books, blog, podcast series, and nationally syndicated newspaper columns. Follow Joe on Twitter
Joe, Joe, Joe…
Yet another break and we still haven’t had a beer. Of course now that I’m not in ATL anymore, it is going to take a while, guess I’ll just have to have you & the crew out to the farm one day soon.
CHEERS!
Michael
Sorry about that Michael. What was I thinking? Don’t worry my friend. We will have that beer someday, hopefully sooner than later! Cheers for now.
Oh, right! I’ve JUST about finished icing down the beer, and I’ve invited the BEST band in Eastern NC (Da Howlies) to come over and play. Can’t wait to welcome your crew here in Wilming-tucky when they fly into our little airport on the private jet they chartered with the company credit card.
Oh, you didn’t know the limit was that high? Well, there’s a learning opportunity in EVERYTHING, as you know.
There’s no place better to relax than our beautiful North Carolina beaches, and, well, while the boss is away, the crew must play.
Can’t wait to see y’all down here, GGW!
😉
Good – Billy’s here, Carl’s up, Nathan’s found his pants, Theresa has the garden in order, the pyrotechnics guy is here, Patti’s run to the store in the GGW Porsche for more kumquats and the rest of us are cleaning up the kitchen. OH LOOK… it’s 5 o’clock here on the East Coast! Gearing up for tonight!
Joe: I don’t know how you can drink that “punch” Theresa brews up for you every morning before you film. Just sniffing it changed the prescription for my glasses, and I’m sure it singed my nostril hairs. I tried sipping it, but I guess that aviation fuel is an acquired taste. Anyway, the party is going full swing, the guy with the pyrotechnics just showed up (I’m just the drummer, so I’m letting the Divine Ms. T deal with logistics – that’s what you pay her for anyway) and the chef from Benihana is flinging hot shrimp across the yard.
It’s weird. When I did my segment for GGW in June, I was impressed by such a tightly run crew and the behavior was nothing but professional. It’s to your credit that you hired folks with such top-notch skills, even though their personal judgment, ethics, mores, and general level of maturity is so lacking.
Gotta run – I have a scene to direct… “Okay, we’re gonna start filming now…please get the yak wrangler out of the hot tub and sobered up.”
You work hard and you play hard Billy. My crew is indeed a crafty bunch!
My goodness, Joe, you better get back soon and whip your misbehavin’ troops into shape! Because I’m pretty sure the “Green” in Growing a Greener World is NOT supposed to mean kumquat martinis or the awful feeling that comes the morning after a little too much carousing 😉
Right Susan. I think the only green I’ll be seeing is all those bills leaving my wallet to cover the cleanup and catering bills. When the cat’s away…
Party on the boulders at my place tonight, around the firepit. I’ll introduce everyone to the amazing flavors of a fresh-picked raspberry inserted in a freshly roasted marshmallow, with a beer back of course.
Sorry you can’t join us Joe, but if you were to come, I know it’ll start hailing, and I like the summer weather now that it’s finally arrived.
Thanks for inviting us, that sure was FUN!! Your raspberry toasties were to die for. And I’m glad to know the old Pacific Northwest saying holds true, “No Joe, No Hail.” We should have tshirts made up!
Hold on a sec. These aren’t my pants. And helllllo there. What is this? Joe’s credit card in the pocket? Wow. Guess that explains the Porsche parked out front: “GGW” plates. That case of Worm Farm Red was delicious during last night’s feast, but wow. Then I remember dancing, then Christa and Courtany made some kumquat martinis, then … is that Carl sleeping in the chicken coop?
Thanks Tink,
These are delicious!
Leo, Sara, Michelle, Helen and Alicia are outside cleaning up Joe’s garden. What a mess! All those people dancing trampled the squash a bit, but Leo is rigging something up so that Joe won’t notice. Shhhhh…
Hey! Let’s open up some Strawberry Jam!!
We are having a party Joe! The whole crew is here. Nathan is making snacks. Patti just started the limbo line. Christa and Courtany are mixing drinks. You get the idea.
While the boss is away and all…
Carl wants to film the whole thing, but I told him no. That could come back to haunt us. So no documentation will take place.
Hope you are having fun. We sure are!! Whoot!
When do you come back???
Patti just showed me how to make a worm bin out of JUST KIDDING we’re making Bloody Marys for everyone this morning! We raided your garden Joe, hope you don’t mind we’re using up your early tomato harvest…
Courtenay is sizzling up some delicious-smelling breakfast, Nathan is helping out, chopping ginger and cracking jokes… they’re using kumquats from last night so I can’t wait to see what they’ve come up with…
Carl can really MOVE, what a dancer! Anyone know if he’s up yet? Oh watch your step Theresa, I broke a glass… but here’s your Bloody Mary, just how you like it, extra bold, with Worcestershire and lime. Cheers!
Very funny you guys. Glad to know you are having a blast in my absense and at my expense! I hope you make the most of it while I’m gone cause you know what they say; when I come back, there’s gonna be hell to pay!
Oh yeah, one more thing, my security cameras in the garden and kitchen have been documenting the whole thing. Enjoy while you can.
Darn!
Carl was supposed to wear his “Mission Impossible” outfit and disable the cameras. But we forgot!!
Guess we are in trouble now….
Party over guys!! Everybody start cleaning up!
Okay Joe – Tell the truth. How long did it take you to carve that lime? Hmmmmm?
Well, I’m not here right now because I’m supposed to be on the beach sucking that lime in a drunken stupor (according to someone we both know). But to answer your question, since I’m on vacation with nothing to do, what does it really matter how long it took? I mean, a guy’s got to do something with his time since you and the rest of the crew have exiled me for the week, right? Man you guys play hardball!
Joe, I have to admit, I have a hard time imagining you actually resting, but God knows you deserve it! I hope it will replenish that contagious zest for life that you have! I know what you mean about doing what you love, though. I’m doing a lot of things I love doing and while I’m busier than I’ve probably ever been since I was raising two beautiful daughters, I don’t feel like I’m working. Ain’t it great? Enjoy!
P.S. I see two tiny smilies at the foot of your page here. Significance? Or just more “happy?” 🙂
Hi Kylee. Glad you “get me” and you are right about loving what you do and it not feeling like work. As far as the smiles, I must be behind the times so I’m not sure what those mean but certainly happy and especially this week for taking a much needed break and not feeling stressed about doing so. Good to hear from you