Potatoes Of Change

Those of us who have vegetable gardens in the Northeast, enjoy the seasons as they come. Each has it’s own design in the life of any piece of ground. For us, winter is the time of rest for the soil. It freezes up and specific kinds of plants die off, while other plants, like garlic, go into hibernation until the spring thaw arrives. The frost and snow-filled days of winter kills off many kinds of bacteria and fungi that are a problem to those who garden in the warmer climates. This dormancy of the land, though it appears to be a wasted, non-productive time, is actually very good for the soil. Beyond that, it is good for those types of seeds that need the cold to germinate. The fact is, what you see all around you is not always a true reflection of what you will get.

In the Adirondacks, especially around the little village of Gabriels, NY, potatoes are a very important crop. The Young and Tucker farms have both been successful in growing these tubers for several decades. These families realized that the rocky, well-drained soil of the area is ideal for growing “restaurant” grade potatoes. Each year, they ship their produce to local stores and restaurants all over our area, and around the nation. Both farms specialize in large, mealy, white potatoes that have a rich texture, and a nice full flavor. The qualities I mentioned are present due to the unique minerals in the soil, and the unique abundance of clean rain that falls in the Adirondacks.

More than that, what makes these potatoes so desirable is the impact of climate on their growth. The harsh Adirondack winters are actually a blessing in disguise when it comes to producing this particular crop. Certain kinds of bacteria, and specific fungi that attack potato crops in the warmer climates, are not found here. As a result, these farmers don’t have to spray for those things, or be concerned when shipping their crops to other markets. The long, frigid, mountain winters kills off invading species that might try to adversely affect the potato crop when it is still in the ground. This keeps the stock pure, and makes these specific potatoes very unique, and highly sought after, in the market place.

Consider carefully what I just said. The harsh conditions, and huge heating bills that drive the less hardy from the area, are not a problem for these framers. What makes it inhospitable to the bulk of the population, is the very thing that produces such an amazing potato. Think of that for just a moment. A major problem for one person, actually is the solution for the success of another. Why is this? One person sees a problem to be avoided, but another sees an answer that avoids a problem. In other words, how you look at something, and adjust to get the benefit it offers, really determines the outcome of everything. Want to change your life? Change the way you look at life’s problems, and your future will be a success.

In your current situation, what do you see? Is it an overwhelming issue you are trying to avoid?  Is it a problem you just want to get past and hope to forget about? Try looking at your current situation as something that actually has the potential to bring future success. What caused the issue in the first place, and what can you learn from it? What benefit can this be to you in the days ahead? How you look at what you are now facing really determines the future more than you imagine. It will cause you to either be a victim, with your head hung down, or you will uncover the hidden benefit and have a life-changing victory. That choice is up to you, and no one else.

Years ago my father told me, “Bill, the life you have is the life you made. Don’t blame others for what you have done, and don’t expect others to bail you out of what you failed to do. If you want a better life, then make better decisions today and things will be better for you tomorrow.” That was good advice for me, and it holds true for you as well. Use the current problem to make changes that will give you a harvest of “potatoes” tomorrow! The issue at hand is not a problem, it is an opportunity for change. If you will see your “winter” of distress as an opportunity for change, the advantage you gain will let you reap an amazing harvest. This can be your time and place to have success, and thrive, where others have failed. It just depends on how you look at it. Now… go plant some “potatoes”!