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I've long been a fan of meeting people where they are. It's a strategy that offers a nice complement to "hitting them over the head," and is often perceived as more agreeable than "bowling them over with the hard truth." I'm not saying those techniques don't have a place - it's hard to care about real food (or anything!) and not get angry about it once in a while. Still, one must acknowledge that fast food isn't going away anytime soon, and - as a result - those who produce it in a mindful way can do the world some good. Which brings me to Chipotle.

Since I dug my feet into the dirt of the local food movement a number of years ago, I’ve wanted to learn more about the Hmong farmers that dominate many of the local farmers market stands. I recently had the privilege of meeting with Shur Yang, whose family operates a vegetable stand at the Minneapolis Farmers Market.

Shur’s love for farming and local produce streams with properties of July sunshine. His positive demeanor is enough to intrigue anyone, and is wildly inspiring considering the farm is merely a “side job."

The list of things in my life that happen according to schedule is a pretty short one. Haircuts? Maybe you get them every 6-8 weeks, but I haven't been to a barber - much less a hairdresser - in more than 10 years. I just shave my head when the spirit moves me (see my picture for evidence). Housework? I wish - in my house, we're more likely to clean like crazy people just before guests come over (or when there's something sticky on the floor) than we are to pick a weekly time.