Pride & Joy Music - Spring 2023 Issue

As we were looking for themes to center our stories around for this issue, we found ourselves picturing songs that went along with the stories. The aha! moment occurred when we realized much in this issue was about pride, and much more was about joy… and so it was: “Pride and Joy” won us over.

Whether you are listening to “Pride and Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughn, by Marvin Gaye or by Brandi Carlile, all three songs share in the story of a love. Love is what this issue revolves around. The love of making pasta. The love of blooming bouquets that give you peace. The love of giving back to the community or giving back to the earth that in return gives back to you. Each story is filled to the brim with pride, passion and the desire to showcase what we believe is a new season of rebirth, curiosity and hopefulness.

I especially want to thank Tony and Rosa Hanslits, who have been instrumental within the Indianapolis food scene. From working closely with a plethora of brilliant chefs to taking time to work with Second Helpings to creating some of the most delectable pasta and dishes this side of Italy, thank you for allowing us to share in your adventures and we wish you all the best as you start your new one. And yes, we have asked the mayor for a parade in your honor… still waiting to hear back.

And on a side note, the color green is intentional throughout the issue. It represents growth, renewal, harmony and hopefulness. All perfect representations of an Indiana spring.

With gratitude and hope, 
Jennifer Rubenstein 
2023 Indiana Grown Commission Board Member

photograph of Jennifer Rubenstein: Marissa Mollo

I wish I could say my garden is my pride. It isn’t—not yet. But it is my joy. I am a newbie gardener. I inherited the garden last spring as-was from the previous owners when we bought our house. It was an amazing and diverse garden, full of flowers and blooms. I embarked on a steep learning curve to figure out what to do in summer, fall and winter last year. Now I am waiting to see if those tulips I planted by my apple trees will come up, if the plum and cherry trees survived my pruning attempts, and if those tomato seeds I am about to plant will yield me some harvest later this summer. One thing is for sure: I am framing Lynsey Johnston’s inspirational piece about all the things you can grow to pick abundant bouquets from your own garden—and not least because it is so beautiful!

With pleasure, 
Francine Spiering