(Long story short - we have a little store in Fitzroy North that is getting GORGEOUS and we love it - you must visit - plus loads of fab workshops for immune boosting ferments to help you through winter.)
But please take a few minutes and read on - because it's been so long!
Nine months in fact. Mailchimp just confirmed to me that it's been 9 months since I last wrote (and sent) an email to you, (there are plenty of letters in drafts... ouch). No-one can accuse me of hassling you that's for sure .....
Nine months is fitting though because in a sense, The Fermentary has had a kind of rebirth, an ardous but quiet return to itself. And we are joined at the hip, The Ferm and me, so it goes without saying that perhaps it was me that went under - quiet, finding ways to keep the business running, also trying to heal my heart and tuck my girls under my wings. Time patch myself up before coming out hopefully wiser and better for it. That's what everyone says but I feel in this case, I would have preferred to not have this lesson - not have to be tougher. Not to have my optimism and vulnerability and trust mocked. I am not stronger. And just as many of you have told me - time IS a healer which was damn annoying to hear - but true. Time is an ingredient to a good kraut, and I see also a good life.
In fermentation, time allows bacteria to settle in and do it's own work. When allowed to go slowly, and at it's own pace, the flavour is more complex, deeper and actually crunchier....more alive.
So if you are in Melbourne! we are too and there is life in this shop. We moved in last December (2021). I have LOTS to say about that but first - because this store is so sweet and welcoming, we have also been quietly brewing up some lovely workshop routines.
You can find our shop at: 394 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North. We've just painted it green, put in a sink and the shelves are up. Step by step we have started unpacking a decade of fermenty things ready to host all of the workshops, bring people in to teach us new skills, share, connect, and more. My collection of ferment-related books are there for you to sit in the old leather chair and enjoy with a cup of tea or kefir or amazake. Whatever you need that day.
Mail orders are packed here, and for Melbournites this means you can also pick up your online orders! We would much prefer to see you if you are local, than use all of that packaging. Please choose pick up if you are close enough to do that. We are happy to accomodate your schedule to meet you at the shop if need be.
There's a magic about renewal and regrowth, ay? And a hope. To think: we can move through the world trusting that time in itself is an important ingredient to life and not the thing we are racing against.
Big love
Sharon
