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Five hours later, I’m finishing up my notes for the meeting I’ve set up with two members of the board for the University of Faroe Islands. I want to start talking about how to partner with them on education and training in the various fields we’ll need here in Cara for our expanded agricultural programs and green energy initiatives.
“Hey, you need to look at something.”
I look up to find Jonah crossing to my desk. He looks intent.
“What’s going on?”
“Did Abigail tell you she was conducting a video call today with a bunch of kids?”
I frown. “What? No.” That doesn’t sound like Abigail at all.
He nods and pulls my laptop across the desk, types in a few things, then turns it back to me.
“What kids? What’s it about?”
“Just watch.”
Abigail is on the screen. So are Linnea and another woman I vaguely recognize as a local artist and early childhood educator. She’s been on a couple of arts in education committees.
There is also a collection of young faces. The kids are of varying ages and they’re all listening as the woman speaks.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“It’s a?—”
But then I know. “Gardening club,” I fill in quietly, watching her on screen. She’s not talking, but she’s smiling and has a happy glow about her. My heart squeezes just watching her.
“So she did tell you about it,” Jonah says.
“It was just a passing thought. It was only a few days ago.”
“Well, she told Linnea and you know how she is.” Jonah grins with pride and affection. “She gets stuff done.”
I nod. She really does.
“This is the first one?” I ask.
“Yep. They’ll learn about how plants grow by making the plants out of paper and sticks or straws or pencils. They’re starting with a tomato plant. They talked about seeds and how they sprout. They’re constructing seedlings today. They’ll talk about what the plants need to grow bigger and then next week they’ll make the plants a little taller and add more leaves.” Jonah grins. “But this way all the kids can participate whether they can actually grow real plants or not. If they don’t have art supplies, Linnea arranged with a local shop to stock free kits. And this way, no kids are disappointed if their plants die. Eventually they’ll make tiny tomatoes, then bigger and bigger ones. When it comes time to ‘harvest’ their tomatoes, Abi is going to bring actual tomatoes into town and the kids can all show up and they’ll make some fun, easy recipes together.”
My heart starts pounding harder. “She’s going to make a public appearance?”
“She’s going to be on all the video calls and then yeah, I guess.” He shrugs. “It was all her idea.”
“Did she talk? Today, I mean?” I ask. The artist is still talking, taking the kids through the art project. Abigail and Linnea are both making tomato plants of their own along with the children.
“She did. She introduced herself and said how excited she is to talk to everyone about gardening and how much she loves plants and that she’s been growing things and then eating them since she was a kid.” Jonah meets my gaze. “She did great. She was very warm and genuine. And she said she’d answer any questions anyone has. But…”
I brace myself. “But?”
Jonah grins. “She thought it would be easiest if they type their questions and comments into the comment section or if they send them to her via email later so they don’t interrupt the speaker and their art project and so she has time to answer them fully.”
My eyes widen. “She gave out her personal email address?”
Jonah chuckles. “She started to, but Linnea jumped in and gave them an official one for Princess Abigail.”
“Does Princess Abigail have an official email address?” I ask.
“I’m guessing she does now,” Jonah says with a grin.
