— from Vicki O’Keefe for Orcas Senior Center —

As part of a Orcas Senior Center series of small after lunch trips to local businesses, the seniors visited the Girl Meets Dirt enterprise on Lover’s Lane. I wish I could have photographed the smell of pepper and fruit simmering in the copper kettles to share it with you here. Imagine tangy, spicy, and sweet.

We learned from the owner Audra Query Lawlor that she grew the business from the soil on the island. Through hard work and grit, the product is now placed in many markets including QFC and PCC in Seattle. The business has a colonial approach to jam making; small batches, carefully selected fruits and lots of attention to detail.  The logo is inspired by an early 19th century graphic, and the brick and mortar store, which is doubling in size, has an artisan vintage feel.

Girl Meets Dirt does a vibrant online business. The business began as a cook’s blog, and as the website states it has been “a journey in steps, stems, pear seeds, plum pits, and apple flesh.” We encourage you to buy at the store or online and share the fruits of our home with those you love.  Audra wants to remind you that she offers a  20% locals discount for shopping in person at the store.

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