There are, on numerous occasions, when I read an article and then somehow find myself lost in the comment section. For most articles, I find at least 25% of the comments verbally slap someone across the face, 50% are of people telling someone why the article or that person is stupid, 15% of the comments are incoherent, and a mere 10% leaving a simple comment on the article. I sometimes don't understand. Actually, I don't understand at all: why there is so much hate, concern for other's lives, and an overall feeling of, "I'm right, you're wrong."
As of recent, my time on the internet has been limited to this space and work. I rarely have time to read blogs or articles, but when I do, I try my best to leave a positive note or send an email. There is so much negativity out there that I hope my small effort of gratefulness makes a dent. It's easy to let negative comments stick and to let all the positive slip away.
The internet is a funny (powerful) thing.
This all came about when I clicked on a facebook status asking people what was the "one bad food" people still indulged in. It opened the floodgates for a "holier than thou" debate and after reading through I just felt sad. People were yelling at other people for eating cheese or for mentioning chocolate. Discourse is good, judgement and attitude is bad. Maybe it's the morals my grade school teachers instilled in me but I still believe if you don't have anything nice (or positive criticism, or intellectual discourse) to say, keep your mouth shut and your fingers off the keyboard.
No worries, that doesn't happen here often. I'm talking more in general. So really, thank you for being kind and positive. I appreciate it and even thought I'm not always the best at responding, know that I read and enjoy everything.
So, onto the reason you came to this post. As promised, here is the first of the two salads I packed away for the picnic. I wanted something light and easy to throw together. The quinoa was already cooked and it took a mere five minutes to whip up the pesto and put the salad together. I also really love raw zucchini for a fresh component to this salad. It's perfect to pack away and take on a picnic!
For the full picnic post, click here!
Print
"Actually, I don’t understand at all: why there is so much hate, concern for other’s lives, and an overall feeling of, 'I’m right, you’re wrong.'"
Tim and I talked about something similar to this today, and it bummed me out, too. Makes me long for more kind, generous voices.. of which you are one.
PS - Great minds think alike! Zucchini ribbons on FLW today too. Love it!
You are too kind, you and Tim are as well. I think it's easy to get drowned out by all the angry ones 🙂 And great minds really do think alike 🙂 Zucchini ribbons all the way!
I totally agree about what you said about article comments -- why is it that people think anything goes just because it's anonymous? Ugh. Anyway, I am trying to cook more with quinoa and pesto, so this caught my eye. You have lentils in the directions, so I'm assuming that you can use lentils OR quinoa? I think either sounds great. I just bought some lentils and only know how to make soup with them. Anyway, I'm enjoying your site a lot -- keep up the good work!
Yes- either work well! I started making this salad with lentils but changed my mind (mainly because I only had green lentils and the green/green/green combo wasn't going to work for photos :). Thank you!
I was just going to ask the same question about quinoa in the ingredient list and lentils in the directions. I'm adding this to the next menu right now! 🙂
I really love raw zucchini! People should try it more often - I love the crunch and light springy flavor it has! And it's also always good with pesto...but what isn't?!
I've seen some of that hate and negativity and it's awful!! I always try to leave on a positive note as well. And with this lovely salad, it's really not hard to. 🙂
Mmm! This looks incredible!
I make something very similar to this all the time. So good!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
What a gorgeous salad Erin! This looks like something I'd love for lunch. As for the negativity and horrible comments, I think it's all too easy for people to hide behind a keyboard. I'm sure 99% of those people would never say the things they do if they were face to face. Like I you, I believe if you haven't got something nice to say don't say anything at all....and treat others with the way you would like to be treated.
Thank you for this sweet post!
In response to your beautifully written post, I would like to say - Bravo, well done, and keep up the good work, your food is a daily inspiration to me. Thank you
I love this post because it is so true and I feel the exact same way. All in all I believe that it's important, albeit necessary, to step away from the internet sometimes just to remind yourself that that is not a real place and people act differently there than they would in person. (sad but true) All that being said, I really need to invest in a good veggie peeler because this looks divine- thank you!
I have small traffic coming to my blog, so luckily I don't get negative comments (maybe once a year), but I totally agree. If I don't like something someone posted, I just click away...I don't really get "fighting" over the internet. People are so much braver when there isn't an actual face to talk to. It's interesting, and super annoying. Great post!
I like the recipe as well as the post. Thanks 🙂
It is so easy for people to speak negatively when they have the internet to hide behind. I am so happy that most people who comment on my blog and this blog are generally nice courteous people. I am loving these picnic recipes. So easy and light, perfect for summer.
Amen!
Naturally Ella, thank you so much for sharing with us - this post especially and always your recipes.
What a great gluten free dish that is seasonal! Thanks for sharing!
My husband is on a quinoa kick, so thank you much for these great recipes! Three cheers for Naturally Ella! Great recipes! Beautiful photos! Power of positive thinking! Ciao...
Good post. Agreed. Too much stuff that makes my heart and tummy hurt. But, good news...your posts make my tummy hungry (that's a good thing) and my heart smile (doggie on the beach).
I hate when people berate others in comments. If you wouldn't say it to the person's face, then you shouldn't say it online. This quinoa salad looks fabulous 🙂
We just had this for dinner, along with some lemon garlic tilapia, and it was delicous!!
I made this for a potluck and was showered with compliments---which, I passed onto you. I hope you don't mind my commenting on some of your recipes--I saw a rude-ish comment a while back, wanted to make sure you knew there are (I'm sure) loads of people recreating your delicious and wholesome meals!
Hi! This recipe looks awesome. My mother in law and I want to fix it for ourselves, but we're concerned our hubbies won't like it. However, I love the glass jars in this post. Where does one purchase jars like this?
I have only recently stumbled upon your website. It's beautiful, and I love that you have your recipes arranged by season!
Thanks so much,
Teresa
Hey Teresa, They are Weck jars (http://weckjars.com/)!
It looks like something I'd like to try! It would even be easier with store bought pesto. I keep a jar that I buy at Costco on hand. And...you are correct. When did people get so mean?
Yum...made my ingredient list this morn and needed to use some orange lentils and a zucchini. Love that I can search by ingredient here.
I love how you also offer substitutions. However I giggle when people sub so many ingredients it becomes a totally different recipe!