theInsideOut | retreat | yoga | pattern | garden |

"Thank you to you both for making the time to teach us to be more responsible in our gardens and lives. The edible garden class was so much fun. I learned so much and am so inspired to create a beautiful garden. Eugene was such a breath of fresh air in a town where it sometimes is not so easy to breathe. His ability to raise awareness in such a kind and loving way is a rare ability. He is a great spirit.
 Thank you again and I look forward to many more events like this."

“I didn't think that a presentation on gardening could be so inspirational and informative at the same time. Eugene was very impressive. His quiet demeanor, depth of knowledge and smooth style made for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. We sincerely hope that when next he visits he will be able visit our garden for a personal consultation.”

“I thought it was a great learning experience. I learned much about composting and growing different kinds of plants and vegetables. Eugene Cooke was fun and motivational. I suggest that if you get a chance to attend his next workshop, do so.  To deepen our awareness of food he suggests working together to make food gardens right in our own backyards.”

“Eugene gave me the most important tools to begin my own edible garden: knowledge, inspiration, and confidence. In the week following his lecture I've turned my 26' x 12' back yard of grass into a garden waiting to produce. Eugene is a teacher in the truest sense of the word, and his humble, knowledgeable, and lucid approach made my experience a wonderful one.”

“I loved the workshop for several reasons.  I know that many of us are having trouble eating these days.  We can not afford to eat organic all the time in these times.  Those of us who depend on food banks during dire moments have even less ability to be picky.  We know the Mother Earth is capable of nurturing us and doing her part to offer us wellness and longevity.  The information presented by Brotha Gene at Lotus on the Nile gives us tools to be able to tap into that nurturing and move towards divorcing ourselves from the system of genetically engineered foods/medicines, and chemically grown/harvested foods.  It helps us to become stronger and move towards dependence from those factions of society ignorant enough to make misuse, abuse, and take for granted the precious Mother Earth.  Indeed, it empowers us to truly become allies with Her.  The workshop also had a guerrilla flair and it was affirming to have this information presented in a highly informed, clearly experienced, easy-to-understand, relevant and practical manner.  This affirms who we are.”

“I truly enjoyed the environment created around this event.  Beautiful people who are interested and perhaps committed to challenging the status quo of purchasing their foods from the mega-stores, and finding value in growing their own.  Gene's demeanor was great.  The brother was professional, but looked like he'd come straight out of the garden.  He also did a great job of tying in our ancient Kemetic principles and deities into our modern day lifestyle. He was direct with his answers, humorous and very knowledgeable about the subject of edible landscaping.  The very idea of edible landscaping was new to me, and will now allow my imagination to be more creative when planning gardens in the future. Gene packed a course worth of material into one hour with his no-nonsense, do it yourself program for revitalizing our personal health, backyards, and our communities.”