Fruits of Our Labors
We went to the Farmer's market this morning. I walked through the aisles checking stall after stall for good things to eat. We bought red baby potatoes, fresh white corn on the cob, bright red vine-ripe tomatoes, and green tomatoes, too.
There is a wonderful feeling you get walking through a farmer's market. It's a very different experience from the refrigerated aisles of the produce section at the local grocery store. The smells of soil and sunshine on the vegetables. The sweet smell of peaches and bananas ripening in the sun. The friendly vendors are a mix of various cultures and languages. The only thing missing was a fresh flower stall. I wanted to bring home a bouquet of summer flowers to brighten my mood, and our table.
Walking around the market I was struck by the sheer abundance of food displayed. We are so blessed to live in a country where our soil is rich and we have enough water to grow fruits and vegetables. We are so lucky that fresh food is readily available and we have the freedom and the access to this bounty. Blessed be those who work the land, sowing and reaping each harvest. Our farmers, large and small, are to be commended for their tireless toil in the fields.
We often take these things for granted- our food, water, and the land itself. We should be more appreciative and better stewards of these gifts. One day, we may not be as fortunate.
© annettealaine-2012
I'm digesting the changes in my life, and sometimes it gives me heartburn.”
About Annette
I grew up with five siblings in a working class neighborhood outside Washington, D.C. I have been writing or telling stories in some form or another for many years. As my old life was dismantled, I found journal writing and later blogging to be the release I...
Connections
Causes Annette Talbert Supports
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, RIF (Reading is Fundamental),
Hands On Foundation, Dignity U Wear, Girls, Inc.
Annette’s Favorite Books
To Kill a Mockingbird, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Jane Eyre, The Story of Seabiscuit, The Diaries of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Among Schoolchildren, Narnia Series...
God Bless The Farmers' Market
EVERYBODY LOVES A GOOD MARACAS
In the early autumn, I go to the farmers' market and buy small gourds. The "warty" kind, size of your fist (I know you've seen them). I buy them at 3 for a dollar (maybe a dollar & a half). I usually buy 15 or 20 of them.
I bring them home & let them sit on the shed's windowsill all winter, til they're good and dried.
In the spring I spend less than $10 on some polyurethane and another $10 or so on BBs (you know, like for the Red Rider BB guns).
Then I drill holes in the bottom of the gourds, dip them in the urethane (which makes a real nice hard finish), pour in some of the BBs, and use a little chip of cork & some hot glue to hold it in place, sealing up the gourd.
Then I go back to the farmers' market (where my friend has a stand, so I don't have to pay for that) AND I SELL THEM TO THE TOURISTAS FOR ANYWHERE FROM $15-$40 A SHOT, DEPENDING ON MY NEEDS AND THE APPARENT AFFLUENCE OF THE CUSTOMER.!!!
Come on up to Vermont any old time! The Farmers' Market awaits! Bring some cash! I'll be looking for you!
I try and buy apples and
I try and buy apples and pears from the Farmers' Market in Notting Hill. In terms of fruit, our English soil bears little beside berries, apples and pears – but those are wonderful. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to find English apples in supermarkets. We get South African, French, etc. but not the wonderful, fragrant English apples. Ah... The mysteries of international commerce.
Farmer's Market
You're right - we're fortunate that we have so much in our country.
We first discovered Farmers' Markets in Mountain View, California, when we moved there. Your experience captures exactly how I felt. Visiting Farmers' and Growers' market in other towns and cities when we're there.
We do have a Growers' Market in Ashland. Besides the traffic, you're aware that you're coming on it as you smell hamburgers and donuts. My wife and her friends always buy one donut to share, each eating a small bit because they can't resist the smell.
Great post. Thanks for sharing. Cheers
Ron, Love the maracas idea. I
Ron,
Love the maracas idea. I told my husband he now has a retirement plan: making and selling maracas at the farmer's or flea market!
Thanks for stopping by,
Annette
Katherine, Your apple story
Katherine,
Your apple story reminds me of Florida oranges. We see a few in the grocery stores later in the season. Strangely enough, there are oranges and grapefruits from California.
Go figure!
Thanks for stopping by.
Annette
Michael, I had a camera, and
Michael,
I had a camera, and really wished I could have stopped and taken pictures of the colors and the people, but the place was so crowded.
Perhaps I will try again next time to sneak in a few photos.
Thanks for stopping by.
Annette
bounty
Yes, Annette, we must be aware and thankful for our bounty.
Our town, in So Cal, has an "extended" farmer's market each Sunday morning. There are homemade breads, eggs, honey, flowers and crafts along with the fresh and beautiful fruits and vegetables.
The fruits perfume the whole area!
We have a good market here
We have a good market here too Annette. I like to get our garlic there and carrots and bags of basil to make pesto. I think there is a growing respect for what comes from the land. Almost a return to basics. Supermarket veg never even comes close in sweaty, plastic bags flown in from a great distance at great cost! m
I could smell and taste your
I could smell and taste your experience. Ain't nature grand!
Dolores, Your mention of
Dolores,
Your mention of honey reminded me that I bought some genuine Tupelo honey the other day at the market. It tastes of flowers and sunshine. I am going to bake some biscuits this week, and savor the sweet taste of the honey on the hot biscuits.
Thanks for stopping by,
Annette
Mary, A friend advised me to
Mary,
A friend advised me to buy those same items to make some pesto next time I visit. It sounds delicious.
Thanks for stopping by,
Annette
Judi, It was a feast for the
Judi,
It was a feast for the senses!
Thanks for stopping by.
Annette
Annette, Your blog is a great
Annette, Your blog is a great reminder of what we have to be thankful for.
I enjoy our local Farmer’s Markets. Besides the wonderful produce and other unique foods, there is often a person or small group playing music. I remember many years back winding through the market, a woman was singing with her guitar. I walked slowly so that I could take in the woman’s voice. I was now on the outer edge of the market and I stopped to keep listening, then I walked. A few more footsteps, tears started welling up and the tears were streaming down my cheeks. Something in her voice, her emotion met my emotion and I was taken by surprise.
At one of the Farmer’s Market’s, it’s the sweet kettle corn that seizes my senses before I even enter. Fresh peaches...and so many other delights.
Rebbecca, After this trip, I
Rebbecca,
After this trip, I began reading a story called, "Her Nowhere," by Brigetta Schwaiger.
She describes a woman and her husband who go to market every week. The woman would play the guitar and sing, gathering a small crowd around her. She became somewhat of a legend in her little town in Sweden.
How interesting that you describe the same scene almost exactly? I recommend the book. It was a good story.
Annette
Annette, That is very
Annette, That is very interesting about this particular scene. What a strange coincidence. Thanks for the book recommendation. I’ve added it to my list and look forward to reading it.
Beautiful...
Thank you.