The Farmer's Market

THE FARMER'S MARKET

By Just_Lin

I just found out that our local Farmer's Market is in operation again every Wednesday afternoon. The booths are set up on a small street not far from the ocean. I really enjoy going to it and looking at all the wonderful produce. Last year was the first year they set it up and it was such a wonderful distraction for me. My husband had just died a few months before and I spent so much of my time crying and grieving. Looking at the earth's bounty was so soothing and healing to me. It encouraged me to be kind to myself, to provide my body with healthy foods and proper nourishment. It gave me a small measure of comfort.

There's something special about buying fruits and vegetables directly from the people who grow it. It's as if it's only one step away from growing it myself. Somehow, when I buy my produce from the big corporate grocery chain, I feel I've lost that connection to Mother Earth. There are too many degrees of separation.

I'm looking forward to my visit to the Farmer's Market next Wednesday. There's always live music and the people are always in such a friendly, happy mood. I usually run into people I know and that's always fun. I'm looking forward to picking out my zucchinis, mushrooms, ripe tomatoes, succulent grapes and berries, juicy fruits and melons, and sweet corn. Oh, and there's a lady there who sells her muffaletta, an olive relish, that is so delish on thin crackers.

Once I have my bag full of all my delicious healthy foods, I will make one more stop. It's the booth at the far end. That's where they sell the "Killer Brownies". I get the ones with chocolate chips in them and believe me, they really are killer brownies. Healthy food can only take you so far and then you have to have a treat. Yum!

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