Farm Market Love

I absolutely love the magnetic atmosphere of farm markets and the steady commerce they have produced for centuries. The hustle and bustle of the satisfied vendors and customers, the aroma and beauty of the perfectly ripe fruits and vegetables, and the outdoor sunshine and breezes swirling in the pavilion or tents have a uniquely loving, comforting energy like nothing else.

I have such lovely memories of my daddy taking my twin sister and me downtown to the city farm market early on Saturday mornings. With a daughter on each hand, he would take us down the crowded aisles to buy his beloved vegetables and such; large pink radishes, fresh sweet corn, garden-ripe tomatoes, and local artisan Colby cheese were his staples. I enjoyed them all, but my favorite was the bakery booth stacked with various homemade breads and doughnuts, a delight for a sweet-toothed little girl to see. Because my father grew up on a farm, he had much appreciation for farmers and their bounty and loved visiting with his vendor friends. Listening to these conversations, I realized at a young age the importance not only of buying local, but more important of the emotional connection between people and food.

It seemed only natural for me to start selling my own pies at our local farm market when I first started my home-based business years ago. I will never forget the love in the air as my customers came to my vintage-tableclothed booth and bought me out week after week.

Eat pie, love life.