Ecomemphis

One of my favorite things to do, and indeed one of the most important activities that saves my soul from drowning in chaos, is a trip to a farmers market. Truly, there are melodies in the air you just can’t hear anywhere else.

The vendors are (usually) very pleasant people who know what it is to have dirt under their nails, and in their hair. When wiping your brow means getting a forehead of mud, and they know the sting of sweat in their eyes. They also know the magic of the Earth, and how unexplainable it is that life springs from these things that don’t seem to have life within them. Some have weatherworn faces, and some are sun burnt even in April. I like them before I know them.

The products they bring are their own – theirs are the hands that picked the fruit, washed

Makes her wares from the fruitful bounty in her yard.

and packed them, to bring them to you. The vegetables couldn’t be any fresher unless you grew them yourself.

Most Farmers Markets in our area have other products to purchase as well. On a recent trip to the Farmers Market at the Agricenter, I met an elderly woman who had hundreds of jams, jellies, preserves, butters and soups to offer. She made everything herself, and brought her daughters to help her sell. A very gentle, beautiful woman, she livened my week.

I also met an artist who has honed her craft to become a ‘miniature’ artist. She reclaims the ivory from piano keys to make lovely necklaces, earrings, pendants and the like. The artist, a senior herself, also offers fused-glass jewelry her own mother makes.

Unfortunately, I made it too late to buy any veggies, and had to settle on pear preserves, muscadine jelly and a wondrous hanging basket.  K-)

Where is your favorite Farmers Market? Think I’ve been to them all, which are listed here. If you know of more, please let us know.

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