The Hillcrest Farmers market in San Diego is walking distance from my friend JulieAnn’s apartment. I was on the West Coast for the Biological Decoding conference in La Jolla but free for the weekend, and I decided to walk over and participate in the local Sunday ritual. My first observation was this Farmers market seemed to be a hustle and bustle of community; village-like in feel and energy. Aside from the customary assortment of beautiful freshly picked organic vegetables and fruits, were vendors selling hot and prepared food from around the globe. There were talented craftsmen and jewelry artisans, soap makers and entrepreneurs selling unique wares. I saw–kitchen towels on flour sacks, handcrafted calendars and paintings–plants to eat, and flowers to grow and the heard melodious musician’s note enhancing the fair-like ambiance with song and note floating up through the crowded market street which had been assembled early that morning. An instant city of tents placed above the usually recognizable yellow & white painted traffic and parking lines transformed into this temporary village on Normal street; ironically, feeling anything but normal. I walked through the maze and frenzy of orange and white blinking traffic barricades flowing new directions over the asphalt normally reserved only for cars. Interrupted by the iconic traffic cops maintaining order, blowing their whistles and waving their arms, keeping harmony with the crowds of pedestrians and redirected autos. The kind of scene you would expect Harrison Ford to materialize and saunter through in true Indiana style. (Smiling)
The hopes of finding Julieann’s friend led me down to explore this energetic neighborhood farmers market; a market in which Maria, a editor and producer from LA, sells her vintage typewriter creations on the weekends for fun. “I get to see the light of day,” she joked.
I spent a few hours there, and what struck me most was the comradery; vendors really supportive of each other. The flour sack kitchen towel guy John knew my new friend Maria who sells the old-vintage typewriter jewelry and walked me right to her booth. Wow! Maria introduced me to the woman on her right who manufactures her own skin care line and to Josette, around the corner who sells beautiful succulent wreaths and arrangements. Josette’s brother Louie, a craftsman himself who designs and builds wood furniture, also cooks and bakes and shares his goodies with his surrounding tent neighbors. (Cookie recipe forthcoming.)
Such a sense of community I noted, as I wandered down the side walk ready to indulge and sample flavors of the worldly cuisine that awaited. Crossing the street I headed in a southerly direction, actually looking for a close ATM and then lunch, when I heard a comment about the Buddha shirt I had picked to wear for the day. Soon, I was in a discussion with a guy named Robert who offered me a glass of his friend’s tea. It was made with aloe, rosemary, fresh stevia leaves, bougainvillea blossoms, & mint. I’m still not sure what the name of it is, but well worth the trip over to the Market if you live in the San Diego area. Have a glass of her whole-made from scratch tea and her delicious home-cooked cuisine! (Her picture is below.)
I know these local markets happen all across the United States, and it is well worth taking a few minutes to visit these hard working heart-felt folks wherever they live. I was going to include web addresses, but many of the artist don’t have them. So, if you’re in the neighborhood–pop over and say hello. Enjoy all the market has to offer–and support the artists who live doing what they love. Isn’t this a great example for us all! “Do what you love or find a way to love what you do.” These artists and farmers and cooks do this everyweek–supporting each other in all they do! Do you find support where you work and live? If not, why not? Have the courage to step out and be the authentic you. I’m sorry I didn’t take more pictures, but I’ll let you fill in the blanks with your own imagination of how the world can be when we all work together and do what we love.
“Inspired Wellness from Within”
Cathrine Silver, Certified Holistic Health Coach
Wonderful tea and food from this beautiful woman!
Filed under: 2014, Energies of Healing, Energy Healing, FOOD, Food for Thought, Good Eats, Healthy Living, Living our truth, Primary Food, Stress relief, Uncategorized, Well-being | Tagged: CA, Farmers market, Hillcrest, Hillcrest Farmers Market, San Diego, San Diego Farmers Markets | Leave a comment »
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