Saturday, June 28, 2008

Local-motion


As promised, here's an update on my trip to the local farmers market. And, when I say "local," it couldn't get more local than that. Their set up was nearly in my backyard.

Okay, now I'm exaggerating; It wasn't that close, but it was in walking distance.

My mom told me about it, after seeing a picture of a guy I went to school with in our local (there's that word again) paper, advertising the seasonal event. He was representing his family farm, which would be selling their fresh produce at our beach every Friday night this summer from 6-9 p.m. I just had to check it out for myself.

Despite the forecasted storms (actually, you didn't need a weather man to figure that out; all you had to do was look up at the sky to see them coming), I made the trek down to the market, decked out in my "Support Organic Farmers" organic cotton t-shirt and toting my NaturalZing hemp grocery bag. I was styling if I say so myself. Ha ha. (Hey, I did get a few compliments; you gotta dress for the occasion).

Before the rain hit (the wind had already picked up, making it difficult for the vendors to keep their tents in place), I managed to peruse the market to see what they had, as well as pick up a few things for myself (oh yeah, I thought about my husband and son, too).

There was a berry farm with, you guessed it, berries. My friend from school was there with ripe and juicy peaches, various squashes and corn. Another farm offered a garden mix of greens, swiss chard, cucumbers (5 for a dollar; you can't beat that) and more. There were even stands selling homemade pickles, natural bath products, organic herbs and pesticide-free flower bouquets and fresh baked breads and pastries. Not a bad turn out for the first couple weeks. I'm so glad they put this plan in motion.

When I returned home, I took a quick pic of some of my bounty. Jacob had already started begging me for an ear or two of corn, and I couldn't resist sinking my teeth into one of my fragrant peaches. I had juice dribbling down my chin, so it was a good thing I removed my shirt for the photo (no, I didn't snap a shirtless shot of myself; I just used the shirt in the pic).

Then, I relaxed with another no-egg no-cream (the pics intermingled throughout this post are of the vanilla and chocolate versions of this classic treat), made with Brazil nut milk (although the back of the shirt I made in the last photo says "almond," but you get the picture). You can find the recipe on the We Like It Raw website. It's been a while since I'd made an appearance there. It felt good to be back :-)

7 comments:

Colleen Miller said...

Where did you get your t-shirt? I have a Support Organic Farmers bumper sticker but hubby now drives that car. I would love to find a shirt!
You're so lucky to have a market so close! We don't have any good ones that I've been to in Florida. My favorite market was (well still is) in Southern Illinois. Oh I also liked the Boulder, CO farmers market. Years ago, they actually had a Fresh Raw Food stand there!
The no-egg, no-cream, recipe looks fantastic. I bet some Raweos would be yummy dipped in there.

Tough Cookie said...

Awesome blog! I love all of your pictures! I hope you will check out my blog. I am a 23 year old, former collegiate cross country runner with RSD, and I am using raw foods as one of my healing tools :-)

RawBin said...

Haha! I was just looking at "raw food" t-shirts last night, looking at plain shirts in my drawer this morning, and thinking, "I wonder if Shannon would help me make a custom t-shirt", and there you are!

Wanna come with me to an organic farm some morning? I could arrange a tour. Yesterday I rode my bike 2 miles to their farm, and picked 10 pounds of spinach, a huge bag of romaine, and a cup of fresh raspberries. Way cool!

shannonmarie said...

Rawleen, it's so nice to hear from you. Congrats on your WLIR mention. I love that recipe.

As for the shirt, I got it at Target a long time ago. But, there are a ton of shirts with that phrase if you just Google "Support Organic Farmers," or you could make one yourself (that's what I do when I can't find exactly what I'm envisioning).

I would have thought you'd have a ton of Farmer's Markets where you live. I've heard you've got some incredible fruits in your area.

You're right; Raweos would go well with it.

Tough Cookie, I stopped by your blog and I'm impressed with your strength and inspiration. I also like your choice of background :-)

Rawbin, I've been thinking of you a lot lately. I miss you girlie girl. We need to get together and make some shirts.

Yes, going to an organic farm would be great. Just let me know when you want to go.

Lesley Anne said...

FUN! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE farmers markets! The be the peaches smell as good as look.

April said...

Hey, I like the "Got Almond Mylk". Very cool. Anyways, thanks for the support on my blog and we will miss you here in the good ole ATL! We will be thinking about you though!

shannonmarie said...

Lesley Anne, I'm definitely loving the farmers markets, too. It's wonderful to be able to shop for FRESH produce outside, while enjoying the sites, sounds and smells. It also gives you the opportunity to visit with others in your community.

Hi April. Wish I could've been there. If you make that roadtrip, we'll have to meet up somewhere.