Catawba Farmer's Market Launch

Today was the first day of the Catawba Farmer's Market.

Christy Gabbard initiated the big move and I am so glad she did.

I got up at 3am to bake. Baked more than I thought I should, hopeful.

A few friends must have been praying for me last night because my sleep was restful with interesting dreams instead of the dreams I had the night before of not being able to sleep.

Short, but restful.

I even got inspired to make granola.

We loaded up the goods, looking at the computer weather forecast which predicted rain by 4pm. The temperatures rose to the high 80's and the sweat rolled.

I wondered if it were a good idea to start a new market with such a busy schedule.

After setting up the tents and saying hey to other vendors, the hikers began to come through. We are right down the road from a major point on the Appalachian Trail. I met guys from Florida and Pennsylvania and Independence, MO. Wiry, lanky, and hungry for carbs. I was happy to have a big platter full of samples for those hungry fellows. They didn't buy bread, but they bought lots of granola. We dumped it into plastic bags so they didn't have to carry the "green" but heavy mason jars on the trail.

After the hikers made their way through, the local folks started to filter in.

I met neighbors I have waved at, but never knew their name for 5 years.

I realized why it was so important to sell bread and meat at this market.

I am tired and don't really like getting up at 3 am to bake bread. Well, maybe I kind of do like to do that. Because it is a means to an end. A part of our family and farm mission.

We desire to produce healthy foods for our family and to help educate and share the knowledge and good food with others. Organic living has a lot to do with community. Our food and soil and animals and spirit and bodies are all interconnected. God made me to like making bread and milking Coco. He gave me this crazy desire to make our food nutrient dense. He also gave me a desire to have a ministry that involves knowing our community.

Farmer's market takes up a lot of farm time. But it gives us a lot of face time with our community.

As I shook hands and shared names and passed out samples of bread and taught the value of milling the grains fresh, I felt whole. Tired, but whole.

I want to know the people who live in our valley. They have blessed us. Sharing recipes and jokes and talk about the weather is good. Getting to chat with sojourners and travelers is a bonus. Selling enough bread and meat to pay a couple of bills is an even nicer bonus.

After a hard day yesterday, I prayed, wondering if I could muster the energy to make it through the day.

Didn't have to muster. It flowed.

Hope it continues to flow tomorrow.

BTW, the rain held off. Where are those thunderstorms? It was nice not having to carry stuff out in the rain.

PS Thanks, faithful praying friends. And faithful non praying friends, all of you, whom I love. FYI, those of you worried I am not getting enough rest, I actually took a thirty minute nap in the middle of the chaos today. I am trying to rest!!! And appreciate your very good and wise advice.

PPS I know it takes effort and more money to go to your local farmer's market. Our stuff costs more than Wal Mart and the parking isn't that great, and we don't have tomatoes yet. But making the effort makes a huge difference. And you might just meet a few neighbors. And maybe make a friend. And make a huge difference in the your neighborhood economy that could very well trickle out into the great big world.