Laughter In The Rain

Oo, I hear laughter in the rain…
Walking hand in hand with the one I love…
Oo, how I love the rainy days and the happy way I feel inside…
(Laughter In The Rain- Neil Sedaka)

Is everyone feeling groovy, swaying side to side, singing a chorus of this song?

This song brings back so many memories, but the main memory is a middle school talent show, so very long ago.

Growing up in the West End, we all attended one school, from K-8TH grade. We had small classes, close knit families, and our circles of friendships were fierce. One of the highlights was when you were old enough to audition, and compete, for the Spring Talent Show!!

This was no slouchy, half baked talent show. No. We took our talent shows very seriously! Almost as serious as our middle school plays.

Anyway…your market manager and girl gang all tried out with our amazing, self choreographed, elaborate costumed, songfest that was to Elton John/Kiki Dee’s Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart. It was fab, AMAZING, we had the moves, we had the satin bell bottom/disco hat/sparkle top ensembles. We combined the moves of The Hustle, some sort of finger snapping, singing, and a lot of hip shaking. We were a crowd favorite! We got a standing ovation! The entire night was ours! We were the shining stars! We were HOT stuff!

Then, one of our West End boys took the stage. We had no idea what he had planned, let alone had any idea he was able to sing. We all sat in our seats, ready to give him a listen, curious, sort of smirking, because well, you know, we HAD this!

He was all outfitted in one of those polyester shirts, bell bottoms, necklace…cool boy attire. We sat thinking we had no idea what to expect.

Then, the spotlight went on him, this song began to play, and the once ho hum guy pal of the West End began singing this. We were in awe. We were in LOVE. He blew the place away. I will never forget that moment of him, his voice, the spotlight, him walking away with OUR trophy!!!

So, in the end, I was driving home, tonight, in the pouring rain, barely able to see, and all of a sudden this song popped into my head. This sweet memory. And, about how the unexpected can happen, knock out the sure bets, and come out the shining star.

It reminds me of this market, how almost five years ago, we were destined to fail, and look at us now. We are the boy of the West End, who took the spotlight, and made it our own. This market took the spotlight, center stage, and there is no stopping us!

I am opening the market, we have AMAZING local products, the seasons have changed, and we would love to welcome you back!

We are here for you, in our spotlight…

Peace, Love, Good Vibes…
Cosmic Pam