Time For Me To Fly

Time for me to fly
Oh, I’ve got to set myself free
(Time for me to fly)
And that’s just how it’s got to be
I know it hurts to say goodbye
But it’s time for me to fly
(Time For Me To Fly-REO Speedwagon)

Well, here we are, me giving a nod back to one of my high school songs, writing another Weblog to you, the lovely little market of love customers.

The last time this song really rang true in my heart was, oh, like, 1980, when I was bidding my high school sweetheart a fond farewell, as he was older than me, was setting out on his own path, and me, well, I was all full of attitude, and sass, and all of that kind of stuff, totally took my heart by the heart strings, and set off on my own path. I played this song, over and over and over…I am surprised that my high school girl gang didn’t disown me. I do think that they let me sink into this song, let me cry, let me pour my heart out, and then they had quite enough, and made me listen to some heavy metal, of some sort.

And, now, this song brings me to this evening. Another path. Me, as your market manager, is ready to fly. Yes, it’s time for me to fly.

I have spent weeks going over and over my decision. I went to both, Heather, the founder of this market, and Paul, our YMCA CEO, and spoke with both of them. I spoke with your beloved assistant manager, Mark. While nobody was exactly happy with my decision, they all totally support my heart.

Slowly, I have been easing out of the market scenes. Slowly, I have been easing into my new ventures, new adventures.

Eight years ago, Cosmic Charlie hit my first market, in downtown Urbana. I then joined the Mechanicsburg market scene. I got gigs at The Depot Coffeehouse, Everyday Organics, Mad River Market, Café Paradiso, Winners One Stop. I got a lovely gig at Seasons Bistro and Grille. I helped get Madison’s Downtown Café up and running, and did baking from there, for a short time. I moved onto even more farmers’ markets. I took the Springfield market by storm, and landed my first ever store front, in downtown Springfield. I was part of the festival and event scene. I became a driving force in the local foods movement. I cross promoted, and formed friendships with many of our local vendors. I opened up my Urbana shop front. I began leaving a few things, so that I could open doors to new ventures. I began to co-manage markets, and vend with your assistant manager, Mark, of Oakview Farm Meats. We’ve been out in the trenches, fighting the good fight, for the local food movement. Together, we formed our own LLC, Hippie and the Farmer, and we watched that explode, into the stratosphere, all summer, and we show no signs of slowing down. We put in our own commercial kitchen. We became growers of three large gardens. We worked closely with many of our local vendors, as Hippie and the Farmer growers. We have been going strong with our event making part of the venture. We are getting ready to kick off phase three of our business. My own Cosmic Charlie continues to rock the town, my Girl business continues with my vintage and hippie clothing, and I have just kicked off Girl About Town, a writing/blogging gig, that chronicles me, my business, our vibrant downtown, and where you can find me.

But, through it all, I have been your market manager. For 5 years, I have been your on site manager, and then I became your overall manager. And now, well now, this market manager would like to take this time to, well, fly!

I love the local scene. I love this little local market of love. I love you, the customers and vendors. I have loved every minute of our time, together. I will remain a vendor, here, but as all epic break ups go…I am hitting the road, packing up my manager status, and exploring new territory.

Now comes the hard part…who will fill these shoes? That is what I will begin doing. Vendor? Loyal customer? Who loves local enough to take this lovely market from me, and continue to make it fly?

Over the years, we have perfected this market to super simplicity! I will stay on to help you through the ropes. The YMCA staff is super. Paul is amazing. It’s a volunteer position that just really makes you feel good!!! Think about it, and let me know…

I love you all to the moon and back, I will be here until we put a new manager in place, but then…it’s time for me to fly!!

Peace, Love, Good Vibes…
Cosmic Pam