The Weblog
The local foods movement is alive and well in Champaign County! Here are some updates on other projects while we finalize our virtual market:
Local Producers Map:
Our local producers map is ready for publication and you will soon be able to find it on gochampaign.com. Copies will be distributed around the community, in the local telephone book, and other “hangouts”. The guide lists the location and contact information for nearly 50 local producers within our county. The map was a project of the Local Food Council and printed with the help of some local sponsors including the Monument Square District, Champaign Bank, the Community Improvement Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Farm Bureau and others. It is a great start to finding a local source for Champaign County’s finest!
Rooms On Fire
Well there is magic all around you, if I do say so myself…
(Rooms On Fird-Stevie Nicks)
This market is always on fire, and the magic that it is, comes solely from our beautiful, lovely market customers.
Thursday, I was having one of those days. The kind where the universe is off. Every turn came something odd, or an obstacle, and with each turn, my mood was taking a dive. By the time I got to the market, I wanted to just dissolve into a dark cloud of nothingness. I was over it all.
But, with each customer, each laugh, I felt a bit more cheered. A bit more like myself.
And, then, as I was sitting there, talking market strategy with your other market manager, we got a surprise delivery from our insurance agent, herself. Erin Patton State Farm Agent delivered us the most beautiful Valentine basket!! It was such an amazing gesture, and it was the magic needed, to put me back on my dancing way.
I was so blown away by her kindness, and I started to think that it’s exactly the type of kindness, neighborly love that I hope you get from this little local market of love.
It takes all of us, and all of our love and kindness, to make this market go round, which makes the community go round, which makes the world go round…
Go sprinkle your own brand of magic around. Set your own rooms on fire with kindness…and, while you are doing that, let’s all set the market on fire with the love of the weekly orders…
XOXO,
Cosmic Pam