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!
Help!
When I was younger, so much younger than today…I never needed anybody’s help in any way…(Beatles – Help)
Help! That is what I think of when I think about this little local market of love!
I am the last person to ask for much help. I am a control person. I am a yes person. I am high energy. I learned from my grandfather, many years ago, that you just wake up, face the day with a smile, do your work in a pleasant manner, work hard, work smart, and then put it all to rest.
My grandmother was also a non-help asking force in my life. She taught me that I needed to count on my own strengths, save my money, keep money aside for a rainy day, don’t be a weakling, work hard, call it a day, and pour a cocktail.
The two of them, combined, were a tough force, and so because of them, asking for help is still a concept I have to ponder:)
But then enter into a week like I have had, or like many of you have. I have been baking like crazy, my orders and venues continue to accumulate, I have a daughter who is ready to take off to Italy for the fall semester, I have everyday tasks on top of my never ending business, I have friends that like to see me, and I have a store front and markets to make sparkle!!
The Italy thing has had me on pins and needles AND it has come with a few glitches involving the consulate, a missing passport/student visa, etc. Not to mention a 20 year old that is all about the adventure while I am following her around with my “mom” list of concerns.
Ok…so here comes my point to all of this…HELP!! It was so nice to have an order (I have an order, each week) at the market, this week, waiting for me for when I was finished handing out orders. My Cosmic co-ed called to say she was making dinner and rattled off a list of menu items. I had them with me from the market AND the fridge was stocked with different items from last week. Totally a huge help!!!!
See…this is what I continue to talk about with this little local market of love. Even if you don’t think you need help, if you find it hard to ask for help, or even if you have it all together without a care in the world…it is STILL nice to have the help of shopping in one place, from the comfort of your computer or smart phone, putting it all to rest, and then just picking it up, stress free, and inexpensively, and healthy, and with a smile!!!
That is a bit of HELP that I totally support!!!!
Tonight, I open the market to your crazy week where you just may want a bit of help…
Peace and Love,
Cosmic Pam