The Circle Game

And the seasons they go round and round…
And the painted ponies go up and down…
We’re captive on the carousel of time…
We can’t return we can only look behind…
From where we came…
And go round and round and round…
In the circle game…
(Joni Mitchell-The Circle Game)

So, I have been in a Joni Mitchell state of mind, today. Usually, when I am in need of comfort music or contemplation music or just music to drift away with, I turn to my favorite songstress.

This morning, I was able to get some much needed time to sleep in, I was able to linger over large cups of coffee, and I immediately thought of the past week. On the local front, all outside farmers markets are now open. I manage the Mechanicsburg Farmers and Artisans Market, along with this market. We opened that market, on Tuesday. Then, I vend at the Springfield Farmers Market, which had it’s opening day on Saturday.

Both markets are vibrant, busy, popular venues, as are all of the Champaign County farmers markets. I just happen to be a part of the two mentioned markets. With each opening day, we were met with big hellos, hugs, smiles, and thankfulness that we were once again bringing the goodness of local to the masses.

Along with this little local market of love, I hold all that is local, deep in my heart. I love watching each season roll in, love seeing the produce and products that come with each season. I love greeting treasured vendors, loyal customers, and city/county officials.

I love seeing the produce that will kick off the season, produce that will come in the next few weeks, and the produce that will end the season. Such a circle game of seasons, vendors, products, local love.

My heart, soul, and business are steeped heavily in this rich local tapestry of our county and surrounding county. I love the markets. I love the market families that form. I love the customers. I love the happiness, freedom, and gypsy like ways of the markets. I launched Cosmic Charlie at the Champaign County Farmers Market, many seasons ago. The markets suit my soul, they play well with my free spirit, they show me the love, and let me give the love right back.

And then we have this lovely little market of love…the constant among our outside markets. The umbrella that bridges them all. The little market that could. My heart and soul are also heavily entrenched in this market, the customers, the YMCA, the vendors, and my assistant managers. I hold this market so close. It’s like a seasonal product that you take care of, you love, you nurture, you water, and it continues to grow, produce, and prosper.

So, in this never ending circle game of local, give us a look. Go out and support any of the local outside farmers markets. Get to know what real local is all about. Get to know the faces and names of your producers. Shake hands, give hugs, and be thankful we live in a county that is so rich in all things local.

Also, in this local circle game is the coming and going of seasonal produce. We are at the end of some produce while we are at the beginning of other produce. Take advantage. Catch the local love. Fall in love with this little circle game of local.

The market is open…it’s Sunday evening, time to plan your week, time to let us show you the love of local.

Peace, Love, Good Vibes…
Cosmic Pam