This weekend I made my first trip to the big farmers market in our city. Last year I made buying local, early on Saturday mornings (followed up by an afternoon nap) into a summer ritual- I would roll out of bed, put on a hat, grab coffee and wake up on the way to the market while Jesse drove.
I've been excited to make that part of my summer again this year and while a big part of me loves sleeping in on Saturday morning (so luxurious!) there's nothing that will get me out of bed like the prospect of patting goats on the head while buying some incredible cheese. The market is packed by 9:30 am and fiddle music is carried thought the crowd by the din of hundreds of conversations going on at once, in a Manitoba mix of French, English and low German, for good measure.
This time out I remembered my market bags, and came home with them packed full of fresh bread, kale, spinach, strawberries, beautiful tiny carrots and some of the most tender and skinny asparagus stalks I've ever looked forward to eating. Wandering around all the amazing food got me excited about planning some decadent meals this week. In the past weeks I've let meal planning slide and it has resulted in dinners that have left a lot to be desired. Which is code for eating pizza at 10:30 pm. Now I have spaghetti with lemon and olive oil, a blue cheese and potato tart, and leek bruschetta to look forward to- I can't wait!
Walking around the market was one of the first ‘crowd' experiences I've had this summer, and I'm getting used to the new attention that my three quarter sleeve draws. I think that I'm finally starting to understand what people mean by how Canadians are polite- while I notice people staring while I'm not looking at them, the moment I turn they look away! It's an endearing trait that makes me smile. I've been asked about my tattoos a few times, but in a very sweet way and many times it's by tattooed people.
Mostly I'm aware that I stand out much more than I did last year and I'm still getting used to the feeling of being “that tattooed girl”- but I love the art and I feel much so more confident, positive and like myself. I don't know if it's being a little older, that I enjoy fresh veggies a little too much, or that I'm just getting used to standing out from the crowd, but whatever it is? I'm in love.
ps – Happy Canada Day + 4th of July, I hope you've had a restful long weekend! And as always, if you'd like to see these photos in detail visit them on my flickr stream
LAST UPDATED ON: July 4th, 2011
CATEGORY: All Posts
I just love going to farmer’s market! They really bring joy to my day! Scott and I went to two amazing ones while he was here last week and I still can’t get over how amazing/fun they were!
Hope you came home with some yummy goodies!
Yum!
I take a lot of good stuff from reading about people feeling ok being the odd one out in a crowd. Especially people as awesome of you x
Looks like you had an amazing weekend. I love a good farmer’s market! You look so beautiful in the last photo!
Kacie
http://www.acollectionofpassions.blogspot.com/
I think going to the market like that on Saturday morning sounds fantastic. There’s something so special about mornings (but I really love that you wake up on the way with coffee and jesse driving). You look beautiful and it makes me happy to hear you say that you’re loving standing out in the crowd. Your tattoo is beautiful and you should be very proud of it. Share some of those recipes?
Oh, I just adore farmers markets. Our local ones here in Southern California don’t hold a candle to the ones in the Northwest, but I still enjoy going from time to time. Feels good to have bags packed full of fresh baked goods and veggies! Mmmmm.
Your hair is getting long! You look gorgeous, and what a great weekend!
Hope you had a great 4th of July weekend, this market looks fantastic (and seriously yummy!)
http://www.hiphopsideproject.com/
It is weird to get used to being the “tattooed” girl. I’ve had tattoos since I was 19, but got my first large, visible one this last winter. It’s amazing how many more stares I get, especially when I’m in more rural areas. But I’m starting to get used to it and even love it :) Good for you for gaining confidence about yourself, and I just love all of these pictures!
Kyla, I love these photos! I’m a fan of farmers markets because everything is so fresh and delicious looking :)
Minestrone Soup For the Teenage Soul
I’ve had a crush on the farmer’s market for as long as I can remember…lucky for me, there’s one every week half a mile away from me. and I feel your pain when it comes to yummy smelling food that’s not vegetarian friendly…so tough. beautiful photos!
Love these pictures! Your tattoo is so beautiful. And your growing hair is adorable! I love the last picture!
There really is something magical about the farmer’s market. I’m glad you enjoyed it, and more importantly, that you’re feeling confident in who you are. Because she’s pretty amazing.
I visited the farmers market in my new (after five months, can I still call it new?) town on Saturday, & while it wasn’t quite the colorful, fruit-and-veggies affair I wanted it to be, we came home with some locally and organically raised stew meat, some amazing homemade bread, corn on the cob & some indulgent chocolate fudge. There were too may leafy greens – SO MUCH SPINACH – & no strawberries or blueberries or any berries at all! Guess I need to wake up earlier next time?
Looks like an amazing time. My flea market weekend was a flop, so I’m living through your market experience. It’s working ;)
What a nice thing to hear you are feeling more comfortable in the crowd.
I loved this post, because these kind of markets are exactly what I’m looking for when I’m in the city (or in “a” city). I love the atmosphere, the different people and the products are so fresh and smell delicious. It’s incredible how these feeling are common all over the world.
I am curious to know how your garden is growing..
Have a nice week Kyla!
I went to the Whistler Farmer’s Market this weekend, and evne the rain couldn’t put a damper on it. We always have fresh kettle corn, everytime!
irrelevant to anything … I love your new blog header :)
xo
We have a pretty amazing farmers market in Seattle, but your sounds like pure magic! I love that there’s dancing and animals and tons of people! I don’t think theres anyway I could express my deep love for farmer’s markets! I could roam around the market all day :).
Also, I think you sleeve is STUNNING! Your tattoo artist is completely incredible. I would definitely be one of those polite staring people, but it would only be because I’m complete in love with that piece!
I love going to the market too! It’s my favorite weekly ritual and there’s nothing like making some new, tasty recipes with fresh produce.
Happy Canada and US Independence Day!
Looks amazing. I love farmers market, in fact we have one right near our house now that summer has started. What a great summer routine. It really is the little things! Happy 4th of July!!
The huge Farmers Market in Ottawa had animals too – I LOVED IT!
Going to the Farmers Market is absolutely my favourite weekend tradition. I had to miss it last weekend and will again this weekend because of being out of town and I’m quite sad about it. Can’t wait to get back down there on July 16.
Usually when I’m caught staring at someone’s tattoo I’m either a) admiring it (which is what I’d probably be doing with your stunning tattoo) or b) trying to figure out WHAT it is :)
Your market is so huge and has animals – I’m jealous! I went yesterday morning with my mom and I was so excited that “the peach man” was here I literally squealed when I saw him! (And then gave a dirty look to all who were staring at me strangely).
That’s adorable about the politeness of Canadians – we Americans definitely don’t mind asking about things – I think sometimes we could take a lesson or two from you all! Happy long weekend indeed!
Oh, this sounds like a lovely way to start the day off! I wish my Farmer’s Market was more vibrant. Ours consist of people out in a small parking lot with only about eight people selling things and only about half of them are selling something yummy. Haha! Either way, I’m glad you had an awesome day and are embracing your tattoo/uniqueness!
<3
I have NEVER been to a Farmer’s Market, but I want to go so badly. From everything I hear, it’s right up my alley! Also, from my experience, Canadian people are truly awesome. Very polite and sweet as can be. When I’ve worked customer service, I’d always be so pleased when a Canadian customer would call in! No matter what was going on, they knew it wasn’t my fault and were sweet and not stressed!
I love how brave you are with your tattoo. Honestly, I would be flashing that baby everywhere – it’s beautiful! And you rock. So I’m happy you aren’t hiding your gorgeous body mods!
Take care!
What a pretty post! I too am having to ‘learn’ to accept the stares because of my new tattoos. I recently started my chest piece, and I’m going to get the other half started on Friday in Edmonton. I’m nervous. Not for the tattoo, but for the attention it brings every time I get more done. I love the art and the tattoos- just not the looks, questions, and stares just yet…
Oh my, Kyla your photos always make me swoon. I’m in love with the strawberries picture! Looks like a fabulous Saturday morning!
Sounds like we both brought home some of the same goodies! My favorite farmers market takes place every Sunday in my neighborhood. It also includes a vintage market, craft market and a bunch of food trucks! It was so much fun bringing home vegetables I’ve never cooked with before. Can’t wait to try golden beets and colorful Kale!
What a lovely morning ritual :) If only the Farmers’ Market here was in the a.m.! Those strawberries look delicious.