This morning i made my regular Saturday pilgrimage to the neighborhood FARMER'S MARKET. I think that title deserves capitalization because around here they are an event of grand celebration. They might even be better referred to as mini carnivals. There is an air of excitement that moves like a wave from booth to booth as the crowd shifts it's attention from luscious red tomatoes, to chard the color of precious gems to the bluest of blueberries.
The best is the people. The children look bewildered by all the hustle and bustle, the purchasing of broccoli over ice cream and spinach over popcorn is incomprehensible to the uninitiated young. The air is filled with the voices of children and adults talking happily. Dogs either shlep along with their owners or are held in protective arms high above the crowd to protect the delicate toes of Chihuahua's and puppies. Couples amble along holding hands or lounging on the verge in the shade. Some talking and laughing, some sleeping, all of them touching in some way as if to say "i wouldn't want to share this glorious day with any other soul than you."
The air is redolent with the mingled smells of summers past, fresh berries, lilies and lavender. It all wafts along the pathways mingling with a rainbow of vibrant colors and happy sounds.
The flowers are magnificent. Colossal bouquets put together right before your eyes in every conceivable color and combination. I love seeing people walk around holding huge bouquets as though a spring bride.
I simply could not select enough of the photos to share :) And i have so many more! They a wonderful story of Saturdays, of summer and friends at the Farmer's Market.
And what did you see this bright and happy Saturday morning that made you want to clap your hands in delight!?
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Your photographs are exceeded only by your writing.
The story of desperate prayers I read earlier brought a sense of connection to you.
And Robin, I read and gawked this morning even before looking for a long distance email from my daughter (typically the first event of my days).
Thank you for sharing these parts of you.
Lesa
Posted by: Lesa Henson | March 24, 2009 at 08:49 AM
The song that came to mind is...
"love is in the air.." xx
Posted by: linni | July 27, 2008 at 09:00 AM
I think the internet ate my reply. *sigh*
What I wanted to tell you is that your market is simply gorgeous. You did a wonderful job of capuring the simple beauty of food and people enjoying life. The sunflowers in particular are incredible.
I used to love our Saturday market at the Ferry Building, but now I think I love yours more!
Posted by: tangobaby | July 23, 2008 at 11:34 AM
WOW! These photos are amazing! I love our San Francisco Saturday market at the Ferry Building but now I love your market even better.
I don't blame you one bit for being excited about market day. You have done a marvelous job of capturing the fun and deliciousness for all of us!
Posted by: tangobaby | July 23, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Oh Robin these are such gorgeous photos. I must tell you our Farmer's Market does not hold a candle to yours. Guess I'll just have to drop by and see what a real Farmer's Market is like!
Posted by: Kelly | July 21, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Beautiful pictures! I go to my farmer's market year-round but the summer market definitely has a different feel to it, more energy, more colour.
Posted by: Cecilia | July 19, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Beautiful pictures! I go to my farmer's market year-round but the summer market definitely has a different feel to it, more energy, more colour.
Posted by: Cecilia | July 19, 2008 at 09:01 PM
oh WOW!!!
these are the prettiest pictures!
i wish i could have seen that in person.
it's been so long since i have been to farmer's market.
i miss that.
these are so good robin!
Posted by: meg duerksen | July 17, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
Posted by: rebekah | July 16, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Wow Robin, these are scrumptious!! Love the buzz of activity, fresh yummies, and sweet faces. Your photographic skills are blossoming... heck, they're in full BLOOM! Wonderful blog entry, so happy that someone else noticed too! :) xo
Posted by: Tracy | July 16, 2008 at 02:09 PM
I am not sure which photo I like the best, they are all super photo's. Oh I will have one of each of the pies/cakes!!!
Gill from Canada
Posted by: Gill | July 15, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Your photos and descriptions make me want to go, too
Posted by: High Desert Diva | July 14, 2008 at 02:03 PM
Lovely photos. I am not craving rose shaped apple pie.
Posted by: SparklieSunShine | July 14, 2008 at 01:21 PM
You could make a book out of these photos. They are SO beautiful. Wish i were there to enjoy all those colors!
Posted by: Rosa | July 14, 2008 at 10:58 AM
How I adore markets! Those sunflowers -- amazing and gorgeous. I cannot believe how that just pops off the page -- it should be a 16x20! Stunning. And the desserts -- I wanted to grab a bite right now! And was it chard with the colorful stems? I don't know but I adored them. The faces are terrific, too. Your narrative really nailed it. Especially the parts about children not understanding the preference for the veggies over the ice cream. Everything about this post just pushes all my happy buttons! Bravo! (And what did you make with your purchases, might I ask?!)
Posted by: jeanie | July 14, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Thanks for the inspiration! I forget with the monotony of the days, to stop at the local farmer's markets. My husband and I really enjoy going, we just forget with all the going on(s) of our weekends. We have nothing planned this Saturday morning, and I am going to write it in :) I really enjoyed all your beautiful photos too. What a fun thing to do, a photo a day!
Posted by: Angela | July 14, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Wow!!! Now that was wonderful day of color! Those pictures are just amazing! I Love the flowers espiecally those hugh sunflowers! I know you really enjoyed the time you spent there just by looking at the pictures. Thanks for taking us along with you!
xoxooxoxoxoxoxooxox
Posted by: Beth | July 14, 2008 at 06:01 AM
Robin, thank you for your lovely comment on my blog! How kind of you :-)
My whole weekend was full of handclapping moments...I feel rejuvenated! I love the pictures - especially the little girl in her apron!
Cxx
Posted by: Claire | July 14, 2008 at 03:52 AM
What did I see that made you want to clap your hands in delight? These pictures for one thing. I just imagine you and a crowd of others delighting in the bounty. I love all these images. The picture of desserts made my mouth water. The little girl in the wagon? And the sunflowers? OH MY! No words. (Imagine me speechless.) My favorite has got to be the balloon-hatted guy and the little girl who thinks he might be crazy. Look at that expression!
Posted by: Relyn | July 13, 2008 at 10:58 PM
My tweety friend, I love those pics!!!! That mane of beautiful red hair--does it belong to you? It is my same shade!
Posted by: Yoli | July 13, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Robin, these photos are wonderful! I especially like the little boy with the flowers - the expression on his face! Thanks for sharing these glimpses of your market joy.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | July 13, 2008 at 04:39 PM
ooh, I love that first image. I wonder what magical event merits buying such botanical bounty.
Posted by: maryam in marrakesh | July 13, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Those are wonderful photos, I love them all! Glad you had a great Saturday. Mine was not so good, but my greatest delight no matter what, are my four animal boys :-), no matter how bad the day they never fail to cheer me up!
Posted by: Annie | July 13, 2008 at 11:38 AM
to say those are fantastic pictures doesn't even BEGIN to express it!! WOW!!!! so, so, so AMAZING!!! thank you for sharing!!! looking at these pix was the perfect end to a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: julochka | July 13, 2008 at 11:02 AM
How beautiful and divine are all that you share.
The sights and smells of summer=Sparkles of Sunshine.
Love you
Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | July 13, 2008 at 09:46 AM