Meet the Market

Hi there friendly faces!

In preparation for another round of Lonely Bouquets, I took a trip to yet another farmers market… this time in Northern California. The San Rafael Civic Center farmers market is a year-round event, taking place every Tuesday (smaller) and Sunday (larger) morning. Although not as expansive, jam-packed, or cozy feeling as the Calabasas farmers market, you’re guaranteed to find everything that you need to fill your weekly shopping bag. I, of course, came home with an armload of flowers, a tummy full from sneaking samples, and some super tasty cilantro chutney!

I figured, since I’ve already shown you lots of lovely produce, maybe you would be interested in joining me for a round of people watching at the market? Some of the most colorful characters can be found while meandering throughout the criss-cross of market stands… so what are we waiting for? Let’s get our market tour started! :)

“Care for some cheese?” “Would you like to sample our sweet and scrumptious melon?” “The fresh-baked sourdough is to die for. Go ahead, try a piece!” As various vendors vie for your attention, some catch your eye… and not just because of the tasty treats they have to offer.

I found a kindred soul in the form of a small boy tugging on his father’s pant leg. I swear, I have a childhood VHS tape with video footage good enough for blackmail. In one shot I’m eating a rather large slice of chocolate cake with my fingers. In the very next shot I can be seen in the background licking my plate clean and grinning at the camera, my face streaked with chocolate.

Further down the row of stands, I spotted a colorful fellow who offered me a sample of cilantro chutney that was too good to pass up. I’ve been using it on lunchtime sandwiches ever since! Thank you Sukhi’s! :)

Patrons and shop owners mingle and chat. One woman carefully cleans up her freshly-harvested mushrooms while another woman takes her wheat-grass juice to go.

I couldn’t resist adding a few more photos of fruits and veggies. The rainbow chard and beautifully colored beets definitely caught my eye!

And santas… I just can’t seem to get away from them lately! There was a school group joining me on my journey around the market. I’m pretty sure that they had arrived with a pocket-full of cash and were learning a little bit about the value of money and what fresh finds $10 can buy. I chuckled as a whole slew of santas lined up at the Belgian sugar waffle truck. $10 well spent? I’ve tasted better in Aubel ;)

At the end of the market Dusty from Dusty’s Puppets was putting on a show. Dusty doesn’t let her Down Syndrome get in the way of entertaining patrons of the market, both young and old. The little ones had a blast jumping around and dancing to her rendition of Cookie Monster’s “Healthy Food”.

And last, but not least, one last pop of color found among the piles of fresh veggies and flashy flowers. To my disappointment there was only one stand offering fresh-cut flowers. The prices were higher, the ranunculus buds were smaller, and the seller was less friendly… but they had my beloved burgundy anemone!

There were many more fascinating faces to be observed at the market, but I felt a little odd taking snapshots of random people and store owners… I guess that’s one part of photography that I will have to (slowly) get more comfortable with. Until then, I hope you enjoyed meeting some of the colorful characters of the market!

Have a wonderful day, and I’ll see you tomorrow!