A Rare Quiet Sunday
Sipping my coffee, watching the documentary on Cleopatra, and realizing how insane the few weeks/months have been! With my new role during the week, my days have been full of learning and my evenings have been full of resting. At this moment, when I have a calm chance to reflect, I truly am filled with gratitude.
Having made the choice to apply for the Farmer’s Market this past winter, before I even knew there was an opportunity to seek a more advanced position at work, turned out to be a fated decision. As I filled out the application form, I knew that being accepted as a vendor would be a large commitment. Having done enough markets/craft fairs/artisan festivals in the past, I knew how much work it would be leading up to each Saturday (even once a month). Preparing and ordering products, creating new and engaging art, marketing/branding, and planning the setup - and that doesn’t include the work that goes into each actual day! The idea of even choosing to take part in a regular schedule was intimidating.
However, the trade-off has always been worth it. Knowing all the challenges, I have always loved the energy of setting up under a tent and being surrounded by other makers. I have loved talking to people who walk up to my table - conversations about art, spirit animals, pets, witches, and sometimes taking engaging and unexpected turns! It is a chance to spend a whole day outside - breathing fresh air. It’s a chance to eat incredible foods and to support other makers (which I always do).
After planning a wedding last year, I knew I needed this commitment. It needed to happen for me, for my art, and for a chance to do something to feed my soul without the chance to say no.
The day I learned of my acceptance, ripples of joy flooded through me. I was beyond excited and humbled to learn that I would be part of the Troy Farmer’s Market. It had been ‘the’ dream before Covid changed our world.
When friends came to visit, that is where we went and that is what we daydreamed about.
Even still, if I had known that the opportunity to advance my career would arise, it may have intimidated me from pursuing the Farmer’s Market this year. The idea of accepting a promotion in an area that I am passionate about, and committing to these weekend events, well - it would have sounded like a crazy 2023! While I have a hard time believing in the ‘what if,’ I do feel that if I had known what was coming, I may have chosen to focus on my career this year. But, that wasn’t the order of events. Rather…
I submitted my application.
I accepted my place as a vendor.
Then, I applied for and accepted a promotion at work.
This is where fate and gratitude come in.
The fact that events happened in the order they did, allowed me the chance to advance my career and have a reminder of who I am at my core - every, single, month. It’s an incredible blessing - even if I feel like I am a walking cloud of chaos most days…
I am grateful to all who have been part of this story. Literally, everyone! Those who talk to me while at the market. My friends, and family. My husband. Fate. Thank you!
I hope you all have a beautiful day!
xxx, Kristin
