By all accounts, it has been a very wet summer in Carleton County. I have heard from friends with horses and livestock that the hay situation is being affected by the damp and humidity, and some berry growers' crops are perhaps not quite as sweet as they would be were they more sun-kissed. But I hadn't yet seen rain like the rain last thursday morning when I ran out to the truck, (late as usual) to help Tegan set up the Buckwheat Flats display at the Bristol farmer's market. Cats, dogs, buckets, sheets, torrents of rain. I couldn't find my rubber boots in the rush, so I just put on flip flops, and resolved to be soaking. It was quite romantic, actually.
When I arrived at the market, I was relieved to see that the brave vendors who made it out were all setting up in the gazebo rather than their usual tents. Tegan had already carried everything over, so I got to chill out with the hard core.
Mavis and Karen were there, with their delicious natural sausages from Hilltop pork. Anjana was cooking her increasingly famous samosas, and she already had a plate of potato pakoras ready to go, as well as some chocolate-coconut burfee, a wonderful south-asian sweet. And Shona McIntosh had a table simply groaning with gorgeous produce from her farm, carrots, onions, salads, yellow wax beans, and of course, jewel-like raspberries and blueberries, all ultra-fresh and gorgeous. Everyone was busy, and cozy and relatively dry while warm rain fell in tropical abundance around the gazebo. There was such a great friendly vibe, and I was glad I had dragged myself out of bed.
The market is getting busier in general. It was so heartening last week, to see that, despite the continuing downpour, customers started to arrive. And I'm sure they were marvelling at their good-fortune, at living in the midst of such dedicated farmers and natural-food enthusiasts...!
As a kid, it seemed like a bit of a chore to say 'grace' at meal times, and sometimes we'd make fun or mumble or grumble or roll our eyes. As I get older and more involved, and more conscious about the politics of food, and the time and energy that goes into bringing my meals from the farm to the table, I find that food and eating has an increasing spiritual meaning for me. This is all the more poignant for me, of course, as Horus gets bigger and hungrier and more aware of everything around him.
Meal times are not only important in terms of nutrition, but are also an opportunity for connecting with our friends and family, for re-charging spiritually, and for expressing gratitude for this good earth that we love.
I hope that Horus grows up looking forward to meal blessing time, instead of dreading it.
Following are some of my current favourite meal-time blessings. Hold hands while you say the words, if you like. Lighting candles is special, too. Find one that resonates with you. They can be changed or modified to reflect your personal spiritual tradition. Make a special one for your family, or sing a song...Johnny Appleseed ?
***
Many living creatures
are struggling for life.
We hope that they all
have enough to eat today.
***
In this food
We see clearly
the presence of the entire universe
supporting our lives.
***
Thank you, Spirit of the world
Thank you [lettuce, lamb, cows, carrots etc etc. whatever is on your plate!]
Thank you farmer [Tegan, Ziggy, Shona--list the farmers in your life!]
Thank you, Mother Earth
We love this food.
