on being present...

i like our saturday morning tradition of waking up and walking to the feria (farmers market).

i like the heat and the crowds that press down upon you as your feet weave through each isle.

i like the distinct & pungent smells that come like waves as you walk: the acidic & citrus of fresh fruit, the earthy & crude of just plucked herbs, the sweetness of fried churros and the perfume of newly cut flowers.

i like that we are consistent in the stands we frequent, choosing not by price but by fondness of seller. avocados from the dark haired man with glasses and boysenberry stained fingers, whose young fohawked son assists with ease and professionalism. strawberries from the young girl who always offers a laugh, a free sample of jam and a taste of the days berries. and then there is the lettuce, lettuce from the teenage boy with the sweet smile and lively younger brother. the younger brother whose yells and persuasion can compete with the best sellers.

and of course, i like that after wandering around for 45 minutes being called at from every direction, i leave completely convinced that all those vendors were telling the truth: that yes, in fact, i am a queen.