Keeping It Real

I find myself seeking out moments of genuine humanity. They happen all around me, but sometimes I miss them. I am distracted by the shallow, the petty and sometimes the perverse. But it is my choice which gets my attention, and I choose to focus on the side of humanity which most resembles the glorious.

At the Market there are opportunities for both. In a place where a community gathers and the diversity of backgrounds and beliefs is so vast, I have seen the best and the worst, but the best does prevail. At least, this is my focus of choice.

I myself have been the recipient of so much of the "best." I have enjoyed unsolicited letters and notes of encouragement and praise which have fueled both my personal and professional fire. I am always humbled and grateful. I have been helped when it was unexpected and given aid when overwhelmed. I have also received the gift of a discount on product or been given product when I had expected to pay. These are the people of this Market.

It has also been my delight to observe vendor to vendor acts of kindness. These moments don't really surprise me, but they do take me to a place of personal pride. Pride in this place. Pride in these people. Again, gratitude to have the opportunity to be a part of this community where people do genuinely care for one another, and they demonstrate it daily.

Focus on the glorious!