My Truth

Well, dear reader, we had an eventful weekend. The Bean had her yearly dance recital, and it is quite the event. It was five-plus hours of watching a full range of ages, abilities, and dance styles. It is a once-a-year extravaganza, and boy, does the studio owner and crew put on a good show! Thank you, Sue Hewitt and everyone who helped for creating such an impressive event for these young dancers. Because it was dance recital day, Erica attended the first Hannahstown Farmer's Market in our place. I was a bit disappointed not to be able to attend and see some well-loved, familiar faces, but my girl, Erica, did a fantastic job. To say we appreciate her, her professionalism, and her help is an understatement. 

I must be transparent, dear reader. If I am being honest, I am over live events off the farm. For ten years, I gave Ligonier my all. I adore our director, my vendor friends, and the soap family that has supported us at the Ligonier Country Market. However, one person with an axe to grind, a vendetta, and the mental instability to rally officials and take things way too far has shaken my confidence in people in general. I tend to be somewhat shy, introverted, a bit of a loner, more of an observer than a participant, and a thinker or over-thinker if you will. To see what has happened to what I consider the best market in the area has made me not want to play in anyone's sandbox but my own. I can control my sandbox, who plays with me, what happens, and how it happens. I like control; I get that from my dad. Not in a bad way, just in a having control makes me feel comfortable kind of way. Malicious people make me angry, uncomfortable, and feel hopeless. I don't like any of those feelings. 

So, dear reader, I am a bit reluctant to attend anything off the farm, run by anyone but me, on land that is owned by anyone other than me. I prefer a controlled environment with those I trust, adore, and know would not disappoint. Who you surround yourself with speaks loudly of who you are. If you judge me by my vendor friends, I trust you see me as solid. The people I met at Ligonier are among the best I have encountered. You will probably see me at the Hannahstown Market a few times this year, but my priority will be here on our farm. Building something that helps those I care about succeed. Trying to build something solid that is stable, steady, and filled with appreciation and kindness. I view my vendor friends as talented artisans, not a distraction, not a flea market attraction, and definitely not a hindrance to our events. We have built a lovely little family filled with truly talented individuals who put great care into their creations. Whether they are farmers, producers, or artisans, they hold priceless value. 

Our little farm market will be filled with people I trust, respect, and appreciate. Some of them I love better than family. You will not find duplicates of products. You will not find third-party or direct sales vendors. You will find talented artisans who have taken the time to master their craft. You will find farmers who raise animals and produce with great care, love, and concern. You will find talented producers who create unique, gourmet, and fresh products. You will find good people trying to make an honest living and doing the best they can for you. 

I'm excited to put all my efforts into our farm, our friends, and our soap family. I consider myself a bit of a master when it comes to saying enough to those who hurt me and the people I care about. So, dear reader, I am saying enough of playing in sandboxes where the bully wins at the expense of 120 other families. I don't like your sandbox, your politics, and especially your tactics. Karma is real. The good will prevail. The bad won't win for long. However, I am bowing out of the game and focusing on my home team. For my beloved little market, you will find your home. I will support you in any way I can. I am proud of you, your struggle, and the battles you've fought. Do not be deterred. The truth always comes to light. 

So, dear reader, on this spring day, I sit on my farm, the place I love, writing my truth to you, hoping for the best, doing what I can to help those I care about. I hope you can make it to the farm on the last Saturday of each month to support the talented, good people I have come to care for a great deal. We can't do this without you, and we do what we do for you. As always, stay safe, be smart, find the truth, support those you care about, and keep washing your hands.