September

Yes, I know, it’s now almost mid-October, but I blinked and, just like that, September’s gone, and October is off to a weird, weird start.

In my universe, September has always been the start of the new year. Not only does my birthday fall in September, but so does Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year). Of course, September is also the month when most kids head back to school, and, in my former incarnation as a teacher, my holidays came to a close. I like September, and not just for the cake. I like the newness of everything, the excitement of what lies ahead, the return to rhythmic days and weeks and months. In true Virgo nature, I love the organization that comes with heading into the new year.

Late summer garden in beautiful Victoria, BC.

I think we can all agree that the first week of October has been unnerving at best, deeply disturbing in general. I think it’s human nature to get a little uneasy as we leave the warmth and brightness of summer and head into a new season of unknowns and darkness. As fall comes crashing in, some humans have hit the news these past few days, taking this normal uneasiness to new lows of human behaviour. With so many unthinkable events happening in rapid-fire, it’s incredibly easy to sink into despair.

So, at the risk of sounding Mr. Rogers-esque (you know, where he says to look for the helpers in scary times), it really does help to calm one’s nerves and sooth the soul to look at your immediate community and find the people who nourish you when the world has gone mad. As Mr. R. so wisely points out, most people are not assholes (okay – he probably didn’t use that term, but I’m sure he was thinking it).

I spent the better part of my summer vending at my local farmers’ markets. I’ve been participating in the same markets since I started my business in 2011. These markets are micro-communities made up of vendors, and customers and volunteers. At all of my markets, the vendors have become like family. We have a laugh together. We help each other set up and pack up. We cover for each other when we need to leave our booths for a break. We give each other deals and trade goods, and care for each other. My regular customers show up once a week for conversation and granola. We, too, have developed caring relationships, even though half the time I don’t even know their names. I recently described the market experience as comfortable as a pair of pyjamas. It’s my happy place where I can witness the gentleness of humankind.

My happy place - James Bay Market in the sunshine. 

Victoria BC

So, I guess now is as good a time as any to send out big thanks to my market family, my Singing Bowl Granola community. As any entrepreneur will testify, my business consumes at least 95% of my thoughts and energy. Fortunately for me, I love this crazy ride, and that is primarily down to the wonderful people who have entered my life through the Singing Bowl Granola door. So, to all of you, I say thanks for contributing to the business’ success and bringing happiness into my life.

Wondering where to get your Singing Bowl Granola now that market season is over? Well, if you live in the Victoria area, you can find it on the shelves or in the bulk section of the stores listed on the stores page of our website, or you can order directly from us and we’ll deliver (for free within Victoria, or for a capped rate of $9.99 via Canada Post to the rest of Canada). We’re also now starting to appear in stores all over the Vancouver area, thanks to our awesome new distributor Dean’s Milkman. If you live further afield, check out our on-line store and subscription options. We love to continue our connections throughout the year and look forward to hearing from you! We are offering a 10% discount on all on-line sales for the entire month of October.  Just type in the special code OCTOBER when placing your order  to automatically receive this discount.

Rhubarb Crumble. Granola's not just for breakfast, you know!