Friday, November 17, 2006

Highland Park Farmer's Market




Every Tuesday night I go to the farmer's market in Highland Park. It is small and there isn't a huge variety of produce, but the quality is high, the prices are good and everyone is friendly. The market started about six months ago- what a change in my neighborhood's quality of life. I think it makes such a difference. Not only do we get to eat quality food and meet the people who grow what we eat, there is a sense of community at the market. Author Michael Pollan says that the next revolution in food is the rejection of bar codes and all that they symbolize. Where was your apple grown? Chile? Australia? I'd rather buy my apples from the Ha family or Johna's
Farm.
















There is no way that I can buy all the food I eat at a farmer's market. But at least almost all the vegetables and fruit I eat is grown locally. It is markets like this one that make that possible.




















when you arrive at the market, you might be greeted by Jeff and Christopher. Ricky, the main organizer is usually around as well. I didn't get a picture of him, but his friendly attitude and welcoming spirit foster a sense of community.



The market has a frequent buyer card, there are prizes for coming often.
















Misty and Sumiko will punch your frequent shopper card. Misty is also one of the main organizers of the market. Misty and her husband made an amazing haunted house for Halloween.





















Here is Julio and the delectable carrots I bought. So crunchy and sweet.





















I buy asparagus, green beans and eggplant from Salvador. In the summer, he sells melt in your mouth cantaloupe.






















Jan is the "herb lady". She started selling herbs at farmer's markets because she was growing so much in her garden. I've been using the curry thyme I bought from her in my lentils- yum. She also makes a shea butter and lavender cream.




















This is Patricia. I buy most of my veggies from her. Especially lettuce and beets. At her stand, there are always great deals. The farm is in Oxnard.




















That Yarn Store in Eagle Rock has a table they share with Sugarbutterbex. Often they have an art workshop that kids can participate in. Here is Thea from That Yarn Store knitting with Misty's son.

















The Arroyo Arts Collective also has table set-up. Here is Amy knitting.






















I'll finish this post with lettuce. No need to say more...

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Knitzilla b-day party!

Last night I went to Knitzilla's 2nd birthday party. Here is a description of Knitzilla from their website:
Knitzilla! is a group of yarn addicts
of all genders who get together Monday nights in Silverlake to chat and knit or crochet. We welcome new knitters to come and learn-we'll show you the basics! We are an all-ages group that believes in investing in our community.Knitzilla! members pledge to support our community through at least one project each year. Give back through craft! Check out our Rad Bad Beanies Project!

Knitzilla members have given crochet and knit hats, blankets, scarves, sweaters to a variety of causes, including Afghans for Afghans, Rad Bad Beanies Project, to Katrina victims, Stitches from the Heart. I have only attended one meeting and the party last night. But I will be going back. It is a great group- very friendly. The woman who started this group-Bug- is really amazing. She did a fabulous job organizing the party last night. Tons of raffle items. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera and didn't take any pictures at the party. but when I came home, I took photos of the raffle items I won. I made out like a bandit!

I won:

1. a subscription to Craftzine! check it out- http://www.craftzine.com/


2. 2 skeins of bamboo yarn donated by That Yarn Store in Eagle Rock! I think I am going to make a farmer's market bag.
















3. Everyone got some clover knitting needles and pair of cute scissors. Now I am set to learn how to knit! We were all also given t-shirts and some coupons, including 15% off at the Black Sheep Knittery





















4. A sassy canister for storing knitting needles donated by Jordana Paige. In my favorite color! Isn't it cute?























5. and a pair of Knit Lite knitting needles! Dixie really liked them- Maybe she'll learn to knit with me.