Figs and Things

Apparently I was so taken by feelings of freedom and independence that I completely forgot to bring my camera to the farmers market. The lone image I acquired to document this amazing day at the Ferry Building was captured on my iPhone.

The market was short lived on Independence Day, and many of my favorite sellers were not present. Since my purchases were very similar to last week, I’m going to change it up this time and instead tell you an incredible story.

I am attending a BBQ at a friend’s house today, and I was put in charge of making potato salad (no, I’ve never made it before). In the spirit of the 4th of July, I bought a beautiful bag of red, white and blue new potatoes. Potatoes are heavy, and I did not want to put them in my big market bag where they might squish my tomatoes and fruit.

At one point I shifted the position of the bag in my hands, and the tie that was holding it closed broke. All my potatoes spilled onto the ground, rolling through the crowd. I sighed in disappointment and looked down to assess the wreckage.

I figured the potatoes were lost and I would have to buy a new bag. But I could not just leave all those beautiful potatoes piled in the main thoroughfare of the market.

As I bent to down to start collecting my damaged goods, I was astonished to find hands of all shapes and sizes gently dropping potatoes back into my mesh bag. I looked up to find about half a dozen people who had stopped their shopping to help me collect my spilled goods.

I could not believe it. Since when do people help strangers?

I realized at that moment what a special community of foodies and farmers gather at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market every week. These people were heartbroken at the thought of me losing my lovely potatoes and felt compelled to help right the situation. I feel blessed to be a part of this and to have had the opportunity to see such kindness in action.

Thanks to all of you who helped me and I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday!

What are you eating this weekend?