Do you pause and ponder what you believe is beautiful? Do you observe and look deeply at your surroundings? Soak in the environment? Study the rising and setting of the sun, artwork, food, faces, the hearts and spirits of those we love, strangers, creatures . . .
As minister, humanitarian, environmentalist, designer, planner, and artist, without a doubt, I see beauty in everything; even if I imagine something attractive through my rose colored glasses. Known as one of the "best foods in the world" . . . According to Self Nutrition Data, "Bell Peppers are low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol and Sodium. They are also a good source of Thiamin, Niacin, Folate, Magnesium and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Manganese. In large quantities, the sugar content portion of the calories in this food come from sugars."
One Saturday, while the farmers were busy tending to the customers, I quickly assembled these full sized white and baby purple eggplants to create a spectacular photo . . . Lovely!
Did you know . . .
"An heirloom tomato
(also called heritage tomato in the UK)
is an open-pollinated (non-hybrid) heirloom
cultivar of tomato. Heirloom
tomatoes have become increasingly popular and more readily available in recent
years. According to tomato experts Craig LeHoullier and Carolyn Male, heirloom
tomatoes can be classified into four categories: family heirlooms, commercial
heirlooms, mystery heirlooms, and created heirlooms. They are grown for a
variety of reasons, such as historical interest, access to wider varieties, and
by people who wish to save seeds from year to year, as well as for their taste,
which is widely perceived to be better than modern tomatoes.[1] They do, however, have a shorter shelf life
and are less disease resistant than most commercial tomatoes." (Wikipedia online Encyclopedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heirloom_tomato).
Tidbit:
Tomatoes . . . "It took a ruling by the Supreme Court in 1893 to make the tomato a vegetable."
And talk about carrots. . . With the abundance of rain we've enjoyed this season, the moisture has helped present very hearty produce this season!
Tomatoes . . . "It took a ruling by the Supreme Court in 1893 to make the tomato a vegetable."
And talk about carrots. . . With the abundance of rain we've enjoyed this season, the moisture has helped present very hearty produce this season!
* Note, not all local produce is available September through November.
Creativity abounds!
The American Market is filled with creative and innovative artisans. Take a peek. For those little feet, Naya's Closet embellishes and recreates high top tennis shoes using ribbons, crystals, and bows, and hand created colorful tutus, pompoms for little girls.
And Sugalump Boutique go hand and in hand creating lovely items . . . Handcrafted hair bows, bracelets, and colorful ribbons created just for the little ladies.
My eyes are always open and alert to new discoveries . . . I often discover fascinating artwork and old buildings in inconspicuous places while driving along back roads in the neighborhood.
Dilapidated, rickety barns and estates are my favorite structures on the country back roads.
Located off the beaten path stands a little house, probably built sometime in the late 1800s or early 1900s. One day I stopped to look at pieces of sculpture in the front yard. The owner greeted me; very hospitable and invited me to look at the sculptures up close. He also welcomed me inside his newly renovated house. How proud he was. He and his son spent several months replacing the siding, refinishing the original slat wood floors, updating and modernizing the staircase, kitchen and more. They preserved most of the original elements as possible and recycled a few of the wood and metal as useful items around the house. The owner, "Bob the Welder" drew my attention to the slanting floor . . . It reminded me of a fun house at a traveling local carnival . . . One actually walks sideways a bit.
Recently, I stopped by Bob's outdoor gallery to snap a photo or two and of course, there he was inviting me once again to share the history of his prized possessions. After taking the photographs, I asked if I may take his picture to accompany his work . . . Unfortunately, he refused me the opportunity to take a photo of him to publish . . . As matter of fact, although Bob gave me a business card, he still has not and is not interested in exploring computers, not to mention, he does not own a cell phone. I told him that I was planning to include his sculptures in my blog . . . His response . . . What's a blog?
I appreciate people who enjoy life in its simplest form . . . While greater society presses forward to transform citizens to embrace the fast paced and ever changing technology, there are folks like Bob and a host of other folk serve as examples of why society should slow down, take a break, enjoy life . . . Eat well, rest, explore new things, and enjoy life. Perhaps we may live longer.
"We only live once," they say . . . If that is the case, take a moment and explore the work of this creative and innovative gentleman named Bob.
If you are in the area, take a drive along Tucker Road in Fort Washington, Maryland and you will see the 'pink flamingo' with the pink high top tennis shoes standing proudly in the front yard. At first glance, if you have not figured it out, all sculptures were created and made from car parts. Bob has a small garage in the back of his modest home where several pieces hang along the walls. And don't forget to look up high above the old tree in the front yard and see the metal eagle with wings spread wide preparing to take flight.
If you look closely, you can see Bob standing in the background in the glass reflection . . . Opps! That's me!
American Market
Moving along, the American Market season is coming to close -- October 26th is the last day. Also mark your calendars . . . Instead of Saturday, the market will be moved to Sunday, September 22, 2013. National Harbor is the host venue for the upcoming Flutag race and they will require all roads as they anticipate thousands of people who will be participating in the event. The market will resume its Saturday schedule on the 28th for the duration of the season.
Bundling up and rollin' into the fall and winter months . . .
And after a month of resting our feet, the Christmas Holiday Market will be opening the day after Thanksgiving on Black Friday, November 29th. The market will be held outdoors on American Way for six (6) weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). . . November 30, December 1 until January 4/5.
Vendor applications are starting to roll in and folks are preparing to introduce new handmade items, delicious foods to enjoy and take home, cookies, pies, unique gifts, wreaths, greenery, trees, and more will be available for all to enjoy and purchase. There will be a gift wrapping station, carolers, and entertainment. We've also extended an invitation to the embassies to join the market and plans to showcase local artists, doll makers, and other specialty items.
Make plans to join us and support the artisans and local bakers and small business chefs. If you know a creative small business person who would love to be a part of the market this Holiday season, applications are NOW available. Send a note to . . . phyproductions123@gmail.com.
We will see you soon!
Your friendly Market Masters
phyproductions123@gmail.com
www.nationalharbor.com
www.phenomenalproductions.com
Hannah's Grace, Inc. - www.hannahsgrace.org
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