“The measure of your life is the amount of beauty and happiness of which you are aware.” – Agnes Martin [aside: I wonder why people don’t name their daughters Agnes anymore? It’s a lovely name and sounds so nice when you say it aloud. Agnes.]
I absolutely love our farmer’s market. Since I don’t have a garden of my own, other than the herbs I grow, I’m so grateful for the local individuals and farmer’s who work so hard to produce all the healthy produce without chemicals and pesticides. I never understand those who shop at Costco or Wal-Mart where the food is trucked hundreds of miles from pesticide laden farms. It warms my heart knowing we are contributing to the local economy, something that is vitally important and has more bearing than most ever think about. Not only do I love the food we can purchase each week from the local growers but the atmosphere of the farmer’s market is so invigorating and it always makes me feel so happy simply being there wandering the street with my oversize canvas bag.
– some of my favourites –
I made a short video to demonstrate one of the self control games Heidi has learned. The game in the video uses no commands at all; no “leave it”; just letting her figure things out and use self control. Although the other games we’re teaching her are much more exciting and exuberant, seems that people are more impressed with this one. Let me know what you think. (As a total novice to video-making, I now realize I should have made certain the “cameraman” was down at her level for better viewing — oops.)
And finally, a couple of recommendations for you.
- Another columnist with whom I worked at the same newspaper tweeted about this movie and I am trying to find out if I can rent it. I saw the trailer and know it’s my kind of movie. Don’t let the title lead you astray — it’s not what you think, Captain Fantastic. For those of you who live in cities, movie theatres that bring in indy movies may be showing it right now.
- If you’re watching or keeping track of the Olympics, this book would be a great companion, The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance
I learned about it after reading this review by Jessie over at Behind the Willows. I love her reviews.
- Knitters, would you knit a sweater if you could get everything you need in a nice neat kit? Check out We are Knitters for their modern sweaters and the neat little kits (I love the Kinesis sweater). The kits also include a cute embroidered tag for sewing inside the finished sweater. They do more than sweaters too. I have my eye on one of the baby blanket kits. Oh and they have some handy ideas on their blog like this cool way to use up leftover yarn.
I learned about it after reading Until next Monday wishing you awareness of what makes you happy; creativity; and inspiration.
Diane, I’ve just watched the video. How did you begin this game so Heidi would understand leaving it got the rewards? My two practically disappear in to the bowl.
I totally get your love of the farmer’s market. This weekend we visited my daughter who is far away working as an intern on an organic farm. We toured her farm, visited the farmer’s market where they sell their vegetables, and finally had dinner in a farm to table restaurant. So amazing!
Those veggies are so colorful and look so good. I watched Heidi’s video, she’s obviously very smart as well as darling.
I think Agnes is due for a comeback! You are probably ahead of the curve in your suggestion. 🙂
I like your pile of books.
As to the name Agnes, are you pronouncing it the French way? If so, then I agree that it is a good name but in the English way (as Aggness) not quite so smooth.
Diane, I absolutely LOVED the video. What a sweet girl she is.
I really enjoy our farmers markets too. Everything is always so yummy, especially the fruit right now. Ours are on both Tuesdays and Saturdays in the summer, and then just on Saturdays in the fall.
Wishing you a very happy day, my friend!
I am a huge fan of Farmer’s Markets too! I love Everything about them- even the crazy crunch of people. And it’s no wonder that the market is so popular. If you gauged by the produce in local grocery stores you’d never know it was summer! In June all you could find were those tasteless strawberries trucked in from the States. Even the cherries and peaches in stores now often come from south of the border.
My dogs are pretty good at self-control and will wait for the word before eating. Now if only I could get the youngest to stop chewing shoes! He even dares to parade my shoes around like a hunting trophy right in front of me!
We share quite a few favourite books. A Fine Balance is such an incredible Canadian book, isn’t it? Rohinton Mistry is a Canadian version of Tolstoy.
Your stacks of favorite books are great, and thanks for linking to my review! 🙂