i am in love with farmers markets...

hollywood on sunday mornings, thursday after yoga in south pas, tuesday at villa... it doesn't matter really. i love to wander, taste, smell, sit, play. i love the sense of a gathering place, for all kinds of people, for all kinds of veggies!

i've been trying new recipes and flavors for a few weeks now. raw hummus with olive and dill. beets and carrots in the new juicer. arugula salads and spouted beans.

i love buying food fresh and tasty from people who grow it themselves. i love getting to know them a bit, and seeing how proud they are of their produce. today i took my camera along and had so much fun with all the color and texture and beauty. it feels a bit like taking a trip somewhere new, trying things i never thought to taste before, and engaging in a bit of wonder over all that is diverse and subtle and rich in the world of "farming".

i love finding a new favorite, and then looking forward to all the times i can eat it again.

i love asking questions to the vendors, which do you recommend? how would you cook this? how long will this keep?

i love people watching. walking among babies on the backs of dads and lovers holding hands. mouths munching popcorn and roasted corn on the cob. people sitting on curbs eating tamales and pupusas. listening to street musicians. wearing sun hats and flip flops.

i love ladies with parasols.

spicy korean pancakes.

fresh watermelon lemonade.

free samples.

the smell of lavender and sweet peas.

bags of goodies with flowers on top. extra strawberries to freeze.

overhearing conversations, and seeing old friends run into each other.

and walking slowly. a sense that what's to come is even sweeter that i expected.