Happy Solstice

Heading into the Solstice this year marks our son’s sweet sixteenth birthday. I vividly recall working Wednesday farmers markets at Pike Place, barely able to move, feeling so very pregnant just before he came into this world. Those were the days when the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market was filled with buskers and young organic growers, setting up tents in the street outside of the permanent stall area.

We had a chance to go there recently, and although it has been re-worked due to pandemic protocols, the essence and feel of an open outdoor market is still very much alive. This quintessential Seattle landmark holds so much beauty and positive energy in support of local farmers, fishermen, bakeries, artisan soap makers and, of course, the beloved Tom Douglas restaurants. It is also home to one of my favorites, the gum wall. Unfortunately, due to COVID, this now sounds like a really bad idea; but in the past, originating in 1993, two years before we started farming, locals and folks traveling through would leave their personal wad of chewing gum attached to the famous gum wall. It has been stripped and cleaned—once in 2015, taking over 130 hours and removing 2,350 pounds of gum and again in 2018. Many of our first deliveries were made to restaurants in and around Pike Place, and never did I miss a chance to leave some gum on the wall. Very weird, but cool.

We always spent a great day during the holidays volunteering at the Senior Center, donating healthy veggies and cheer to the Food Bank. We cherish our memories of senior members recounting their days, many of them having grown up on farms in the 40’s and 50’s. Keeping their legacy going and recalling their stories continues to be part of our end-of-year celebration. We hope your solstice is a day of reflection and recovery, a day to cherish the old and new, to let go of the darkness and spring into light.

Stay safe and eat lots of organic veggies.

Make sure to find us on Instagram @fullcirclefarms.