April/May 2023 Update

Wow, that went fast!

April was a difficult month. We were spending the first half of the month in sunny, warm Florida. I feel grateful for the time away from the cold (including an ice storm/extended power outage), so I don't want to complain. However, ending the trip with a double ear infection and cold was not the ending I had hoped for. 

I was finding it difficult to get into market mood in late April/early May. With illness, issues at my husband's work and a return to our homeschool routine taking up the majority of our time and energy, it was difficult to find the motivation to prep for markets that had for so long seemed so far away.

But come they did!

I am so grateful to have be a full time vendor at the Metcalfe Farmer's Market this year. But having been there only occasionally last year, I wasn't sure what to expect. The first week of the season was amazingly successful and a huge wake up call! I went into the season feeling disappointed that I was not able to get as many events as other vendors I had seen on social media. But after that first week, I quickly realized that was probably for the best! There was no way I was ready for more than I had already committed to and in the quiet of the winter, I had forgotten how much time and effort went into doing an occasional market. I did not have a full appreciation of what that would be like week after week.

So I ended May with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. I am so grateful to the wonderful people of Metcalfe and the support they have shown my little business both last year and this season. I am also thrilled to see folks returning for a favourite from last year or to try something new!

I am also humbled by what I am able to accomplish in a week's time. Saying no to events is difficult because I want to be able to do all the things and fear that other opportunities may not come if I don't say yes. I am still working on finding a more balanced schedule and creating achievable and realistic goals. I still struggle to stay in the moment or out of my head sometimes, but gratitude and humility keep bringing me back down to earth and help me to focus on what is truly important in my business and for our family.

See you at the markets!

- Natasha