Healthy Conversations

I came home from today’s Eisenhower Park Farmers Market, poured myself a cool drink, and went to take a nap. I didn’t even unload the car.

Today was Fig Fare, which you all know I’ve been looking forward to. But today wasn’t really about the fig trees for me. Today was a day when the conversations never stopped, and that is a very good thing. It reminded me why I love the Eisenhower Park Farmers Market so much. It’s the conversations…and the Backyard Bees community that has been growing with me.

Something Old, Something New

For several hours, I felt like that old wedding rhyme—something old, something new, something borrowed…—was coming to life. An old friend from last year’s market would stop by at the same time as someone I had just met this season, along with brand-new faces discovering Backyard Bees for the first time.

It almost felt as though the conversations happened in groups of three. I’d turn to greet an old friend, our conversation would naturally include someone visiting Backyard Bees for the first time, and before we knew it another person had joined in from the other end of the table.

A shared struggle. A silly wish. A helpful suggestion.

I’m always humbled when those conversations overlap and complete strangers end up chatting with one another. It happened over and over again—in gentle waves. Meet. Greet. Share an experience. Welcome the next conversation.

Healthy Conversations

Yesterday was definitely about more than honey. Our conversations centered around health, everyday challenges, and the little things that help us continue doing the things we love.

Pancreatitis, cervical cancer, breast cancer, menopause, and the realities of aging all came up. That last topic lightened the mood a bit. I had a wonderful conversation with two women about the idea of aging as a disease.

Meanwhile, another customer was thinking about honey in a completely different way—as a sweet way to celebrate her upcoming birthday by sharing little jars of local honey with her guests.

We talked about Rhassouli shampoo bars for changing hair during menopause, Lemon Balm for chronically dry lips caused by medications, and creative ways to use local honey beyond the teacup.

Foot care was another big topic. Yes, it’s sandal season and beach season, but our conversations were really about being grateful to be able to walk.

Those conversations remind me that people rarely come to the Backyard Bees table looking for “just a product.” More often, they’re looking for a gentle way to make everyday life a little easier.

People were patient with one another. No one rushed anyone. As each person moved on to the next stop at the market, they left with a cheerful “Have a nice day,” “Good luck,” or even “God bless.”

Unfinished Conversations

The only downside? I sometimes worry that I didn’t finish every conversation. It’s one of my “mother hen” traits. But that’s just who I am, and unfinished conversations have a way of staying with me.

Long after the market is over, I’m still thinking about the people I met that day—their questions, their stories, and the small challenges they’re trying to solve. When people ask about Backyard Bees, I usually say it’s about “the bees, the backyard environment, and you.”

Days like yesterday remind me why.

Backyard Bees has never really been about selling honey or soap. It’s about sharing ideas, encouraging healthier choices, and helping people discover small ways to make everyday life just a little better.

That’s one of the reasons I’m so grateful to everyone who has joined the mailing list—or who is reading this right now. It gives me another chance to pick up where we left off. There is so much to talk about.

The Last Conversation of the Day

As I said, the conversations never stopped. I experienced Fig Fare from behind the Backyard Bees table this year. Every time I looked up, there seemed to be fewer fig trees on the field. I hardly had time to visit with my fellow vendors.

Then, just before the market ended, I spotted a sign that made me smile:

American Elderberry.

In two minutes, I asked the grower one hundred questions—where to plant them, how to care for them, when to harvest them, and everything else that popped into my head. I’ve always wanted elderberries of my own, so I came home with two.

I still have plenty to learn about growing them, but I do know a few things. The dietitian in me appreciates that elderberries have long been valued as a source of vitamin C and have traditionally been used to support the immune system. The beekeeper in me knows something even more fun: honey infused with elderberries turns the most beautiful shade of pink.

Joy.

So yesterday was a perfect market day. I came home with beautiful flowers from East Meadow Farm, striped gourmet summer squash, and two healthy elderberry plants. I also came home with dozens of conversations—some finished, some unfinished, and, I hope, some that will continue next Saturday.

Maybe that’s why I needed a nap.

It wasn’t from standing all morning. It was from carrying home a head full of conversations—and wondering where they’ll lead next.

Looking Ahead

I’m not sure what next week’s theme at the market will be, but one thing I’ve learned is that the best conversations are never planned. I hope you’ll stop by the Backyard Bees table if you’re visiting the CCE Farmers Market at Eisenhower Park on Saturday, July 19. I’d love to continue the conversation.

Continue Exploring

A Real Farmers Market at Eisenhower Park 
What makes the farmers market at Eisenhower park so special to me; find links to all the market reports here

You Are What You Make 
Meet the people behind the products and discover why talking with the growers is one of the best parts of visiting a farmers market.

The Dirt Beneath Our Feet
What I learned when the market was closed for the Fourth of July—and why healthy soil is where every healthy garden begins.