It's the Little Things

It's the little things that bring joy to one's life. I was on campus today and came into the Student Center courtyard, that's what I will call it, and happened upon the weekly Tuesday market that being set up. There were only a few vendors today, but enough to make me quite happy, especially since one was a stand with organic produce grown on a farm some distance away in County Offaly. I was over joyed to learn that every week I can buy seasonal produce, like sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, sugar snap peas, a variety of lettuce, fresh ginger,fresh herbs, and more. I spoke with a fine young man, Neil, who was setting up and tending to customers. He was very patient in answering my questions and directing me to what was available. I kept tending towards baskets of produce that were apparently ordered a head of time and waiting for pick up by other customers. I was thinking I could buy a basket's worth, but it was actually so much fun buying a little of this and that, just what I needed for now. In a couple of weeks, when I move into my permanent quarters, I will fill a basket and also buy some of the fresh dill and basil and dry it for the winter months.

I don't know why, but I assumed that most of Ireland's farming are organic. It's all the green! Neil told me that actually only about 4% of Ireland farming is organic. That was disappointing on one hand, but lucky for me I will have access every Tuesday to what is fresh, seasonal, and grown without the use of pesticides and other bad-for-your-health chemicals. I find it extraordinary that this is right here on campus. Thank you Neil and Patrick of Lough Boora Farm for your kindness and for coming such a long way to make this kind of produce available. And thank you University of Limerick for such a wonderful accommodation.I am admittedly spoiled having lived in Ithaca, New York and for so long having ready-access to a variety of fine quality organic products. Now I really feel at home in Ireland and will be able to cook to my heart's content, in between studying that is. I also bought the most beautiful little individual pastry pie for dinner, quiche-like,from Peter the Pie Man. It was filled goat cheese and fresh vegetables and beautiful to look. The crust and contents, perfection! I doubt I will try to duplicate this. If it's not broken...

That was this morning's venture which I shared with my short-term roommate, Sinead. She is such a delight. I love talking with her and learned that she is interested in meditation. I shared some ideas with her, showed her how to do Reiki, and then gave her a copy of my book. She is an amazing young woman, with a bright, positive spirit and a great kindness. She is already her authentic self, which is wonderful for someone so young. She left this evening, having come to the University to get a head start on her thesis. I hope I will see her again.

In spite of all these wonderful distractions I somehow managed to fit in a little reading and note-taking and finished my day with an evening walk. It is chilly this evening, but the light is splendid and I wanted to work off the goat cheese vegetable pie I so enjoyed.

Have a great evening. More tomorrow from Glocca Morra.

P.S. I am now thinking in Irish now, that is hearing the accent in my head as I am writing, so to get the full effect, please read this with a lilt!