i love the campus farmer's market.

it might have been hot out. and there may have been only 8 or 9 booths. and i may not have had much cash or ability to carry anything more than the 45 pounds of bookbag i already had. but. the farmer's market opened in the brickyard on campus yesterday and i was super pumped about going.

there was a peanut farm stand, fruits and vegetables, fresh homemade salsa & pepper jelly, COOKIES, jewelry, apples, and homemade soaps and lotions. i loved it. you could smell the soap from 100 feet away, and students were walking around campus with huge slices of watermelon. i knew i wanted to buy soap, so i visited there first. moondance soaps is right outta raleigh, and they offer homemade soaps, lotions, lip balms, and more. everything smells wonderful, and they get their herbs and goat's milk from farmers in north carolina. i purchased a lemon verbena soap and a lavender, milk & honey soap. andrew smelled them and approved.

i had about 5 dollars left, so i found it necessary to prioritize my next item to purchase. obviously, i got cookies. the cookie people had clear glass displays of humongous and buttery-looking cookies, so i naturally gravitated like a raccoon to a piece of aluminum foil. i was extremely proud of my ability to ignore the 4 for $5 deal (because we all know i would have eaten them all before i got home) and i only purchased two (AND i brought some home to share): sugar with icing and sprinkles, and a chocolate chip cookie. THEY WERE THE BOMB. i will be back.

the campus farmers market is such a neat thing that happens at state, and i look forward to stopping by every wednesday. next week, i'll be a bit more prepared. bit more cash, maybe an extra bag. a camera to document. it's great to note, though, that some of the vendors do take cards!

to read some more, the technician (nc state's newspaper) wrote an article and took some pictures.

inspiration: literature!

last night andrew brought me two new books! it was such a thoughtful surprise. i am going to the beach with some girlfriends next week, and he wanted me to have some new things to read. i am very excited about both books.

the first is farm city by novella carpenter. ms carpenter moved to oakland and started a farm - in the abandoned lot right next to her house! the book has received great reviews and is full of anecdotes and advice, which i'm really looking forward to reading.

i also got chlorophyll in his veins by bobby j. ward, which is about nc state horticultural legend, j.c. raulston. the j.c. raulston aboretum is right around the corner it seems like, but i have yet to go. i'll make it my reward once i complete the book, perhaps..!

visit author bobby j. ward's website!

once i complete the books, i'll let you know how they were. time's runnin out 'fore all i'll be readin are dense textbooks!