To market, to market

Markets have always fascinated me. I am captivated by the energy they exude. The hustle and bustle atmosphere, as market-goers peruse each stall and the exuberance of stall holders as they watch their potential customers examine what they have on offer.

There is a mystique around markets, a magic, that for me, was created as a child listening to nursery rhymes and classic stories where they would often feature. How could you forget the little piggy who went to the market or when Beatrix Potter let Peter Rabbit lose in a flurrying market place. These days’ markets still have that aura around them. The Sex and the City fanatic I am conjures up Carrie locking eyes with Aidan across a hazy souq. You just never know what awaits when you visit a market.

This month in my quest to push my boundaries that little bit more and leave my comfort zone once again, I took the advice of a fellow author and friend and booked myself in as a stall holder at several local markets. To be honest, I was hesitant to do so. Several authors had told me the benefits of attending markets in promoting your work, but for me, I just wasn’t sure if that was the road I wanted to take Charlie and I on. My friend, however, sold me on the interactions and connections you can create by engaging with your community. She encouraged me to look at it as a fun exercise in socialising.

I was blown away by how accurate she was. Each market I attended I met the most extraordinary people. People from all over the world. I met people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Everyone was friendly and willing to share with me a piece of their personal stories, which to me was so flattering. I learnt a great deal from stallholders, their creativity, drive and hospitable nature left a profound impact on me. They were always willing to support each other and there was an instant sense of comradery. When meeting market-goers I was delighted by how uplifting, encouraging and respectful they were. I felt I was able to build a connection with each person who visited my stall and they were willing to give me some insight into their world. Each interaction was based on mutual understanding. Meeting children and their parents were always a highlight. I also met the most incredible two girls from Samoa who were helping their grandmother with her stall. They both filled my day with so much light. They taught me about their culture and upbringing and I was astounded by what they knew of the world at such a young age. They inspired me and I think I became as much a fan of theirs as they did of Charlie.

Engaging with my community at the markets I attended has invigorated me this month. The liveliness of a market and the ingenuity and relationships it houses are wondrous to me. I don’t think this will be the last of my market adventures. To market, to market I go…

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH

Another wonderful review of Charlie’s Adventures…in Hawaii featured in the incredible industry magazine Buzz Words. Thank you to Anne Hamilton. This one sneaked up on me. So grateful.

http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/2016/09/charlies-adventures-in-hawaii.html?spref=fb

Market Day