On the Market.

So, this week has been a bit unusual what with the awning replacements going on, and the bit of chaos it’s caused with their huge cones and yellow tape creating barriers that often blocked some business areas. Thomas Market was open today, however, as it was yesterday, unlike the beginning of the week when yellow tape marred their entire storefront. The soda and snack machines weren’t accessible though due to the painters that were supposedly going to be painting only at night. Oh, and there was that memo that the workers would clear out for both Friday and Saturday traffic, which apparently didn’t apply to today, and will officially start tomorrow. Now that that’s been cleared up, the new word is that the majority of the work will now be taking place Sunday through Thursday. Though don’t let that discourage you from coming to visit. There will still be bands every Sunday, thanks to Ukrops, just look for everyone on the second block of the market for now while the first block is receiving it’s new face.

Please, please come visit the market and even if not to shop, to say hello. We’re sort of starved for attention down here on the market. Business has sadly taken a downturn since the renovations have begun, and it’s getting mightly lonely. Also, this is probably a good time to bring up the “morgue.” Well, at least that’s what many of us vendors refer to it as. It’s basically those lonely last few tables by Mark Woods, in front of where Confetti’s USED to be and beside the new, soon to be 202 Market Restaurant, which incidentally, was conducting interviews today and looking mighty spiffy through the bit of glass they had uncovered. Anyhow, back on topic, some of the more unfortunate souls selling their wares may be destined to the “morgue” as the last table option available should they not want to set up in the parking lot on a Saturday. Today there were three of us there with Mark and we hardly saw a soul. The “morgue” typically is a much lower traffic area, and therefore, I would simply like to encourage you to visit the “morgue” on Saturdays to check out whoever may be hiding down there. Often you can’t tell if there’s anyone down on that last table or two at all, and it’s very sad for someone ever so fabulous to be completely missed simply because they are not seen. And just for reference, we vendors also fondly refer to the second block of Market Street as soon as you cross Kirk Avenue, as Vinton. Visit Vinton, too.

Anyhow, I have two wonderful mentions today. Julia O. Light was present today with some lovely pink tulips and purple wood hyacinths (above) all looking quite stunning in clear, glass vases. She plans to be present on the market in her usual spot right on the corner of Kirk Ave. and Market St. every Friday and Saturday, weather permitting of course, as long as she has flowers to offer. The flowers seem to change as often as weekly so be don’t be shy about stopping by. Julia also sells her homemade black walnut cake for $1.75 a slice. I’m a bit fond of Julia as she likes to refer to me as “bright eyes.”

Jan, of Walter’s Greenhouse, was also present on the market today. She was in “Vinton” right beside Julia as her usual spot by the Science Museum was being painted. Saturday, she’ll be back beside the Science Museum as usual, however she’ll most likely be baking in the sun under the absent awnings. At least the flowers will be happy though, right? If you’re a sweet enough soul, maybe you’ll swing by to drop off an “on the house” bottled water. Anyhow, look for her during the week in Vinton if you can’t seem to locate her by the Center in the Square. And, whenever it is you decide to hunt her down, be sure to check out the gorgeous animal shaped topiaries (above) she has to offer. I was informed the very cool frog topiary sold today, but she still has a very cute rabbit and a turtle as well.

I recently purchased this gorgeous dark red chrysanthemum barrette from GocheMoche. Not only is it beautiful, it’s steeped in tradition as well. Produced by a Japanese method of folding beautiful, silk, fabric squares into flower petals, this craft is known as Tsumami Kanzashi. Tsumami Kanzashi dates back several hundred years and was originally used to create hair ornaments and jewelry for the geisha and her apprentice, the maiko. They are also used to accent important seasonal holidays and ceremonies. You can view a video on this traditional craft here (#13 Edo Hair Ornaments.) This craft really produces gorgeous accessories and may be something you’d like to purchase from GocheMoche for yourself! Or, a quick google search will yield a number of other artisans and information on this subject.

For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison

I was first introduced to Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan series in January of 2005. Kim Harrison was on location at Walden Books doing a book signing in my area to help promote her second book in the series, The Good, the Bad, and the Undead. About a week before the signing, the book seller had introduced me to her first book, Dead Witch Walking, as I had recently become hooked on similar authors like Laurell K. Hamilton, who writes the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Series, and Charlaine Harris, creator of the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Series. As a result of the upcoming signing, I raced my way through Dead Witch Walking hoping to have it read before that time. I only had the book half finished before the signing, and was still deciding how I felt about the book, when I met Kim Harrison. But I resolved to finish the first book, and purchased the second for her to sign, determined to read it as well. I am so glad that I did. While the first half of Dead Witch Walking was a tad slow, by the second half of the book the pace had increased and roared along not only to the end of the book, but through the remaining four books as well. I was entirely caught up in every book that followed by their pure energy and life put into the stories. I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing life with them as it unfolded.

Having just finished A Few Demons More, which was released on March 20th, I have to say that Harrison has produced another outstanding book. The series, which covers the life of witch and bounty hunter, Rachel Morgan, is set in Cincinnati after the Turn - the big event that almost took out all of humanity and left in its wake the truth of the existence of other species, which included not only witches, but werewolves, vampires, pixies, and demons alike. If you are a fan of paranormal fiction, this is one series you will not want to pass up! But be sure you read every book in Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan Series so you don’t miss a thing!

If you plan to visit the Roanoke Farmer’s Market over the next 60 days, be prepared for a change of face. The farmer’s stalls are currently undergoing desperately needed awning replacements. Right now the awnings by the Center in the Square, and along the first block in front of Thomas’ Market up to Wertz’s Restaurant are completely gone. They were removed Sunday, and workers are underway this week pressure washing and painting the existing steel structure that was hiding underneath. The painting should be done by this weekend, however, and while the awnings will still be absent for a bit, the weather looks to be clear and all of your favorite market vendors plan to be present. The entire structure is planned to be revamped within a 60 day time frame. Ben, who is best known for his rock, fossils, and minerals sold on the market, believes the workers have so far proven to be fairly efficient and holds hope they will be wrapping up the entire renovation within 40 days. While the new awnings were supposed to have been replaced over winter months, the city failed to approve a bid and secure a contract in time so as not to clash with the busy spring season. I have heard, however, that the majority of the painting will be completed at night so as not to interfere with vendors wishing to conduct business. Unfortunately, the first few days of the revamp closed down Thomas’ Market, and Monday, Sumdat was closed as well. However, vendors are still selling and would love to have you visit the Market this weekend!

Incidentally, Saturday kicks off the 2007 Music in the Market Series sponsored by Ukrops, who plans to open this year on Franklin Rd. by Towers. Bands will play every Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 2pm through September 30th. This coming Saturday, March 31st, Wild Turkey will be playing their acoustic, unplugged Oldtime music on banjos and fiddles. Sunday, April 1st, brings Poison Bottom to the Market. Poison Bottom is another Oldtime band, and they’ll be traveling from Lexington to play for us. Cross your fingers and toes that the weather holds out for them on Sunday.

Jayn, of Blue Heron Pottery, has a fabulous new creation up for sale! She’s designed these rather cute and imaginative toothbrush holders for your bathroom. They’re full of spunk and lots of fun. Starting at just $20 for a single toothbrush holder, and $28 for a double, I think these treasures are great for a home needing a little bit of new life breathed into it.

These whimsical birdhouses (left) were created by artist, Mary Hadden. Mary creates both bird houses and small, easily portable bird baths from clay, which she then fires for permanence. She can be found this spring selling side by side with her friend, and fellow creator, Linda Hearn, of Golden Morning Gardens, most every Saturday and by chance one or two days per week as spring progresses.

Linda’s own creations are a lovely compliment to Mary’s work. She creates miniature rock gardens within handmade hypertufa troughs. These amazing little gardens contain perennial plants, and can be kept outside or indoors year round under a sunny window. The little gardens are fashioned after the trough gardens that originated in England in the early 1900’s, and over time the surface of the troughs themselves will encourage the growth mosses and lichens, adding to their charm. The plants within the troughs eventually spread, and then can be divided to add to an outside garden or placed into pots for decorating your home or giving as gifts.

Last, but not least, I have to mention Penny. Penny Lane, owner of Woodland Wonders, hopes to be present every Saturday offering her amazing fungi jewelry. These unique creations (below) are made from bracket fungi, which are commonly found on decomposing tree trunks. Penny carefully selects her fungi for both their beauty and strength, then transforms them into amazing necklaces, earrings, and pins after drying and pressing the fungi, then adding her own special touch. The resulting jewelry lasts for years and are not only beautiful, but make unique and thoughtful gifts, and make a great addition to one’s wardrobe.

Now that spring has returned, you can expect to find Mark Woods, of Woods Farms, at the Roanoke Farmer’s Market daily. Currently he’s boasting a nice assortment of truly gorgeous pansies as well as pink trailing roses and geraniums to brighten up your yard. For your indoor decorating pleasure, you’ll discover bundles of pussy willows, and, for those ready to get a jump start on your gardens, you’ll also find cabbage and tomato plants.

Additionally, you can expect Martin Farms to pay attendance to the market not only on Friday and Saturdays, but also on Thursdays as the weather warms up. They are currently selling jams, honey, farm fresh eggs, ham, bacon, sausage (it’s in the fridge!), onions, cabbage, tomatoes, and while they last, some of the sweetest strawberries I’ve ever tasted. While the strawberries aren’t locally grown, I hear they’re from a cousin in Florida. Plus, who can resist buying strawberries from Kim Martin! I mean, she actually has a pet chicken! Who, I am informed, is coincidentally named Chicken. Of course, Chicken is only a pet because she lets Kim pick him up, but I’m sure Chicken won’t be gracing any dinner tables anytime soon either.

And wouldn’t you know, Jack is back! While his savvy assistant, Kris, has been handling the egg sales for Jack through the weekends during the winter, you’ll also find Jack early mornings daily as spring heats up. If you’re looking for a dozen of his sought after fresh eggs, be sure to swing by super early or get your reservations in for a carton. He’s sometimes sold out as early as 9am. Jack does have two more hens that will be laying soon, however, so hopefully he’ll have more eggs to offer soon. That way everyone can get a taste! In addition to his eggs, you’ll also find his home grown spinach, kale, creasy greens, and collard greens.

And don’t forget to say “hi” to Jan, of Walter’s Greenhouse, and Tim Belcher, of Rolling Meadows Farms, every weekend and several days throughout the week. They’re both filled to the brim with knowledge about practically every plant imaginable, and would love to have you pick their brains on gardening ideas and plant care. Of course, they’d also appreciate your business as well. They are both currently offering an abundance of herbs, flowers, and vegetable crops.

Linda Jo Staab is an artist who creates beautiful jewelry that she then sells at the Roanoke Farmer’s Market. Her jewelry is quite eclectic and encompasses many various styles of jewelry making. She creates some of the most amazing bead necklaces by employing a method of off-loom bead weaving known as the peyote stitch, a popular Native American art. The pieces she creates using this technique often represent animals in nature, but also encompass fantastical creatures such as faeries and dragons.

This necklace, designed by Linda, uses a fossil of a fish as its focus piece. There are also other great finds created from shark vertebrae, shark teeth, and raptor claws.

This necklace, pictured right, is a gorgeous mix of amber stones and various beads.

Linda Jo, a self-proclaimed pack rat, prides herself not only on her own unique designs, but on her custom work as well. She’s happy to take orders to recustomize your favorite, older pieces of jewelry. Whether it’s from the 50s, 60s, or even the 70s, she’s happy to rework the style of your prized possession into something more modern.

Linda’s artistic jewelry is definitely something you don’t want to miss. You can find Linda on the market most Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year.

Easter comes early this year. The big day for 2007 is April 8th. So, if you’re still looking to fill your Easter baskets, then look no further than downtown Roanoke’s Market Street. Good Things on the Market, which is in its 23rd year of business, offers a variety of delicious treats and Easter themed items from porcelain figurines to plush spring time animals including an adorable frog with rabbit ears cuddling its own baby bunny. There are even yard stakes with proud bunnies ready to grace your lawn! And of course you can’t forget the candy! The wide assortment of treats offered here include egg shaped lollipops decorated in icing rabbits and chicks, peanut butter and cream filled eggs, as well as the store’s usual assortment of homemade fudge and other tummy enticing chocolate confections. Have a sweet tooth? This is definitely your shop!

Still need the basket you’ll be filling up with delights? Directly across the street from Goods Things is Sumdat Farm Market. Filled to the brim with a wide assortment of wicker baskets, you’ll also discover a cache of gourmet canned nuts, candies, teas, and snack mixes, as well some more unique concoctions such as Sumdat’s own Sweet Potato Butter. These are great items for baskets requiring a more “grown up” taste. You may even want to throw in a nice bottle of wine or a couple of micro-brewed beers for that special someone to add a little romance to your gift.

In addition to the great items available at Sumdat, you’ll also discover many interesting handmade crafts by local artisans worth including in your baskets throughout the week on the Farmer’s Market. Among these goods, I would include my own spring scented soaps in fresh scents like Victorian Rose, Herbal Lavender, Honeysuckle, Lemon Verbena Mint, and even Sun Dried Linen with its fresh, just off the line fragrance. (See my website for days I’m available on the market.)

Not much for Easter? Then be sure to keep the market in mind for Mother’s Day! We’d love to have you!

Located on Market Street between Thomas’ Market and Sumdat Farm Market is downtown Roanoke’s Little Dipper. The Little Dipper, is in essence a quaint and friendly little sandwich and ice cream shop that is just too good to pass up. Like its name indicates, the Little Dipper boasts a celestial theme; the indoors being decorated in bright paintings of a night sky with silver stars and bright yellow suns. It’s also my favorite downtown spot to grab a quick bite to eat, from great soups, sandwiches, and wraps, to a tasty treat of some of the best ice cream this side of town. They carry a nice selection of Edy’s Premium brand ice cream including flavors like Kona Coffee, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Drumstick Sundae Cone, Strawberry, and Chocolate Chip Mint. The Little Dipper also offers a huge variety of smoothie selections which are named after, what else, but zodiac signs. (My favorites are the Scorpio Smoothie and their Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Banana Smoothie.) You’ll also find boxed lunches and gift certificates, and they even offer office smoothie parties for those too busy to swing by and enjoy them on their lunch break.

Usually not one for jewelry unless it’s sporting something tasty, I recently came across something a little more feminine and “age-appropriate” that rocked my world. These spring inspired Lemon Posy earrings from JKS Designs are created from a combination of beautiful artisan lampwork beads, sterling silver and Swarovski Crystals. The beads, created by lampwork artist Lisa Sharik, a mother of three and jewelry artist with 15 yrs. experience in the field, began producing lampwork beads in January of 2004. You can find more of Lisa’s beads at her website.

Other lampwork bead artists I’m fond of include Bead Brains, Urban Oasis Arts Studio, and Lampwork Beads by Amy.