The Monday Market was a street fair. Moon Light Farm Produce always set up under the loving arms of the Mama Maple. The beautiful fan of leaves was already starting to show signs of fall though it was just barely August. Still, there was a full familia of leaves and a gentle breeze to make beautiful Maple Music. It was one of Stan Costa's favorite sounds, the gentle rustle of wind through leaves.
The first hour was incredibly busy. Visitors and locals seemed to converge on the only Monday Farmers' Market on the island like hummingbirds to Spring's first Salmon Berries. Or, it was just Moon Light Farm Produce that pulsed with women circling the tall well-muscled musician with a liking for plants.
"You'd think the guy was giving away Medicinals!" Linda couldn't believe the line that stretched out from the Moon Light Farm Produce stand. Dumpling couldn't get within three-feet of the oil-cloth covered picnic tables decked with bushels of Beans, Corn, Kabocha squash, bright red-fleshed Watermelon slice and speckled with tears of black seeds. The two women had met as planned, an hour after the market started. But by 2:30 the crowd had not thinned, and if anything, more people waited to buy produce, or pepper Stan Costa with questions. Shine loved the crowds. With little hesitation she moved between the tiny man with cloth bags filled with tasseled ears of Corn, and the two women sipping lattes. She made her way around the picnic tables and stood at Stan's elbow. She tapped him. Stan had seen her weaving skillfully. "Nice moves," he said making sure Shine could read his lips. Shine held up her palm for a bump and high-five.
"Why couldn't I do that," Dumpling watched the girl make her move appreciating how Shine maneuvered.
Linda figured time with Stan would have to wait. She had the only free afternoon in almost twenty years to enjoy. She waved to her daughter, signaling her to join her. But Shine and Stan Costa had begun a show-and-tell bit that was difficult to interrupt, and even more difficult to interpret. A little dark haired dark eyed girl watched as customer's picked up Watermelon, Beans, Squash and shiny Garlic.
Every time a new plant food was picked up, Shine sang. Shine made a different song, a different sound for each plant. Stan noticed. From their vantage point three people away, Linda and Dumpling could see but not hear quite as well as Stan, Mo and the customers directly in front of the table.
"I think we've lost her to Stan the man. At least for the next couple of hours." Linda caught Stan's eye and made it clear she'd be back at 4 o'clock when the market ended.
"Is that okay?" Linda waited for Stan's answer.
Two thumbs way up! "See you then. Let's go watch the sunset. We'll bring dinner." Stan nodded.
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