Today has been such a lovely day. It was my first day to volunteer for Walking School Bus, an organization in Columbia that urges kids who live one mile or less from their elementary schools to walk to school instead of riding with their parents. Our route is the longest (1.7 miles each way), but it’s so nice to get such a great workout in the morning & really get to know some kids in the town. Theo, a little boy in kindergarten, is my favorite. He carries a rolling, Spider Man backpack & has such a funny personality. We talked about spiders & super heroes most of the walk.
I’ve found a real gem in Columbia: the public library. I’ve been going there so often to check out CDs and audio tapes along with books I want to read but cannot afford to buy for myself. The library here doesn’t even have late fees! As long as you bring it back eventually, they don’t mind. The library has such a wonderful CD collection. I’ve check out several of Devendra Banhart’s cds, my favorite being Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon. It’s a beautiful album. I’ve been listening to it late at night, really clearing my mind by writing in my journal somewhat daily. Joel, Luke’s younger brother, is very talented so I asked him to make me a journal (from a cover of a vintage children’s book I found on the side of the road) because he took a book making class this summer. It such a beautiful journal, very inspiring to write in.
Lately, Luke & I have been adventuring off to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings to buy bags & bags of produce. It’s so enjoyable to spend that time with him, early in the morning because it really relaxes me before my hectic day of work. We usually spend around $30 together each time we go; after a month, that’s $120. For us, as poor college students, that’s quite a bit of money. Through this experience of living with two ladies, Anna & Katie, who eat very healthy, I’ve realized the importance of eating well, too. It isn’t only about what you put into your body; it’s the importance of where you buy your food & the relationships you create with the people who grow your food, too. Luke found a farmer, last week at the Farmer’s Market, that participates in CSA groups in Columbia. He only charges $90 a month (10 lbs. of fruits, veggies, & herbs each week) which we split between two homes. I now only pay around $17 a month. Luke & I, when we picked up our 10 pounds of delicious apples, cucumbers, red & green bell peppers, squash, corn, & other produce, were really able to connect with our farmer (Guy is his name) who grows & really cares for the food he’s giving to people.