The Sweet Tapestry of Summer

by Marlaina Donato

July is a heady mix of peak temperatures, sustenance from the soil and inspired invitations to make lasting memories. For gardeners, it is a lilting time of fruition in between rounds of hard work when one’s efforts can be harvested, eaten and appreciated. Summer’s apex brings wildflower tapestries woven with cricket-song and evenings punctuated by rolling thunderstorms, but it also can be a time for us to take a deep dive into the miracle of interconnectedness.

Visiting the local farmers market is an opportunity to be mindful of all that goes into our shopping bags and bellies: rain, sunlight, nitrogen-rich snowmelt and the vital fertility of topsoil. We can see everyday people in a different light, especially Earth-conscious farmers who choose to be birthing partners of the land.

Taking a walk outside can remind us that no life would be possible without the near-magical, unseen mycelium network beneath our footsteps. Summer’s delicate balance of elements ensures abundance, and we have a sacred opportunity to be part of that equilibrium. Each of us is a link in the chain of humans co-creating within the symbiosis of all other living things. Will we take away from this balance or add to it?

Adding to it does not require hours of time or money, but the motivation to make simple decisions for the greater good, such as leaving part of the lawn to grow for the winged ones or choosing an eco-friendly refillable water bottle over single-use plastic. Showing a child how to keep a nature journal can foster lifelong connections with the Earth.

We do our part when we joyfully become part of the landscape—witnessing, observing and allowing nature to go about her business. Making time for languid appreciation contributes to self-nourishment, something that is also vital to the whole. How many avian voices can you hear at sunset? How many colors can you find in a changing mural of clouds? The season of plenty offers a harvest of beauty.

Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Ongoing Events

sunday

30A Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Closed 12/25/2022 and 1/1/2023. Find local grass-fed beef; whole chickens; eggs; goat milk; cheese; produce; hydroponic lettuce; herbs; microgreens; local and regional honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch breads, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautifully handcrafted soaps. Free. 28 N Barrett Sq, Rosemary Beach. 850499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. 30AFarmersMarket.com monday

Free Yoga in Maritime Park – 9:30-10:30am. First Sun of the month. Sponsored by Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center, this one-hour yoga class is open to all ages and experience levels. BYOM (bring your own mat), water, and other props you enjoy. Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St, Pensacola. Facebook.com/PlayPColaParks.

Community Yoga Class – 4:30-5:30pm. Enjoy a yoga class and support a charity at the same time, with donations for this class going to PAWS, Children in Crisis, Headstart, Southern Dog Rescue and more. Donations accepted. Dragonfly Yoga Studio, 184 Brooks St, Ste 2, FWB. DragonflyYoga.com.

Veterans Talking Circle – noon-1pm. For and by veterans discussing veteran issues that affect your daily life. Free. Roots Shoppe, 357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB. 850-863-1044. RootsShoppe.com.

Celebrate Recovery – 6pm. Open to everyone as a safe place to heal from hurts, habits and hang-ups. This is a 12-step program that uses the traditional steps and 8 Principles in the Beatitudes from the bible. We recognize Jesus Christ as our higher power. Dinner is also available from 5:15-5:45pm, $5-adults, $3-children, and no one turned away. Community Life Church, 4115 Soundside Dr, Gulf Breeze. Facebook.com/CRatCommunityLifeChurch/ tuesday wednesday friday saturday

Okaloosa County Farmers’ Market – 7am-2pm. Tue, Thur & Sat. Find seasonal vegetables, fruits and flowers. Free. 1954 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach. 850-689-5850.

Downtown FWB Farmers’ Market – 8am-1pm. 2nd and 4th Sat. Find seasonal vegetables, fruits, handcrafted jams, hot sauces and local honey. Free. 139 Brooks St SE, FWB.

Refuge Recovery Meeting – 6:30-7:30pm. A Buddhist-oriented, non-theistic recovery program offering recovery from all forms of addiction. Free. Roots Shoppe, 357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB.

RefugeRecovery.org.

Let’s Talk about Gut Health (Zoom) – 7pm. Weekly discussions about gut health and why it matters. Also, we will discuss the science of the microbiome and disease. Free. Email to register: PCBPlexus@gmail.com.

‘Movers’ & ‘Shakers’ Low Impact Dance Fitness – 9-9:45am. Wed. Join instructor Emily Mixon for an interactive and low impact dance class for seniors 55+. Free. Bayview Senior Center, 2000 E Lloyd Street, Pensacola. 850-436-5190.

Walton County Farmers Market – 1-5pm. Find locally grown fruits; vegetables; grass-fed meat; local vendors; and small businesses. Free. 3001 Brown Rd, Defuniak Springs. 850-834-2084. PonceDeLeonFL.com.

Essential Oils for Beginners – 6:30pm every 3rd Friday. Natural ways to improve your health. HH Arts, 100 Beal Pkwy, FWB. 850-543-1619.

Grand Lagoon Farmers Market – 8am-1pm. Stroll the docks of the historical Capt. Anderson’s Marina while sampling the region’s local makers, bakers, and growers. Free. 5551 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach. 850-481-6848.

30A Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Find local grass-fed beef, whole chickens, eggs, goat milk, cheese, produce, hydroponic lettuce, herbs and microgreens. Also, the best honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch bread, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautiful arts and crafts, including fusion glass, jewelry, handmade stationery and beautiful soaps. Free. 30A Farmers’ Market at Palm Plaza, 1003 John Sims Pkwy, Niceville. 850-499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail. com. 30AFarmersMarket.com.

Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Find grass-fed beef, whole chickens, eggs, goat milk, cheese, produce, hydroponic lettuce, herbs and microgreens. Also, the best honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch breads, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautifully handcrafted soaps. Free. Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, 600 Grand Blvd (in Grand Park between Tommy Bahama and Cantina Laredo), Miramar Beach. 850-499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. GrandBoulevardFarmersMarket.com.

Seaside Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Small, but definitely worth visiting, this beach-front market offers local pasture-raised beef; fresh local produce; homemade bread and bakery items; local and regional honey; heirloom eggs; local berries; pickled veggies; crab cakes; and locally-made kombucha. Free. 2235 East County Hwy 30A, SRB.

Niceville Florida Community Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Local and regional produce, honey, mushrooms, farm fresh eggs, bakery items, teas, fresh local seafood and hand-crafted jewelry. Free. Palm Plaza, 1003 C. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville. Palafox Market – 9am-2pm. Find live plants; local fruit; vegetables; herbs; fine art; and antiques. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on N Palafox St between Wright St and Garden St, Pensacola. 850-434-5371. PalafoxMarket.com.

Classifieds

Fee for classifieds is $20 for the first 20 word and $1 per additional word per month. To place listing, email content to Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com Deadline is the 10th of the month.

ROOMMATE WANTED

SEEKING A FEMALE ROOMMATE –or a Furnished room/Studio in or around FWB area. I am Spiritual, honest and over 55. Contact: Jolene @561-767-5448.

Services

KELLEY’S HANDYMAN – John and Sherri Kelley, owners are BBB members, licensed and insured to perform all types of repairs including cabinets, painting, drywall, trim, bathrooms, and kitchen. Honest and affordable we provide estimates you can count on. 850-378-6262. KelleyHandyman@gmail.com. KelleyHandyman.com.

SPIRITUAL COUNSELING AND COACHING – Spiritual counseling and coaching available with Rev Jamie Sanders. Metaphysical approach, meditation and affirmative prayer. Jamie1118@aol.com. 850-438-2277.

WEDDING SERVICES

BEAUTIFUL MARRIAGE CEREMONIES – Spiritual marriage ceremonies with Rev Jamie Sanders at Unity of Pensacola or your location of choice. Packages available. 850-438-2277. UnityPNS.org.

YOGA APPAREL

WILD FLIER BOUTIQUE – Carrying unique yoga apparel, jewelry and accessories with men's and women's coastal fashion. Gifts for everyone. 127 Harbor Blvd 3B, Destin. 850-687-3023.