10/03/2026
My friends, it has been a year, hasn't it?
I started out the year really excited to build on my business and start some new ventures and, well, 2026 has thrown almost everything it can at me. I've lost some markets and festivals due to bad weather, I've worked at half capacity due to a faulty wrist and debilitating arthritis in my hand, I fought the sky rocketing cost of ingredients and I even kept on keeping on through a divorce and personal tragedy. Then, a few days ago, I found out there are new calcifications in my chest and I might be fighting another breast cancer scare. It seems oddly fitting as it is October, breast cancer awareness month. I am mere days away from the 5th anniversary of my partial mastectomy; I was planning a celebration and then the test results came...
We don't give up just because the battle gets tough but sometimes we need to take a deep breath and regather strength to get back into the fray. As such, I won't be at the Alfred Farmers Market tomorrow, Sunday October 4. I will be back next Sunday for my final farm market of the year. I will still be at the usual holiday markets and I've been approved for a couple new ones, even. However, I need a little time to gather my strength, figure out the battle plan and get my sword back on the field.
As a thank you for all of the patience, support, encouragement and love you've all given me this year, next Sunday all of my products, baked goods and crafted items both, will be strictly "pay what you can." Truly. I will have a donation jar and I invite all of you to pay what you can, no set prices and no expectations. If you only have $1, that's fine. And I know some of you are saying, "Ren, this is the worst possible business decision you can make right now" but next Sunday won't be about business. It is going to be about the love I feel in sharing the things I create with the world. It is about how much the farm market family, customers, management and fellow vendors mean to me. It is about our community and how we hold each other up when the world feels dark.
I am not throwing in the towel. I've spent the last few months looking at all the possible options out there to bring this business to the level it deserves to be. I fully plan to be back next year, stronger than ever, victorious in battle.
And next Sunday, my booth is open for goodies and comraderie. Because love and light are going to win, dammit!
