The farmers market was the only occasion I was permitted to leave Estate premises.

It gave my mother and father time to themselves, while allowing me a sense of the freedom I always longed for.

I'd be sent off with the kitchen staff, with only a basket, and a small apron tied about my waist to protect my expensive skirts.

Any other noble would've found such activities degrading, but I found it rather enthralling.

There was something about the energy of the merchants as they tried to sell their products to you, or the varieties of products and their displays that excited me.

Canned peaches.

Jams.

Honeys.

Fresh seafood

All the fresh produce you could possibly imagine, all within an arms length.

I always picked the products I'd bring back carefully.

There was always a list I was sent with from my mother, but besides that, the farmer's market was the one thing she'd give me complete freedom over.

I'd always fill my basket with all sorts of colorful produce, along with a large variety of cheeses, and some preserves and crackers to go along with it.

No matter the day, I'd always come back from the market with rosy cheeks and a cheery attitude, knowing I now had an ensemble of delicious goodies to use for a beautiful picnic outside.

-Brianna Cecille Blades