On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Foodstuffs, I'd like to
share how deeply I appreciate Marcia, Kim and the whole gang.
A couple fond memories from the original location include Marcia's
mom's home-baked muffins for sale on the counter, and the blackboard many children, including my own (now 31 and 33) used to enjoy. My daughter has been a loyal Foodstuffs customer herself for many years (my son lives out on the west coast, not exactly local...).
This next experience really touched my heart, and was just one example of Marcia's kindness in advocating for customers by educating and enlightening us. I clearly remember wanting to purchase honey one day, but at that time our household had not fully embraced the value of honey over sugar. I found myself discussing the subject with Marcia as I was (still am) wont to do. This was over 25 years ago, so although I don't recall if I bought honey on that occasion or not, I do remember Marcia's response was, not surprisingly, decidedly supportive, something like, but it's natural, or it's so good for you, or some such thing. Although her actual words did not stay with me, the sense of how good it felt to have my beliefs validated by someone I trusted and admired took firm hold. Then, or very soon after, I began buying local honey regularly, and it quickly transitioned in my mind from being a luxury to a staple.
Getting to know some of the wonderful staff members over the years has been very pleasant. Meeting Kim early on comes to mind. It was so delightful to see her following in her mother's footsteps, and who
knows, maybe we'll see someone from the next generation continuing on with the tradition. :o)
Seeing Marcia's beautiful handwriting throughout the store is
heartwarming. I actually have a sample of it in my home because many moons ago I bought "Book Notes: A Book Lover's Journal" at the used book sale at the Georgetown Library. Marcia had given the book to Dawn Falls as a gift in 1988 (which I learned from reading the
inscription Marcia wrote inside). I've been lovingly using this
journal to record my favourite books and authors for over 18 years.
Many years ago I purchased some beautiful, quite unique baskets, at
least two of which are still in use: a very large one in my front
hall, and an unusual square-shaped one made with a nifty handle
fashioned by a piece of naturally curvy wood. As well, I recall
feeling grateful back then to have been able to pay for special items
like these over time.
More than any purchase I've made, or single experience I've had, the
thing I love most about Foodstuffs is how much it feels like home to
me. Every time I enter, I'm pleased to see smiling faces, I always
feel welcome and appreciated, and more often than not, I feel laughter bubbling up at some point during the visit. I call them visits
because that's what they feel like for me, it feels like I'm entering
the home of an old friend. Inwardly, I feel I can breathe more deeply
and relax; I'm totally comfortable being there, whether I'm filling a
cart or running in for one or two items.
I thank you Marcia, for the gift of Foodstuffs, for the delightful
community you have created, for your genuine caring, and for being
such a beautiful person through and through. Happy anniversary.
Here's to the next 35 years! <3
Jayne Bell
"This is one of those muffin recipes that my mom, Margaret, used to bake and bring to the store for sale. It was in our very early days and the Herald newspaper office was where there had been and later would again be a bakery. Suddenly I can almost smell the warm muffins in my imagination - and taste them in my memory. Thanks Jayne!"