The Peaceable Kingdom

Saturday in Anapolis Royal – the last Farmer’s Market of the year, and everyone was there. Probably all 550 of them. They all seemed to know one another, giving a hug, sharing tidbits of information, “Jane has added some new things to her display. Go take a look.” It is a real community get-together. There were more artisans and tradesmen than farmers present, but there were still bags of apples, stacks of pumpkins, rubber-banded stalks of fresh dill, rows of glass jars filled with corn relish, chow chow, sweet mustard, jams and jellies. Fresh baked bread, buns, pastries and pies, and cartons of free-range eggs. A table of handmade teddy bears and bunny rabbits caught Bob’s attention, especially since a rather unlikely looking guy was tending the table. Bob asked, “Are these yours?” “Well, sort of,” he said, “My wife makes them.” He then proceeded to show Bob how they were all jointed, and the bunny’s ears were given their shape by inserting florist wire. The photo I took of him shows a half smile that is mirrored by the Teddy’s own smiles.

New camera in hand, we set out to get photos that I had missed when my camera went belly up on Thursday. A church door was open as we passed and we decided to stop inside for a peek. A couple of older ladies were inside arranging a harvest display of corn stalks, and pumpkins, and tiny crabapples. We asked if they were getting it ready for Thanksgiving Day church service, and they said yes… they do all the decorating for Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. They were particularly excited because "Bishop Sue is coming to give the service." Bishop Sue turns out to be the Right Reverend Susan Elizabeth Moxley. “If you are around tomorrow, please come… especially if you can sing. We’ll put you in the choir.” Calls for a Happy Thanksgiving followed us as we left the white steepled Anglican Church.

We came to a major junction in the road where there was another church, the Saint George and Saint Andrew United Church. Standing in front were four people, two women and two men, holding signs out in front of them. Bob said, “Oh I hope this is what I think it is.” It was. These were peace activists who have been doing this every Saturday morning. There were only four today because this is the Thanksgiving weekend. Usually there are more. As we stood talking with them, cars went by honking their horns in support, people waved, and passersby would signal thumbs up. I will remember this sunny fall day in Annapolis Royal, and these four bright, passionate people with their signs, calling for an end to war. And oh yes, I will remember the homemade pumpkin pie I bought at the Farmer’s Market – the one we devoured the minute we got back to the trailer. Happy Thanksgiving in Canada.
...P. L. Morningstar