October 16th 2008

The Norwich Farmers Market - Vermont

I like to explain my interests in life as a search for the genuine article. A quest for authenticity. This passion for the “real deal” has contributed to Anichini’s reputation as having the best of the best, with an emphasis on hand crafted traditional textiles.

Having said that, my quest extends beyond textiles into many areas. One of them is food and food production. I am a member of the Slow Food movement. Carlo Petrini, it’s founder, is a personal hero. His revelation in 1986 was the spark that launched a new awareness of food around the world; how we grow, prepare and share it. I have often suggested that Anichini could be defined as part of a Slow Textiles movement; in opposition and contrast to chemically produced disposable textiles.

Like food, there are many “endangered species” of textile production that we seek out and support. I live in Vermont where there are many people who share these ideals. This past weekend I visited the local Norwich farmers market which was overflowing with beautiful fresh food, all produced within a small radius of the market. Marketplaces are the same the world over; they are the epicenter of the community. Wherever I travel, I always try to visit the local market to experience what is unique to that place.

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01/14/2009 kumari said:

I share your quest for the authentic, the "real deal" so to speak. It has mostly centered on the spiritual realms, finding the "real" in teachers and teachings, ones that could help you experience for yourself the exalted states, not merely speak of lofty concepts. The deeper i go inside, the more essence I can extract from the basics of life, nourishing food, lovely gardens, a walk up a mountain road, a deep conversation. All these you shared with me ...the simple everyday pleasures, like visiting the beekeeper and other local artists and farmers at Norwich, have become the fondest of memories and the yardstick by which i measure my own sincere old fashioned style "neighborliness." I am in deepest gratitude to you, Susan and all who are dedicated to the search for authenticity in all we encounter.

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