A day at the market

By Peter A. Morris

The place to be on a sunny Saturday!  I had thought this might be the place to promote my book All At Sea and so had sent a copy to the committee that approves items sold in the Market. I was pleased when it was approved and so, on Saturday May 12^th I arrived at 8.30 am to set up my little display. Most of the other vendors were set up and soon, so was I. What to expect? This was my first experience at being a 'seller' at a market and I was feeling a little lost and wondering how the next six hours were going to go. Some people were wandering around, whilst other were headed for the produce stands where beautiful-looking vegetables were available, then the food and bread smells started to waft around making my mouth water.

I spent an hour or so wondering if this was the right place to be promoting a book about some of my adventures during a lifetime at sea. A few people glanced at my table then quickly passed on.

As the morning wore on more and more people were stopping, looking and asking questions, then I sold a book! It was to a gentleman who was off a cruise ship and with many others had chosen to include the Market on a tour listed by the ship's list of things to do whilst in Victoria. It was his last destination before Vancouver where he and his family would disembark.

That was the start of a fairly steady flow of people interested in my book, and the sharing of stories of their relatives and friends who had also been at sea either in the Royal, Canadian or Merchant Navy. Or perhaps like me, had been a 'sea bum' going from sail boats to cargo ships to freighters - in fact anywhere that provided an opportunity to be on the water. I don't remember who said it but the remark that "the worst day at sea is better than the best day ashore" was never more applicable than it was to me!

Then a young lady who was looking at the enlarged poster of the book's cover and reading of some of my adventures said, "Perfect. I have been wondering what to get for my Dad for his birthday. He was a sailor and he is going to love these stories!" Another book sold.

Then there was the gentleman who told me about the new sailboat he had recently purchased and was busy getting fixed up, something I could really relate to, as getting boats and ships 'fixed up' and ready to go had been a big part of my life. He went on to tell me about his old 32-foot wooden 'Folkboat' he had for sale 'cheap' at the Oak Bay Marina. Built in 1933 made it a year younger than me and still ready to go to sea, anywhere! Another book gone. Then another. I was starting to feel at home in the Market, enjoying many good conversations with a variety of people.

By this time, I was getting hungry and had my mind set on the stall of the lady who prepared East Indian food and has been a regular at J.B.M. I was not disappointed and had the most delicious curried dish I had enjoyed for years; it was difficult to stop eating! I asked if she did take-out and she promised that would be available next week, I assured her, I would be there!

Then there was the beautiful young lady in the wheelchair with her companion, a young gentleman, and between the two was such an energy of love and caring it was like a ray of light that even dimmed the sunshine. He showed her the book and I explained some of the stories to her and he then asked her if it was something she would like to read. He gave me the book and said "Sold!" As I looked into this lady's eyes which, apart from slight movement of her lips were the only parts of her that were capable of movement, I saw the depth of love and feeling, and I sent her all the spiritual healing and love I could muster. A slight movement of her lips said, "Thank you."

The tears were in my eyes, having been blessed with seeing and feeling the Great Spirit's love and healing. It is so easy to forget the energy that surrounds us, everywhere.

The 91-year-old gentleman looking very sprightly and well-dressed, was wearing a sharp cap which sported a badge showing a Spitfire, the well-known British fighter which helped save England in the second world war. I remarked on this and he told me that he piloted these aircraft. I shook his hand and thanked him for saving my life and those of many more during those drastic times. I also told him that my brother, eight years older than me, also flew Spitfires during the conflict.

Bread, beautiful clothing, beads, great music and a lineup of dogs waiting to taste the organic dog food! A selection of flowers, jewelry of all kinds, pies and puddings - great products! If you have never visited J.B.M. do it soon, but a word of warning - take a larger bag than you planned, or you won't have enough room! And be ready for an experience you were not expecting!