Meet Billy: Man's 'Other' Best Friend:

I don't know about you, but I like to eat-- and eat well! So... although I thoroughly enjoy hanging out and playing with dogs, I would say that man's 'other' best friend is a farmer. With food prices going up and the food supply being heavily adulterated, I would recommend highly getting to know your local farmers really well. I have made friends with several farmers in my local area and it gives me great peace of mind to know where my food is coming from. I do grow some of my own food; and I highly recommend that as well. However, you can't know too many farmers. The guy in the picture with me is "Billy." He's been living in my part of town most of his life. He has been farming the land he lives on for many years, and he has some great figs, tomatoes, cucumbers and other delights.

So, how and where do you meet the farmers near you? One good place is at a "farmer's market." A farmer's market is simply a place (indoors or outdoors) where people gather at a scheduled block of time to meet and talk with the farmers (or people representing them), and buy food from them directly. This can be a fun experience. If you have never shopped at a local farmers market, I would suggest doing so sooner than later. I've learned some great things from the farmers I've met (about farming and about many other things as well). I've even had a chance to do some hands-on healing with some of them. It gave me great pleasure to serve those that are feeding me well.

How do you find a farmer's market in your area? Two simple ways would be: to ask around town if such a thing exists; or to do a search on the computer for farmer's markets in your area. If you have no luck, then you may want to start one yourself.

People often ask me:

"Where do you shop? What stores do you buy your food at?"

My reply is usually: I like to shop at Billy's, Scott's, Floyd's, David's or Husein's.

"Where is that? I've never heard of those stores," they reply.

"They are not stores. I buy directly from the farmers," I say.

"Wow, you are so lucky," they often reply.

"It's not luck; it's a choice," I tell them.

As much as possible: GROW YOUR OWN FOOD!!!

As much as possible: Buy local! Eat seasonal! Eat organic!

If more people would do these things, it could vastly improve the health of people and the planet immensely. If you need some help in doing this, make friends with your local farmers.

In loving service,
Dr. SAM