Today’s Mother’s Day Market in Stittsville was a delightful mishmash of activity – a sprinkle of customers here, a dash of quiet there. To combat the lulls, I found myself gravitating towards the other vendors, each one a colorful character with tales to tell and goods to sell.

First up was Julie, a knitting dynamo on a mission. After losing her daughter to Leukemia, she channeled her grief into creating the softest blankets and cutest cuddle toys you’ve ever seen. Despite her six feline helpers causing chaos with her wool, Julie’s creations were a ray of sunshine in the market’s quiet moments. I snagged a lucky ladybug, a vibrant crimson with black polka dots for my niece’s soon-to-be-arriving baby, a symbol of hope amidst the stalls. Julie donates her profits to childhood cancer research.

Later in the morning I walked down the aisle and encountered two young women who were proudly marketing their assortment of bread, bagel’s, scones and even pies. I was unable to resist the call of the apple pie.

After a bustling lunch rush, I ventured towards a mysterious author with a penchant for true crime tales. With 10 books under his belt, he regaled me with stories of Ottawa Valley intrigue. His promise of bedtime reading material with easily-readable font had me hooked, and I vowed to add his works to my collection once I finished my current series.

My final stop led me to a dynamic duo selling all-natural body products inspired by their African roots. Hailing from Kenya and Nigeria, their love story was as sweet as their scrubs and creams. Despite their language barrier, their laughter and love shone through in their products.

The Mother’s Day Market may have been a bit scattered, but the eclectic mix of vendors and their stories made for a truly memorable experience.