🍌I’ve Gone Bananas! 🍌
My daughter Hailey is a fabulous chef and baker who lives in beautiful Monterey, California. Her banana bread has become a bit of a local legend! Every Tuesday at 4:00 PM, she sets up her booth at the Alvarado Street Farmers Market in downtown Monterey — a lively community event filled with locals, travelers from around the world, and all-around good vibes.
Last week, I went to help her at her booth. As soon as I arrived, she grinned and said, “I brought the banana suit for you!” I remembered the costume — she’d found it at Goodwill months ago, washed it up, and made it look brand new. I’m always up for some fun, so I said yes right away… but inside, I felt a tiny bit nervous (okay, maybe more than a little).
Once the market kicked off, I slipped into the banana suit — and suddenly, the world got brighter! People couldn’t help but smile or laugh as they walked by. Kids squealed, “Hi, Banana!” and parents stopped to snap photos of their little ones posing with me. The joy was contagious — pure, simple happiness everywhere.
Any embarrassment I’d felt disappeared almost instantly. Before I knew it, I was dancing, waving, and fully embracing my inner banana. At one point, a man came to buy banana bread and told us that he and his friends were watching from the restaurant behind our booth. They’d been laughing for ages, enjoying “the banana show” through the window!
So of course, I had to put on a performance. I danced back and forth past the window, striking banana poses, while the people inside burst into laughter. Even the bartender was doubled over! Someone blew me a kiss, and honestly, I felt like the happiest banana on earth.
Driving home that night, I couldn’t stop smiling. Not only had I helped Hailey boost her sales — I’d also spread a little silliness and joy. And maybe, just maybe, I discovered a new side of myself. There’s something freeing about putting on a costume and letting go of self-consciousness. For a moment, I wasn’t “me” — I was just the banana lady, making people laugh.
Who knows? Maybe clown school is in my future! But for now, I’m embracing the banana suit — one dance move at a time.
If you’re ever in Monterey on a Tuesday evening, come say hi! You’ll find us at the Alvarado Street Farmers Market. Look for With Love in Monterey — and maybe a dancing banana spreading smiles. 🍌
