market day

Today Maddi and I woke up, grabbed the market cart and headed to the downtown Farmer's Market.  It was rainy and a little chilly, but that certainly didn't keep the crowds away.  The vendors are full of fresh spring veggies and beautiful flowers.  The smells of hot skillets full of breakfast goodness wafted through the air as we made our way down the middle of the court. 

new t-shirt, apron, goat cheese (chive feta, roasted red pepper and chipotle chevre), eggs (not pictured) and pak choi from BGF, and finally; radishes, spinach, onions and carrots from another vendor (oops, forgot to take notice of name)

After getting soaked by the rain, Maddi and I scooted up close to some buildings for shelter and were pleasantly surprised to find Market Days had moved! (inside the Kirkwood Hotel Building for local folks - across from Farm Boys Breakfast Burritos)  

Mads and I skipped into the building and enjoyed browsing the 20+ artisan booths.  I wish I could put into words the fabulousity of the creative ideas on display for sale in this building.  You simply must visit if you are in town and check it out for yourself. 

Remember this photo from last year?:

Just the most awshumness costume e-v-e-r!!!!  Mads and I walked over to a booth and after looking at the artist's creations, I just had to ask her if she was the woman behind the granny square monster creation . . . . YES!

May I introduce Meg Corcoran of scribblenest (the beautiful lady in black)

I absolutely love meeting and chatting with these one-of-a-kind artists.  I told Meg I wanted to spend a couple of days just hanging out in her brain so I feel what it was like to be so creative.  She laughed and told me it would be nice to have the company ;)

I have to admit, I was not completely in the mood to go shopping with my girl today.  Once I caffeine'd up and got in the car my spirits lifted.  Maddi started talking about how excited she was to see all the booths so she could get inspiration for new ideas.  Hanging out with Maddi is like a big blast of sunshine . . . . . you can't help but smile, nod and play along.  I am grateful to have spent the day browsing, buying, laughing, skipping and road-tripping along with my Maddi girl.

good friday

Keeping on track with the 'good friday' posts certainly make me realize just how fast the week passes!  This week was no exception with the school year winding down and the Alaska trip inching closer and closer.  So many things and moments for which to be grateful.

1.  This springy week has brought the buds and blossoms out in full bloom.  Not only are things 'greening up' around here, but the moderate temps have allowed us to open our windows and have fresh air blowing throughout the house.  The stale and musty smells of winter wafted out the windows as the smells of fresh cut grass whispered in through the screens.

2.  The energy of the air in the house energized me to do some spring-like cleaning and organizing.  Not a full-fledged bleach fest, but a dusting off and re-arranging sort of cleaning event.  I even made an appointment to clean up myself by making an appointment to get my locks prettied up.

3.  I am sooooooo excited the Des Moines Farmer's Market opening day is set for tomorrow morning!!!!  I realize this is a gratitude statement made for a future event, but I say it fits because I have been waiting ALL WINTER for it's return.  I will be up at 6am and at the ready with my shopping cart and travel buddy (Ellie) to be one of the first of thousands who will shop the market.  Woo-To-The-Hoo!!!



Who knows what kind of fun we can get ourselves into THIS year!

Happy and GOOD FRIDAY to everyone!  What are you grateful for?