I Voted Sticker

 To start off I wanted to follow up on yesterdays post: I went ahead and voted, and also I wanted to say another thanks to those who supported me (even if I did not know it) yesterday -- I had a procedure and things went better than expected so yay!  Only downside -- still not able to pin down why my health is at perhaps the second worst low. Oh well!

TODAY - So as usual I went to the farmers market and of course I took my handy bag that I bought a while back from Alyssa (she has a fun ESTY page that changes depending on what artistic phase she has going on -- I love the graphic patterns on this bag and blue and green are two of my favorite colors plus it is so comfy to use!)

Today a new food stand joined the market -- I did not get a very good photo, can you guess just from the flavors? Either Potato and Cheese or Spinach and Cheese (fresh or frozen)? No?

Added to the "hot food" (as I think of it) end of the farmers market a new home made fresh perogi cart joined the "family" -- perogis are basically dough with pretty much any stuffing you want in them.  I picked their Spinach and Cheese, the lady put them into the boiling water thing (sorry, not good with food cart/truck/booth technical terms!) and a few minutes later was eating seven fresh hot perogis for only $5

I also stopped briefly by my two "usuals" and got more fresh squeezed pomegranate juice and a few fresh croissants! Had fun!

Vote (and pray)

"VOTE - It's a matter of life or muerte!"
[muerte means "death" for those who do not know Spanish]
(Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead comic strip clipping from a paper)

One of two: Go out and vote today -- presidential elections only come once every four years!

Two of two: If you have a minute please send some positive thoughts/prayers my way today. Everything should be fine but I am having a quick(ish?) procedure today and then have to wait for the results to see if I have bad news or my health is...stable? Dislike having to wait -- extra thanks to L and A for helping me feel as ready as I am going to get!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (November 5th)

 "If I'm honest, I have to tell you I still read fairy-tales and I like them best of all." ~Audrey Hepburn

I have not been reading fairy-tales recently (although I did some of that while my godson and his twin sister were visiting this past summer -- sometimes just reading to myself and not them!)... I have, however, been reading many fiction and historical fiction books. My current favorite historical fiction author is Philippa Gregory -- I usually focus on King Henry VIII of England (and his three children) -- however there are "new" books of hers that are set before Henry Tudor ruled England.  This week I read, for the first time, "The Kingmaker's Daughter" and found it quite interesting.

I found it tied in very well with two other books she has written (and that I own -- the one above is currently borrowed from the local library) "The Lady Of The Rivers" and "The White Queen."  After skimming parts of the "older" two books, I think I like this recent read the best.  That is primarily due to the fact that I feel I grasped the history (well, fictional history) and that "The Kingmaker's Daughter" was a different perspective on the same situation.  This is a trilogy I would recommend, although if you are not interested in the time period (or historical fiction!) you may find these three books a bit daunting, particularly because they are not short books.  Hope everyone has a good week!

Fun With Cake

I absolutely have a sweet tooth (although with all foods I can be picky) -- and so this image I found online showing various cakes that were created to look like something else caught my attention! Unfortunately there was not a description/page that I could locate, only this image, yet there are utensils in three of the four images so I assume they are all on the smaller side.  I am not sure what is layered in the pink couch cake, but I know I love both red velvet (the grey camera) and chocolate (the flowerpots)... Although again, my finickiness comes into play because if the chocolate is laced with mint or coffee at all I would not eat it. Am not quite sure what the final one is, but in my opinion there are two cupcake sized cakes made to look like mugs of hot chocolate with marshmallows sitting on top. Also unsure about the cake inside. I enjoy both sweets and salty snacks -- yet I very much dislike anything too spicy/hot/peppery and I usually avoid everything sour.  Not really sure where this particular post was headed, but apparently it is surrounding my taste buds?  Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! Time to get back to reading my current book!  :)

Grief

"Grief is NOT a disorder, a disease, or sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical, and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve"

This image I found online and there are just so many different ways this quote can be applied to so many different lives.  Everyone grieves in their own way and I just wanted to say that no matter where I am in my personal journey that is life -- I am here for you.  "You" means everyone - whether I know you or not, whatever the situation is or was, if I can lend a shoulder or listen....

Sometimes I think we might just need to know that we are not alone? On our on paths, yes. Yet there is always a bigger picture.  If we keep our stories to ourselves or share them, if we turn our thoughts/feelings into actions (ie gatherings, walks, artwork, etc)... There are always prayers/hopes/fairy dust/wishes/candles being lit/etc for any and all who need to be supported, whether asked for or not.

(This past week had Dia de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead/All Saints Day/All Souls Day - many memories of my own and I know everyone has their own)

DWTS and Farmers Market

Coming to the end of an up and down week...

Spent six hours on Monday being part of the live audience for DWTS (Dancing With The Stars) -- this current season is their first ever "All Stars" and my mom and I were invited by a family friend to go for free which was great!  Not only was it my first taping experience, the two of us have often watched the show over the past few years, and I grew up on/love Christmas and Country music -- randomly ended up being Country night!!! So great to know most of the songs, see Taylor Swift live for the first time, and watch the top eight All Stars dance!! (For those who avoid the show at all costs, the all stars were gathered from winners of past seasons, picked from top three, and a few past fan favorites.  The show is perhaps halfway over now?)  Anyway, it was a fun time -- aside from the fact it turned out to be too long of a day for my body. Dislike. So Monday night through Wednesday I spent with meds, in pjs, and just re-adjusting.  It was worth it though so that is great!

Wednesday evening is our local farmers market and although I did not take tons of photos, I did get three to share with you!

 This first photo is of freshly squeezed (pressed??) pomegranate juice!  I got the medium sized (about the size of a regular water bottle) for only six dollars and considering how tart the juice turned out to be, I think it is one of my new favorites! (I have however, mixed one part water for three parts juice -- it tastes much better to me).  Pretty sure I will be looking for this vendor every Wednesday I can!

 Okay, now these taste great (I tend to prefer fruit that is less "grainy" -- not sure how to describe that so I guess I will not try)... I forgot to take a photo of the name of these fruits!  I believe they are something crossed with red plums, and they are to be eaten when they are more on the "hard" side.  Possibly getting more soon.

And finally my favorite treat -- croissants!! Both plain and chocolate this week

Life is like a piano