I’ve always felt life was too short to live a single, boring day. I’ve worked hard for most of my life to date, but have also learned that work will always be there. Time however, will not and it can be easy to turn several “somedays” into never. So about once a month, I go through my bucket list (that is ever growing) and make a commitment to check a few off. 

For one, I’ve always wanted to walk the streets at sunrise, before most people are awake and head to a farmer’s market right when it opens. It’s the time of day where chefs are sweeping through the market, the produce is the freshest, and flowers are most abundantly available. It’s the time of day when you can witness and feel the awakening of the city from a quiet, soothing hum to a buzz, coming to life.

I picked up an assortment of fresh flowers at the market. There’s something I love about farmer’s market flowers that are perfectly wild, whimsical, and unlike the manicured bouquets we find at grocery stores. And oh the smells. Sweet, soft fragrances of newly cut blooms in the morning and a friendly face at the stall.

After I first saw some of Diego Rivera’s paintings as a child, I’ve always wanted to fill a backpack basket full of flowers. Two bucket list items, check!

I also picked up some tender kale, spinach, butter lettuce, mustard greens, and bok choy. So excited to cook up some fresh greens! 

I leisurely walked all the way home, passing by a clear view of city hall along the way. Taking in the fresh air, I welcomed the exercise and let my mind be still and free. I let my jittery thoughts settle and my limbs relax into a complete grounding peace that cradled and recharged my soul.