My life has been a bit of a blur lately to the point where I’ve kinda been zipping through the days click after click without really stopping to breath and live in the moment. But I can’t complain, because busy is good. And busy means you’re doing somethin right, right?

Well a few weeks ago I got sent out on assignment by Cafe Magazine to photograph a beloved El Salvadorian food booth at the very popular Hollywood Farmer’s Market. I had to get there by 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning, which meant it would be highly unlikely that I’d have a road dog to travel with. Cheyenne is like a senior citizen trapped in a 14-year-old’s body and LOVES to sleep, LOL. And well, my dear husband Tommy doesn’t acknowledge anything, anyone or any movement earlier than 9 a.m. … if he doesn’t have to. But despite their “allergies” to early mornings, I begged em both to come with me and even bribed Chey with a $20 bill hahaha. But apparently she’s recession-proof, because I didn’t get any bites. 🙂 In fact, all I got were mumbles from both, a pair of turned backs and covers pulled over their heads. So yep, camera bag packed and on 4 hours of sleep, I headed out to Hollywood solo!

Since it was my first time there, I took a few wrong turns before I found my booth. But in essence that was a blessing …

I’ve been to many farmer’s markets in the past but on this bright Sunday morning, everything looked different to me.

The flowers seemed a little brighter and more vibrant. The berries looked especially luscious and delicious. And every texture, layer and surface of fruits, veggies, beans, plants and crafts found a way to dazzle me.

In my own silence, everything was clearer, more facscinating, more beautiful, more impressive and … I loved it.

I heard every small conversation between mother and child, noticed sincere thank you’s from vendor to customer, appreciated every gracious smile that was sent my way, and inhaled every delightful waft of cuisine from every corner of the world.

In that 30 minute walk through the Farmer’s Market with a camera hanging from my neck and the sun in my eyes, I fell in love with life and all its vibrant beauty.

In my own silence without conversation or companionship, I saw, heard, tasted, touched and felt life like it was the first time. I rediscovered “the moment” all alone and honestly, I can’t wait to do it again …