Rudyard Kipling

Today is #MarketFriday initiated by Hive account@dswigle (Denise, that's me!!) Join me as we share our markets across the globe. I always look forward to seeing what you send me! It is amazing to see the different markets and cultures of our friends here on steemit. I have been pleasured by all of you, as you send in the most wonderful posts. Going places, doing things, buying merchandise. I have been surprised by many, not being familiar with the culture and I must say that it has been such an educational experience for me in so many ways and I hope for you also. This week, I went to the local nursery to buy flowers! It is that time of year again! My favorite time! Time to plant the garden!

Have you got your garden or pots started?

This is my local nursery. It goes on for almost forever, but, also had an area that is covered. It is privately owned and operated by an exceptionally nice family. They actually have three stores in the Washington, DC area and I chose the one closest to me today. Not because it is the closest, but, because they have the most variety, always! The people they employ there are very knowledgable and have taught me much useful information regarding my gardens, two of the employees teach me photography tricks and one girl gives me tips on life. (Some are pretty good too!) So, it is really a one-stop shop of sorts.

I love the geranium, especially the Ivy variety. Whereas the regular geraniums grow tall and upright, the Ivy Geranium hangs down and makes for a lovely sight. The regular geranium has soft leaves and the Ivy have a smaller and waxy/shiny leaf. I love planting them in window pots for the sills and let them grow long all summer long. They are a beautiful site.

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One of my favorite spring flowers. I have several places where they are coming up, but, one got stomped to death last fall when work was being performed in the garden. Oh, my bleeding, bleeding heart! I bought this one to take its place.

If you were looking for herbs, they were 50% off. I had started a few from seed, but, I needed more chives and thyme. The rest of them, I had already started a while back. So now I was complete. Has anyone noticed how expensive herbs and spices have gotten??

I didn't buy any, but they had a major selection of statues and this little guy kept trying to make me put it in the cart. Oh, he begged, I swear it!! Maybe next time!

Pansies in a basket

They had so many statues, in all different kinds. I know!!!!! Who could resist this cute little dog? His eyes said take me home! I know I could have found the best spot for him, but, I have already gotten several pieces for the yard... I didn't want to be THAT yard that had the overabundant collection going on!

Dianthus aka Sweet William

Columbine

And just like that, my shopping is done. Until next time! I hope you had fun and maybe next time, we will get a few more plants to fill in the spaces. As always, I want to thank you for taking the time to visit #MarketFriday!! Have a most fabulous day!

Double Pleat Blackberry Columbine

I have actually never seen this, nor even heard of it! It is a perennial (I went to the perennial house, they keep their annual flowers and perennials separate. I was very excited to see these and when I collect the seeds at the end of the season, I will be sending my sisters both some. I love the unusual shape of them! I want to thank you for coming with me! I had a lot of fun and although I took pictures inside (Yes, there is more neat stuff inside! We will save that for another day, I have taken up a lot of your time already!!! Thank you!

I have been discovering new places, some right in my own area! This week, I discovered a new farmers market that will be a walkable distance! I find that super exciting! I love to share and be shared with! I am intrigued by different cultures. It is exciting and yes! I would love to see yours! Don't forget to take photos wherever you happen to be shopping - whether it be the grocery store, the local marketplace or even an art gallery, a kite festival or a cherry blossom festival! Wherever money is exchanged for a service or for merchandise. Be different if you wish! It does not have to be a traditional market! We will love it! I promise you! Don't forget to use the hashtag #MarketFriday and Hive account@dswigle.

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Thank you for visiting my post 💖 Because of you, I come back to post, again and again, I am encouraged by you, for the time you take to visit, comment or even upvote. For all of these reasons, I am eternally grateful. Don't ever forget what a wonderful world we live in, people. Let's hold hands around the globe and make this earth really spin. Some days, it is not as easy to see, how wonderful it really is. Kindness counts. Wherever you go, whatever you do.

I always post this poem down at the bottom of my posts. It is one that has become so near and dear to my heart. I only post the most famous part of it, but, wanted to post it in its entirety today.

they set my aunts house on fire
i cried the way women on tv do
folding at the middle
like a five pound note.
i called the boy who use to love me
tried to ‘okay’ my voice
i said hello
he said warsan, what’s wrong, what’s happened?

i’ve been praying,
and these are what my prayers look like;
dear god
i come from two countries
one is thirsty
the other is on fire
both need water.

later that night
i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world
and whispered,
"where does it hurt?"
it answered,

"everywhere"
"everywhere"
"everywhere"

warsan shire

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