I prefer doing things with my husband. He’s my best friend, and everything is more fun done together. He’s my body guard, and more than once has stopped me from potentially doing something stupid.  And we each have unspoken “jobs” around the house. But, of course, as you can guess… when he goes out on the road, I have to step up and fill in the space left in his absence.

Like, yesterday, I mowed the lawn. I don’t mind mowing the lawn! I used to do it when I lived with my parents, and I have taken my turn pushing the mower at our old house. But since moving to our new house, I’ve not done the lawn. (Partly due to that sinus infection I found for what felt like forever.) However, due to the rainy days, followed by a long run on the road for my husband, I found myself staring at a brief window of sunshine and a lawn that despirately needed to be mowed.

So I did it. And it looks damn good, if I do say so myself! I was super proud of myself, even as I stood panting, pouring water over my head to cool down. I can do it on my own!

Then today, I read on Nashvillest about it being Night Market at the Nashville Farmers Market.  First, I pouted. My husband wasn’t home to go, so I couldn’t go. My best girl friends aren’t here. My mom isn’t here. What fun would it be to go alone, anyway?

Then I did a little re-think. Who said I couldn’t go? Who said it wouldn’t be fun to go alone?

I found myself getting into the shower. I found myself drying my hair carefully. I found myself getting dressed and putting on make-up. It was like someone else had possessed my body. I was going to do this. I was going to go to the Farmers Market alone.

I jumped in the truck, and I went to the ATM. I figured cash would keep me from spending too much money. Plus, I just don’t like using a debit card in a place like the Farmers Market. Takes too long and just too many people around to get something screwed up.

When I got to the Farmers Market, I was AMAZED. The parking lot was almost full! Night Market was obviously popular!

I did a full walk-through, first. Plotting my attack to the night, and just getting a feel for what I had at my disposal. I started with dinner. Seafood pies, a Dr Pepper, and a jazz band. It was a beautiful thing. I thought about picking up dessert, but the cupcakes I wanted only came in packages of six (or so their sign said), and I only wanted ONE. So I decided to move on to the Farm Shed. So many beautiful, beautiful fruits and vegetables!

I am all about lots of color on my plate these days, and it was almost sensory overload. I was in a version of heaven!

One booth was offering samples of their cantaloupe, so I decided to do the majority of shopping with them. Garlic, squash, corn, and local honey from them. Peaches from another vendor. Then the smell sucked me in, and I grabbed three bags of Kettle Corn from Moose Head Kettle Corn.

Dinner plus all my goodies cost me only $28!

It was such a beautiful night, I found myself being beckoned to Bicentennial Mall next door. Signs said to enjoy the park with a friend, which I was clearly breaking their rule (and what is usually my OWN rule as well!) but the high number of people in the park at that time gave me a sense of security.

A gentleman approached and asked if he could take my picture, then gave me a link to his website where he is doing a photo project of people in the park. He showed me his photos and they are GOOD! I can’t wait to see my mug make it on his page. Always happy to help a fellow shutterbug.

I walked around the park until I worked up a sweat and my feet were starting to complain. I breathed the night air in deep, and I said a little Thank You to the man upstairs for putting me in such a beautiful location on such a beautiful night. I love my city, and I need to stop letting my own fear of danger hold me back. I need to trust my instincts and ability to be alert to whats around me… I CAN go on my own and enjoy my world. I should do it a lot more often.

I WILL do it more often.