Market Updates and more...

Hi guys,

Busy times going on around here. We've been doing the Tues and Sat markets now since the beginning of June. The best one is the Tues night market- it has a great young vibe and people usually come hungry! We have a lot of repeat customers coming back now and a lot of people that I recognize which is super cool. So many people are excited about this food which is really motivating and pushing me to go on. I have been learning a lot from Wejdan and I feel like my cooking has improved, I have tweeked a lot of recipes and I am more comfortable in the kitchen. It is a TON of work though and it would be so much better if we didn't have to lug all the stuff back and forth to the kitchen and the markets. It's so fun to hear compliments about the food and EVERYONE has been asking when are we opening a restaurant? Its even to the point of annoying cause its like OK just enjoy this food for right now. I think we have said "we just are at the markets for right now" at least 1000 times but that's OK cause people are really interested in what we are doing. Well, I cannot answer that question right now. I am doing a lot of praying about what direction to go with this so I guess we'll all just see. All I can say is that I really enjoying this and it feels good just to work on something of your own.

My mom and Wejdan are leaving in less then 10 days and I will be ON MY OWN with all of this. Its overwhelming but I said I was going to do it whether she came or not so I am going to do it. My biggest concern is the kids- when I am cooking and hauling all this stuff. I will have to downsize some of the things I bring and cook. I am thinking of continuing on with some catering part time- I have a few places that I think could present some opportunities. I will have more time when the kiddos go back to school. Here are some pics of the market:

In Livingston Wed. night:

Getting ready Sat. morning at the fairgrounds:

Dolma!

Here are some thoughts while I was walking today- complete faith- complete faith is being able to put all your plans, hopes and dreams into God's hands. He created us- living complicated beings and the world around us- so can you trust him enough to take care of your worries and plans? "God will perfect that which concerns me"

It's Tues

I couldn't think of a title for this post so "It's Tues"! Every night I look out the large windows in my family room before I go to bed and on most nights I can see all the stars. That was one of the biggest differences I noticed when I first moved here- how clear the stars are and how many more you can see. It is awesome- I was never interested in astrology in OH because its so hard to see the stars. The past few night I have seen the "W" constellation so clearly so I just looked it up and its called Cassiopeia. I should go get a night sky guide because I recognize so many stars but I don't know their names.

I think we have been getting into a routine with the market preparations. Wejdan has been making her "pies" spinach-feta, zataar, and sambosa which a filled with a veggie mix. I have been making the hummus, baba ganooj, couscous salad, and we have both been chopping parsley for the tabouli salad. Plus we just added baklava which sold out the first hour tonight. So here is the deal- I think she is leaving soon so its just gonna be me! I am a little scared but I know God will work it all out.

I was driving today and started to get tears in my eyes. I was going back to pick up my stuff from the market and as I pulled out of the park the orchestra was playing, some kids were riding bikes, the wind was blowing, the sun was shining, and in that moment I felt truly truly blessed. I don't know where this business is going- I want it to continue- but I do know I am already blessed. Thanks God