I realize that what I say won't make it better, but, guess what? No matter what economic situation you are in, here in the US, we are all hit hard. Honestly, it is a nightmare some weeks as we depend on shipping for the goods to get here. It is winter, so our farmers' markets are mostly closed and we have trouble right now with trucking and shipping, so we all shop at the same place. I honestly feel your pain. I hope things get better for you.

I want to thank you for being a part of the #MarketFriday Challenge. I have personally found there is always so much to learn about people, where they live, and how things are done in different parts of the world. For me, reaching out across the globe and learning about different cultures through their markets, especially local markets and farmers' markets, has been such a rewarding experience. We have become a melting pot of culture, but, it is still the rituals, festivals, food, architecture, even your language/languages that separate us... and what is normal for us? There are unwritten rules that rule our social behaviors. I see this as allowing for increased tolerance between cultures and nations, and opportunities to come together on an even playing ground. I have learned so much about all of you and it has been an amazing experience. We do differ in many ways, which makes us interesting and unique, but, there are many ways in which are so much alike.

Fridays are all about the #MarketFriday Challenge! Looking to take part in it? Here is how:

Rules of the Road to Join #MarketFriday!

1. Go to the market, or anywhere that you pay money for a service.
   Take pictures! Be creative!
2. Tell us a little bit about the market or the event. What brought you there? What did you buy? How much did it cost?
3. Post the picture(s) Of course, you should tell a little bit about the ones you post
4. Use the MarketFriday Community Platform to post #hive-196308 (this is not required, but appreciated)
   5. Drop the link into the MarketFriday comment section so I can find it
5. Following me and reblogging the post so more see it would be appreciated !! Not a rule, just appreciated, more vision for more views on your posts!
   7. You must put #MarketFriday by @dswigle somewhere on your post. If you don't and someone reads it, there is nothing to tie #MarketFriday to that post.
6. Please only one post each week. Believe it not, I run out of voting power if you put in many more than that.

As always, please remember! #MarketFriday loves you!

Upped and reposted