I guess I'm always game for an adventure! 

Several weeks ago I had this crazy idea: “Why don't we have a booth at the Farmer's Market in Town Square?  We could sell embroidered dish towels, jams and jellies, crocheted items, etc.”  I further thought that such a venture would be a good way to get St. Anne’s’ name out in the community more, as Sr. Elaine likes to say, it would be good PR. 
 
After talking it over with Sr. Rebecca, who to my surprise endorsed the idea, I completed the application form. 
 
I went on with my summer, with all this in the back of my mind.
 
Shortly before leaving for my home visit, I got word that our application had been approved: we could be a vendor at the Town Square Farmers’ Market. 
 
After coming back to Grand Forks last Sunday, I began to pursue this more, and we decided that the coming weekend would be as good a time as any to try it out.  After all, produce was coming into season, which would bring plenty of potential customers.  I might even find some good garden fresh beets to bring home!
 
This past week, then, I worked hard, making jam, gathering and pricing items, and making signs for the big day. 
 
Two of our apartment residents, who had been frequenting the market this summer, offered to come and help. 
 
So it was that yesterday morning, with the van loaded up, I went downtown and set up our booth.  The resident volunteers joined me a little while later for a couple of hours. 
 
Everything went pretty well, and last evening, as I worked the front desk, I tallied the proceeds, and put unsold items back in our gift cases. 
 
This morning, I needed to be at the front desk by 7 a.m., so I set up for Mass beforehand. It took longer than it should have, though, since I was dragging still from the day before, and also because I hadn’t been there yesterday morning to change things over for Sunday. 
 
I made it, however, and here I am, working my shift. 
 
I was asked yesterday if I thought I would do it (got to market) again.  I responded, “I don’t know…Not tomorrow anyhow!” 
.

Over a week ago, I left for the Twin Cities to visit my family there.  Extenuating circumstances had led to an earlier departure than planned (with a consequent crazy evening of decision making, packing, and preparation).

Catching a ride with a friend of a friend ended up being delightful.  We both work in related fields and share an interest in the Spanish language.  These among other commonalities, were unknown before we got in the car together.  We ended up talking about our work and attending a Spanish Mass together near St. Cloud (again, unplanned).

I really felt blessed!

My week with my mom and siblings held blessings of its own.  I got to see a number of relatives and old friends.  We also spent one day at our friends' farm about an hour south. 
 
That was certainly a highlight. 

Along with the chance to visit, walk, and bike, other happenings included a short trip to Stillwater and a walk to Wisconsin (across the St. Croix) and a tour of the historically significant St. Anthony Falls (which I had never been to before). 
 
An added bonus was the chance to meet up our cousin, who I hadn’t seen for about twenty years.

It was such a blessing to have this time.  It gave me some fresh perspective, and a needed break. 

I am grateful to those who filled in for me back at St. Anne’s, making this home visit possible.

As I hit the ground running now, working the evening shift at the reception desk as I start a new week at work, I would appreciate your continued prayers.

Today’s feast of St. Alphonsus Ligouri, together with a book I just finished about St. Margaret Mary, has brought a beautiful prayer, written by the former, to my mind of late.
 
I first learned it as a high school or college student, when our pastor began promoting First Friday devotions.  He would lead us in this prayer. 
 
You may be familiar with it, and, if not I’d like to introduce you to a beautiful treasure:
 
Most sweet Jesus,
Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before You.
We are Yours, and Yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with You, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Your Most Sacred Heart.
Many indeed have never known You; many, too, despising Your precepts, have rejected You.
Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your Sacred Heart.
Be King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken You, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned You; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house,
lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.
Be King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof,
and call them back to the harbor of truth and the unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd.
Grant, O Lord, to Your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give tranquility of order to all nations; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor for ever.
Amen.
 
In writing this, I wonder, if more people would undertake a heartfelt recitation of this prayer with some frequency, how might our world change? 
 
I guess we (you and I) can start with ourselves! 
 
We never know how our small efforts, united with the Sacred Heart, might impact the lives of others.  These efforts  by our above-mentioned pastor’s certainly made an impact on me, which continues to this day.