Appreciating Local

Photos courtesy of: http://www.easternmarket-dc.org/

For the first time this past Sunday, I visited the Eastern Market located in Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The Eastern Market is composed of local vendors, crafters, artists, and foodies. You can find anything from hand-crafted jewelry, soap, and chocolate to homemade empanadas and exotic cheeses. I love exploring markets like the Eastern Market because they are full of interesting people with creative and inspiring ideas. And perhaps more importantly, people who have put their ideas into action.

The other thing I loved about visiting the market is all the great people watching. It's a place where people from all different backgrounds and walks of life come together - which makes for great entertainment.

In a place like northern Virginia, where life is a little faster and everyone is trying to keep up with the Jones', it's refreshing to see there are people who still find a way to follow their own path and try something new. Their ability to create something with their own hands along with the passion and excitement they have for what they do, is inspiring. Wherever you go and wherever you live, there are some truly spectacular things to be discovered in each community. This is the beauty of local - celebrating the goodness and people that surround you.

Here is an artist who caught my eye.

Artist: Andrea Haffner Studio

About: Andrea Haffner collects, dissects, and rebuilds natural materials found during her wanderings both in California where she currently resides and other parts of the world. She then casts her compositions into sterling silver cases using clear and pigmented resins. Each piece is one-of-a-kind.

Web Address: www.andreahaffner.com

Thank you for reading this week's A Life Inspired!

Sincerely,

Lauren

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then, go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman