Winter Thoughts and Reflections

How can one be more self-sufficient? It’s a question that I’ve been mulling ever since our pastor in Oregon preached, “Get out of Babylon.” A question that has since commanded many of my actions and decisions.

We are no longer a military family and moving from place to place doesn’t loom on the horizon in four year increments. And while it was fun to discover new places and people, the past few years had set in a sense of urgency to get out of Babylon. Our goal is to eventually live remotely off the grid. The perpetual state of impermanence of military life had prevented us from pursuing a such projects that get us closer to that goal. And this dream of a sustainable homestead takes time, care, and attention - characteristics completely at odds with military life.

But at long last, Florida marks the final chapter in our nomadic lifestyle. A new season of life is within grasp and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s certainly a strange thought to know that we can choose any state we want, any city we want, and no one is there to tell us otherwise. While Florida is beautiful, it’s not where my heart lies. Whether north or south, east or west, I do not yet know. But prayerfully out west with dry summers, genuine seasons, and snow.

Thank you for following this journey. I hope to share with you the things I learn along the way. Supporting my work means more than you know. 

Introducing Meadows Book Club

 

 
I strive to live offline as much as possible and I am a firm believer that, while useful, the internet will tarnish the mind if left unchecked. In an effort to step away from the screen, a new goal of mine is to read more. And what’s a better way than to share what I’ve read than with an informal book club?

I firmly believe that a meadow is one of the finest places to enjoy a good book – thus the inspiration behind the name. Meadows in all their beauty is where one can find solitude whilst surrounded by the peaceful embrace of nature. The warmth of the sun on the skin, soft breeze, and rustling of grasses. It’s a glimpse of heaven on earth.

There are no dates and deadlines. And I have no desire nor the time to create study questions and collect homework. Meadows is merely an encouragement to read something worthwhile.

Meadows will almost entirely consist of classic books. Those close to me know that old books hold a special place in my heart. I have an immense appreciation for letter pressed pages and typography of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And more often than I care to admit, I will comb through antique stores and resale websites searching for a well-kept copy of an interesting classic. I crave a life in another era and while God placed me here for such a time as this, a good classic allows me to transport myself back – if only for a little while.

Follow along & enjoy a good book with me.

The Little Black Sustainable Crossbody Bag

 

My classic crossbody bag is made in Los Angeles with natural vegetable tanned leather, metal hardware, with a GOTS certified organic cotton interior. While manufacturing will always produce waste, we don’t have to destroy the earth in the process. Being a good steward of the planet is the core of our ethos and plays a major role in all aspects of my business. In addition to sustainable materials, the minimal aesthetic is a nod to longevity. What’s more sustainable than buying something to keep forever? With the subtle design details, versatile look, and sleek black leather, the little black crossbody will never go out of style.

Looking Back

I remember when we first arrived in Oregon. We reached the forest as we headed toward the coast. I rolled down my window and as the wind whipped past I could smell the sweetness in the air. The forest set off an aroma that I will never be able to describe, but one I’ll never forget. I miss Oregon. I miss the west coast. Our time spent there was cut short. Through short-sighted and bad policy God led us a different direction. I'll be forever proud of the stance we took. And while my goal is to head back west, I will be enjoying the manna as it comes.

Slow Down

 

Korakia Pensione in Palm Springs, California

Amongst the Floridian Foliage

If you’ve been following along on instagram, we recently moved to Florida. We’ve been in central Florida for about two short months. I’m particularly fond of botanical gardens so they’ve been a lot of fun to explore while the weather is perfect. Florida is home to quite a few and we’ve chosen to spend a few long lazy days exploring them. While I’ve been grieving our move across the country, there is beauty in all things and I am looking forward to what God does for us here.

The Original Classic Tote in Anthracite

Matteau in Big Sur

The Pacific Coast

St. Agni