How to Capture Elderly Wisdom
My dad was known for being a great storyteller. He had a quick wit, a wry sense of humor and plenty of rad real life experiences to draw from. He...
The Key to Lasting Friendships
I have always been nervous around the deep end of a swimming pool. Probably because I watched Jaws at way too young of an age and also because I was...
The Thing That Connects Us All
The table acts as an equalizer, inviting us to come with our needs and promising to nourish our bodies in some way. It’s a place for people from all backgrounds, races, economic statuses, and ages to come together and be fed. We bond because of our mutual need and satisfaction regardless of what we do or look like on the outside.
The Heart of Hospitality
Over the last five years, we’ve hosted countless people in our home. The summer months are always the busiest and, on any given week, it’s common to find anywhere between two and seven families staying with us. It’s a whole lot of fun and, in so many ways, it’s the fulfillment of what we envisioned in the very beginning. During that time, we’ve learned a whole heck of a lot about what lies at the heart of true hospitality. At the end of the day, we’ve found that it comes down to a few important things . . .
3 Tips for an Epic Summer Adventure
Adventure comes in many different forms. Whether it's a hike through the woods, a climb to the summit, a white water rafting excursion or an epic camping trip, nothing can...
How to Be a Listening Ear
Katie Cheesman has always had a heart for the elderly. As an adult, she’s worked with this special population in her nursing career, and has seen firsthand just how vital...
Love Your Neighbor
Spring and summer are a great time to get outside. It’s also a perfect opportunity to set out to get to create a stronger sense of community, connection and friendship with those who live right around you. This month in the journal, we’re focused on getting out and meeting your neighbors. Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or you’ve just recently relocated, here’s our challenge: meet your neighbors! We’ve created a handy printable to help you track your progress.
3 Ways to Know Neighbors Better
Our neighbors are our community by proximity, and they matter just as much as our family and friends that live miles away. After a year, with trial and error, we have come to know our neighbors well. Today I’m sharing three things that worked for us, with the hope that you can implement them with your neighbors to move from the awkward wave at the mailbox to a semi-awkward hug on your front porch.
5 Tips for Starting a Supper Club
The start of fall is an exciting time in our house—not just because it marks the start of pumpkin-flavored everything—but because it’s also the unofficial start of gathering season. It's the time of year when most of the world starts to retreat inside and we start planning for some serious quality time with our people.
Finding Friends as a Couple
I don’t know where you find yourself in life . . . maybe you're like us and you’ve recently moved to a new area, or maybe you’re just starting out as a couple or may you just find yourself looking for more people you can do life together with. No matter your situation, I want to share a few things that worked for us. And I have good news: it isn’t nearly as difficult as you may think.
5 Ways to Spread Love
What if we intentionally sought out the people society usually ignores and helped brighten their day with a little extra kindness? My name is Ashley, and I’m here to give you a few ideas on doing just that for this Valentine’s Day (and hopefully every day of the year!).
The Gift of Positive People
In their most honest form, relationships are reciprocal, symbiotic, well-intentioned, and full of love and light. When we are around people who are good, they strive to push us to become better. When we are around people who are positive, we feel the infectious nature of their energy. Light produces light. Love fosters love. Kindness inspires kindness.
