
Thank you for visiting.
Independence Day is almost here.
Happy Birthday to America.
:)
I’ve heard it said that America is an experiment. I looked up the reason people say that and this is what I found:
People call the United States an “experiment” because its founding represented an unprecedented test of representative democracy. At the time of the Revolution, most of the world was ruled by monarchies or empires with inherited power. America attempted something entirely new: a nation built from the ground up on Enlightenment principles, where a diverse society governs itself through a written constitution rather than a king.
_____
Here’s to 250+ more years of these principles holding fast. May truth prevail and common sense and good character too.
Connect with me on Instagram:
what is going on around here?
Some of what I do:
Nature
Getting out in nature is something I like to do, and I do it with respect. Nature is to be honored. When the balance is off, life can be difficult. Nature is beautiful with flowers, trees, paths and animals, but it can also be brutal. I have tried to live in harmony with nature as much as possible my whole life. 60+ years. We won’t worry about the plus. ;) It’s all a plus.
Art & Craft
My creative endeavors often include small houses for fairies or gnomes, animals and florals. Sometimes, I gather natural materials to craft with. I also draw, paint, collage and create with clay and paper. The natural world informs my perspective more than anything else. I like to mix it up though…imagining animals and nature in ways that may not be expected. I like to decorate my garden space with crafted decor – fairy garden, anyone?
Garden
I have a lavender garden that makes the area smell great in the summer months. I gather lavender, and other herbs, and dry them for many uses. Plans for 2026 are to expand and include other flowers for sale.
The area where I live, close to the town of Boone, NC is a small farming area. I live on a Century Family Farm. This designation was procured by my Father in the 1980’s after he worked with the state of North Carolina to designate it as such. Even though Boone has changed so much, thankfully there are still people here dedicated to rural life and working with nature.
and other things:
I work at the Explore Boone visitor center. I’ve done this for about a year. It is a really nice place. If you call or stop by, it’ll likely be me that you are talking with.
I wrote and illustrated a picture book, self published through Amazon. That was a fun challenge. I have more ideas for writing and publishing…always working on what I can learn or do next!
I also have a vintage and handmade Etsy shop that I’ve maintained and sold through since 2011.
I have a SniffSpot™ Sniffspot is kind of like airbnb for dogs. If you have a dog and are interested in visiting a private dog park, visit the link and pick a time. The park is called: “Ruff Ridge Dog Park” – it is a little bit of a hike to get to it, but I hope that doesn’t keep anyone from coming out. There is a nice waiting area if you are with people who want to utilize the dog park, but you can’t do the hike. I love all animals, and I have had some really great dogs. I don’t have any dogs or cats now, just Celeste, my house rabbit. Being able to offer an outdoor place for dogs and their humans to enjoy nature makes me very happy!
quote for the week:
“The experience of democracy is like the experience of life itself—always changing, infinite in its variety, sometimes turbulent and all the more valuable for having been tested in adversity.”
— Jimmy Carter








