I’m so thrilled to share a new series here, Garden Folk, a collection of garden notes, stories, interviews from humans who love to grow to feed their families, communities, and their souls. Through growing plants and working in the soil they are rekindling their relationship with the earth and cultivating beautiful spaces.

I’m always a fan of handmade gifts. I love crafting something special for the folks in my life. I seriously turn into a holiday elf come the last week of November. I love making gifts that are consumable, meaning they are used up and then done, little to no waste.

Last week, for valentine’s day I made this calendula sugar scrub and let me tell you, it is beyond decadent. i don’t eat sugar but i will most definitely use it on my skin. this calendula sugar scrub is like liquid sunshine + has been so nourishing to my dry, winter skin.

I don’t think courage is acting unafraid or without fear, but comes through strengthening our hearts, to act in spite of fear. So how can one strengthen their heart, not only during this season of love, but through daily stressors, political uncertainty, and climate grief? How can we build our resolve to look our fears in the face, accept them as a human experience and continue to walk along our paths, from a place of feeling safe and protected, yet open.

I cannot believe summer is coming to a close. back to school is this week for us here in the midwest. time has flown by, it feels as if I was just watching the first nettle pop through the ground. so much has changed and shifted. both kiddos have grown taller and wiser and more into themselves. we have all learned, played, laughed and cried this summer and deepened our relationships with plant allies growing on our little homestead.