Although I am not an expert on fair trade, I do have a strong passion for art and specifically, art from around the world. Wherever I go, I always try to take with me a small piece of that place, wherever it may be. I try to capture the beauty of the place, the people, their surroundings. This small piece that I take with me might just be a photograph I snap with my film camera, a unique flyer from an event, or a piece of pottery handcrafted by a local artisan. I strongly believe that art takes all forms, from writing a haiku to using your hands to build a bowl to even making a display for a shop’s window. I also believe in the beauty that art can create to connect others around the world.

Because of who I am, I am presented with so much wealth, so much privilege. Whenever I am satisfied with a photograph that I take, I simply load it onto the internet & others appreciate it, take notice. But- for so many artisans around the world, their work, their creations go unnoticed. These marginalized artisans of our global community become invisible due to situations, circumstances, & location. This truly digs deep down at my heart.

So, I want to share with you a beautiful nonprofit store- {Mustard Seed Fair Trade} that tries to impact the world & create change for these talented craftsmen. The photos above are from inside the store & feature some of the creations by global artists.

There are so many stores like Mustard Seed Fair Trade that truly want to make a change. I urge you to seek out these places in your own community & support them. You will not only be supporting your own community but the global community as well. It is so exciting to know that you are supporting a family in a different country & sharing their work with others.

I urge you to check out the {Mustard Seed Fair Trade} website & educate yourself on what “fair trade” truly means. It is inspiring, I promise!

love,

Natalie

{thank you, abby for the beautiful print}

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sight:

-the birth of two beautiful kittens in our home

-a big box of ripe bananas found & ready to be baked

-his dirty hands from a hard afternoon of digging & weeding

-old window panes perfectly cracked & broken

-handmade cards sent to wonderful friends & fayetteville family

sound:

-laughter & good conversation from lovely women over wine & dessert

-fleet foxes “medowlark” humming in the background

-“I am so excited you’re going to be my wife” 🙂

taste:

-the most delicious dark chocolate pate from {bleu}

-goat cheese spread over fresh bread with a pinch of pepper & a tomato wedge

-farmer’s market bratwurst with lots & lots of sauerkraut

-yogurt with walnuts, honey & banana for two

touch:

-the warmth of sun on my bare legs & feet

-the pages of this {book}

-the soft texture of a picnic blanket shared with my love in our park

smell:

-the moist, green grass held in my hands

-the newborn smell of kitten fur

–guava soy candle bought for me by a friend

-baking in the kitchen for birthday cupcakes

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This weekend, Luke & I will have some of our photo prints & my jewelry at the local community garden in spirit of the Earth Day festival. I’m really excited, but I’m also all-kinds-of nervous to see how others respond to my makings. They will be giving tours of the beautiful garden & local artists will be there, too. It should be a wonderful time. I’m really looking forward to seeing so many people on their bikes & enjoying this beautiful world.

—-

Also, just to let you know… tomorrow I will be writing about & giving you a sneak peek of the beautiful fair trade shop {Mustard Seed}- planted in the heart of downtown Columbia, Missouri. I will explain what fair trade is & how you can get involved to not only support your local community but the global community as well!

have a lovely weekend!

love,

Natalie

The beginning of my week was a struggle, hard to find beauty in all of the confusion & sadness. But- I hid away for awhile & reflected. Now, I’m celebrating life & it feels so good.

—-

{five sense friday}

sight:

-a beautiful farm with chickens & greenhouses & a very talkative farmer

 -straws made into squares & rectangles & octagons by a very creative second grader 

-rain seen from my window

sound:

-bon iver’s “for emma, forever”

-everything bob dylan

-“I want to make it up to you.” {thank you, I love you.}

taste:

-ooey gooey butter bar, before dinner

-fresh spinach with raisins & sunflower seeds

-egg sandwiches for lunch, all week long

-goat cheese from the farmer’s market smeared on ciabatta bread

touch:

-pillows & blankets from days spent in bed

-wool socks (it’s been chilly this week)

-his rosy cheeks & soft lips

smell:

-fresh incense

-dirty hair from days without showering

-the smell of fresh soil ready to be worked

-fresh flowers from him because he knows they’re my favorite

love,

Natalie