He doesn’t know this, but visiting Luke on Monday night while he’s working in the photo lab is one of the highlights of my week. I usually bring him something sweet from a local bakery or coffee shop downtown, but this time- I baked him cream cheese & dark chocolate chip cupcakes. So delicious!

Lately, my days have been filled with work + class + dinners with others + the necessities: sleep, food, etc. I finally made time to visit Salvation Army & I picked up these beautiful cups . $2 for 6!:

With the mindset of kitchen ware & baking- it reminds me of what I want my “home” to embrace. Full of babies, wonderful smells from the kitchen, quilts made by my great grandma’s hands, & chickens, lots & lots of chickens.

What does your “home” look like?

Love always,

Natalie

For the past thirty-one years, the women on my mom’s side of the family have always gone to the War Eagle Crafts Fair in Arkansas. It began with my mother & grandmother. Now, my grandmother, mom, aunt, & all of the cousins attend- three generations! This weekend always means so much to me because I’m able to reconnect with my mom & the women who have inspired me so much.

Friday was such an incredible day. The weather was absolutely wonderful- blue skies, a light breeze, & sunshine. Joey, Kelsey, Luke, & I drove about fifteen miles out of Columbia to the country. We drove past many corn fields & cows grazing: my idea of “midwest.” We made it to our destination- a small pumpkin patch, I’ve now forgotten the name. Luke brought along his camera & made a few photos & we all picked out our perfect pumpkins. On our way back, we stopped on the side of the road, got out of the car, and darted toward the corn fields. We ran thru the rows of corn, it was incredible! We found an empty patch and laid down. Luke said he was making photographs in his mind (& I believe I was, too) of the most cool blue sky & the rays of sunshine beating down on our skin. I could’ve stayed there for most of my life & been satisfied.