as of lately:
-peace by punching rockin’ at mojo’s. well worth staying up late
-burt’s bees honey chapstick
-eighty degree weather!
-grating zucchini for brownies
-kittens opening their eyes
-summer jobs on my mind
-dreaming of greek yogurt
-looking forward to seeing the beach
-park picnics with blankets
how ’bout you?
love,
Natalie
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