Embracing Change, Connection, and Self-Care

Today brought some unexpected news: The Local Market’s opening at its original location will take longer than we’d hoped. Right now, rent and repair costs are adding up fast. Jason and I have been brainstorming and think a shift in focus may help—emphasizing the artisan side of things and utilizing his flower shop on Canyon Road as a temporary home. It's a bit nerve-wracking, especially since it’s not in a high-traffic area, but we’re hoping the community will show up for local artists and makers. We have many locals who have created beautiful products and are counting on us to open, which adds to the urgency of getting things rolling. If we do move forward with this plan, it will take some time to move everything into the flower shop and get things up and running. I’ll keep you posted on our progress and what we come up with!

I’ve also been pouring a lot of energy into the All American Grand Bash fundraiser for Operation Welcome Home. This event is incredibly close to my heart. OWH is just one of the beneficiaries, but the focus on brain health, TBIs, and research really resonates with me. What many people don’t know is that I had a TBI during my time in service, and I’ve lost friends to head injuries. It feels like a small way to honor them, and if we can help even one person, it’s worth every bit of effort.

Another highlight in my life has been serving as the president of the Morgantown North Rotary Club. Once a month, we have this amazing gathering where everyone brings food, drinks, and a sense of community. It’s less about business and more about enjoying each other's company. Recently, we got to see some of the beautiful walking sticks our club members made to help raise money for our polio mission. Everything we raise from these efforts goes directly towards combating polio, and it’s inspiring to see our members’ creativity and dedication in action. These meetings make me feel like I’m surrounded by family, and I’ve made connections with people I would have never crossed paths with otherwise. I’m grateful every time we sit down to share good food and conversation.

On a more personal note, I recently started an Instagram account! I have to laugh at myself because I've never been good at social media, but my drive to help people is pushing me to learn how to use it. If this blog can make a difference, it will motivate me to dive into the world of social media, which I know is a good thing.

I’m also still recovering from COVID, and it’s been tough accepting that it’s okay to slow down. Today, I didn’t accomplish much beyond cuddling with my geese, and I’ve been trying to remind myself that rest is necessary. I can get caught up in the rush of daily life, and sometimes I forget that life is short. I’m working on finding joy for myself in the little moments and not being so hard on myself when every day doesn’t feel productive. Oddly enough, I’m one of those people who finds happiness in making others happy. But today, I’m learning to give myself that same grace.

It’s a reminder for anyone feeling the weight of expectations—whether it’s running a business, supporting a cause, or just making it through the day—that it’s okay to slow down. We don’t have to be everything to everyone all the time. Sometimes, it’s enough to just be present, take a breath, and trust that we’re on the right path.

Thanks for following along with me on this wild journey—whether it’s the market, the farm, or life in general, I’m grateful to share it with you. Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other.