People often assume homesteading is about becoming self-sufficient. For me, it’s something different. It’s about learning. When we moved to Midnight Lane, I wasn’t trying to recreate a picture-perfect homestead. I was looking for a place where I could spend the rest of my life being curious. Every season brings a new lesson. Some days … Continue reading Why I Homestead →

Apparently I am drawn to plants that are dramatic, resilient, and a little misunderstood. Cleome (pictured above) explodes into fireworks, throws seed everywhere, and surprises you years later. Passionflower looks almost alien, feeds Gulf fritillary butterflies, and then rewards you with maypops. Datura has enormous moonlit flowers with a complicated reputation. Castor bean has tropical … Continue reading dramatic, resilient, and a little misunderstood →

My mom never saw this house. She never walked the meadow garden, sat by the river, or collected eggs from our chickens. But when I sliced the first cantaloupe from this year’s garden, she was here. She never walked the meadow or sat in the screened in porch. She never met Appa or Bailey. She … Continue reading My Mom Lives on at Midnight Lane →

The topic of lakes came up in a conversation with a friend recently, and it made me think about all of the "lakeations" I organized over the years. My husband is the reason our family has traveled to so many beautiful and exciting places. Me? I introduced our kiddos to every interesting lake within about … Continue reading Lakeations over the years →