Just Because is a weekly newsletter thoughtfully curated to inspire you to live an abundant life. Join the community for Tales from Candlelight Farm, craft ideas, hosting tips, book club, and more. Plus, follow along my journey as an aspiring children’s novelist.

Thank you for being here.

Subscribe now

Syllabus

• Elementary History: returning to my elementary school after over a decade!

• Lunch Break: remaking my childhood lunch staples! + free recipes!

• English Lit: revealing your next 5 star read!

Elementary History

Back to school season is officially upon us and while I’m grateful to be graduated, this time of year has me reflecting on some of my favorite parts of school. Like creative writing class, book fairs (I need an adult version stat), and the teachers who made coming to school so exciting.

This month my growing sense of school nostalgia paired nicely with a viewing of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and an opportunity to return to my elementary school for the first time in over a decade.

I work in email marketing and I was tasked with a “mummy back to school photo shoot” (interesting concept huh?) to go along with my marketing email. A family friend teaches at my former elementary school and was kind enough to let me visit her classroom to take some photos.

What a happy happy time it was!

I adored attending elementary school as a kid and it was beyond special to return to a place filled with so much positive creative energy. The night before my visit I researched if any of my former educators were still there. To my delight, my computer teacher (a true gem) was still at the school and now working as the school librarian (how fabulous!).

After my photoshoot I was able to visit my former teacher for a well-needed catch up.

Stepping into the library was like opening up a time capsule. My teacher looked the exact same. Her same bangs and glasses accessorizing that same kind smile. And the library, still glimmering with the same transportive magic I felt when I was eleven years old.

Behind every corner was another unlocked memory.

The plaid couch we never used.

The shelves where I discovered my favorite books.

And the dragon mural—my gosh, the mural! You don’t even understand.

Timeout!

Let me give you a little back story on the mural...

You see, this isn’t just any large scale art piece. It’s a three dimensional dragon that includes scenes from all of your favorite fairytales along its body and tail. I remember when my former librarian and her assistant made it. I was enamored.

I loved fairytale retellings (they’re what got me hooked as a reader!) and looking at the piece made me excited in the same way reading did. And then, writing. (This was around the same time I began writing my very first novel—a fairytale retelling of my own!)

I’ve been dying to know if there was a picture of the mural out there—because surely it had long since been replaced—and this was the perfect opportunity to ask about it.

To my absolute shock and glee, my teacher said: “It’s still here! Do you want to see it?”

Um, YES!

Tucked behind a makeshift wall depicting the Hogwarts Express, sits the mural. We had to move faux boulders and a train to get to it, but it was there. I snuck behind the wall to catch a glimpse (and a few photos).

It’s funny to see now. It’s still just as beautiful, but through my adult eyes, I can see things I never noticed before. Like how the flying monkeys were made out of paper. As a kid, it just felt…real. Like, in some other world, these fairytale characters all lived on a dragon’s tail and this depiction was just a window into their world.

I’m still so happy and surprised that I got to see it again.

Time in!

I left the school giddy and inspired, and even more so, grateful. My elementary school experience was meaningful because of the people who worked so hard to make it so. Their lessons and encouragement accompanied by their tireless devotion to make school feel special, had such a positive impact on my life. It still does. I think of those years, lessons, and people regularly. Their magic lives on in my mind forever.

Lunch Break

Question—was it embarrassing to order school lunch at your school?

It was at mine.

Home lunch became the “it” thing to do in sixth grade. We had access to a microwave, so really the “it” thing to do was bring Kraft Mac and Cheese or Chef Boyardee microwavable cups. Hot microplastics was a form of status back in those days.

Gross.

I tried eating Chef Boyardee ravioli a few years ago and could genuinely not stomach more than one bite (sorry to all my canned ravioli fans out there). Not sure what I was thinking back then.

This week I thought it’d be fun to recreate one of my favorite childhood lunch foods but with an elevated twist.

Instead of canned ravioli, I tried my hand at making lasagna soup. In full transparency, I winged it, but it turned out great! I would share my recipe with you, but the only problem is, I forgot to write it down. Oops.

So instead, check out this recipe from Pinterest! It looks delish.

I also made another one of my childhood favs—lunch lady peanut butter bars. It doubled as a birthday treat for my cousin while we were on a “Cousin Cation” cabin trip. They’re to die for.

Enjoy the recipe below:

English Lit

English was always my favorite subject growing up. My only gripe though? I hated being told what I had to read. Especially in High School.

So. Much. Literary. Fiction.

But looking back, I’m so grateful to have been exposed to stories I never would have naturally picked up on my own. At the very least, it helped me become a stronger writer.

Despite my previous annoyance at being told what to read, I’ve grown to love reading outside my comfort zone. I’m currently in a book club where I’m regularly reading books I wouldn’t normally.

Here’s how we work:

My club agrees on a monthly theme, then, we each offer a suggestion that fits the theme before performing a voting bracket. The result is an eclectic variety of yearly read books! It’s actually pretty awesome. Some of the best books I’ve ever read have come from this process. Including this month’s read: The Unmaking of June Farrow.

So.

Good.

Seriously one of my all-time favorite reads. I finished the novel and immediately started the story over again. Check it out at your local library!

riiiiiiiiiing!

Oh! That’s the bell. Thanks for joining me for some back to school fun this week. I’m off to rewatch Gilmore Girls and High School Musical because it just feels like the right thing to do after this post, don’t you think?

Talk again soon!

Just Because is a weekly newsletter thoughtfully curated to inspire you to live an abundant life. Join the community for Tales from Candlelight Farm, craft ideas, hosting tips, book club, and more. Plus, follow along my journey as an aspiring children’s novelist.

Thank you for being here.

Subscribe now

A small grouping of female humans wander through a lush retail forest for their annual girls’ day. They nourish themselves on sandwiches and Coke Zero before uncovering hidden jungle treasures.

Hi friends and welcome back to Just Because!

This week I enjoyed a girls shopping day with my darling Grandmother and cousin, Eve. We shopped till we dropped (literally—somehow we spent 9 hours at the mall!) before heading home with a few new additions to our wardrobe.

Eve and I spent most of our shopping day drooling over shoes. Including the two fabulous finds pictured above. The left was giving BARBIE and the right, Barbie, but make it Fairytopia. Do you see the vision?

My week ended with a bestie outing to see a local production of Disney’s Tarzan. It’d been ages since I’d seen the original film and I’d forgotten how good it was!

A story that celebrates the bonds of family, reading literacy, and animal rights? I’m sold. And don’t get me started on the music—so many hits!

I adore theater. I find it so impressive how much gumption it takes to step onto a stage for the sake of entertaining others. I mean, I’m not sure if I’d start laughing or crying if I had to come out in a loin cloth and start making ape noises to a crowd of families. Talk about passion for the art, man.

I left the theater inspired to write a scene in my novel, bake some banana bread, and crack open a new adventure-themed read.

Don’t you just love when someone else’s art inspires you to make your own?

For the past few days I’ve been enjoying adding a little Tarzan whimsy to my life, just for fun. So, today I thought I’d share with you a few ideas on how you can do the same.

Keep scrolling for Haven’s idea of a jungle jamboree!

Enjoy a movie night!

Bake some B-A-N-A-N-A-S bread!

I’ve tried my fair share of banana bread recipes but nothing comes close to besting Chrissy Teigen’s. I mean it. Perfectly moist, plus a coconut and chocolate chip combo that is truly life changing, easily make this my go to recipe. Find the recipe for free here.

Try a new book!

Just Because is a weekly newsletter thoughtfully curated to inspire you to live an abundant life. Join the community for Tales from Candlelight Farm, craft ideas, hosting tips, book club, and more. Plus, follow along my journey as an aspiring children’s novelist.

Thank you for being here.

Subscribe now

As always, scroll to what interests you or read from top to bottom.

• Summer Bucket List: crossing off our summer bucket lists!

• Summer Watch List: content creators you need to follow! Plus, a few show recommendations.

• Summer Harvest Menu: recipe ideas for vegetable harvest season!

If you’re a regular reader of Just Because, you know we’ve been slowly working on crossing off our summer bucket lists. This week I made a dent in my list by crossing off a few bullet items and making plans to cross off more.

Haven’s Summer 2026 Bucket List

• Attend a baseball game (at this point just send me to a little league game)

• Watch a rodeo

• Host an outdoor movie night (picking a date for August now!)

• Visit New England (working with dreams and prayers for this one)

• Read an Emily Henry novel

• Make a new quilt (baby quilt for my cousin’s first birthday incoming)

• Deliver flower bouquets from the Giving Garden

• Enjoy a cousin cabin trip (planning in progress!)

• See the new Spider-Man movie (happening this week!)

• Watch 42 (maybe for my outdoor movie night?)

• Host a farmers market

I’ve been escaping the heat and turning on some of my favorite creators for creative inspiration. Check out a few of my go-tos below:

• Darling Desi is a modern day Anne Shirley— she’s fabulous and I desperately want to be her friend. Watch her most recent video here:

• Sarah DeLotelle on Instagram introduced me to the concept of “woodland whimsy” and I’m obsessed. She throws magical outdoor parties and move nights.

• Emily Ann is a modern day Hannah Montana. By day she’s a gardening-canning-crocheting, self called yeehaw-meemaw, and by night she’s performing live country music as an opener for Thomas Rhett.

• Chelsea has me excited for spooky season with her incredible Halloween DIYs.

• The Food Nanny is my go-to for easy recipes that taste good every time.

What’s Playing on TV

• Netflix just dropped a remake of Little House on the Prairie that I’ve heard is AH-MAY-ZING!

• I started The Rookie on Hulu but I can’t decide if I like it or not. My journey watching this series began with a TikTok edit about one of the couples, but it appears I need to watch EIGHT SEASONS before I get to see them fall in love. That’s a commitment I don’t think I have the will power for. If you’ve watched the series and loved it, please let me know if I should keep going or not.

• The Five Star Weekend on Peacock was lovely, especially as a fan of the book. The main character, Hollis, invites five friends from different stages of her life to come stay at her house on Nantucket for the weekend. Drama ensues.

• I’ve had multiple people tell me to watch Seeking Persephone on Amazon. It’s a clean regency series based off a book by Utah author, Sarah M. Eden. Fun fact—I attended a panel Sarah presented at an Utah writing conference earlier this year. You can read my recap of her panel here.

Despite record-breaking temperatures, I look forward to this time of the summer because hard work in the garden begins to pay off in the form of tomatoes, squash, peppers, and potatoes! But if you’re like me, sometimes you lack creativity with what to make with all of the abundance.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes (or recipes I can’t wait to try this year!) for gardeners and farmers market aficionados alike:

• BBQ Jalapeño Poppers (tried, tested, and SO GOOD!)

• Zucchini Corn Casserole (one of my favorites!)

• Tomato Pie (I’ve been wanting to give this a go for awhile)

• Zucchini Banana Bread with Streusel

That’s all for today folks. Thanks for reading Just Because! If you enjoyed today’s post, please consider subscribing for more content like this, conveniently delivered to your email inbox each week.

Have a great week!

Subscribe now

Hi friends,

I’ve been having a very reflective week. I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about chapters closing and opening while I sort through a peculiar feeling that I’m about to close one of my own. It’s a strange premonition but I’m choosing to be excited rather than fearful. I sort of feel like I’ve packed all my bags for a trip I don’t know the destination to. Did I pack for the weather? Did I forget my phone charger?

In book club this week we read The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe (a 5 star read btw) which led me to think about bravery and the importance of stories and learning.

I love this quote from the novel—

I’m growing in bravery and patience as I allow God to lead and direct my story. Because here’s the truth: I love my life as it is, but I understand the importance of evolution. In the past that has meant a stamp on my passport or a new school or job. Changing my environment changed me.

These types of changes can be frightening at first, but I’ve learned to love them. So, why is God now asking me to stay put? Culinary school in Ireland, teaching English in Italy, earning my MFA in creative writing—these are all wonderful opportunities that (in theory) seem like good ideas, except, they’re not for some reason.

Not right now at least.

I wonder, how can I evolve when I’m planting such strong roots where I’m at now? Perhaps God is teaching me I don’t need to be transplanted in order to grow. This is a hard concept for me. I enjoy creating and facilitating growth opportunities in my life. I am committed to life-long learning because living a stagnant life is not the kind of life I want to live.

So, God urging me to blindly trust He will facilitate opportunities for personal development is scary. This isn’t how we’ve done things in the past. In the past, I know the path He wants me to take before I have to take it.

He’s never asked me to pause. To wait in this way.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ll do it. Happily, even. I am grateful for God’s influence in my life. He is the most important thing in my life.

But this is blind faith.

I may not understand His map yet, but I do trust in His destination.

In other news, this week in the garden I harvested my first snap dragons, jalapeños, and onions. I’m thinking I’ll make jalapeño poppers and fresh pico to celebrate my bounty.

I also enjoyed a cinema dining experience with my dear friend, Presley. We saw the live-action Alice in Wonderland.

I hadn’t seen this version of Alice since it came out in theaters when I was seven years old (now that’s bonkers to think about—seven feels lifetimes ago!) and I enjoyed it. The film maintained its whimsy while adding a bit more grit to the original Disney version.

Exiting the Wonderland rabbit hole— I need your help. I’m having a fabric dilemma. I received three yards of Moda’s Sun Drenched collection as a gift to make a three yard quilt (I use these pattern books!).

To complete the quilt, I just need to buy the backing fabric. Ideally, yardage from the same collection. But if working at a fabric shop has taught me anything, it’s that fabric moves QUICK! It’s extremely rare for a fabric distributor to reprint a collection, so once it’s gone—it’s gone

Even though I won’t be making this quilt for a while, I’d like to buy the backing now. Here are my option with what’s available online. I’d love your opinion on what you think would look best.

That’s all for today. Thanks for being here. Have a happy week!

Subscribe now

How come when you have a million important things to do, the unimportant tasks suddenly become the most interesting?

Right now, I should be working on a number of different projects, but instead I’ve been sitting thinking about them instead. And now, writing about them instead. It’s somehow easier to sit in the discomfort of unfinished business than it is to work on finishing unfinished business. Fascinating, isn’t it?

Google says this is a real thing, therefore it must be true. How lucky for me, I’m being told this is a symptom of ADHD. “ADHD Paralysis” is what it’s called. Not to be confused with “Executive Dysfunction” they tell me, which in my mind should not be confused with “Erectile Dysfunction.” I’d imagine those are two very different things, but hey, maybe there’s some overlap.

Supposedly there’s tools to help with this issue, ADHD Paralysis that is (if you’re struggling with Erectile Dysfunction, I’d recommend talking to your doctor) but I’m not that kind of writer, so, while I avoid completing important tasks, let’s talk about something fun instead:

Like the new Netflix movie, “Voicemails for Isabelle” I LOVED IT. The beginning has some “is this really TV-14?” moments but those are easily fast-forwardable if you’re not interested.

The movie was… *chefs kiss*

Just the right amount of emotional gut punches, actual LOL moments, and…genuine romance? I don’t want to spoil it if you haven’t watched it, but… THE POT PIE SCENE? The gesture was so intentionally thoughtful, I was full-fledged swooning in a way I haven’t since Noah built that dang house for Allie in The Notebook.

You need to watch it.

And while we’re on the subject of television and film, can I say how excited I am for Elin Hilderbrand’s The Five Star Weekend adaptation coming in just a few days?

I’m already popping the popcorn.

Okay, is anyone else genuinely still recovering from all of the Fourth of July festivities? I feel like I need 2-3 business days just to return to homeostasis after running around parades, carnivals and firework shows. I am wiped!

Oh no, is this what aging feels like? My hobbies already call me a Grandma and now afternoon naps are starting to sound appealing! AHHHH!

In all seriousness, I’m grateful to be tired from having fun. I adore the Fourth of July because I love how connected to community and country I feel. And this year was no exception. I was surrounded by loved ones in a country I feel so proud to call home.

How are everyone’s summer bucket lists coming along? Have you made any progress on yours? I’ve made some on my list, but I can definitely do better. Thankfully there’s still plenty of time, despite my heart’s desire to decorate my house with pumpkins and bats (oh Halloween, how I love you).

My book club has fallen in love with this idea of doing Girl Scout badges for matching bookish-themed tote bags. My club meets monthly, but we want to incorporate a quarterly meeting where we earn a seasonal badge to add to our bags. How fun!

Our first badge meeting will be in October and I could not be more excited because we’ve agreed on a spooky season theme for our book suggestions. I love a good cozy happy Halloween story. One of my all-time favorites is Cackle by Rachel Harrison. Definitely worth the read if you’re interested!

I hoped you enjoyed today’s brief glimpse into my life (and ADHD apparently). Wishing you a happy week ahead!

—Haven

Just Because is a weekly newsletter thoughtfully curated to inspire you to live an abundant life. Join the community for Tales from Candlelight Farm, craft ideas, hosting tips, book club, and more. Plus, follow along my journey as an aspiring children’s novelist.

Thank you for being here.

Subscribe now

I think my favorite color is Ohio green— Ohio Amish Country green.

There’s truly nothing like it.

Green paints rolling hills, growing cornstalks, and lush forests. Moss grows on tree trunks while fresh cabbages and zucchini fill roadside stands.

Gosh, green makes me happy. But give me a few months and I’ll probably tell you my favorite colors are red and gold—Autumn in Ohio makes saying goodbye to green totally worth it.

My brief time in Ohio is rapidly coming to a close and I miss it already. I love Utah, and it will forever be my home, but Ohio feeds my soul in such a unique and creative way.

I always leave Ohio feeling inspired.

I’ve talked about this before, so I won’t linger here much longer, but I will encourage you to seek spaces that creatively fulfill you. And to find them near you.

I can’t always escape to Ohio, but I can visit my local library— a place that has always helped me pursue productivity. When I lived in Italy, it was a faded green bench in the middle of a busy piazza. Now, I think that would send me into sensory overload (I like to work in silence these days), but you get the gist. Find a place that calls to you.

Surprise! I Opened a Farmers Market!

Last week I hosted my first farmers market of the season. If you’re interested, you can read about it below. Plus, enjoy a small glimpse of what I’ve been working on in my novel-writing journey.

Check out my first stand!

My first market had limited offerings, but it was a starting point. For my stand I sold two varieties of sweet treats, sourdough bread, fabric bows, beeswax wraps, vegetable plants, and fresh cut lavender. I was curious what people would be interested in. But really, I was curious (and really nervous) to see if anyone would show up.

Forgoing preorders meant I had no idea if anyone would bother. It’s easy to click a few buttons on your phone to preorder baked goods, but it’s harder to leave your house to attend something you’re not familiar with.

And yet, people showed up for me. Gosh, I was genuinely shocked by the support. Family, friends, and neighbors; new customers and old— they came. And people who couldn’t come, sent me messages of support. I felt so honored to be surrounded by so many lovely generous people.

But it is interesting, starting a new venture. Or, really, doing anything that requires putting yourself out there to be perceived. People surprise you. The harsh reality is this: not everyone you know and love is going to jump at the chance to support you.

I’m sure there are plenty of reasons that could explain why, but I don’t think any of them matter enough to wonder about.

Take that energy and focus on your goals. Don’t let the idea of someone’s thoughts of you keep you from achieving your dreams.

The right people will show up for you. And the rest will stand back and watch because, baby, you’re the star of the show.

And as for my market— my baked goods were gone in 15 minutes! Plus, I sold a handmade pillow and bow, beeswax food wraps, and lavender. They weren’t as interested in plants or used books (the more you know!)

I’m excited for round two (likely in August).

On My Playlist!

Working on a Farm allows for ample headphone listening time which means I’m grateful for the pop girls who have been feeding my playlists lately. New Taylor, Ariana, Olivia, and Gracie? My phone has a stomach ache.

When I’m not listening to you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, I’m probably listening to Conan Gray’s deluxe edition of Wishbone. Or, The Beach Boys (it is summer after all), or maybe “Those Magic Changes” from the live production of “Grease Live!”

Check out my favorites here:

Haven’s Sewing Corner

My flag quilt is back from the long-armer! I still need to add the binding, but thankfully Utah’s patriotic season doesn’t end on the 4th of July. We have until Pioneer Day (July 24th) to get in our red, white, and blue sewing time.

Up next: a summery baby quilt for my cousin’s first birthday!

That’s all for today, folks!

I’m back, friends!

My last few weeks have been spent traveling the U.S. After my quick jaunt to Atlanta to visit the Georgia Aquarium, I joined my family in West Yellowstone for our annual family road trip throughYellowstone National Park. Only to come home, wash a load of laundry, and head straight to the airport. My next adventure: Orlando, Florida.

It was a beautiful whirlwind of a month. Life was happening so fast, my feet barely had a chance to touch the ground. Or, my fingers to hit the keyboard. But I’m officially back home and eager to jump back into all of my favorite things!

Speaking of favorite things, for today’s newsletter, I thought it’d be fun to share with you my top ten favorite moments from the past few weeks. I was inspired by one of my favorite authors, Melanie Jacobson, who did the same in her newsletter.

Maybe she’ll inspire you to do the same. Because life is good, especially when we actively choose to seek and create list-worthy moments.

So in no particular order, here are my top ten favorite moments from the past few weeks:

1. Scoring sold out theme park tickets at Epic Universe (sometimes asking for the seemingly impossible is all it takes).

2. Lake-side pizza. Water front view + good food = one happy Haven.

   

3. A flock of ducks diving into the hotel pool for a surprise swim. No splashing—their well-behaved feet gliding them across the water smooth and soundlessly.

4. A set of Australian toddler triplets wearing hot pink pool floaties. One showed me her popsicle before gifting me a diving coin (it was blue and I was honored).

5. Finishing Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood (5 star read btw), plus, a delightful conversation with a stranger who’d also read it.

   

6. The smell of Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen and the joy of ending the day sunburn free.

7. My mom and I exclaiming the goodness of God every time something wonderful happened during our trip. (God was good a lot!)

8. Discovering an adorableness overload in the form of—get this—canned stuffed animals. Are you kidding?

   

9. A family waterfall hike (eh, more like walk), Grandma and Grandpa joining in on the fun too!

10. Car karaoke (mics included) in between spots of Yellowstone road-side water coloring with my cousin and sister-in-law. (High School Musical soundtrack STILL hits).

    

Subscribe now

On My Bookshelf:

Well, that’s all for today, friends! Thanks for reading Just Because—it truly means the world.

See you in your inbox next week!

Let’s dive right in friends,

Last week was a DREAM and I’m still giddy thinking about it. In case you missed last week’s newsletter tease, I mentioned I was going to cross off an item on my 30 Before 30 Bucket List.

Drum roll please…

30 Before 30 item number twenty-five, “Visit the Georgia Aquarium,” is complete!

The trip consisted of late-night room service (my ultimate travel guilty pleasure—I mean, come on, freshly showered and tucked in a fluffy bed with French fries and burgers on the way? Heaven!), and dreams coming true.

From seeing manta rays to beluga whales to the biggest shark in the world…visiting the Georgia Aquarium was pure magic.

Interested in learning more about marine life? Check out two of my favorite podcasts:

Create a Summer Bucket List with Me!

Maybe you’ve noticed but I love a list. They help me stay organized and actually accomplish the things I want to accomplish. With Summer just around the corner, I’ve been thinking about all the fun things I want to do.

Here’s the beginning of my Summer Bucket List:

• Attend a baseball game

• Watch a rodeo

• Host an outdoor movie night

• Visit New England with Mom

• Read an Emily Henry novel

• Make a new quilt

• Deliver flower bouquets from the Giving Garden

• Enjoy a cousin cabin trip

Haven’s Bulletin Board

NEW THIS WEEK:

• Harvesting Marigold Seeds: I discovered a new nursery in my city (literally down the street from me…who knew!) and obviously had to support a local business. Check out the marigolds I bought…they’re giving Gilmore Girls with all the Fall vibes they’re bringing to my garden. I’m OBSESSED. Plus, I’ve already begun dead-heading old blooms for seeds! Unlimited marigolds here I come.

• Sewing my flag quilt: I am SO close to finishing my quilt! I can hardly wait to take it to the long-arm because after I’m thinking…ruffle binding? Is that crazy or cute? Let me know.

Leave a comment

• Summer Jellycats: Someone sedate me because WHY do I love them so much? And gosh, WHY are they so expensive? I need them all. (I don’t, but I do).

• Souvenirs: while we’re on the subject of jellies, I have to tell you about my best friend, Presley, and her son who surprised me with souvenirs from their trip to California. They gifted me the cutest cowboy peanut jellycat AND churro toffee from Disneyland! It was far too generous. Thank you Pres and B Man.

• More Souvenirs: to commemorate my trip to the Aquarium I wanted to find the perfect t-shirt for a 30 Before 30 memory quilt! My hack: I bought a children’s t-shirt as it’s cheaper AND the logo will fit better when I cut it into a quilt block!

• Book Club: we read Blood Over Bright Haven and…wow. What. A. Book. I wish I knew how to describe it without giving away major spoilers, but I don’t know if I dare. I’d (kind of) compare it to The Hunger Games although they’re not in the same genre. Think themes of systemic corruption but…magical. I rated it 5 stars on Fable!

You’ve reached the end!

P.S. No newsletter next week. I’ll explain why when I’m back!

Happy Mother’s Day friends,

Aren’t we blessed to be surrounded by so many incredible mothers in our lives? Whether they’ve raised us or played an important role in helping us become who we are today, I’ve found that women are often at the helm of all the good things in our lives. I’m forever grateful for the women in my life whose shining examples of motherhood have constantly enriched and excited my life.

To the many female role models I am privileged to call loved ones— thank you for inspiring me to be stronger, bolder, kinder, and a better disciple of Christ. I adore you.

With today’s holiday and the much less important detail I’m typing this email on a plane (more on this later), I’ll keep my post brief.

But I did want to check in to see how last week’s movie-going went. Were you able to find time to visit the theater? Or maybe plan your own home movie night?

I hope however you chose to spend your free time was meaningful and fun, movie night or not.

This week I enjoyed a fabulous movie dining experience in my area called Cinebites. My dear friend Presley and I fancied ourselves an evening showing of Matilda complete with a surprise menu entirely themed from the film. We loved it!

To end (or maybe begin my week—Sundays often feel like both) I hopped on a plane for a very exciting reason…

Tomorrow I will be crossing off a bucket list item from my 30 Before 30 list!

Can you guess which one I’ll be marking off my list?

Leave a comment

Here’s a hint: I’ve “whaley” wanted to do this for a while!

I’ll tell you all about my adventure in next week’s newsletter, but in the meantime, start thinking about your own bucket list. If you need help, check out my The Sky’s The Limit: Dream Big post. I offer a few tips and insights on how I created my 30 Before 30 list. Plus, you can see my 30 dreams that made the cut.

Talk more next week!

—Haven

On My Bookshelf

What a whirlwind of a week!

The arrival of May has brought a bustle of activity to the Farm. Our mare, Val, gave birth to a beautiful little colt, named Drift. Our family hosted a Kentucky Derby party and my garden is slowly but surely making its mark on the world.

Outside of gardening, I’ve been baking sourdough and enjoying some sunset reading.

Plus, I’ve made some progress on my homework from last week’s newsletter:

My Fourth of July flag quilt is slowing coming together. If you’re curious, I’m following Thimble and Blossom’s Stars and Stripes pattern. You can find it here.

How did you do on your homework from last week?

Leave a comment

On My Bookshelf

The spellbinding new cosy fantasy from Sunday Times bestseller Lucy Jane Wood.

Annie Wildwood is practically perfect in every witch way. Her life is a haze of pink, magic and impossibly high standards. But, when she is tasked with mentoring a troubled teenage witch with extraordinary powers, Annie’s charmed existence is quickly thrown into utter chaos…

Set in the same enchanting world as Rewitched, Uncharmed celebrates found family, unconditional love and the joy of swapping perfectionism and people-pleasing for being your true magical self. (Source: Goodreads)

The Kentucky Derby

An evening of mint juleps, rose cupcakes, and hats, of course!

Plus, a historic Derby win for the first female horse trainer, Cherie DeVaux, made the night even more special!

A Fabric Store Shop Hop!

The other day I joined my beautiful friend and co-worker, Sienna, on a fabric store shop hop in our area. The theme was “Let’s Go To The Movies” and each shop was decorated as a different iconic film.

We visited three shops on the hop, their themes being Pirates of the Caribbean, Grease, and You’ve Got Mail.

I was in heaven!

HEY YOU! Let’s go to the movies!

This week plan a movie night to add a little fun to your schedule. You could buy yourself a ticket to the theater (Devil Wears Prada 2 or the Michael Jackson movie are out!) or, plan a home movie night.

Wear your PJs, pop some popcorn, and crack open a can of soda for a relaxing night watching a movie you love. The trick is to make it feel intentional— so add it to your calendar and make a big enough deal that it feels like an event. It can be a small low-key event, but an event regardless.

My favorite film recommendations:

• Grease: pair with cheeseburgers and soda. Go all out and invite some friends over too—poodle skirts required!

• Summer Catch and/or 42: I love a baseball film this time of year and these are two of my favorites! Watch one or make it a double feature. Pairs wonderfully with peanuts, hotdogs, pretzels, and Cracker Jack.

• The Princess Diaries 1 and/or 2: These films call for PJs, corndogs, pear-flavored popcorn, and pizza with an M&M “SORRY” on it.

• Twilight: Oh the opportunities are endless with this one. Go “vegetarian” and enjoy a steak, or try your hand at cooking the mushroom ravioli Bella eats on her first date with Edward. For a cheeky drink, pour yourself a glass of blood-colored cranberry juice.

That’s all for this week. Remember to make life special!

Wishing you a happy week ahead,

Haven

Intro to Witchcraft & Wizardry

Welcome back friends.

This week has me feeling all sorts of witchy. And by witchy, I mean I’m enjoying growing things, crafting things, and baking things. No spells around here.

But I am a firm believer in energy work, manifestation, and prayer. Really, I’m a firm believer in God. To me, our God-given ability to create, attract, and grow is real-life magic.

Call it witchcraft if you must.

In between rainstorms, horse baby watch, and a slight (more like major) bomb-squad level threat (our neighbor had 450 pounds of dynamite from the 80s!) I’ve been spending my days in the kitchen and garden, living my Martha Stewart fantasies.

Please enjoy today’s glimpse into Haven’s School of Witchcraft & Wizardry!

Today’s Syllabus:

Scroll to what interests you or read from top to bottom!

• Herbology: planting seeds and crafting tomato trellises

• Fermentation 101: a new sourdough recipe & schedule!

• Witch Lit: An update on The Witch at Candlelight Farm

• Homework: Projects I’ll be pursuing next week (and ideas for you to try as well!)

Herbology

Spring has long-since sprung and I am a happy girl because of it. It feels SO GOOD to have plants (and seeds!) finally in the ground.

In my raised bed I planted strawberry plants, onions starts, and carrot seeds. Eventually this bed will only be strawberries, but for this year, I’m maximizing space (and good quality soil) and incorporating companion planting. The smell of onions is supposed to mask the smell of fresh berries to any hungry squirrels that might come looking for a sweet snack.

In grow bags I planted a couple varieties of potatoes. I’ve never grown them before so I’m excited for a new adventure. I also planted quite a few seed trays full of flower, herb, and vegetable seeds.

Say hi to my first germinated seedlings!

I am totally geeking out because my harvested pumpkin seeds from last year have started to germinate! Eek!

AND, I took snapdragon cuttings from last week’s plant sale purchases and made 12 additional snapdragon plants!

Want to start your own garden this year? It’s not too late!

There is still plenty of time to direct sow seeds outside or buy further developed plants at your local nursery to transplant. I promise it’s easier than you think!

For gardening advice, I recommend:

• Salt Water Ranch Flower Farm on Instagram

• CaliKim on YouTube

Upon discovering some sticks and tree shoots when clearing out an overgrown garden bed, I decided to venture on a side quest in creating DIY tomato trellises. The process was relatively easy. I used zip ties to hold everything into place and then wrapped the tree shoots around the zip ties.

I still have a few zip ties to cover but I think it will look cute when all is said and done and a plant makes a new home inside.

Fermentation 101

My sourdough journey is still a work in progress but I did try a new recipe and schedule this week. Check it out ⬇️

A quick tip:

• Feeding your starter the 1:1:1 ratio: I did 53 g active starter, 53 g water and 53 g flour. It ended up creating the PERFECT amount of starter for the recipe!

Witch Lit

It felt only fitting to give you an update on The Witch at Candlelight Farm (aka the middle-grade fantasy novel I’m writing) with today’s newsletter theme.

While the story continues to surprise me, I’m excited about the direction it’s going. Although I’m still working on a good writing schedule. Life is busy and it’s not always easy to make time for passion projects, but I do know it’s worth it when you do.

The current writing kick-in-the-pants I needed:

Homework

Next time we talk I hope I have plenty to show for myself. Here are a few things I’ll be pursuing this week:

• Begin sewing my Fourth of July flag quilt:

• Start a new audiobook series! I’ve been craving a GOOD fantasy series. I’m talking earth-shattering, heart-pumping, squeal-inducing GOOD. I’ll either start something new OR do a Throne of Glass reread via audiobook.

• See the new Michael movie!

• Schedule a family baseball game. The minor league team in my State just moved to a new facility and I want to see it!

• Work on my novel 3 days next week!

Before you go about the rest of your day, take a moment to come up with a list of your own homework to accomplish this week. Maybe you'll try a new recipe or reach out to a friend to go to lunch. However you choose to spend your time, make it count.

Have a great week!

—Haven

Table of Contents

Scroll to what interests you or read from top to bottom!

• The Trad Wife Hunger Games

• On My Phone (my current fav listens!)

• You, Me, & Tuscany: A Movie Review

• On My Bookshelf (what I’m currently reading)

• A Visit to the Ballet that…sings?

Hi friends!

How are you?

Gosh, I wish I could hear your reply. Because I am curious.

I hope your April is shaping up to be a month filled with passion and purpose.

Last week we talked about the importance of self-care and managing our energy budgets (If you missed it, find it below;) and I’ve been thinking about my own month and how I’m spending my time since.

Spoiler alert— I’ve definitely noticed a few areas where I can improve. Social media is a big one. I spend too much of my sewing/gardening/baking time scrolling watching other people do those same things. Okay, and maybe watching a few videos (alright a lot) of Justin Bieber’s set at Coachella.

My solution: baby proofing (kind of punny if you think about it lol)

I’m setting an app time limit on my phone and introducing an accountability partner who sets the password.

Oh man, wish me luck.

On the other hand, I have been doing a good job of prioritizing my garden goals this week. Including a visit to a local Farm for their annual flower sale. The sale came recommended by a gardener I follow on Instagram (social media does have its perks!) and BOY was it an experience!

Allow me to tell you about The Trad Wife Hunger Games.

The sale started at 10. I showed up 10 minutes early, which I had previously been feeling proud about. As I turned onto the Farm’s street, I quickly realized my error.

3 blocks later and I finally found a parking spot.

I felt like a total rookie as I joined the line that wrapped around the Farm and down the street. Many of the women had brought wagons or cardboard boxes for their starts.

I had not.

Oops.

Soon the race was on. Women (and the few men manly enough to like flowers) were speed-walking like nobody’s business. Hips were swishing. Hearts were racing.

My alliance (the lady next to me in line) broke out of the pack to find us cardboard boxes as I kept on to the cornucopia—I mean flower sale.

It was wild. People and plants everywhere. I had brought a list of things I wanted but that ended up being pointless. Feeling overwhelmed I started throwing random plants in my cardboard box without thought.

Lisianthus sign? Throw it in—who cares what color it is!

Snapdragons? I’m sure they’re all pretty.

In the moment it felt more chaotic than it might’ve been. I managed to get plenty of flower starts while staying on budget.

And I met a gorgeous human being who grows flowers for florist shops. As we waited in the checkout line she offered me tips and encouragement on my flower-growing journey. I love kind people.

On My Phone This Week:

You, Me & Tuscany: A Movie Review

Earlier this week the women in my family gathered to see the movie You, Me & Tuscany.

The movie was…cute. Think Hallmark at its cheesiest. We’re talking more than once they broke out in song.

A cappella.

I had to cover my eyes. 🙈

Alright, fine, the movie had its moments, but I left the theater smiling. I can appreciate these types of films because they know exactly what they are: a good time. They’re not meant to be psycho-analyzed. They exist to make you feel good.

I like that.

Plus, it was a fun opportunity to spend time with the girls.

Win!

On My Bookshelf:

When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp, two worlds collide

Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found.

As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet. (Goodreads)

A visit to the Ballet that…sings?

Oh yes, you heard that right. To celebrate my cousin’s fifteenth birthday, my mom, cousin, and I attended Ballet West's West Side Story.

After a nice dinner and run-in with Lionel Messi (we made eye contact and I ran away), we popped over to the theater for a night of, well, we weren’t sure.

Ballets usually don’t include live vocals.

The ballet was lovely. The night featured several performances and retellings of West Side Story with only the final performance including live vocals.

While the singing was a fun aspect, I think my favorite part was seeing the awed reactions from my Mom and cousin in regard to the dancing. They’re both dancers, so they appreciate quality movements and exciting choreography in a way I don’t. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching dance, but I don’t watch it in the same way they do.

During one performance female dancers brought out metal poles and were lifted on the shoulders of their male counterparts. Together they became horses on a carousel. The visual was gasp-inducing. Talk about creativity.

All in all a great show and a great week. I can’t wait to see what other fun things life throws my way.

Until next time,

Haven

Table of Contents

Read from top to bottom, or scroll to what interests you. Thanks for being here!

• Schedule a Self Care Day: Implement an energy budget and helpful ways to replenish your store

• Backyard Baby Watch: A Tale From Candlelight Farm involving a pregnant mare and two aspiring investigative journalists

• A Bachelorette Party + A Painted Hairbrush Craft Idea: the cutest Italian-themed bachelorette party!

Schedule a Self-Care Day

Depending on the day or my mood, my introverted self can cosplay as an extrovert. Here’s the deal— I need alone time to recharge, but I can derive energy from what I like to call “peopling.”

Peopling:

1. the art of getting to know new people

2. the art of catching up with people you know but haven’t seen in awhile

I don’t mind peopling, I even enjoy it most days, but this past week I did more of it than I usually do in a month.

(I’m still recovering)

Yesterday, I met with my Italian professor from college and she taught me about her new way of living. She’s learning how to budget her energy, unfortunately due to a traumatic head injury.

She’s adopted the Spoon Theory.

A general understanding of the theory is this: if you only had so many energy spoons in a day, how might you use them? What are the activities that remove spoons or replenish them?

For example, visiting with a friend who has a tendency to complain, might take away 3 of your 12 daily spoons. Whereas enjoying a funny movie with a close friend, might replace a spoon.

The goal is to avoid overspending your energy budget.

I love the concept.

I’ve started implementing my own energy budget. For me, visiting with my Italian professor earned me spoons but having a hard conversation with a friend, took away spoons.

The other day I was feeling overwhelmed with life and peopling, when I received a text from my boss that work had been cancelled. I suddenly had a morning to myself. My mind quickly conjured up a list of activities I should do. Cleaning projects, garden plans, newsletter deadlines I could get ahead of.

In the midst of deciding how I should maximize my time, another thought came to mind—one I do not believe was placed there on its own— I felt as though I should visit my Church’s temple. A place that has always offered me comfort and peace.

Despite my to-do list, I decided to go. After, I thought, I’d take myself out to get a smoothie and sandwich at one of my favorite spots.

The experience was…needed.

Gosh, looking back on what seriously may have been my most booked and busy week to date, I am so grateful for that morning to myself. I earned back enough spoons to get me through the rest of the week.

It’s important we prioritize our mental and emotional well-being throughout our life. Busy seasons may come and go, but our bodies are always with us. They’re hard workers and deserve to be taken care of.

So schedule the self care date.

Self Care Date Ideas:

• Picnic at the park: prepare yourself (or pickup) a meal and enjoy it outside. Spend some time enjoying the sounds of nature. Optional: bring a book, journal, or coloring book to help reset your mind.

• Connect with God: set aside time to pray, read your scriptures, OR, take a drive and listen to worship music.

• Get a manicure or pedicure

• Book yourself a massage

• See a movie by yourself

• Try a new restaurant, cafe, or bakery

• Take a day off of social media

Backyard Baby Watch

News from the Farm

Princess Val (a horse) is scheduled to give birth any day now so my future sister-in-law and I set up camp in the backyard. We were determined not to miss the birth of the new baby.

Spoiler alert— Val did not give birth during our camping adventure, but we did have fun.

Please enjoy our brief photo and video log of our investigation:

A Bachelorette Party (PLUS a Painted Hairbrush Craft Idea!)

When you imagine a bachelorette party, what do you think of?

I used to imagine things like strippers, lingerie, and gag gifts. Up until a few days ago, I’d never attended a bachelorette party, so my view was a bit more…Hollywood.

I certainly wasn’t envisioning an Italian-themed soiree complete with individual wood-fired pizzas, homemade cannolis, games, and a darling painted hairbrush craft. And yes, some lingerie too.

My dear friend, Abbie, is getting married in May and I could not be more excited for her. You know those kind of people who are genuinely good?

That’s Abbie.

Her heart is sincere and her actions are kind. We met on the way to a study abroad in Italy and have been friends since. Through her character alone, she deserves all the happiness.

Her bachelorette party was hosted by her sister-in-law who is fabulous and my new inspiration in life.

Sarah knows how to throw a good party.

I mean, look at this:

The vibes were cozy, the girls lovely, and the food heavenly.

It was perfect.

The craft was SO easy, but SO much fun too. Try it at your next girls night!

Craft supplies needed:

• Wooden hairbrushes (check out this party-pack on Amazon!)

• Paint (we used acrylic that you can find at any craft store)

  • Pssst! Paint markers would be AH-MAY-ZING! (Amazon has lots of options. I found this one)

• Paint brushes (found at any craft store)

• Water (to clean your brushes)

• Paper towels

• Paint trays (or paper plates)

Happy Easter friends!

I won’t take up too much of your time today, but I wanted to pop into your inbox to wish you a happy day and month ahead. Can you believe it’s April already?

Yesterday I woke up bright and early to help my youth city council kids set up their Easter Egg Scramble for our city. I feel like a proud mom, I want to post all of the pictures with a gushing caption of how awesome they are, but out of respect for their privacy, I’ll hold back on those. But I am proud and they are awesome.

I love getting to watch the youth of today shine. They’re teenagers and yet they’re hosting city events and fostering togetherness in our community. I feel so lucky to see their positive contributions up so close.

If you ever feel stuck or depressed in a world that seems to enjoy scaring us, start volunteering. Serve your community and watch how much happier and hopeful you become.

The Giving Garden Begins

A few months ago I mentioned I’d planted tulip bulbs in preparation for a new project.

Another project I’m working on is what I’m titling “The Giving Garden.” I’m determined to grow a cut flower garden next spring with the sole purpose to give beautiful flower bouquets away to people in my community. I’ll have more details and updates on The Giving Garden later, but for now, I’ve been buying hundreds of tulip bulbs to plant before the first frost.

I enjoyed my first tulip harvests last week and thus, the Giving Garden, was officially born. I’ve already learned a few lessons:

1. A bad winter (aka low moisture) means shorter tulip stems (Oh well, I used smaller vases instead)

2. Tulips continue to grow in their vase (what?!)

3. It’s hard to protect your secret flower delivery identity when everyone has Ring cameras (I need to figure out a disguise)

Along with the flowers, I delivered simple notes with loving thoughts to my flower recipients.

My operation isn’t anything crazy, in fact, most of the fun has yet to come, but it’s a start! An easy one too.

Truly.

I spent a few hours last fall planting bulbs and I spent a few spare hours this Spring harvesting and preparing my deliveries.

Try it! Start a Giving Garden (or bakery or something else awesome) to brighten the day of those around you. It doesn’t take as much effort as you might think.

The Perfect Girls Night Out

A girls night out is always a good idea. My friend Presley and I made a reservation for dinner and bought tickets for a Kevin Nealon comedy show.

Easy peasy.

If you’re catching a theme in today’s email, it’s probably that it’s easier to make plans than you think.

Designing a life you love doesn’t require a lot of work, but it does require some. Reach out to the friend. Schedule the lunch. Book the appointment.

Your future self will thank you.

P.S. Kevin Nealon is hilarious.

Happy Easter!

He is Risen!

—Haven

1: Declutter Your Space

Spring cleaning may not be a new idea, but it is always a good idea.

This is your official sign to ditch the single sock you can’t find the spare to, the pants that don’t fit right, or the shirt you haven’t worn in a few years.

It’s time, girl.

After you declutter, clean your space using a good-smelling cleaning spray. I recently discovered Mrs. Meyers cleaning products and my life will never be the same. There’s so many fun scents to try. It’s incredible and I seriously look forward to cleaning because I love the way it makes my space feel and smell.

My favorite scent is honeysuckle.

You can find it at your local grocery store or on Amazon.

2: Add Some Whimsy to Your Wardrobe

I’m right there with Taylor Swift when she says, “I like shiny things.”

I love me some sparkles and glitter, so when I stumbled upon a pair of Walmart (yes, you heard that right) BEDAZZLED jeans, I instantly threw them in the cart. Plus, they were thirteen bucks on clearance.

Um, yes.

I wore them to an art gallery and felt a serious pep in my step.

Whether it’s a pair of bedazzled jeans, a gorgeous beaded bag (my new favorite accessory), or a pair of funky earrings— adding some whimsy to your wardrobe is an easy way to refresh your style this spring.

3: Shuffle Your Playlist

I love to listen to new music, actually, I’m guilty of solely listening to new music. New Taylor Swift album? I’ll play it on repeat until the new Olivia Dean album drops. Before I know it, Olivia Dean becomes SZA or Harry Styles or Ella Langley. You get the gist.

I don’t often go back to old albums and playlists but it does happen from time to time.

The other day my friend suggested putting my entire song discography on shuffle.

The experience was actually awesome. I rediscovered so many old favorites. Hamilton, anyone? It still hits.

I’m always listening to new music though. Here are two of my recent favorites:

P.S. These songs feel like sunshine in a song. I highly recommend giving them a listen in the car with the windows down. ;)

4: Plan Fun Into Your Schedule

Want to see that new Zendaya movie? (it’s the year of Z and I am here for it) Invite some friends and buy your tickets now.

The women in my family made a plan to see the movie, “You, Me & Tuscany” in a few weeks. After we’ll grab ice cream and debrief.

My gorgeous friend, Sienna, invited me to join her book club. I was hesitant because I didn’t know any of the other girls, but in hindsight, I am so glad I joined anyway. We read the book Reminders of Him, dinner-partied at Chilis (triple dippers ofc) and then saw the movie.

The girls were sweet and the night was fun.

It really is that simple.

Plan some fun into your schedule!

5: Embrace the Season Through Your Senses

Sight:

• Decorate your home for Spring.

  • Adding a new bow to an old wreath is an easy way to add some pizaz to the mundane. I’m obsessed with Lisa Street Designs for all my bow needs.

• Go for a walk in nature. I love this idea of a flower walk:

Sound:

• Listen to the birds chirp:

  • Music isn’t only found in your iPhone. A walk without headphones might be more enjoyable than you think. Hearing birds chirp makes life feel a little more peaceful. Check out this post for why:

Smell:

• I love rotating my Bath & Body Works scents to match whatever season we’re in. Try introducing a fresh scent into your space for an instant seasonal boost.

Touch:

• “Touch” on your life goals by conducting a quarterly review. I love this idea from the Lizzy Jensen Show:

Taste:

• Embrace seasonal fruits and vegetables like strawberries and asparagus. (Grow your own too;) I love this post from, , on the importance of eating a variety of foods:

Chasing Carrots

Your Gut is Your Garden

I mean it. In a world that has made food the pit of confusion… cut this, eliminate that, supplement this, detox from the other...I want take a deep breath, and start here: Your body is not a problem to solve (speaking to myself as I say this). It is a garden to tend…

Read more

6 months ago · 3 likes · 4 comments · Victoria Louise M.S.

• Herbal tea is my go-to this time of year. I have been loving Gnat & Bee’s Woodland Chai.

Spirit:

While not technically one of our five senses, it sort of feels like one. Maybe this is what people call our “sixth sense.”

As we enter Holy Week, my focus is on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Last year I ventured on a “spiritual refresh” of sorts and I can truly say there has been nothing more liberating, comforting, or empowering in my life as growing a relationship with Christ.

He is everything and I am so humbled and grateful for his sacrifice on my behalf.

He died for you and He died for me.

If you are looking to refresh your life this Spring, turn to Him.

For more information on Jesus Christ’s love for you, visit, thechurchofjesuschrist.org

Subscribe now

A Tale From Candlelight Farm…

It’s official.

Winter is totally out.

Temperatures below sixty degrees? That’s so last season.

Skiing down the slopes? Maybe one more time if you’re a rebel.

Turning on the heater? Why, when the AC is so much cooler?

Spring’s arrived, ladies, and she’s here to stay and slay!

ALRIGHT, alright. I’m done. I swear.

In all seriousness, Spring is my favorite time of year at the Farm. Everything turns green. The sun warms the ground into workable soil. The anticipation of summer vegetable harvests, Fourth of July parades, and Fall festivals has my world feeling like that High School Musical song:

I start to dream about picnics and outdoor movie nights. Trips to the Cabin for ATVing and pickleball.

The theme is fresh beginnings.

Speaking of which, yesterday we said goodbye to my brother’s horse, Tres Aversion, or, Midnight as I like to call her.

Midnight joined us last Fall and while she was always meant to find a new forever home, I’m still feeling emotional about the whole thing.

I mean, come on, look at her in the trailer…

Does that not break your heart just a little bit?

I hate not knowing what animals are thinking. Does she know she’s leaving the Farm forever? Does she realize she’ll never see her other horse friends ever again? Is she scared? Will she miss us? Does she know she’s loved?

I get too attached to these babies and they’re not even mine.

One of my jobs is helping my brother list and sell his yearlings— a task I’m actually grateful for despite how devastating it feels. At least I can try my best to find good owners for them.

Rest assured, Midnight is going to a good home.

The new owner sent me the sweetest message today:

I feel confident Midnight has a happy life ahead of her. Her new owner is a barrel racer who will train her to compete in barrel racing. I like picturing Midnight stretching her legs and flying as fast as she can.

There’s something wonderful about seeing a horse run. It’s so majestic— I love it.

So, I’m happy for Midnight, but gosh, I am still so sad she had to leave.

Alright, time to move on because I’m getting in my feels again…

If you’re new here, last summer I started a seasonal micro-bakery named after the Farm.

In a recent Instagram post, I wrote this about the bakery:

I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about the future of the bakery. Last summer was truly a wonderful experience, but it was time-consuming. More so than I’d anticipated.

Alongside baking, each week I created a new bakery stand theme. I changed the decor, packaging, labels, name tags, and marketing materials to match whatever theme I’d come up with.

It was seriously so much fun. I loved getting to flex my creative muscles in new and surprising ways. I started feeling a little bit like a Disney Imagineer because I began thinking about things like the sounds and smells I wanted my customers to experience when they came to pick up their orders.

If the bakery was lounging on the beach, I wanted it to feel like it. So, I played reggae music and hid a tropical scented wallflower on the porch.

I loved what I was doing, but I hated how all-consuming it was. I only thought about the bakery. Which would have been fine except I was also pursuing another passion project at the same time— my novel.

Outside of writing my newsletter (a third passion project), I didn’t write. Not seriously.

Oops.

Novel-writing took a back seat to the bakery big time.

Oh well, there’s a time and season for everything.

Last summer was about the bakery. This past winter— my newsletter and travel.

But now it’s Spring and it’s time to evaluate what I want out of the next season of my life.

And I’ve decided what I want isn’t being baked in the middle of the night and tucked in a pretty package that’s NFL (Taylor’s Version) themed. However fun it was last year.

Instead it’s found in the labyrinth of my mind (and notes app). The place that eagerly files away stories and characters for reasons unbeknownst to me. My brain just likes it.

The reality is I can’t do everything at once. At least, not on the same level. And if I have to pick a dream— I’m picking writing.

If we’re being specific, I’m picking my children’s novel The Witch at Candlelight Farm.

If you’re a regular reader of Just Because you know I’ve been vacillating on a few different writing projects to focus on. I’ve been stuck on a fantasy novel I started writing when I was sixteen that, at this point, is nothing more than a toxic ex I can’t move on from.

After a hearty dose of self-reflection and prayer, I’ve happily come to the conclusion that, The Witch at Candlelight Farm, is the story I want to prioritize.

Just thinking about it makes me feel giddy.

But I’m not completely saying goodbye to the bakery. Selfishly, I don’t want to. It fulfills me in a different way than writing does.

It does have to change though.

Rather than a weekly themed bakery stand, my plan is to create a pop-up farmers market.

A few times during the summer (perhaps only once or twice), I’ll offer baked goods, home-grown veggies and flowers, sewing wares, and maybe even some watercolor stationery for sale.

It will be a fun occasional creative brain-break from writing.

Eek! I’m excited.

From the inspired words of Hannah Montana, it’s the best of both worlds.

A Trip to Amish Country, Ohio!

Guys, you already know.

Ohio is my love language.

I arrived home from a few weeks in Berlin, Ohio a few days ago. What a trip! Literally. In between visits to fabric stores, lunches at my favorite restaurant, the Pine Tree Barn, and opening an Ohio library card, the state enjoyed 70+ mph winds, state-wide power outages, and a literal meteor crash.

We were without power for two days which was sort of like the ultimate Amish Country experience if you think about it. You quickly realize how much you rely on electricity when you don’t have it.

I missed reading at night!

I still managed to get some reading in during the day though.

Despite a few hiccups, Ohio was still as lovely as ever. I visited countless fabric stores, tried a new bakery (Miss Amy’s in Wooster Ohio— it was SO GOOD) and visited my very favorite store of all time: Gnat and Bee Apothecary.

I’ve tried to decide what draws me to Gnat and Bee so much, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Everything in the store calls to me. Home-grown herbal tea, fairy stickers, stationery, lotions and potions made in house.

It’s heaven.

I always leave inspired to grow more herbs and start up yoga.

Later, I visited an amish seed shop. I bought herbs and flower seeds. My favorite find: Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato seeds. Really, I just loved the name. Thelma is a main character in my novel, The Witch at Candlelight Farm, so it felt only fitting that I grow a Thelma plant in honor of her at the actual Candlelight Farm.

(glances at clock)

Oh dear, this newsletter is a long one. I’ll let you go, but before I do, I have to show you one last thing…

Meet Bartholomew.

I found him for sale at the Pine Tree Barn and just had to have him. I imagine him sitting in a future children’s library.

That’s all for today. Thanks for reading!

Soman Chainani Keynote

In his keynote, Chainani talked flipped fairytales, his new book YOUNG WORLD, his “Diary of a Novel” substack, and his podcast with Victoria Aveyard that dives into the behind the scenes of the publishing world.

Listen to his podcast here!

Diary of a Novel with Soman Chainani

Announcing The YOUNG WORLD Tour

The past few years, I’ve been a homebody…

Read more

6 months ago · 23 likes · 18 comments · Soman Chainani

Find Soman Chainani on Instagram & on Substack @ .

Won’t Someone Please Think of the Children? Presentation

By Jessica Day George

Key Takeaways:

• Kids aren’t dumb. They’re complex, smart, and able to understand more than you think. Don’t be condescending when you write for them.

• Children DON’T have less complicated lives than adults. Honor that.

• Don’t try and write for a fad

• Kids read up (your audience will typically enjoy a protagonist who is 2 years older than they are)

• If you’re writing for children, read children’s books!

JDG Book Recs:

• The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley

• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken

• The Magic Words by Cheryl B Klein

• Reflections: On the Magic of Writing by Diana Wynne Jones

Find Jessica Day George on Instagram &

on Substack

Picture Books: Tips and Secrets

By Kristyn Crow

Key Takeaways:

• From her experience, rhyming books have sold the best

• Advice for choosing a title or finding story inspiration:

  • combine words to make new, funny ones (i.e. her story, Zombelina)

• Keep stories under 500 words

• Sound matters in picture books

  • Pay attention to how your book sounds when read aloud

    • Can your story be performed?

  • Use sound devices:

    • refrains, consonances, repetitions, alliterations, onomatopoeia, etc.

• Consider the illustrator as you write

  • Write as if pictures are already there—don’t describe the picture

  • You can include illustration notes in your manuscript when necessary but try and leave room for an illustrator to play

    • Don’t try and find your own illustrator for your project (unless you’re the illustrator!) The publisher will want to find them.

    • Text and illustration can disagree or reveal a secret (this is an example of when you might leave an illustrator note so the illustration matches what the text is supposed to accomplish)

• Be innovative:

  • picture books are meant to do strange or unusual things

    • Remember “pages are like doors”

• Know the business:

  • Hooks are crucial

    • Children don’t buy picture books—their parents do. They’re looking for:

      • holiday theme

      • obvious child appeal (princesses, dragons, monsters, trucks, etc).

      • a twist on a beloved tale

      • bedtime theme

      • a unique and relatable protagonist (i.e. Fancy Nancy)

      • sentimental (i.e. “I love you” books)

      • educational concepts

• Find a critique group!

Find Kristyn on Instagram here!

Sentence Variation

By Debbie Hibbert

Key Takeaways:

• Punctuation controls pace

  • A period stops, a comma slows down, and an em dash interrupts.

• Read your work aloud

• Aim for guided intrigue rather than false mystery

  • reveal facts

  • include emotional responses with clarity

  • use anticipation instead of confusion

  • clarify stakes

Find Debbie on Instagram here!

The Screenplay: Writing for Film & Television

By Blake Casselman

Key Takeaways:

• Read screenplays!

  • Find free scripts on scriptslug.com

• Feature length films:

  • 90-120 pages (1 min per page)

  • Most movies are now written on assignment, but you need 2-3 spec scripts (your original work) on hand when pitching to filmmakers

• Television: one-hour drama or a thirty minute situation comedy

  • 30-35 pages, prefer 25-28 pages

    • includes opening/teaser scene then a 3 act structure

  • If you want to write television professionally:

    • write scripts for established stories to show how you’d work in a writers room (aka write fan fiction but no killing off characters or introducing major life changes;)

• Use screenwriting software!

  • Producers want (and often require) scripts to be written in standard format

  • “Final Draft” software is the industry standard but is pricey!

• Create a show bible (look up examples online to get a sense of what you need to do)

• Put your screenplay on the “The Black List” website for free (or pay a small monthly fee for upgrades) to showcase your work to industry professionals

Find Blake Casselman on IMDb here!

Brandon Sanderson Keynote

Brandon Sanderson didn’t have the traditional author upbringing. He hated books and he hated reading. Sanderson eventually discovered a love for reading— thanks to a teacher who introduced him to dragons— and soon was writing his own stories. Years later (and a college major change from Chemistry to English), Sanderson decided to pursue writing as a career. He wrote thirteen novels before he was published.

Writing advice from Brandon Sanderson:

• Ultimate success should be determined by what you can control

  • Things you can control: your habits and your passion

  • You can’t control the publishing industry— ask yourself: would you still write even if you never published a book?

• Focus on yourself more than product —> train yourself to have good habits

  • Find your writing superpower:

    • Address your flaws

    • Hone in your passions

    • Determine what motivates you

• The magical elixir: Writing for yourself, and accepting that as success, creates confidence. If you finish a manuscript— you’re a writer and Brandon’s colleague, publishing deal or not.

You can find Brandon Sanderson on Instagram here!

Scroll to what interests you or read top to bottom!

• St. Patrick’s Day: Add Some Whimsy to Your Life

• Ireland: Take A Virtual Trip to Ireland

• Sewing: Sew a Seasonal Rag Quilt

• Garden: How to Sow Garden Seeds Indoors

• Happy Birthday: Celebrating One Year of Just Because!

Give me a reason to celebrate and I’m in.

New Years? I’ll host Mocktails and Manifestations night.

Valentines? Find me in the kitchen baking treats and crafting homemade valentines.

St. Patricks Day? You better believe I’m dying the milk green, wearing something chartreuse, and cozying up to watch the movie Leap Year.

I love any opportunity to add a little whimsy to my life. The other day I watched a video about wearing a crown instead of a headband to do your makeup.

Talk about fabulous.

I love that she’s doing something “silly” because it makes her life feel a little bit more special.

Pursuing joy does not involve caring about what other people think of you. In a world full of over thinkers and second-guessers, be a queen and wear the dang crown.

This St. Patty’s I’ll be adding a little whimsy to my wardrobe with some Betsy Johnson earrings I found at TJ Maxx.

Ideas to add some whimsy to your own St. Patrick’s Day celebrations:

• Wear green (duh!)

• Learn about the history of St. Patrick’s Day here

• Dye your milk green & enjoy a bowl of Lucky Charms cereal

• Bake traditional brown Irish soda bread

• Host a movie night

Subscribe now

I think I’ll forever dream about my trip to Ireland.

Allow me to set the scene:

It’s the summer of ‘23. I’m twenty-years old living in London for university when a few friends and I risk a Ryan Air flight to Dublin for the weekend. We’ve booked ourselves all-day bus tours and the cheapest hotel we can find in the city.

Russell Court Hotel is cheap because it houses a nightclub that blasts Shakira all night long. They give us earplugs and the room on the top floor— the one that faces the setting sun and never falls below 80 degrees. The only window opens directly to the nightclub court yard.

Our nights are hot and restless, our lullaby “Hips Don’t Lie” for the third or maybe fourth time, but in the day we forget because we’re in bloody Ireland and it’s the most incredible place we’ve ever seen.

Now that you’ve arrived to the club and you’re “starting to feel it’s right,” please enjoy my trip down memory lane through music, pictures, and journal entries from my brief time in the beautiful country of Ireland.

I made it to Ireland! Ashlin, Emma, and I left early Thursday morning from the flat to take a bus, coach, plane, and one more bus to arrive at Russell Court Hotel in Dublin, Ireland. We signed ourselves up for two all-day bus tours across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. They played this song [Leaving on a Jet Plane] along with sea shanties and other traditional Celtic music.

On Friday we journeyed to the Cliffs of Moher. Our tour guide was named Kevin and he was the best tour guide of all time. On the way we made a stop at Barack Obama plaza for snacks and the toilet (I hate that they call it that for some reason—restroom sounds nicer). Kevin told us the story about Barack and Michelle visiting Ireland and how the Irish adore them (enough to have a plaza and a song about them!).

Our new tour guide told us about another bus tour for tomorrow— one with baby lambs they let you cuddle. Curse our same-day flight but OH BLESS THAT DEAR, DEAR MAN! He helped us schedule our day so we can see the lambs (and sheep dog trials) AND then ditch the bus tour for a train that will get us to the airport on time. We’re seeing the lambs. I repeat, we’re seeing the lambs.

Somehow the girls convinced me to go to the club tonight. Ha! Never need to do that again.

I’ve fallen in love with a Hemsworth brother. Okay, not really, but I think he has to be related. You’d believe me if you saw him. My goodness. If the Australian accent wasn’t enough, he’s talking about his farm. You know that Jason Derulo lyric? “Talk”—oh, you know the one. I think it should be “talk cattle to me” instead.

Who knew my time in Ireland would include such diversity…latin night clubs and hot Australian farmers?

I think Ireland might just be my new favorite place.

Subscribe now

Looking for an easy beginner friendly sewing project? Try making a seasonal rag quilt!

This season I’m making a St. Patrick’s Day rag quilt, but you could easily make an Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, or Christmas rag quilt. Whatever suits your fancy.

(I promise, it’s SOOO easy!)

Follow my instructions below:

Yardage:

I chose three fabrics: a solid, a holiday novelty, and a complimentary fabric. That way I could have a similar but different checkered pattern on the front and back. Feel free to use as many fabric varieties as you’d like to create your own unique pattern.

• Fabric 1 (St. Patrick’s novelty): 2 yards

• Fabric 2 (black/white houndstooth): 2 yards

• Fabric 3 (kelly green): 3 yards

• Batting: (I like Warm & Natural) 3 yards

*Remember, keep the total yardage the same but choose whatever fabric you like.

Instructions:

Find my tutorial on TikTok as well.

• Fabric 1: Cut 18, 10” x 10” squares

• Fabric 2: Cut 18, 10” x 10” squares

• Fabric 3: Cut 34, 10” x 10” squares

• Batting: Cut 35, 8” x 8” squares

1. After cutting your fabric, determine your pattern (front and back)

2. Layer a front square with a back square (wrong sides together) with a batting square in the middle

   

3. Sew the layers together by sewing two straight lines from corner to corner (aka sew an x). Repeat 35 times.

   

   1. Use the same colored thread as your fabric for a clean look

   2. You can draw a guide using a heat-erasable pen if you’d like (I eyeballed mine)

4. Following your desired pattern, place the back sides of two of your fabric blocks together. Sew along the edge using a 1/2” seam allowance. Repeat until you have 5 in a row. Then begin a new row until you complete 7 rows.

   

5. Sew the rows together, back sides together, using a 1/2” seam allowance. Repeat until all 7 rows are connected.

   1. Make sure to use pins and nest your seams!

   

6. Finish your quilt by sewing a 1/2” seam around the perimeter of the entire quilt. Next, clip each seam (aka “rag” your quilt) by making small cuts along each exposed seam.

   1. Be careful not to clip into your thread!

7. Wash/dry your quilt for the ultimate rag quilt look!

Current sewing playlist:

Have you been dreaming of starting a vegetable garden this spring? Maybe a cut flower garden for endless summer bouquets?

If you answered yes, congratulations! It’s time to start those seeds!

(You totally got this)

I’m a big fan of “winter sowing” seeds in old milk jugs. I love it because it’s affordable (you’re repurposing an item you probably already have) and you don’t have to “baby” your seedlings. They get to live outside and the greenhouse-effect means condensation does the watering for you.

I have a post that covers the pros and cons of winter sowing that you can find here:

You can find a winter sowing tutorial on Youtube by “From Dream to Seed” here.

If you’re not interested in starting seeds in recycled milk jugs, join me this year in trying grow lights.

My boss/gardening guru recommended these products from Amazon:

Potting Soil

Seed Starting Trays

Self Watering Capillary Mats

Heat Mats

I inherited grow lights from a family friend but I've heard great things about Gardner’s Supply grow lights. Check them out here.

I like to buy my seeds from Berlin Seeds (most affordable I’ve found) and Johnny’s. I’ve also used seeds from Burpee and Botanical Interests. You really can’t go wrong here.

The queen that is Emily Ann (country music STAR and champion of domestic arts) has a 3-part seed-starting tutorial on Instagram. It’s worth the watch!

Find part 1 here:

P.S. She ditches grow lights and uses a window!

Happy planting!

March 7th was the one year anniversary of Just Because and I can’t help but smile every time I think about this milestone.

One year. Sixty-six articles. And about a million things learned.

Most notably, I’ve learned the power of starting.

It’s easy to get sucked into the idea of perfection. We can spend our entire lives chasing it. Waiting for it. Hoping for it.

Or, we could just start.

Start and improve as you go.

Spelling errors. Grammar mistakes. Missed upload weeks. Subscribers gained and subscribers lost.

My newsletter is imperfect.

I’m imperfect.

But when I look back on this year, I have sixty-six reasons to be proud.

I stuck with this passion project for a year. People across twenty-one countries tune in weekly to read about my silly little life. I’ve followed my dreams and bravely shared my journey with the world— sixty-six times!

That’s worth celebrating.

All this to say, my heart is bursting with gratitude. Thank you for being here. This year has changed my life.

Read my very first Substack article here:

Subscribe now

This weekend I was privileged to attend the Utah-based writing conference, Story Con.

In today’s post I’ll be covering the panels, presentations, and keynotes I attended on the first day of the Con— including writing advice that’s easily digested and fast-acting for improving your work.

Story Con Keynote speakers:

• Jennifer A. Nielsen, author of The False Prince

• Angeline Boulley, author of Fire Keeper’s Daughter

• Soman Chainani*, author of The School for Good and Evil

• Brandon Sanderson*, author of Mistborn

*these keynote speakers will be recapped in part 2

Conference Highlights

• The Con was adventure themed! Attendees were greeted with John Williams’ “Raiders March” at registration, along with decorations that felt straight out of The Jungle Cruise film.

• Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archives character, Kaladin Stormblessed, escaped from his book! Throughout the Con he ran loose until the final keynote when Sanderson wrote him back into his novel.

• Brandon Mull shared the first teaser of his upcoming Fablehaven film

Jennifer A. Nielsen Keynote

Author of The False Prince

Nielsen was labeled the weird girl at summer camp by her peers and leaders (seriously, she was awarded a certificate and everything) growing up. Later she realized “weird girl” was code for “future author.” Perspective shapes your reality. Don’t let mean, snide, or ignorant comments stop you from doing what you love.

Keep writing.

Listen to Jennifer’s podcast here:

Fairytales, Myths, & Folklore Panel

With Sara B. Larsen, Kara Swanson, Sheree Bingham, & Cara Stout

• When writing fairytale retellings, balance nostalgia with surprise. Flip beloved stories on their heads while honoring favorite aspects of the original tales.

• Research your proposed book title before submitting a manuscript. Is it already taken? Is it associated with something unsavory?

• Book rec: The Anatomy of a Story by John Truby

Find the panelists here:

Sara B. Larsen on Instagram

on Substack

Sheree Bingham on Instagram

Cara Stout on Instagram

It’s a Love Story Presentation

by Kasie West

When writing YA contemporary romance, keep these tips from Kasie in mind:

• The Set Up

  • Start the story when something’s changing in your main character’s life

  • Tell the reader what question the book will answer ASAP (i.e. by the end of chapter 1, a story might reveal the main character is in love with the boy next door. We can assume by the end of the book they’ll be together)

  • After answering the question, reveal the character’s personal and relationship history

• Conflict

  • A Plot: what is keeping the love interests apart?

    • include an overarching conflict and chapter by chapter conflict

  • Subplots: other conflicts aside from A Plot. Could be romantic, familial, or professional

    • B Plot (i.e. Jane and Bingley’s story in Pride & Prejudice)

    • C Plot (i.e. Lydia and Wickham’s story in Pride & Prejudice)

• Time

  • Characters need to spend time together for a reader to care about them

• Dialogue

  • When characters share personal information/are vulnerable with each other it creates a sense of intimacy

  • Read your work out loud!

    • Does the banter, flirting, and conversation sound natural?

  • First draft dialogue is almost never final draft dialogue…if it’s not working, fix it!

• Climax

  • If possible, all plots (A, B, C, etc) peak at the same time (aka everything goes wrong at once)

• Resolve

  • Grand gesture time!

• The Kiss

  • Try and include equal amounts of emotion, thought, and physical description during kissing scenes

  • Genre romance MUST have a happily ever after or a happy for now ending (if you’re writing a sad/bittersweet/bad ending it cannot be labeled a romance in the publishing world…instead it’s a love story. Keep this in mind when querying!)

• Other Kasie West advice:

  • “Publishing moves slow but readers move fast” You can publish things on your own to maintain/attract readers (i.e. West self-published a novella in between traditionally published projects)

  • Be proud! No ifs, ands, or buts— be proud you write romance.

    • Writing romance comes with challenges—some people look down on it. Instead of letting that get to you, be proud you’re:

      • happy-making for readers

      • honoring your love for writing romance

      • writing what you love to read

      • celebrating love

Find on Substack

Content Creation and Other Dangerous Marketing Tools Panel

with Karen Reeder, Eric Anderson, & Ryan Bouche

Interested in long-form content creation to help promote your book? Here are some tips:

• Eric Anderson has a newsletter titled Story First that helps authors who hate marketing. Sign up for free here

• Focus on one platform at a time when starting out (i.e. start with a podcast and work up to posting Instagram reels)

• Not sure what platform to start with?

  • Ask yourself what you’re comfortable sharing with the world: face? voice? writing?

    • Face —> YouTube

    • Voice —> Podcast

    • Writing —> Email Newsletter

  • Pay attention to what your consumers want

    • Writers are often readers —> they’re more likely to read a newsletter

    • Gamers watch content, not read it —> they’ll typically prefer a visual experience

• About 80% of your time will be spent in pre-production. Set a time constraint to get it done and then move forward with creating your content

• Good enough is good enough. Don’t let perfectionism prevent you from posting. Start then perfect as you go on.

• Find free Editing 101 courses on YouTube

• Podcasts/YouTube videos:

  • record where you’re most comfortable (couch, on a walk, around a table, etc).

  • Need content ideas? Try the site Answer the Public to see what people are searching on Google and Chat GPT

  • Volunteer at conferences to meet people to create content with

  • Look online for free resources (including YouTube overlays)

  • Tech starter kit: iPhone and an affordable wireless microphone from Amazon

Find the panelists here:

Eric Anderson on Instagram

Karen Reeder on Apple Podcasts

Ryan Bouche on Dads ‘n Dragons Podcast

Subscribe now

Punch First, Edit Later: Combat Scenes

with Nova McBee, Jo Schaffer Layton, Gillian Bronte Adams

Tips to improve writing combat/action sequences in your novel:

• RESEARCH:

  • Take a fight class

  • Talk to someone who actually knows what it feels like to be punched in the head or kicked in the abdomen

  • Practice your motions in real life (can your character physically do the things you’re describing?)

  • Learn from professional fighters (watch videos online, learn how Navy Seals are trained, etc.)

• To raise stakes:

  • Obstacles: what the character is up against (i.e. a locked door)

  • Complications: what the character takes with them (i.e. a wound)

• Describe the entire sensory experience of a fight (e.g. tasting blood, feeling metal, seeing blood, smelling grass, hearing clanging, etc.)

• Short, sharp, and blunt sentences create a sense of urgency

• Remember, even Superman needed kryptonite. Characters need flaws to feel real.

• Remember who your character is: Are they a trained assassin? Do they have prior fight experience/training? These questions will determine things like if a sword feels heavy to them, how a punch feels, and what mindset they slip into during combat.

• Writers are the directors of a scene. Where is the “camera” panning during a fight sequence? Where does it zoom in or out?

• Images are powerful. Know your audience. Sometimes it is better to imply rather than show.

Find the panelists here:

Nova McBee on Instagram

Jo Schaffer Layton on Instagram

Gillian Bronte Adams on Instagram

Low Spice Romance Panel

with Jen Geigle Johnson, Kim Benson, Kasie West, & Sarah M. Eden

Tips for writing stories without explicit content:

• To determine how much spice you want in your story, ask yourself: is the kiss ending or beginning the intimacy?

• Romance must have a happily ever after or a happy for now ending. Labeling a story as Romance creates a contract with the reader—they expect a happy ending. (Stories labeled as “love stories” can have sad, bittersweet, or upsetting endings)

• Characters need to feel real. Give your character flaws and redeemable qualities.

Find the panelists here:

on Substack

Kim Benson on Instagram

Kasie West on Instagram

Sarah M. Eden on Instagram

Angeline Boulley Keynote

Author of Fire Keeper’s Daughter

Boulley published her first novel thirty-six years after the initial spark of an idea. She actively worked on the book for ten years. When she was finally ready to pursue publishing her debut novel Fire Keeper’s Daughter, her work went to auction and eventually earned a seven figure book deal.

Writing tips from Boulley:

• There are four important factors to publishing, three of which you can control:

  • Your idea

  • Your ability to write / dedication to learn how to write

  • Your time

• The only factor you can’t control:

  • The market

• It’s never too late to follow your dreams!

Find Angeline on Instagram here!

Part Two Coming Soon!

Just Because is a weekly newsletter thoughtfully curated to inspire you to live an abundant life. Join the community for tales from Candlelight Farm, craft ideas, hosting tips, book club, and more. Plus, follow along my journey as an aspiring fantasy novelist.

Thank you for being here.

Subscribe now

We’re six days away from March.

Six days!

Which only means we’re still in the thick of gorgeous February and that my dear friends is something to celebrate.

Remember, every day counts when you’re designing the life you want to live.

Here’s a bit of what I’ve been up to this month:

Scrapbooking

Guys, I’ve started a new hobby (EEK! the Haven that wrote my 2026 New Year, New Hobbies series is so proud of myself). My friend, Presley, has inspired me to hop on the scrapbooking train. Only I won’t be scrapbooking an adorable baby boy’s start of life. Instead, I’m revisiting my times abroad for a travel scrapbook.

I’ve collected enough ephemera to last a lifetime so I might as well. Do you do that? Collect things like ticket stubs or maps or postcards?

If so, maybe you’d enjoy starting your own travel scrapbook. TikTok and Pinterest are full of inspiration;)

I’m excited to share more of my scrapbooking journey in future newsletters.

While we’re on the subject of paper crafts, this month I made homemade Valentines. Here’s one I made for my part time bestie, part time mother extraordinaire.

DIY Pro Tip: Reduce, reuse, recycle baby! For this Valentine, I used fabric shop “garbage” for a ruffle border, buttons from my favorite Amish thrift shop, and paper I sourced from a shopping bag.

Shopping with P

It’s official: fabric bows are IN.

To learn how to make your own fabric bow, check out this post:

Skiing

Utah snow has been a bit slow-coming this year, but we do have enough to enjoy a few mornings on the slopes.

And thanks to a gorgeous snow storm this week, my friends and I are looking forward to a few more.

Writing

(Shameless plug warning;) If you’re interested, I tend to talk a bit more about my novel writing journey on my paid-subscription tier. This includes writing advice, book chapters, sneak peeks of my projects, and additional bi-monthly content. The cost is $5 a month or $30 a year.

I’d also like to take a moment to thank my paid subscribers for their support. I love being able to offer as much free content as possible, and their support truly helps to make that a reality. Thank you.

Get 30 day free trial

Two words: Olivia Dean.

Her most recent album, The Art of Loving, is truly a no-skip album. But if you haven’t heard it and need a starting point, here are a few of my favorites:

If you’re interested in all the music I’ve been loving lately, check out my Seasonal Refresh playlist here.

As for podcasts, I’ve been loving Talking Scripture to accompany my reading of The Old Testament. It has made a world of difference in understanding the dense text.

To celebrate Lunar New Year, I invited my Mom and Grandma out for a night of Chinese food and a viewing of the iconic movie, Crazy Rich Asians. For dessert we enjoyed one of our favorite Thai dishes—mango sticky rice.

For a brief history of Lunar New Year, check out this article from National Geographic.

The recipe I followed to make mango sticky rice:

Okay, I have to ask…

Do you know who Jane Austen is?

I seriously thought everyone knew Jane Austen, but I was clearly mistaken when three (THREE!) people in my life had absolutely no idea. They were all under the age of twenty-four so perhaps that has something to do with it… but STILL!

Jane Austen is forever famous in my mind.

In case you’re unfamiliar— Jane Austen is an 18th century romance writer. Her most famous work: Pride & Prejudice. Her work has stood the test of time and is enjoyed across the world today. If you haven’t read any of her novels or seen any of the film adaptations, please try one!

Audiobooks are great if you’re intimidated by classic literature. And the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film adaptation is truly one of the most breathtaking films I’ve ever seen. (If you’re a long-time Just Because reader you’ve probably heard me gush about this film before).

It seems only fitting that the month of love includes a nod to Jane Austen. A darling local theater in my area puts on a stage production of an Austen novel each February.

The girls in my family enjoyed a night out and watched this year’s production: Sense and Sensibility.

I was especially excited to see this play as one of my dear friends is currently studying at Oxford University and recently showed me pictures of the original Sense and Sensibility screenplay written by Emma Thompson herself.

Between geeking out over the screenplay and enjoying the stage production, I am officially overdue for a rewatch of the film.

I’ve discovered a fabulous app called Fable. You can join book clubs (including mine), write and read book reviews, organize your TBR lists, and track your reading goals and progress.

You can find me on Fable here.

P.S. Our next book club pick is An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson. Join us!