Proof that the universe knows what you need. An upstairs neighbor was getting rid of a chair and offered it to me, knowing about my habit of late-night dumpster diving. The chair had clearly been loved, but years of use—and what appeared to be yet another dedicated campaign of destruction by a cat—had taken their toll. I thought about it for a few days before politely declining. I didn't have room for another project, and I wasn't sure who I would sell it to once it was finis

When a coworker was preparing to move, she offered me a chair she couldn't bear to throw away but couldn't justify keeping. What followed was one of my favorite furniture transformations—and a reminder that some things deserve a second chance.

Dreams rarely arrive in a straight line. This is the story of how a conversation about the Arctic, a rabbit hole of research, and a longing for small-town life led me to Galena, Illinois.

The fire is being lit, the kettle is warming, and the first Hearth Letter is on its way. The inaugural edition will arrive on June 26 and will include seasonal recipes, creative projects, updates on Hearth & Hollow, and a few surprises along the way. Thank you for being here at the beginning of the journey.