1. what inspires you the most?
I’m
sure you know this by now, but to try to narrow sources of inspiration
down to just one thing or group of things is like trying to force water
through a pinhole… First and foremost, I am inspired by nature, by
people living close to the earth, by people
who live authentically in their walk with God, by people who live
authentically in their relationship with themselves. Let me read about a
couple with children who have risked everything to have a small farm,
where they are raising their children with dirt under their fingernails
(and toenails, for that matter), living and learning the process of
growing food and their flock of chickens, with wide open spaces to get
lost in, good, wholesome, natural, homegrown food to be prepared in a
big kitchen warmed by a big stone fireplace, who are able to extend
their blessings into the community to help others thrive, and I think my
soul might explode.
2. what are some of the most important lessons you have learned in life?
If
there is one thing I’ve learned across my thirty two years, it’s that
life is hard. It doesn’t get easier either, and if you haven’t figured
that out yet, well, one day you will. The more entrenched we become with
years, the more the tendrils of our existence stretch out and back and
around and into the lives and world around us, and the more complicated
our existence becomes. The more intense our responsibilities weigh upon
us… The more important and pressing the need to leave a legacy becomes. I
personally have found that to follow Jesus and all that he says is key to my sanity, my purpose, my love, my life. Don’t stop reading now, just because you saw his
name!! The truth is, whether you believe that he is who “they” say that
he is or not, to live by his words and teachings will absolutely wreck
your life… to truly not worry about tomorrow because tomorrow has enough
worry of its own (live in the present moment), to love others to the
point of pain and sacrifice of your own life and resources, trusting
that it will returned to you, to know that it’s all about LOVE, LOVE,
LOVE and RELATIONSHIP in this life, and to leave the legacy of service,
love and grace, mercy, acceptance and embracing every moment of life as
precious and fleeting is an immensely beautiful thing. Yes, I am a Christ-follower (and I share a lot about that love relationship on my blog), and his example is the most important lesson I have learned and will continue to learn throughout my life unto my grave… learn to love, live simply, keep open hands to receive and to give, share Love with others, take care of the widow and orphan, be a conduit for this Love to others to bring healing, reconciliation and providence
to them as Jesus did… Life presents opportunities every day to engage
in these lessons, in spite of our circumstances, and I try to be aware
of them at all times.
3. how do you like to spend your 'you' time?
What’s
“me” time?? Ha! As a mother of three kids, I am sure you’ll understand,
“me” time is so rare. Especially now when all down time is really not
down time at all… or amounts to mere minutes at the end of the day
before we’re too tired to see straight and stumble into bed. However, if
I have the opportunity for my husband to take the kids and I get to go
off by myself, here’s what I’d do… I’d hit up a coffee shop and grab
something to sip on and snack on while I shop at the local thrift joints
around my area. Then I’d head over to Harry’s
Farmer’s Market (owned by Whole Foods) and just engage my senses, and
buy something indulgent and decadent (probably one of their German
chocolate cupcakes… the icing is UNREAL)… then if I had time, I would
take a loooooooooooooong
walk in the woods at Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park (a national
park – preserved area where many battles of the Civil War were fought in
the local area her in GA) until I felt sufficiently wasted… God, I love
the woods.
4. is there one particular person who gave you your roots? who and why?
The
older I get, the more I realize how much my mother did to draw out all
the things in me that she saw that I was interested in as a child. For
one, I didn’t live with my mom growing up, but the time we had together on weekends was
spent having picnics in meadows flying kites, visiting art museums and
musical performances, ballets, and camping and hiking. I have always
been very musical, and my mom really encouraged that as much as
possible, supporting my interests in all the music that my friends
WEREN’T listening to, knowing I was on to something and I had to be encouraged that it was good instincts that drew me to the things I was listening to (Eric Clapton, The Doobie Brothers, Mozart, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Alison Krauss, Mozart in 7th and 8th grade)… she took me to performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni by candlelight, the Nutcracker, and tours of the
High Art Museum, etc… Mom let me be a free thinker, she let me explore
my interests and encouraged all that she saw in me that was trying to blossom.
She took me places where she knew I was happiest (on a trail in the
mountains or in a tent in the woods)… if it wasn’t for her, I am not
sure I would have had any sense about who I was even in those fledgling
years after high school when I went galavanting through drug culture to try to find more of myself (a big fat mistake, I only lost myself).
I’ve realized over the years as well how much I am like her and her
side of the family… strong, independent women, who are resourceful,
somewhat insane, but passionate… who like to work and make something
useful out of things otherwise useless. Who love to serve and love
others, meet their basic needs and to create.
It’s good stock that I come from, and if it weren’t for my Mom, I don’t
know how much of a sense of connectedness I would have to my roots.
{I love this insight into Brooke's heart. Her outlook on life is very strong and very inspiring. Thank you Brooke for being you!}
Brooke's runs a vintage shop on etsy called Clementine & Nellie, and is offering up a $25 shop credit to one lucky reader. She has been in the middle of a major move, so she wanted to let you know that her shop is low right now but will be re-stocked in a few weeks.
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PEACE,
Laura
