We first met Kristin + Nate a few months ago at our local neighborhood Produce Exchange, but I was already an avid reader of Kristin’s blog, A Beautiful Mess. Kristin + Nate are one of the most inspiring couples I know because they are wonderfully at ease with themselves, and thus exude a sense of acceptance to those around them.
Allow me to paint a picture of the awesomeness that is Kristin + Nate: Upon salvaging and restoring a craftsman home a few blocks north of us, they transformed it into an urban homestead.
Among the zucchini and nasturtiums lies a lovely chicken coop and run, which houses the six eight hens that are being raised by Kristin + Nate, us, Sonia + Kurt, and Jenny + Eric. The inspiration for Kristin + Nate’s edible gardening and chicken-rearing isn’t just mouth-watering fresh produce + eggs (although being foodies is part of it). They value ecological responsibility and sustainability, and felt emboldened by Barbara Kingsolver’s courageous path in her memoir, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.
What’s that you say, Nate? You want to add a friendly goat to your homestead so that we can enjoy fresh, locally-made goat-cheese? Fabulous idea! Oh, if only…
Anyway, when Kristin and Nate aren’t blogging, gardening and chicken-rearing, Nate is ministering at World Vision International, and Kristin is leading workshops and retreats that empower women to combat the pressures of perfectionism with emotional, physical, mental, sexual, and spiritual self-care. I had the privilege of attending one of Kristin’s retreats in Santa Barbara this past April, and experienced deep sisterhood, creative expression, and catharsis while I was there.
Kristin’s first book, A Beautiful Mess: A Perfectionist’s Journey Through Self-Care, will be published in August. If it’s anything like the rest of her writing, Kristin’s reflections will leave her readers liberated to wholly love themselves, and thus accept others as well.
By the way, when you buy your copy, flip it over and check out the author photo – taken by yours truly!
I wonder, blog readers, how do you express love for yourself? Personally, consuming copious amounts of goat cheese is one of my self-care practices (hint, hint)!
Kristin + Nate, we look forward to many more relaxing afternoons in your backyard. You are a blessing to our lives, our chickens, and our church, Mountainside Communion.
Warmly,
megan + daniel
Your reply made my day, Kristin.
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