October in Review

October came in swinging—a whirlwind of challenges, unforgettable moments, and the kind of experiences that stick with you.

We kicked things off with what was supposed to be a chill, final road trip of the season. But, as life would have it, Hurricane Helene had other plans, barreling up the coast and adding more than a little tension to our getaway. While soaking in the beauty of the New River Gorge, my heart was with one of my closest friends and a client right in the storm’s path.

Finding joy in the moment while knowing others were bracing for impact? That’s a delicate balance. Thankfully, both families came through unscathed, but the devastation faced by so many was a sobering reality check.

Now, let’s talk about the magic of New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. It’s like stepping into a living history book. One of the highlights was exploring Thurmond, a ghost town that feels like it’s been perfectly preserved in time. Walking through its quiet streets, you can almost hear the echoes of a once-thriving community. It’s eerie, beautiful, and humbling—a stark reminder of the stories every place holds and how time reshapes everything.

If you haven’t been, add Thurmond to your list. It’s not just a destination; it’s an experience that grounds you in the reality of what was and what still lingers.

Back Home: Wrapping Up and Planning Ahead

Back at home, we closed out the gardening season, putting the garden to rest. This year’s growing season was rough—erratic weather and some flawed systems made it feel like an uphill battle. But challenges like these spark action, and I’m already planning winter projects to make next year’s season smoother and more productive. Here’s hoping for fewer uphill climbs and more thriving crops.

Oakley’s Progress

On a brighter note, Oakley has been crushing it in his personal protection training. Watching him work, doing what he was born to do, is nothing short of amazing. Over the next few months, we’re moving him into dual-purpose training, starting with scent work.

A long-term dream of mine is to have him certified as a service dog, though we’ve got a few quirks to iron out—like his separation anxiety (we’re working on it!). For now, we’ll focus on building his skills, one step at a time.

Rustic Ink Mercantile: A Dream Takes Shape

Finally, October saw the quiet launch of my passion project, Rustic Ink Mercantile. I’ve always had this “retirement dream” of opening a general store in a small mountain town—a cozy spot filled with local produce, bulk goods, handmade items, and classes on everything from canning to sourdough.

Since the timing and location for a physical store aren’t quite right, I decided to bring the dream to life online. Rustic Ink Mercantile is now live on Etsy, featuring a starting lineup of printable planner inserts and other helpful tools.

The vision? To expand in 2025 with guidebooks, unique home goods, and maybe even some bulk goods to really capture that true mercantile vibe. It’s a slow build, but every piece brings me closer to that dream.

Looking Ahead

October was a month of growth, reflection, and laying the groundwork for the future. Now, I’m ready to lean into the holiday season, with all its warmth and celebrations.