Rooted Soles

2020 seems to be a weird mix of making do and not settling for BS. So many are displaced from their studios, workshops, classrooms and offices- making do at home. Partial setups or hacks to get our work accomplished. The kind of creative problem solving that can open out minds to different ways of doing things, better ways. But also presents challenges that burden the already taxed system of a one person show. Or maybe that’s just me? At the same time, there is a whole mov...ement of people, spanning many generations and backgrounds, coming together to demand justice and action. Supporting the BIPOC leaders of this movement- donating, listening and amplifying their voices- gives me hope right now. Very aware that my own personal struggles and those of my family’s are struggles of privilege. And that it takes the steadfast dedication to change and taking action by myself and people like who look like me- to do better for those that have suffered for generations because of the privilege we have. White people- we need to do all we can to make sure @joebiden and @kamalaharris win in November. I have to believe there are more of us that want Trump out of office than those who do. Fight for democracy. Fight for justice. Vote.

You will always live happy if you live with heart. - morning tea Slow Sunday pouring over this amazing vintage book gifted to me by my dear friend @laurasingewald who is my family at this point. How to Build A House for $6,000. It’s terrific. She also gave me that little journal to document the start of this new business and the next 5 years. I’m terrible with journals but I love the idea of getting it out in 10 years and seeing the development over the first years. In m...any ways launching a new business on the heels of shutting one down is overwhelming and definitely challenges the parts of me that struggle with confidence. But as different as running a hotel/b&b and farming may be from making shoes- it also seems like a physical embodiment of exactly the type of community and experience I’ve been trying to create for the last eight years. And when the entrepreneurial spirit runs through your veins- it’s just what you do. I am so appreciative of the support, excitement and encouragement my friends, family and Rooted Soles community has shown for this new endeavor. It’s definitely helping me drown out those threads of doubt that creep in from time to time. This time next month we should be getting settled in our new home a home we hope to open to the community. . . . #oldhousedreams #historichomes #preservinghistory #communityfocused #purposedriven #startupgrind #authenticliving #regenerativeagriculture #ecoretreat #prerevolutionary

Popped in to see @laura.sallade today at her studio. Custom fit her painted sandals and finished them on the spot! Felt good to see an adult and make something. I love the small dots she choose for me to paint. Thanks for the order and letting me make in your studio today Laura! . . . #artistsupportartists #handmadesandals ... #customfit #handpaintedshoes #artistsupport #studiovisit #behindthescenes #weekendwear See more

The work must continue until we live in a world where EVERY SINGLE PERSON has the same rights, protections and opportunities. I’m no longer spending time engaging with people to try to get them to understand, to get them to care, to get them to realize that their personal gain and their personal experience isn’t the most important. I’m not trying to change anyone’s mind. It’s way beyond that. I’ve continued on the journey and left you behind. If you say All Lives Matter, if ...you think Breonna Taylor’s sentence makes sense, if you think the president is a savvy businessman who is draining the swamp, if you’re still talking about Hillary’s emails, if you’re not wearing a mask, if you cashed your stimulus check but bitch about hand outs I’m leaving you behind. What I am focused on is connecting with everyone that already believes and getting them to do MORE. To take action, to vote, to donate, to examine themselves and take responsibility for their part, to change. Because I believe when you get down to it, there are more people who believe in the two signs in this photo than those who don’t. I don’t post this to center myself. I post because the momentum in the white community is waning and that can’t happen. DO NOT shrink back into the comfortable ambivalence your privilege affords you. Spend your energy where it is most effective. Do not get caught up in efforts that drain your energy and don’t promote change. Need a tangible way to help today? Donate to @untilfreedom and reach out to 5 people to make sure they have a voting plan. . . . #justiceforbreonnataylor #blmmovement #nojusticenopeace #dismantlewhitesupremacy #defundthepolice #bethechangeyouwanttosee #advocacy #whiteprivilege #whitesilenceisviolence

I’ve realized over the last six months that I really struggle in the unknown. I like to have to plan. I like to have a goal, create the path to get there and put my head down and do the work. That feels pretty much impossible since COVID has struck. We are all basically doing whatever we can to stay afloat but are also in the holding pattern. So many unknowns. So much unrest. Of course this is only exacerbated by the shit show that is governing this country and the impendi...ng election. In addition to this kids are at home, parents are either putting their careers on hold or trying to power through both schooling and working without totally losing their will to live. It’s a mess. I get through by knowing that one day COVID will be over and the hope that our country will do better. That my fellow citizens can see the power of leading lives of compassion and empathy. That by supporting our most vulnerable, we are stronger. Each and every person deserves the same rights, protections and opportunities. Your neighbors having does not take away from what you have. There is plenty to go around. We can’t be daunted by the great challenge of shifting to this way of thinking, this way of governing, this way of LIVING. #vote2020 #blacklivesmatter #bidenharris2020 #bethechangeyouwanttosee #personalstruggle #selfreflection #equalityforall #justiceforbreonnataylor #artistsupportartists #womensrightsarehumanrights #notmypresident