If it’s seemed like I’ve been quiet the last few weeks, it’s because I’m reeling. There’s no eloquent way to say it: I am devastated by the overturning of Roe vs Wade and the crushing weight of the emotions are seeping into every facet of my day. I encourage you to refer to Jess’s post about actions to take in post-Roe America. I wish I had my brain together enough to gather such a cogent, thoughtful post, but alas… I’m not able to do that right now.
Even though it feels like my country is falling deeper and deeper into a truly terrifying place, I am trying to maintain at least some semblance of normalcy, however I can. In that vein, here’s a recap of what the month of June was like for us.
The Cabin
It is finally warm and sunny and summery here in the PNW… finally. The past few days were abnormally hot with temps in the mid- to high-90s. Not my fave, but I’m hoping that will help jumpstart some actual growth in my garden. Literally all I want to do these days is be in my garden. It’s the only thing that is currently bringing me true, unadulterated joy.
The entire garden is planted now, so it’s really about keeping everything happy and watered. Hopefully I’ll be harvesting produce more consistently soon. I’ve already gotten some kale, strawberries, and the cutest French radishes from it. I’m just ready for more!
The Tiny Zoo
We’ve been having some bear-adventures lately. Basically, a bear that I’ve lovingly called Jay Cutler (because they’re both punks) has been breaking into the chicken yard and my camper to steal chicken feed. He’s only a couple years old and small, but such a nuisance. Thankfully, he’s left the chickens alone and only seems to be interested in their feed… but it’s one more thing that I really don’t want to deal with right now.
Speaking of predators, we’ve had coyote issues as well. While I was away speaking at The Meridien Experience, a coyote broke in and killed our geese. It was so heartbreaking and a harsh reality of living here. I was able to contact the breeder and get 2 more young ones as replacements, thankfully. But the two that I hand raised will always be near and dear to my heart.
In more fun news, my friend Becca and I pulled off the Great Goose Exchange of 2022 last weekend. I raised 2 Sebastopol geese and she raised 2 Pilgrim geese, so we met in the middle (about 3 hours each way) and swapped one for one! It was honestly one of the most ridiculous and fun things I’ve done in a while. And makes these geese even more special to me!
My Health
Nothing really big to report here! June 30 is World Pneumothorax Day which is an event started to raise awareness of rare genetic disorders like the one I have. The organization putting it on, The BHD Foundation, actually interviewed me for an article! You can check it out here. It’s all about the story of our wedding and my diagnosis.
Business + My Blog
Summer is always a weird time in my industry because it can usually be quieter in terms of brand contracts. I feel like it’s especially quiet right now thanks to the general uncertainty of life in America in 2022… but I’m trying not to panic. Instead I’m doing my best to focus on the things that I can affect, income-wise.
I’ve been doing a LOT of work on my social media strategy offerings. I just made a brand new landing page and am creating SO many new and updated offerings for The Jojotastic School of Social Media. For example, I am now offering singular strategy sessions that are perfect for refining existing game plans for increased success. I also revisited the pricing and made it more affordable and accessible (but still a fair rate for my experience, energy, and time). Oh and I made it easier to book your session! I received a lot of feedback that Teachable was too clunky and I agree. So I’m migrating away from that platform for a simpler, more straight-forward course offering.
Similarly, I am doing work behind-the-scenes on this website to make your experience better and better. You might have already started seeing some changes like an updated About and FAQ page. Stay tuned for even more updates.
Us
Andy has been staying at the cabin with me and Sean for the past week and a half or so. His brother lives with him in Seattle and, unfortunately, got COVID. So Andy is staying safe and healthy out here with me! It’s been great having another set of hands and someone to remind me to take lunch breaks. You know me, though… and know that I appreciate my alone time. So that’s been a fun balance to figure out.
So that’s a snapshot of what life’s been like for us in the month of June. As always, thank you so much for following along on our journey and being so wonderfully supportive of everything I share here and on social media.
