Finding Community
By Jessica Marie This is the first move I have made as an adult. And while the move was made with my parents and both of my brothers, it is still the first time that community has been difficult to attain rather than a given. I grew up in Florida and had friends at our church, at the stable I volunteered and eventually worked at, and many other places. When we moved to Wyoming all of us kids were homeschooled, so we joined homeschooling groups which led to friends, acquaintances, and a sense of community. When we traveled the US for 14 months in the mid 2000’s I joined online forums and felt a sense of community there. Though that was a temporary venture as was my online forum venture. Once we reached Colorado in 2008, as we were still being homeschooled, we found a homeschool group, a drama troop, and a sense of community quickly followed. And while that circle was wide it never quite stagnated as I made new friends when I attended University. But there is a theme here, something that innately involves you with other people, school or work. These two foundational elements in most people’s lives are what help them ground into an area. To feel like they belong and feel willing to explore their new home. All of us have attained the level of education we wish to hold at this time, so no school to join for meeting people; and getting work here has been difficult. I personally am trying to build a business from home, one I can take anywhere and I don’t have to leave home if I don’t want to. There are inherent upsides to this, but it also has its downfalls. By working from home, on my own, just me and my phone or laptop (and my family) it is difficult to integrate into the community. Those we meet are polite and generally welcoming, but there are few normal situations one can find themselves in where they can organically build a network of acquaintances that could become more. I haven’t attended church in many years, preferring to study on my own. Yesterday we were invited to a local church’s social event and it was both refreshing and anxiety-inducing. Most of the people I talk with are either family or friends I have known for well over a decade. How do you introduce yourself to people? How do you go from strangers to acquaintances? In my younger years I was quite extroverted, as time has gone on I’ve become more and more introverted. This is made ever more difficult in our increasingly polarizing world. If you say the wrong thing, express the wrong sentiment, you can infuriate someone where they write you off forever. This is not a one side or the other issue, it is both sides. I don’t take sides, I flow down the middle preferring to see the merits of all. Willing to peer through the grey middle to find the truth and reality that resides there. All this to say, community and integration into an area is a daunting and slow process. One that is ever more hindered the less and less you prescribe to the norm. Be kind to the people you meet, you never know what they may be going through. I am blessed to have my family, but it’s important to have people to see and visit outside of family too. I’m excited and nervous to put myself out there and hope not to be rejected. I feel hopeful and guided by the Divine that this is a positive step into making Maine our home. I love being in new places and exploring new terrain. Yet this is part of exploring, the community that exists within a place. Much Love, Jessica Marie
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2021 Holiday Shop Gift Guide from Wayfaring Jessica
Hello Wayfarers, and welcome to my first ever holiday shop gift guide! In this blog post I will be giving you some gift ideas and shops to peruse for your friends and family. Everyone on this list I either personally know, have personally enjoyed their product, or have their items on my personal Christmas list. Everyone on this list is a small business, independent author, or other small shop that is trying to make their dreams come true. I realized this is my first year of buying gifts entirely from small businesses, shops, or by making gifts. I haven’t purchased anything from Amazon or any other chain. It wasn’t intentional, it just worked out. Though now that I’ve done it, I may challenge myself to do so (as much as humanly possible) from here on out! I hope you enjoy this gift shop guide and can show your loved ones how much they mean to you, while also supporting small, independent creators. Your support directly enhances their lives and dreams and, in a way, you give them a gift by believing in their dreams too. This list is in no particular order! So, please see all the way to the end!
Selina also runs her own author services company, Wyvern Wing Editorial. If someone you know is looking for editing, formatting, or other author services, this could be a fantastic gift idea as well. 2. Holly C. Priestley find her at https://hollycpriestley.com/ and Instagram @hollycpriestley Holly is a full-time van-lifer, author in the making, explorer, and all-around talent! She has a podcast, YouTube, and most importantly for Christmas, a print shop! She sells her artwork and nature photography, which I must say is stunning! Anything you buy as a gift, you may have a hard time giving away. I found her on YouTube, fell in love with her podcast, and simply love her photography. 3. Day Dream Adventures find her at https://paigesdaydreamadventures.com/ and Instagram @daydreamadventures Paige at Day Dream Adventures is a fantastic photographer that will really capture your attention. Her photography can be bought as prints, on the cover of journals, magnets, and so much more. 4. Warmlite Gear find them at www.Warmlite.com and Instagram @warmlite_gear Warmlite is a family-owned and operated business, and has been since 1957. They make the highest quality camping gear for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor adventurers. Selling tents, sleeping bags, vapor barrier clothing, and more. 5. Was That An Aardvark find her at https://www.etsy.com/shop/wasthatanaardvark and Instagram @wasthatanaardvark Megan is a fantastic artist and wood worker. Her art features birds and nature in a simplistic yet inspiring way. Her woodworking is made from up-cycled wood and is entirely hand made. She has earrings, necklaces, collar chains, and more. I have been eyeing her earrings for some time now and it’s probably time I swipe a pair! 6. Brittany Wang find her https://linktr.ee/worderella and on Instagram @authorbrittanywang An author, YouTuber, and giver of writing advice. I am currently halfway through her On Wings of Ash and Dust series of eBooks. I love her story, characters, and world. She as crafted this story and world of faeries to feel real and not cliched. I will be doing a review of all six episodes in her series once I have finished reading them. She also has author services, if that is something you know someone is in need of, and perhaps has watched her videos on YouTube. 7. D.B.Carter find him MBM and on Facebook @magnificentblackmage D.B. Carter has created a fantastic world of heroes and villains in his comic series called, The Magnificent Black Mage. If you are interested in comics but don’t know where to start, I suggest the Magnificent Black Mage! 8. Christine Reed find her https://campsite.bio/ruggedoutdoorswoman and Instagram @ruggedoutdoorswoman Hiker, backpacker, adventurer, and author. I first heard of Christine on a podcast interview with Holly Priestley and have wanted to get my hands on a copy of her book ever since. This one is on my Christmas list. Her debut memoir, Alone in Wonderland, is a book about backpacking, love, grief, freedom, adventure and so much more. It has also won an Indie Excellence Book Award. 9. Sacha Black find her https://linktr.ee/sachablack and on Instagram @sachablackauthor Sacha Black is a British author, writing course creator, and podcast host. She writes YA fantasy, as well as non-fiction on how to write fiction. She is snarky, brilliant, and I feel like she’s my friend even though I’ve only ever heard her voice via her podcast. If you know someone who likes stories, or wants to write their own, pick them up something from Sacha! 10. Gnome and Pine find her https://www.etsy.com/shop/gnomeandpine/ and on Instagram @graceandtwoarrows Amanda has lovely themed book boxes for sale on her Etsy shop. Her packaging and aesthetic for these books are so on point. It’s beautiful and will absolutely inspire anyone. 11. Bumble Bee Apothecary find her https://linktr.ee/bumblebeeapothecary and on Instagram @bumblebeeapothecary Marisa at Bumble Bee Apothecary is a wealth of knowledge on natural living. From toxin free chemicals, to healthy diets, to handmade organic skincare and so much more. I have gotten recipe ideas for several homemade items from her YouTube channel, and her organic products are toxin free as well as beautiful. 12. Vic Hollins Art find her https://www.etsy.com/shop/vichollinsart and on Instagram @vichollinsart I discovered Vic Hollins Art at Denver Comic Con and I fell in love with her art illustrations. It’s colorful, realistic, and absolutely original. She sells prints, cosmetic bags with her art, comics, and more. Her art is so detailed you can look at each piece for awhile and continuously finding elements she has painted in. 13. Taylor @nahamsha.hiker on Instagram https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCC4-uyWLlQ Taylor has recently created a board game called New Hampshire Hike-Opoly! I am very excited about this game and can’t wait to get my hands on a set. I love playing Monopoly and I can only imagine how fun this play on the traditional game will be. 14. Raine Alexandra Art https://rainealexandraart.com/ and on Instagram @r.aine I have been following Raine for a long time now and have been in love with their woodburning and art for years. I own one of their incense towers and it is so beautiful to look at. Their talent has expanded over the years and is truly a one-of-a-kind artist. Their nature and spirits of nature wood burnings are stunning. 15. Relics Art & Antiques https://www.etsy.com/shop/Relicsartandantiques and on Instagram @relicsartandantiques I couldn’t end this list without also including my own shop. It is actually a family shop as we all contribute our own talents to the shop. My brother sells his wood working, my Mom and I sell vintage and antique items, and I sell my eBooks and original collage artwork. Alright, that’s my list of 15 shops to check out for this holiday shopping season. There is something for everyone whether they like being outdoors, need new art for their homes, enjoy reading, or are collectors. Thanks for reading and I hope you support one if not all of these small businesses this holiday season. Happy Holidays! Jessica Marie The Seven Songs of Merlin by T.A. Barron 5/5 Stars
Another fun story! I started off so frustrated with Merlin and by the end understanding his lessons and this story. A very fun read and I think good for young minds who are growing and learning but also older ones who need reminders. The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult 3.5/5 Stars This was an alright book. From the description on the back I thought it would be a little more mystical. But it was mostly an adult love triangle story and the consequences of life. Yes, fate was addressed but it just seemed a lot more mystical in the premise, whereas the story was very normal and down-to-earth. I enjoyed the story and the characters, but unless you enjoy non-fantastical stories, you won't particularly love this book. The Magnificent Black Mage by D.B. Carter Issue #1 5/5 Stars I have not read very many comics, as I always assumed one needed to read Marvel or DC. Those stories are so large and long-running, they were too intimidating for me to want to dive into. But this comic is great for people who want to get into comics but don't know where to start. While also supporting an indie comic creator. It's a quick read, but a fun story and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series! I know it's been about a month since I've written a blog post, and closer to two months since I have written consistently. But, I wanted to hop on and give some updates about what I've been up to and why I've been a little MIA.
I officially started the Wayfaring Jessica brand early this year and it has gone through a lot of growth and changes, just as I have. I have meandered my way through and around different ideas trying to find the most fitting pieces of myself for this brand. I also was severely overworking myself, and after 7 months of hardcore work I was extremely burnt out. Hence the blogging drop off. I have a history or working too hard on something until I am burned out, instead of taking things at a slower albeit more sustainable pace for myself. I also tend to think I have to 'do it all' or else I'm failing. I took some time away and am now sifting through every action I take and making sure it fills me up just as much as I hope it does to those I am serving. This is probably one of my biggest lessons from this past year. Not looking at everyone else and what they are doing, how they are doing it, but instead following my own energy. I've gone around the sun 29 times and I am coming more fully into my own. Knowing more of what does and does not work for me. Making lists and following my energy of when I can get them done. But I also need to remember to focus on what is most important. My mental and physical health, my writing and creativity, my rest, and my adventurous spirit. With this in mind I will be bringing my blog back at a pace that I can keep up with. With me keeping my priorities straight and not letting them become unbalanced. I will be making time for rest, giving myself grace on busy days when what I wanted to get done simply couldn't, and putting my creativity at the forefront of my responsibilities. I am hoping to finish the first draft of my current novel by the end of the year. I also would like to finish the first draft of my short story (the first of many in that series) by the end of the year. I am also making sure to give myself space and time to hike and explore the nature that surrounds me. I thank you for your patience and I hope you take this as a sign to follow your energy. To put yourself and your own dreams above the ones that others expect you to have. To follow the flow of your life and honor your unique life path. Much Love, Jessica Marie Not a Nation of Immigrants by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz - 5/5 Stars
This is an amazing book. I think this is so important for every American to read. This is full of the facts and information that gets swept under the rug and needs to be aired out, faced, understood, and accepted. In order to truly understand our country and the issues faced by those who live in it, we must face the facts of our history. It's Not About the Burqua by Miriam Khan - 4/5 Stars This was a lovely and fascinating read. To hear the stories and experiences of Muslim women of color is, as they say in the book, 'something that is spoken of but we rarely get to hear from the women themselves'. It's but a glimpse into these women, their histories, and experiences. But to better have empathy for people, it's important to listen to their words and not the words people speak for them. |
AuthorJessica Marie Cunningham - Intentional lifestyle blogger, aspiring author, and podcast host. All things Slow Living, Books, Writing, Art, creativity, Christianity, and personal stories. Archives
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