From a young age, I’ve been drawn to explore the world. What started as island hopping between the Bahamas and Bermuda led to a decade in Africa, and eventually took me to Singapore, England, and beyond. Along the way, I fell even more deeply in love with the earth—the landscapes, the wildlife, and the rich diversity of cultures. I’ve been blessed to experience moments like walking along the Orange River in Namibia, raising a baby rhino, and feeling my daughter’s peaceful sleep under an old apple tree in England. These experiences have shaped my understanding of beauty, complexity, and connection. ​ I believe that focusing on our inner wellness deepens our ability to love, share, and connect with the world around us. Creating spaces that nurture us—whether by planting flowers, herbs, or veggies right outside our door—can help us find balance. There’s something profoundly healing in working with the earth, watching seeds grow, and tending to plants. ​ Curating sustainable finds has become a way of life for me, blending creativity and eco-conscious living. I’m passionate about helping others cultivate a more sustainable lifestyle, whether through thoughtfully designed interiors, small garden spaces, or sourcing items that support a greener planet. ​ For me, gardening saved my life. After my daughter left for college, I struggled with loneliness. Joining a community garden reignited my passion for the earth, and eventually, I was able to bring new life to an old church garden. This connection to the soil sparked my creative energy, leading to a design business that blends my love of interiors and small garden spaces. ​ In today’s world, we need spaces that allow us to breathe deeply, feel grounded, and connect with others. Life’s challenges, including the increasing frequency of natural disasters, remind us that we must rebuild, reconnect, and find our center. For me, this journey is about creating, designing, curating, and bringing joy to others through the earth—deepening my connection to nature, the Divine, and my community. ​ Joy & well-being to you! Christina

I learned about the Navajo/Diné "the Beauty Way" many years ago. I believe it has taken time to fully appreciate and incorporate this concept of living spiritually connected and harmonious with all life, especially the natural world. It's an active way of being, and living. It could also be called grace, and it brings a reverent or sacred energy into everyday life, into every encounter, into every conversation, and with every breath. Creating the Beauty way in the garden is being intentional about what plants are native to the area. Keeping your plants local is important, as they're best suited for the environment, often require less water, and will provide the best habitat for all the visiting creatures that will be drawn to your garden. You are only limited by your imagination when it comes to adding a bit of natural beauty into your yard, yet budget can be a factor! Your garden space can be any size, and the first year you may limit it to one small area, and the next year you add more. It also can be a few planters in a sunny spot, outside your kitchen door or off a porch. Try and find a place where you can visually see the plants, enjoy the butterflies that come to visit, and be a witness to the simple beauty of nature. Adding textures, or water elements, can offer a focal point, or highlight certain plants. Yes, having a running water feature is lovely, yet they can be expensive, so if on budget, you can create one yourself with the help of a YouTube video! Yet, I find a concrete bowl or even a curated pottery bowl of any size placed just right creates a rich environment for the birds, bees, butterflies, lizards, and even frogs may find their way to your native landscape. If you are using a deeper bowl, make sure to put a rock or two in the center, so bees can easily climb out or a little bird can land. If your garden has a slope or natural runoff, another natural element is river rocks. When we are blessed with rain, the colors of the rocks will change. The rocks can also lead from the water bowl feature, which will spill over and offer a different feel, a natural artistry. Having your garden visible from a porch or inside window, will allow for harmony, for beauty and for your inner well-being. Moments of connectedness with nature Just rememeber, amongst all the noise, angst, chaos there are threads of beauty streaming through, just waiting for us to weave into our lives. Here is the Navajo/Diné traditional prayer, “The Beauty Way.” In beauty I walk With beauty before me I walk With beauty behind me I walk With beauty above me I walk With beauty around me I walk It has become beauty again Today I will walk out, today everything negative will leave me I will be as I was before, I will have a cool breeze over my body. I will have a light body, I will be happy forever, nothing will hinder me. I walk with beauty before me. I walk with beauty behind me. I walk with beauty below me. I walk with beauty above me. I walk with beauty around me. My words will be beautiful. In beauty all day long may I walk. Through the returning seasons, may I walk. On the trail marked with pollen may I walk. With dew about my feet, may I walk. With beauty before me may I walk. With beauty behind me may I walk. With beauty below me may I walk. With beauty above me may I walk. With beauty all around me may I walk. In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, may I walk. In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, living again, may I walk. My words will be beautiful… xo Christina May we a With dew about my feet, may I walk.