It’s Cold Outside. Come hang!
Dear friend,
I hope you enjoyed the recent snow as much as we did here on the farm. It was a pretty way to mark the official end of the growing season, while reminding me to turn off the water to my outdoor spigots and put the hoses away. It is done, says the weather.
And so, we go inside.
My children know the Christmas music must wait until after Turkey Day when they're with me, but I've heard their other parent has been more...lenient. I suppose these rules are my way of making the season last.
Does anyone else feel like the beginning of winter flies by and then suddenly stalls in February? Well, I'm happy to announce that VJF is teaming up with some friends for several indoor activities so we can keep the party going through the colder months!
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Have you ever wondered what exactly goes on in Rocky Ripple? I’ve got a good excuse for you to come satiate your curiosity about this secluded little enclave bordered by water on all sides:
Teal flier describing the details of the 30th annual Rocky Ripple Holiday Bazaar: Saturday December 6, 10am-3pm at Rocky Ripple Town Hall 930 W. 54th St. For more information call 317-771-1728
I’ll be there selling everlasting bouquets and garden design gift certificates. You will also find a bunch of handcrafted stocking stuffers from soaps to ceramics, dried floral wreaths and crocheted dishcloths. We still do it by hand down by the river! Come through!!!
A lighted candle in the dark
Mark your calendars for a winter solstice craft kiki with Loudmouth Books. We'll be celebrating the shortest day of the year by making small wreaths out of greenery and dried flowers from the farm. The wreaths are intended to be table decorations that surround a candle - a light in the dark and all that.
December 14th 6-7pm at Loudmouth Books
212 E 16th St (46202)
Be sure to check the store out for all your diverse (and banned) books with an emphasis on LGBTQ+ titles. The owner is celebrated YA author Leah Johnson and my former professor! Follow @loudmouthindy on the ‘gram for links to sign up or check here! This event is only $25 so I’m expecting it to fill up fast.
A room full of houseplants with light streaming through
Is your heater drying out your eyes, your nose, your hair? Is your skin gulping lotion? If so, it's time to pay a visit to Snake Root Botanicals in Fountain Square (1052 Virginia Ave) for its glorious steam and green. This houseplant shop carries everything you need to make your house a terrarium and they are also hosting a three-part gardening series hosted by yours truly!
This series is for the beginning gardener who wants some hands-on training to learn about the basics of starting a garden. We will be delving into the world of site preparation (December 11th), plant selection (January 8) and seed starting (February 12th). Each class includes take-home goodies and runs from 7pm-8pm.
GET ALL THREE CLASSES FOR $99!
This is a long newsletter! Are you still with me?
Town and Country, John Reynolds 2025: A painting of a dark, cobblestone street on the left and a bright garden path on the right
Those of you who supported my successful kickstarter campaign know that I've been working on creating a gardening workbook that aims to help the reader practice their creative life as they engage a garden. Think, The Artist's Way, but make it plants. I'm excited to announce that after thoughtful, thorough edits from Adwoa Gyimah Brempong the workbook is finally in the design phase! Lissa Deonorain of 64 Village Media is leading the charge on the final look while John Reynolds provides expressive and colorful original art. This really is a dream team.
The 28-page workbook will be printed in time to be marketed for Mother's Day (early May) and retails for $15. It will be available for sale on the website and at shops around Indianapolis. If you would like to carry the book in your store or know someone who would, please reach out!
As always, keep your head up.
#releasethefiles #fuckice #vaccinessavelives
I will never, and I mean never ever use AI to write my newsletters or blog posts. From my heart directly to yours,
-Amy
