LIfe Before UMT

Before this endeavor I started a business with some friends called junk Evolution.  We have a brick and mortar historical building in South Bend, Indian in the East Bank Village Arts district.   I've always had a passion for finding new life in things that others would have thought to be beyond repair.  

I've had this special project since July waiting until I had time.  That didn't happen until I left!  A mother with 5 kids (and a husband who spills coffee on everything) wanted their favorite desk chair done in oil cloth for durability.  The back of the chair used to be caned but as you can see it's gone, replaced with a comfortable foam cushion.   It takes a little imagination and some hard work but I do love the challenge of giving something a new life or purpose. 

My friends Linda and Bernie Sherck are still in the business but I left to pursue new dreams of working with my kids and on my own home.  If you get to South Bend please check them out.  There's a whole corner of fun shops and a great cafe in the Purple Porch.

The Shop is Open for Business!

Finally!  After months of hard work I very nervously pushed the Open Shop button on my Etsy shop!  Just a few items to start, but have lots more to post.  Hopefully I'll get faster at this!  But for now I have posted some great collectables and my handmade jewelry.  Still waiting for items from Hawaii and CO, but they are coming soon.  Please feel free to contact me if you are in the area and wish to make a purchase.  You will be charged shipping but I will refund it when you pick up the item.  HAPPY SHOPPING!

IN A NUTSHELL

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

     -Confucius

I've lived in some incredible places, but as the ole saying goes, "You can always go home again" and I did.  Now my oldest (Jeramiah) lives where he was born.  The Big Island of Hawaii, and my middle child Rosemary and her husband Drew, live where I first moved, ( Colorado).  Weston youngest lives in Muncie, IN  approximately 2 hours from Middlebury, where I live.  Do I dare say "He's just getting started?"

I love the fact that they are experiencing life and finding their own way, and frankly that we kind of paved the way for that life.   We all live such different lives with similar meaning,  following our hearts and living a simple life.  We strive to be sustainable, adventurous , organic and healthy and creative.

As a mom I wanted to start this business with my family to keep us more connected, and to bring out the best of us and share it with others who enjoy the same kind of lifestyles.   We are still in the planning stages but it won't be long until our business is all set up!   So here it goes.  This is us!

Me and my kids
Drew, Rose, Jeramiah, me and Weston

Today I'd like to introduce you to Jeramiah (J.D.)  He went to school in Colorado for Outdoor Adventure and has worked at zip lines in Colorado, Hawaii and this summer in Ohio.  He is on a 7 month adventure on the mainland with his dog Makai (another Hawaiian) that started in Indiana in June.  He traveled by a really fat tire surly bike and baby bee carrier (for Makai and his supplies) to Tree Frog Canopy Tours outside of Mansfield, Oh then to Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Colorado, Utah and just ended up in California to visit his dad and Aunt.  You can read more about JD on his blog http://dajungleblog.blogspot.com/.

At a music fest in Austrailia

Tree Frog Canopy tours-thats JD with the big snake :(

JD and his travel companion Makai

Working at Tree Frog Canopy Tours- Ohio

At home in Hawaii

If you look at the top left corner-you'll see Jeramiah high lining in Aspen, CO

Moab, Utah