Isaac French

🌳 On Halloween Saturday, 100 young church volunteers surprised a friend by transforming woods bordering his field. After a month of planning, they gathered at 7 a.m., arrived at 8:30 a.m., and split into 10 teams of 10. Using chainsaws, chippers and skid steers, they worked until 6 p.m., creating trails, creek bridges and cleared groves. The day ended with burgers, campfires and a 100-voice choir singing under the stars.

💬 At Michael's, a week ago, a man named Milton, an elderly employee, shared jokes and stories, despite the customer's impatience. Upon returning a week later, the customer learned Milton's wife was in the hospital, prompting a heartfelt prayer. Both men felt lighter, recalling a similar event five years ago. This experience highlighted the impact of patience and kindness, transforming a mundane task into a meaningful connection and a moment of shared faith and compassion.

🍴 Patrick O’Connell, chef & owner of The Inn at Little Washington, hosted a visit to his renowned establishment in Washington, Virginia. Despite its remote location and a population of merely 87, the Inn's restaurant has gained worldwide acclaim since its challenging start in the 1970s. The Inn now features 38 accommodations, two to three Michelin stars, and houses an organic farm, art galleries, and more, serving high-profile guests including the Queen of England.

🏙 MoMA, located in one of the most modern cities, offers a powerful experience with its modern art. Just six blocks north, Central Park spans nearly 1,000 acres, providing endless mysteries and stories amidst New York City’s skyscrapers. The park's natural landscapes, including paths, rocks, water, and trees, create a striking contrast with the surrounding urban environment. Transitions between these worlds are seamless, heightening the unique city experience.

🌄 At 6:45 AM, two minutes after the scheduled sunrise, the author witnessed a remarkable sunrise over Colorado's Black Canyon, 2,700 feet deep. Initially thwarted by clouds, the view cleared briefly, illuminating the scene with vivid colors. At 9,000 feet, autumn aspens began to turn. This unexpected spectacle was a rare moment of pure awe, free from distractions, captured only by a few shaky photos. The experience evoked deep emotion and reflection.

🚧 Sunday evening before Labor Day, near a border crossing in the desert, a car hit a six-foot-wide crater, destroying a tire. With no cell service, help from the American side was hours away. The driver struggled with Mexican customs, forfeiting a $400 deposit due to a misunderstanding. Children remained in the car for hours. Amidst this, a striking sunset broke across the desert sky.

🏫 The store, Gathered, is a family-run business where the narrator's mom and Grandma Jan work. Located at the main intersection of a small town, it was formerly The Kozy Korner, purchased for $110,000. The family transformed its interior and exterior. Over the years, the mother collected items from countries like Germany and South Africa, enriching the store's inventory. They personally renovated the space, enhancing it with a new wood floor and exposed timber roof trusses.

🏖 In Crawford, Colorado, childhood memories of flying, cherry picking, and camping sparked a dream of aviation. Meanwhile, a little white summer cottage in Maine, 45 minutes from Acadia National Park, became another beloved destination. A memorable flight to Maine involved delays in Dallas and navigating Boston without modern GPS, eventually leading to an unforgettable journey through New England, including Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The cottage later hosted a honeymoon during a vibrant New England autumn.

📖 Over the past year or two, I’ve taught free weekly workshops on building nature hotels, though they may end soon. I’m now writing a book to share both successes and mistakes from these projects. I’m seeking input on what information could assist others in creating beauty in their own lives. Your feedback is invaluable—I’ll read every suggestion.