Isaac French

🌄 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.

🍓 From ages 14 to 18, the author participated in farmers' markets in Moscow, Idaho, held weekly from May through October. They sold brie, camembert, and yogurt from their first Jersey cow, Bluebell, and later expanded to Gruyère and Orchard Blue cheese. The author also started ventures with popsicles and homemade sodas. Despite moving to Waco, Texas, 7 years ago, the author fondly remembers these market days, which provided an education in entrepreneurship.

🎤 Five years ago, Live Oak Lake opened after construction hurdles in 2021. Airbnb suspended it but gained popularity on Instagram. Forrest Frank, a musician, rose to fame online, bypassing labels. In December, tickets for his new tour were released. Relocated to Mexico, a giveaway was made, nominating William for tickets, a friend of Zach, who died after a four-year cancer battle diagnosed at age five. William supported Zach throughout his illness.

🚆 In February 2020, a semi-truck transported a 110,000-pound train car, Car 306, over icy roads to its new home in Texas. Originally part of a railroad dismantled in the 1950s, it was purchased for $3,000. The challenging move required two years to organize and included a bulldozer assisting the truck. Once used for grain storage, Car 306's journey symbolizes a new chapter, nestled at the property’s hillside edge.

📄 Thursday afternoon, a visit to the U.S. Consulate General in Juarez revealed a lengthy, arduous process for many seeking citizenship. Thousands waited, with families holding hopes and documents. By Friday morning, an hour and a half later, Benjamin's citizenship was confirmed, contrasting with multiyear waits for others. Preparation and prior experience helped avoid complications experienced by others, like a family who faced DNA tests and jail earlier this year. This journey emphasizes the stark contrasts in immigration experiences.

🎶 On a recent Saturday, a group of around 40 people, including Helen, visited local nursing and disability homes for a singing mission with Josh & Jessie. Despite being two weeks from her due date, Helen energetically led the choir, managing her roles as a mother and church worship leader. This activity, reminiscent of past missions in Texas, aims to uplift both residents and participants, and many faces brightened during the event.