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Local Milk | The Art of Slow Living

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Meet Beth

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local milk is a journal devoted to home cookery, travel, family, and slow living—to being present & finding sustenance of every kind. It’s about nesting abroad & finding the exotic in the everyday. Most of all it’s about the perfection of imperfections and seeing the beauty of everyday, mundane life.

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A long time ago in a different life (or at least i A long time ago in a different life (or at least it feels that way) I was riding in a car at night with @whereissionnie to meet up with @ruthielindsey and @1924us for bonfires and general cabin shenanigans outside of Nashville. 

I remember the drive so well. It’s a conversation that always stuck with me. We talked about trauma and crisis. And I don’t know much, but I shared the only thing I know, a thing that has served me well through the natural undulations life is bound to bring.

And that is simply sometimes you have to cling to the mast. You aren’t doing anything but surviving but that’s the most important work of all. Because the storm WILL pass. And you‘ll be left standing.

And when it does you can mend the sails. Untangle the ropes. And get on with the business of sailing.

I’ve learned to give myself permission to do nothing but make it through. To sleep a little too late. To dance in front of the mirror and feel myself even when I look ridiculous. To load and unload the dishwasher and allow that to be a great victory. To dress like a cartoon character in nothing but white t-shirts and denim shorts.  To eat mac & cheese from a box and frozen chicken nuggets sometimes. To not respond to text messages. To flail and get back up over and over. To ask for help. A lot.

And also permission to feel it all. Rage. Grief. Joy. Hope and hopelessness. And sometimes all within the span of a few minutes. 

And most of all, whether navigating calm waters or stormy ones, what matters more than anything is the crew you’re doing it with. Surround yourself with solid people.

People that challenge you with compassion. And humor. People whose strengths buttress your weakness. People that don’t judge you. That believe in you even when you think they’re maniacs for doing so.

I know a disproportionate amount of us have had rough seas this year. Cling to the mast in the storm. Choose your crew wisely. No storm ever lasted forever. But there never was a last storm in the world. Accept that they will come and be prepared.

Natural Decor Workshop with Kinfolk, Nashville + Mushroom Tartines

Cook

02.05.2014

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

In my dream you were there and you’d always been there. We’d known each other for a very long time, but I couldn’t recognize your face. You looked like me, beneath a wide brim hat in a cocoon. You looked like a man I once loved in ink and leather. You had so many faces and long curls and were so kind. And you were all my family in a different life. So I made you biscuits when the sky was clear, and when it was dark, again. My sisters were there (you don’t have any sisters), and the air was blue and green too. A trike sat out front. And so many pine cones. Pinecones like I’d used to try to sell the neighbors when I was a kid in the suburbs. In Fairfield. In North Georgia. Our house was stucco. I wasn’t supposed to touch the peachy pink walls, and I’d slide down the stairs in a sleeping bag. I can’t remember if anyone ever bought any pine cones. Maybe they did, to be kind. I was wearing a parka and kept my head down. Eyes on the oven, eyes behind the lens. Doing the things I like to do. I like to hide behind the things I do. I like it very much. I don’t know how to be a guest. But you were my guests, and you were there and you’d always been there. We’d not known each other for a very long time, but I recognized your face.

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Y75A5448.jpg

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Because, because at this past December’s Kinfolk Workshop, I found people that became old friends the moment we met. And it wasn’t even really supposed to happen. I might not have sisters but I have sisters, and we had all set out to have a Christmas party. We were going to dye napkins in indigo to ostensibly give as Christmas presents. Or, you know, just keep. But things didn’t go like that. What was originally going to be a quiet get together of six girls quickly bloomed into a more the merrier full on fete & Kinfolk workshop. I hardly know how it happened, but I’m so glad it did. We mashed up our original indigo dye party with found & foraged wreath making and ended up having what was one of our best workshops of the year.

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

And we all walked away with much more than handmade gifts to give & natural decor. It was a true collaboration in every sense of the word—Rebekka of Camellia Fiber Co. manned the dye vats & taught everyone the art of natural indigo shibori dying (by the end clothing was coming off in a dye all the things indigo frenzy); Courtney created cocktails from the syrups she carries in her shop Hey Rooster General Store; Emily (the talented wood worker behind Board & Bread) gathered greenery, made garlands late into the night before while I baked, and taught everyone how to make free form wreaths (everyone except me—I just ninja’ed one of her pretty creations at the end); Ruthie Lindsey made the space beautiful, minded the gifts (replete with wildcrafted scents & soaps from Juniper Ridge) and details, & graciously hosted the get-together at her brand new cottage (which she virtually renovated in a week’s time—seriously that woman took the house from cottage cheese ceiling & formica to bead board & butcher block in the time it takes for the rest of us to yawn and brush our teeth); and Hannah of Nothing but Delicious and I did what we do best together: put out biscuits and pimento cheese and truffled deviled eggs and such fixins. She is my kitchen soul mate. And a life saver.

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

But the people who put it on are only half the making of a wonderful time. The whole point of these workshops and gatherings is relationships. Hanging out. Creating together. And our guests were really what made that day so special for me, and I’m so happy to have gotten the chance to connect with so many of them. The workshops are just as much about getting together and doing a thing, anything, as they are about learning a skill set. Really they’re just an excuse to play. Nothing more complicated. Maybe next time we can all just go try to sell pine cones to the neighbors? My pitch was always that they would make excellent salt & pepper shakers (they don’t.). Over the course of that day I met Lisa, the multi-talented artist of Soñadora & front lady of Copperfox of & now dear friend, & her mate Rory, two deeply kindred spirits that I hope to have in my home & life often over the years. I also got to finally meet James, the dapper designer (alliteration!) behind Handy Dandy Productions, whom I’d heard so much about. And the hilarious & tender hearted (yep.) Dan Rouse, the man behind the handsomely curated shop Wheat & Co (Chippewa boot heaven, a one stop  for all your man gift needs, and all the ladies stuff is 50% off right now!) And the effervescent and too kind Tiffany, the illustrator & photographer behind the blog Offbeat + Inspired (her work is rad…seriously talented.) And, and, and. So you see. I left with much more than a pilfered wreath that day.

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Without further ado, I leave you with one of the recipes of the day, a simple mushroom tartine of bourbon sautéed cremini, sweet & sour parsley, and local herbed goat cheese on toasted baguettes from the bakery down apiece. I’d give you my pimento cheese recipe. But then I’d have to kill you. (Just kidding it…I’m saving it for something special!)

Print
Parsley, Goat Cheese, and Mushroom Tartines

Ingredients

  • 1 baguette, sliced and lightly toasted
  • 3 oz of herbed goat cheese, local if you can find it
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 20-30 cremini mushrooms, wiped off, stemmed, and sliced
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 of a lemon's worth of juice or to taste
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/2 Tablespoon of honey
  • 2 cups flat leave parsley leaves
  • 1 tsp white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp sugar

Instructions

  1. In a skillet melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic with a pinch of salt and sweat until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Add the mushrooms along with another couple of pinches of salt and turn heat up to med-high. Sautee until they release they're liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes. Carefully add in bourbon and cook off, about 3 minutes. Add in lemon juice and honey. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  3. Remove mushrooms to a medium bowl and stir in the goat cheese to coat the mushrooms thoroughly.
  4. In a separate bowl whisk the sugar into the white wine vinegar with a small pinch of salt. Toss with the parsley leaves, adjusting seasoning to your taste. It should be a little sweet and sour.
  5. Arrange mushrooms on toasted baguette slices, top with parsley, and serve.
3.1
https://localmilkblog.com/2014/02/kinfolk-natural-decor-workshop-nashville-mushroom-tartines.html

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

Kinfolk Natural Decor Workshop, Nashville

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tags: christmas, decor, diy, dye, entertaining, gathering, indigo, kinfolk, mushroom, natural decor, party, shibori, tartine, workshop, wreath

25 thoughts on “Natural Decor Workshop with Kinfolk, Nashville + Mushroom Tartines”

  1. Sonja {Dagmar's Kitchen} says:
    February 5, 2014 at 4:39 am

    Heavenly photography Beth!! Oh, how I wish I’d been there. Pure beauty.

    Reply
  2. Hanneke says:
    February 5, 2014 at 6:27 am

    Woww gorgeous!!

    Reply
  3. Vicky says:
    February 5, 2014 at 7:13 am

    OH! lovely photography! I love Kinfolk! thanks for share all this workshop!

    Reply
  4. Teffy says:
    February 5, 2014 at 8:20 am

    All those photos are so amazing. What a lovely way to spend some time.
    Also, if it ended in those delicious snacks, I’d love it even more!

    {Teffy’s Perks} X

    Reply
  5. seve says:
    February 5, 2014 at 9:34 am

    This winter light, especially the golden hour, it’s magic and there are so many smiles ..
    But i have to say , i am very touched by your words too, the family of friends life brings to us and how it’s always a great and beautiful surprise. So i’m ok to try to sell pine cones to the neighbors with you and your sisters, i can bring some chaussons aux pommes if you want (it just come out the oven), i live in another continent, but what’s the matter of a little ocean !

    Reply
  6. sarah says:
    February 5, 2014 at 10:23 am

    amazing photos as always!

    Reply
  7. Resting Roost says:
    February 5, 2014 at 10:36 am

    Oh my goodness I love this. The collaboration to pull off an event, the creating together, the FOOD, and your words strung together. You all remind me of my group of friends, although we don’t host Kinfolk events we do throw some kickin’ parties and it’s one of my favorite things in the world. What a gorgeous workshop with equally lovely guests! Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  8. sarah says:
    February 5, 2014 at 11:49 am

    Beth! So gorgeous. Your photographs are so beautiful, and your words: lovely and moving as always. xo

    Reply
  9. Rose D. NJ says:
    February 5, 2014 at 12:55 pm

    Stunning, absolutely stunning!

    Reply
  10. Emily Brock says:
    February 5, 2014 at 1:21 pm

    So wonderful, so glad to finally see these images all together! It was definitely a magical weekend, full of craziness, peace and a melding of spirits.

    Reply
  11. Jen says:
    February 5, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    You all just slay me. Looks amazing!

    Reply
  12. Rikki says:
    February 5, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    Beautiful as always. Love your captures Miss Beth. The workshop sounds quite intriguing as well, so much talent and love in one place, creating, chatting.

    Reply
  13. Kathy Gray says:
    February 5, 2014 at 7:47 pm

    Heavenly words and your photographs make me feel like I was there with all of you. Sigh.

    Reply
  14. Alisa says:
    February 5, 2014 at 8:59 pm

    Holy cow, everything about this is beautiful. Your photography is amazing.

    Reply
  15. Gabrielle says:
    February 6, 2014 at 1:15 am

    I love your use of language. I would read your posts voraciously even without the delicious and unique recipes. Have you ever taken a writing class?

    Reply
  16. Jenny says:
    February 6, 2014 at 6:07 am

    What an amazing ‘workshop’! It’s absolutely all about friendships and sharing talents, being creative and love! So jelly you can do ‘this’ outdoors in December too… beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing & best wishes.

    Reply
  17. Sini │my blue&white kitchen says:
    February 7, 2014 at 5:47 am

    What a wonderful day you must have had – your pictures make me want to experience more, live more in the present, honor and praise, connect and enjoy the simple things. I wish I were there. In the meantime, I’m going to sauté some bourbon mushrooms (seriosly amazing).

    Reply
  18. Vaida says:
    February 11, 2014 at 10:53 am

    may I ask?
    What lens do you use?
    i absolutely adore your photos. …

    Reply
    1. beth says:
      February 11, 2014 at 1:39 pm

      A 50mm 1.4… and thanks!

      Reply
  19. Kate says:
    February 11, 2014 at 10:51 pm

    Beautiful, so beautiful. Do I recognize the dying from Volume 8 of Kinfolk (the Japanese one)? I feel so nostalgic about that kind of indigo dying, because when I was a little girl and my grandfather was still alive, I visited him in Japan and he took me and my cousins to do some traditional indigo dying… handkerchiefs and things. I remember how strongly vinegary the fabric smelled from the natural dyes. Seeing these photos brought back a flood of memories. Thank you for a blog that tells stories beyond the borders of a meal.

    Reply
    1. beth says:
      February 11, 2014 at 11:06 pm

      Thank you! As the blog has grown with me, it’s been my dream for this space to see it tell many stories beyond the table—of travels, relationships, and all the small moments that make up the fabric of our days. I’m so happy to hear that’s well received!

      Reply
  20. Fernand et Firmin says:
    February 13, 2014 at 3:23 am

    Nashville seems to be a place with such authentic people and sincere creative minds. I’m going this summer and hope to experience the way you did.

    Reply
  21. Claudette @dharmaanchor says:
    February 26, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    Beth, I adore these photos. Some of your best.

    Reply
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