Our theme of Simplicity invited space.
And space left room for wonder.

No pressure. No rush.
Just slow joy, unfolding…

Throughout the month, I explored simplicity, not as a goal to achieve, but as a rhythm to return to—a rhythm found in still moments, in quiet creativity, and in honest conversations shared around the Kitchen Table.

🍽️ At the Kitchen Table

This month’s gathering was filled with creativity and connection.

Each month, our conversation begins with the Story Bowl.
The bowl is different each time -
but the intention is always the same.

This is where we explore the month’s theme - together.

I ask questions.
Sometimes thoughtful and deep,
sometimes simple.

And in answering them,
we get to know each other a little better.

We laugh.
We reflect.
We learn from one another.

We share stories that have shaped who we are -
and in doing so,
we find threads of connection
woven gently between us.

Simplicity revealed herself through our questions -
shaped by the answers shared in our Story Bowl.

Together, these reflections form a collective definition of simplicity.
I’m delighted to share what emerged from our voices -
gathered here, in a collection of poems.

I’ll share a few here -
the rest are tucked inside a little booklet called Poems About Simplicity from the Kitchen Table where you can find the full collection.

Poems About Simplicity

20.9MB ∙ PDF file

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Simplicity.
Unscheduled time away.
Every day simple,
unfolding as it was meant to.

Feeling completely unrushed.
Time in the countryside.
A return to nature.

Feeling recharged.
At peace.

I bring it back with me.
I hold it.
I can imagine
ways to recreate it.

Simplicity.
The sound,
the scent,
the texture.

Cold winter days
by the fire.

Sitting.
Reading.
Sipping a cup of tea.

Listening
to the fire crackle.

Our Creative Project: Flower Pounding

This month, we made something simple—and quietly joyful: flower pounding.

Flower pounding is a natural art technique where you gently hammer fresh flowers or leaves onto fabric or paper. With each tap, the plant’s natural pigments are released, leaving behind delicate, one-of-a-kind botanical imprints.

This meditative craft invites us to slow down, connect with nature, and create something beautiful with our hands. No two pieces are ever the same.

You can use your imprints to make heartfelt cards, meaningful wall art, or simple keepsakes. All you need are a few blooms, some paper or fabric, and something to gently tap with.

We welcomed a little color and calm into our day. I love what we created.

🌿 A Meditation: “In Praise of Simplicity”

This month also brought a new offering: a guided meditation.

This meditation is an invitation to pause, to soften, and to return to the quiet rhythm of simplicity.

It was inspired by the stories and reflections shared during our Kitchen Table gathering, where simplicity revealed itself in ordinary moments—moments of presence, of letting go, of choosing ease over expectation.

You don’t need anything special to begin—just a few minutes and the willingness to slow down.

Let this be a space where you can come home to yourself.

Looking Ahead: August’s Theme: Noticing

As we step into August, our new theme invites us to take what we’ve learned from simplicity… and look a little closer.

Noticing is the art of paying attention.
It’s where stillness meets awareness,
and where creativity is born.

We’ll explore what it means to notice with presence—through the senses, through art-making, and through reflection.

✨ Stay tuned for gentle practices to help you return to noticing throughout the month and your invitation to The Kitchen Table. More details will follow soon.

Warmly,
Kathy

What are Taster Notes? They highlight the details of a gathering—a little taster for you at home. My hope is that you’ll escape, even for just a moment, and that it will feel like you were there with us in person.

There’s something sacred about gathering around a table—whether in a cozy kitchen, a sunlit cafe, or a quiet corner of the world where kindred spirits meet. On Friday, February 21st, a small circle of women came together for the very first Kitchen Table gathering curated around the theme of Connection. Today, I want to bring you into that space with us.

Imagine knocking at the door and being greeted by a warmly lit room. The hostess welcomes you and invites you to pull up a chair at the table. It’s your time to slow down, to savor the moment. At the center of the table, an altar adorned with a candle, a plant, and a wooden sign that says Inspire sits atop a beautiful, earthy-toned quilted tablecloth.

Immediately, as so often happens when women gather, a hum of conversation begins—gentle, curious, open.

The table is set and the menu presented. The hostess reviews what’s being served including the Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, and Dessert.

Appetizer: To create a safe space for sharing, and to hold space for one another, the hostess reads aloud The Kitchen Table Truths—guiding principles that serve as shared agreements rather than rules.

Guests then participate in an opening ritual. Taking a deep breath to fully arrive in the space, leaving behind the busyness of the day, each person sets an intention by choosing a word that represents what connection means to them in that moment.

Taking a quiet pause to reflect on words—knowing that throughout the gathering guests are creating something meaningful both in conversation and through creativity— candles are lit together.

Main Course: Sharing an item that symbolizes connection, introductions were made and conversation took place as guests shared what their item was, why it represented connection to them and how this kind of connection shaped their lives.

Side Dish: Reminiscent of pioneer day quilting bees, where women gathered around the kitchen table to create quilts for warmth for their families, to share stories, resources and support one another, we each created a quilt square representing connection to add to our collective virtual quilt. Creativity flowed, and between quiet pauses, moments of laughter and thoughtful exchanges were shared in a game called Story Bowls.

I love the uniqueness of each square and the powerful sense of connection reflected through images and words like Tao, Belonging, Roots, Family, Joy, Love, and Ease.

Dessert: We closed our time together, by sharing the words we chose in the opening ritual and held up our quilt squares in show and tell fashion for a group photo. As we blew out our candles together, we imagined our words being carried forward, lighting the way for deeper connection in the days ahead.

I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing women and am grateful for their kind words:

Thank you so much for last night! It was truly special. I could spend a lot of time at your kitchen table!

I totally enjoyed tonight. I want to be part of any group you’re pulling together.

Thanks again for all you do to create, prepare and deliver a wonderfully connecting space.

Thank you Kathy for bringing us all together in such a creative, fun and meaningful way.

I look forward to the next gathering. I hope you’ll pull up a chair and join us at The Kitchen Table, scheduled for Friday, March 21st, 6:00-7:30 pm MST.

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Hello friends,

Some of the best conversations happen around the kitchen table, where stories unfold, laughter flows, and connection deepens. That’s the spirit behind The Kitchen Table, a monthly virtual gathering designed to bring women together in a meaningful and creative way. It’s a space to slow down, share, and be nourished, not just by food, but by conversation, inspiration, and community.

What to Expect:

Each one-and-a-half-hour gathering is a blend of conversation and creativity, offering a space to reflect, connect, and engage in a simple, hands-on activity. Whether you’re sipping tea at home or lighting a candle to set the mood, you’ll find yourself in the company of like-minded women who are also on a journey of self-discovery and renewal.

A Taste of What’s to Come: Your Kitchen Table Menu

Before each gathering, you’ll receive a Kitchen Table Menu, your guide to the evening’s experience. Just like a beautifully prepared meal, each gathering will have a thoughtful flow:

🥣 Appetizer: A gentle arrival practice to set the tone.
🍽️ Main Course: A guided conversation on a meaningful theme.
🍷 Side Dish: A creative activity or reflective prompt to engage with.
🍰 Dessert: A closing moment to savor and take with you.

Join the First Gathering!

Our first Kitchen Table gathering is happening via Zoom on Friday, February 21, 2025, beginning at 5:00 pm PST. It’s FREE to attend and you’re invited to pull up a chair! Whether you’re craving connection, inspiration, or just an hour to pause and be present, this is for you.

🌟 Here’s What Others Are Saying:

📅 Save your chair by registering below.

Save me a chair at the table!

I can’t wait to gather with you. Let’s make this space a nourishing one, together.

Warmly,
Kathy

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