THE ZEN JOURNAL

Stories, Reflections, and Appalachian Moments of Zen

I spend a lot of time in nature — especially near and in the water, playing in cold mountain streams. It grounds me, centers me, and helps keep me sane in this busy world.

The Zen Journal is where I share some of what I find there, along with anecdotes from the studio, creative process, materials with stories, thoughts about conservation, and glimpses of life and work in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Here, written reflections and one-minute Appalachian Moments of Zen come together as an invitation to pause, look closely, and reconnect with the natural world.

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A wicker basket filled with various colored hand tools and pliers on a gray surface, with two partially cut cheese rounds with bite marks and metal pins nearby.

Evenlight Eagles 8/13/26 Evenlight Eagles 8/13/26

Turtle Steps, Transitions and Show Dates

Sometimes the best way forward is one turtle step at a time. Evenlight shares what a slower season has taught her about creative growth, Primavera Leathers’ renewed commitment to conservation, new partnerships taking shape, and a return to local shows in Blowing Rock.

Evenlight Eagles 8/6/26 Evenlight Eagles 8/6/26

Caugh in a Storm

We were basking in the sun on Wilson Creek when a sudden afternoon shower blew through… as they often do here in the temperate rain forests of Appalachia. We beat it for high ground with all of our stuff to sit under a rock and wait it out. Here the storm has almost passed and everything feels calm, cleansed and refreshed…including me.

Evenlight Eagles 7/30/26 Evenlight Eagles 7/30/26

Over the Edge

I love to sit here at the top of this waterfall and think about how water has no fear... No drama when it goes over a fall, it just goes. I also love to sit here and think about absolutely nothing at all.

Evenlight Eagles 7/23/26 Evenlight Eagles 7/23/26

My Old Friend

This waterfall is on land that has been in my family for five generations… seven if you count the two generations younger than me. I’ve spent some serious quality times here. I have no idea how many times I hiked here with my Granddad. It was always a gold mine when we went hunting for wild mushrooms. It’s not super easy to get to and I hadn’t been there in years…. It was good to see my old friend.

Evenlight Eagles 3/27/26 Evenlight Eagles 3/27/26

The Waters Are Whispering Spring

An Appalachian Moment of Zen: a small stream off Route 221 on Grandfather Mountain, this sweet little stream makes its way down the mountain without a care in the world. Taking notes.

Evenlight Eagles 2/25/26 Evenlight Eagles 2/25/26

Wintry Mix

An Appalachian Moment of Zen: it’s a winter wonderland, but not quite. Peaceful at moments and blustery the next. Like life. All of it is beautiful.

Evenlight Eagles 2/1/26 Evenlight Eagles 2/1/26

Silent Sunset

An Appalachian Moment of Zen: a silent sunset, quiet skies, and clouds gently easing by. Now that’s peace.

Evenlight Eagles 1/16/26 Evenlight Eagles 1/16/26

SPLASH and DASH…and Nurturing with Nature

A winter polar plunge with Juliet becomes more than a splash-and-dash adventure. A reflection on motherhood, growing up, and the lasting gift of nurturing our children with nature.

Evenlight Eagles 10/1/25 Evenlight Eagles 10/1/25

Welcome, Fall! And Some Thoughts on Helene.

As fall arrives in Blowing Rock, Evenlight reflects on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, the resilience of Appalachian communities, and the grounding power of keeping both an open mind and an open heart.

Evenlight Eagles 9/1/25 Evenlight Eagles 9/1/25

Maybe You’ve Seen Her…

Evenlight introduces Brenna, a longtime friend, model, and behind-the-scenes helper bringing more rhythm and organization to Primavera Leathers — making more room for leatherwork, nature, and newsletter.