issue no.

16 | rhythm

this fall
W E ’RE EMBR AC ING
THE RHY T HM S THAT MOVE
U S FORWAR D

fall 2020
magnolia.com/journal
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contents
rhythm

18
A N E S S AY O N R H Y T H M
Our world is filled with rhythm—it dances
to rhythm.

20
FLOW AND ORDER
Setting up a kitchen where you can
move—and create—with freedom.

40
LEON BRIDGES
Thoughts and words on a life built around music.

50
S TE A DY COM FO R T
For centuries, rocking chairs have been part of our
hearts and homes.

82
T H E WAY S W E G O
Stories of how rhythm can inspire, sustain,
and sometimes save us.

reflect

24
M A K I N G WAY F O R A N E W S E A S O N
How Jo sets the stage for fall.

38
T H E FA B R I C O F L I F E
A closer look at the threads that bind.

66
S A C R E D S PA C E
Reflecting on how routines of renewal
can better our days.

98 on the cover
Photograph by Nick Kelley
contents
Photography by Carson
HERE FOR E ACH OTHER Hair & Makeup by Sara Denman Downing (this photo) &
Finding moments of authentic Styling by Ashley Maddox Abigail Johnston (page 6)
connection in everyday life.

4
 design

76
TILE ST YLE
The ins and outs of a design element
we love to repeat.

90
R E S T O R AT I O N O N T H E C O A S T
Creating space for modern-day rhythms
in buildings from the past.

102
HOME ON THE PL AINS
An Oklahoma couple designs and builds
their dream home.

food

28
OH MY PIE S!
Sweet and delicious turnovers you can
take anywhere.

44
BOX IT UP
Lunch is divided and conquered with
some fresh takes on the bento box.

58
T H E F L AV O R S O F FA L L
Quintessential tastes of the season to
gather around the table for.

lifestyle

32
EASY DOES IT
The almost effortless cadence of hair care.

36
D AY L I G H T S AV I N G
It’s time for the biannual dance
with the clock.

70
76 T H E G O L D T H AT S TAY S
Chasing the changing colors across the
small towns of Vermont.

5 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
contents in every issue

10
LET TER FROM THE EDITOR

12
M AGNOLIA POST
News about what’s happening
at Magnolia.

14
J O ’ S FA L L FAV O R I T E S
What Jo is enjoying this fall.

16
C H I P ’ S FA L L FAV O R I T E S
Some things to make life even
more good, from Chip.

54
A NOTE FROM JO:
F I N D I N G YO U R A N CH O R
Seeking out rhythms that can
steady us in the storm.

108
CHIP ’S CORNER:
TIME FOR NEW RHY THMS
A reminder to hold tight to
what matters and cut the rest.

110
SOURCEBOOK
Information on products
and professionals featured
throughout the issue.

112
M AGNOLIA M ANIFESTO

Magnolia Journal™ (ISSN 2474-056X),

August (Fall) 2020, Volume 5, No. 3.
Magnolia Journal is published quarterly in
February, May, August, and November by Meredith
Corporation, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-
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6
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GARDEN VARIETY SIMPLY WON’T DO.

INSPIRED BY SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY ART, THE FLORAL MOTIF OF THE
ARTIST EDITIONS® DUTCHMASTER SINK IS SOMETHING TO BEHOLD.

editor in chief
JOANNA GAINES
EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
executive editor kaila luna director of photography billy jack brawner
deputy editor anna mitchael staff stylists rebecca beckman, alli mcgrane
staff writer mcgee nall staff photographer danielle jackson
MEREDITH SPECIAL INTEREST MEDIA
B US I N E S S A D M I N I S T R AT I O N
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EDITORIAL
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E D I TO R I A L A D M I N I S T R AT I O N
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C I RC U L AT I O N
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CHIP GAINES
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DESIGN PRODUCTION
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8
 letter from the editor
JOANNA G AINES
DEAR READERS,
I’m writing this hours before it’s due. For the second issue in a row,
we are sending this magazine to print unsure of what the next
weeks or months will bring. Our magazine team had decided on
the theme of rhythm long before the pandemic and the most recent
racial injustices. In the face of all of it—the brokenheartedness,
the chaos, the confusion—I have been reminded (again) of the
importance of listening and learning, of looking inward, and of
standing together for what is good and right.
And as I have read and reread what we have put together,
I continue to be struck by the resonant truth of the message
that’s between the lines on some pages and clear as day on
others: Rhythm is essential.
When we aren’t in rhythm we flounder, or worse, we break
apart. And so when I look at how rhythm affects everything in
my own life and in the world around me, my hope is that we will
lean into cadences that make for both big and small changes and
lead to a life well loved.
On page 86 we share powerful stories from people who have
taken on new rhythms in their lives. They talk about what has
carried them through the transitions, sometimes turning them
in new directions, other times urging them to keep on the course,
but always the guiding force behind the ways they will go.
And, oftentimes, the rhythms of life are reflected by the
rhythms of nature around us—in the long-established rivers,
follow along on instagram: @JOANNAG AINES
10
fields of swaying grasses, and even the sky. We celebrate those
rhythms in our natural surroundings on page 18.
We interview Leon Bridges, a soul singer who draws
inspiration from ’60s-era rhythm and blues, on page 42.
He shares with us his journey and how storytelling through
music is the lens through which he sees everything.
When it comes to community, I am always inspired by the
beauty of relationships that endure life’s many twists and turns.
On page 102 we discuss how to connect authentically and deeply
with the people in our lives.
The changing of the seasons is perhaps the least subtle
representation of rhythm in our lives. On page 26, I talk about the
annual return to fall and how I personally prepare for its arrival.
Rhythm is all around us, both in our surroundings and in
how we approach our days. Now, more than ever, I am inspired
by the idea that we have the power to embrace the rhythms that
move us forward. In all types of circumstances and conditions,
we can hold fast to hope for what the future will bring. My aim
is that you feel that hope as you read these pages and that it will
PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL D’AVELLO
be something you take with you even after you have closed this
magazine. I’m challenged to do better in my own life, and I’m
excited to move forward alongside you.
Love,
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FALL 2020

magnolia post RHYTHM

More Sunshine
and Silos
T H E C O T TA G E S
Our six new retail cottages will offer curated
collections of some of our favorite things for kids New Entrance
and baby, bath and body, women’s apparel, books
and paper, men’s provisions, and jewelry. Our new entrance on 8th Street will take you straight to the cottages
and a second lawn area that’s just for playing and hanging out.
WIFFLE BALL FIELD
Whether you play with friends and family or
just enjoy snacks from the new concession stand Silo District Marathon
RENDERING IMAGE PROVIDED BY DAVID NISBET, AIA, CP&Y INC.

while you watch a game, the field is a great place

to hang out for the afternoon.
HISTORIC CHURCH
We have long anticipated the arrival of this
restored historic church at the Silos. Originally
built in 1894, this piece of Waco history now has
a permanent home on the grounds.
FOOD TRUCKS
This fall we have some new and exciting food
trucks pulling up at the Silos. So if you plan to
come for a visit, be sure to bring your appetite!
O C TOBE R 2–4, 2020
We’re more ready than ever to meet you at the starting line.
This year, we added a fun run for the kids! Learn more at
magnolia.com/events.
Silobration
O C TO B E R 29–31 , 2020
The dates for our fall Silobration are set—we hope you will join us
for this annual celebration! Please check magnolia.com/events for
details, updates, and planning information.

12
 joÕs FA L L FAV O R I T E S
This cuckoo clock has hung in our
living room for about a year now.
There’s something about its hourly
sound that is both comforting and
encouraging—a gentle reminder
that time is a gift and that it’s
meant to be spent well. —Jo

1. Handmade
Cuckoo Clock, $189;
veneerwoodcreations
.etsy.com.
2. Bow Earrings,
$62; magnolia.com. 6
3. Waxed Canvas
Lunch Bag, $24
each; waamindustries
.etsy.com.
4. Speckled Paint PROP ST YLING BY SCOT T J. JOHNSON, REBECCA BECKMAN, AND ALLI M C GRANE
Palette & Ceramic
Brush Rest, $58
& $8; sugarhouse
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARSON DOWNING AND DANIELLE JACKSON

ceramicco.com.
5. Forest Book, $30;
chroniclebooks.com. 7
6. Bibliostyle Book,
$25; amazon.com.
7. Totem Candles in
Terracotta, $12–$20
each; areaware.com.
8. Louis Armstrong’s 9
Hello, Dolly! Vinyl
Vintage Record, price
varies; amazon.com.
9. Leather Clog
Buckle Boot in Black,
$400; no6store.com. 8

14
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 chipÕs FA L L FAV O R I T E S
I grew up listening to this music, and hearing
it now takes me right back to the good times
with my dad and grandpa. Man, what a gift these
albums and those memories are. —Chip

4 6

1. The Highwaymen &

Johnny Cash Albums,
$25 each; amazon.com.
2. Rambler 18-oz.
Bottle & 5-oz. Cup

PROP ST YLING BY SCOT T J. JOHNSON, REBECCA BECKMAN, AND ALLI M C GRANE

Cap, $30 each;
yeti.com.
3. Camo Key Fob,
$32.50; magnolia.com.
7
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARSON DOWNING AND DANIELLE JACKSON

4. Hammer Multi-Tool,
$25; magnolia.com.
5. Aim High
Dart Game, $18;
magnolia.com.
6. Victrola Cambridge 8
Farmhouse Turntable,
$112; magnolia.com.
7. Signature Lined
Hoodie, $120;
marinelayer.com.
8. The Ridge
Aluminum Wallet
in OD Green, $75;
ridgewallet.com.

16
Andrea from Pine and Prospect Home
Faucet: Delilah in Oil Rubbed Bronze

Real-life isn’t always perfect,

but with Signature Hardware, it is beautiful.

Our products are made to handle a family’s worth of everyday

use and look good doing it. So if you’re thinking about updating
your kitchen, check out Signature Hardware. We will help you
create the perfect setting for making meals, family gatherings,
and creating memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll �nd your
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look at Signature Hardware.
A N E S S AY O N R H Y THM

We live
in a world filled
with rhythm,
a world that dances
to rhythm.

18
 Nature dances to a rhythm: In the way the sun rises and sets.
In the birds’ song at sunrise and in the crickets’ chirp at sunset.
In the way each season moves us along throughout the year…
the annual cadence of a rainy April, giving way to a hot July,
giving way to a crisp October, giving way to a cold January,
and the thousands of little orchestras that follow the tempo
of that grand symphony. The flowers move to the rhythm of
the seasons: sprouting and budding and blooming and dying.
Humanity dances to a rhythm: in the holidays we celebrate
and the order in which they come. Costumes and candy give
way to turkey and football, which give way to carols and
gifts wrapped under the tree. We find rhythm in our daily
commute, in the voice of the radio DJ’s morning report, in
the stoplights and exits, in the pleasantries exchanged with
the coffee shop barista. Rhythm comes with bodies that
must be fed three times a day (give or take), with daily prayer
and weekly meetings and monthly girls’ nights and yearly
Super Bowl games. We create bedtime rhythms: We bathe
our kids, brush their teeth, read them a story, tuck them in,
and sing a song.
There is peace in rhythm. There is security and predictability.
Not a stagnant sort of predictability, just enough to make us
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABIGAIL JOHNSTON
feel like everything is going to be okay, just enough to give us
something to look forward to. Because while there’s a lot of
rhythm, there’s also a lot of chaos. There are unexpected bills
to pay, relationships to maintain, natural disasters, an ongoing
to-do list that will never be completely finished, flat tires, bad
moods, burnt dinners.
But then there’s the sun, rising again. And then there’s our
lungs, exhaling again. And then there’s Thanksgiving, right
around the corner. We’ll take our afternoon coffee break.
We’ll say a prayer. We’ll look up and see ducks flying south for
the winter. We’ll cross the next thing off our to-do list. We’ll
get a new winter coat. We’ll plan a summer trip. We’ll go for
an evening walk.
And we’ll tap our feet. We’ll sway back and forth. We’ll clap
our hands. We’ll lean into the rhythms of our lives because
they give us a sense of place in our story, clueing us in to where
we’ve been and where we might expect to go next, offering us
familiarity in the midst of a chaotic world—like our lungs
filling with air and then emptying themselves and filling up
again, like the ocean tides and the morning cups of tea and
the annual harvest festivals: We embrace the rhythm of the
season, and we find peace in the way it moves us.
FLOW
AND
ORDER

STORY BY LIZ BELL YOUNG ILLUSTRATIONS BY LIDA ZIRUFFO

A look at how
we use and move
through the
space we so love

20
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O u r k i tch e ns ho l d us tog e t he r
They gather us in the early morning, come alongside us
throughout the day, then call us back for the evening hours.
And when your kitchen is set up in a way that makes sense
for how you use and move through the space, it can also bring
peace. When what you need is right at your fingertips. When
what you rarely use is tucked aside. When you have breathing
room to create openly, move lightly, think clearly.
All too often, we hang onto the way we first set up our kitchens.
Maybe yours is organized the same as the day you moved in—
unloaded straight out of cardboard boxes, friends and family
making choices on your behalf. Or what was once a thoughtful
positioning of appliances, utensils, and baking gadgetry has
run its course and no longer matches your lifestyle. Perhaps
now you have little ones but haven’t had a chance to put small
cups and plasticware at their level, so you’re constantly reaching
for what they could grab for themselves.
Maybe you’re empty nesting but still have A sys t e m
cabinets full of plates and glassware for the
daily feeding of five. Or maybe you’ve had a for cabinets
few friends move in, and the cupboards now
burst with duplicates. Try putting daily-use
A good pause is in order. What if you items in front and on
took a few hours and brought pleasing top whenever possible.
order to the space you so often frequent? For instance, if your
What if you allowed that space to really line favorite mixing bowl
up with your cooking style, your preferred holds a surplus of
cadence, and your everyday routines? measuring cups, store
Here’s a way to start: Simply stand in those cups elsewhere.
the middle of your kitchen. Don’t touch If your go-to cast-iron
anything yet—just look around and note pan is at the bottom of
your most-visited cabinets, shelves, and the stack because of its
prep zones. (If it helps, put a sticky note weight, store it vertically
or piece of washi tape on those spots, so along the cabinet’s side.
you can easily visualize your daily use.) Vertical storage is also
Now consider what gets prime real estate wonderful for cookie
but should actually take a back seat and sheets, muffin pans,
any sections that feel overly crowded, cutting boards, and
mismatched, or too out of reach. (Mark serving platters.
those with a different tape or color.)
Now, step back and get ready to make fresh choices. If it
helps, draw a simple sketch of your desired layout. Imagine
you’re moving into the kitchen all over again and have free
rein—a beautifully blank slate. Open up all the cabinets; pull
things out (backs of drawers included), and don’t be afraid
of the temporary mess. Grab a few boxes for donations and
discards because no doubt this will become a decent-sized
collection. And have a table or spot nearby ready to stage items
that have been housed in the kitchen but need a new spot in the
house—like that oversize slow cooker that could better live on
a basement shelf until the holidays roll around again.
We have collected big-picture ideas for organizing and
tips for orderly peace, but remember: This is about you. Not
a chef or designer you admire. Not even the mother figure you
love. It’s about giving yourself a space that reflects the reality
of your day. A place you feel happy and comfortable moving
around. As if on a dance floor, with a harmony all your own.

22
E v e ry t hing
in i t s
p u rp os e f u l
p l ace
Approaching your kitchen
organization with the intention
of having it work for your own
rhythms can make all the difference.
More often than not, it’s the paring
down that does wonders. Focusing
your discriminating eye on all the
cabinets, all the accoutrements.
Understanding how you use what
you have, then putting a calm hand
to ordering this space that is the
backdrop for so much of your day.
A generous prep zone
Not every kitchen has extra space
for meal prep. If you find yourself
searching for space to cook, consider
setting up counter space that’s easily
convertible. For example, place the
go-to items you keep on the counter
on a tray or cutting board. That way,
when you’re in need of counter space,
clearing an area is as simple as moving
the tray. Sometimes a makeshift
counter—a cart or table you bring in
and treat like a temporary kitchen
island—can help make room.
High - performing D r aw e r s pac e
countertops It’s easy to lose track of everything
that gets tucked away in a drawer,
Make room on your counters for the so unloading them completely can
essentials you use every day—the help you separate what you use from
things you find yourself reaching what you don’t. From there, drawer
for over and over again. Although dividers can offer calm for the chaos.
it might look tidier with everything Expandable dividers help maximize your
hidden away in designated drawers drawer’s full dimension, or you can try
or cabinets, sometimes having the diagonal drawer inserts that give a place
essentials within arm’s reach will make to both small and large accessories.
your kitchen rhythms easier and more
enjoyable. So whether it’s olive oil or
salt and pepper pinch bowls or a large
toaster oven you use every morning,
reserve space for what works for you.
A N o d t o B e au t y
Once you have your kitchen in
peaceful working order, bring in a
few items simply because you love
them. A potted plant or glass soap
dispenser. A small piece of art.
An upholstered chair tucked in
the corner for an impromptu rest
while you wait for water to boil.
When rhythms are off, beauty can
help bring us back on point. And
when flow and order feel good, it
deepens the feeling that everything
is right with the world.
23 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
M A K I N G WAY F O R

story by JOANNA GAINES

We don’t have much of a typical fall here in Texas. While other people
are watching trees change and pulling out their sweaters, we are still
trying to escape the heat. And it’s not difficult for fall—hidden behind
that heat—to sneak in so quietly and quickly that I miss the chance to
slow down and welcome it properly.

Because regardless of the weather report, there is an awareness that it’s

time to turn more inward, perhaps even to settle into our pursuits with a
touch more intention. I’ve found it to be a good and necessary endeavor
to do what I can to bring the sense of the season into our home. I want
the shift that’s naturally occurring to be mirrored by the look and feel
of our space—the cozy blanket strewn across the couch by a child who’s

PHOTOGRAPHS THROUGHOUT BY BILLY JACK BRAWNER, RAWPIXEL & CARSON DOWNING

spent hours lost in a chapter book, the warm scents of nutmeg and
cinnamon drifting in from the kitchen, the record spinning a smooth and
soulful tune throughout the house, the golden hues of the snipped and
dried grasses arranged in the vase on the coffee table. When my family
sees these changes then they know—from somewhere deep inside—
PROP ST YLING OF INSET PHOTOGRAPHS BY SCOT T J. JOHNSON

that fall has arrived.

I can’t make the trees change, but I can give the people I love a grand
start to autumn. I can ensure that the details and little moments work
together to represent our place on the calendar, to celebrate the change
taking place, and to usher in a season so worthy to make note of.

24
 *G2 is the #1 Selling Gel Pen Brand/The NPD Group/Retail
& Commercial/US Dollar Sales/Data on file.
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ACTOR, WRITER,
OVERACHIEVER

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I FIND IT HELPFUL TO SET
ASIDE TIME TO THINK ABOUT
H O W I WA N T T H E N E X T
SEASON TO LOOK AND FEEL.

I start by sitting down with pen and

paper and jotting down a list of the
first things that come to mind when
I think of the season at hand (the
sights, smells, colors, and tastes)
and how I want to incorporate these
things into my life over the next three
months. As the list comes together,
I begin to feel my mindset shift from
one season to the next, which makes
for a transition that feels natural as
opposed to jolting. In doing this, I’m
reminded that even though I can’t
dictate the weather or circumstances
or current events, I can bring a sense
of peace and seasonality into my
home for me and my family.
I T ’ S T H E A N T I C I PAT I O N O F
FA L L’ S A R R I VA L T H AT M A K E S
WAY F O R T H E R E T U R N O F
FA M I L I A R R H Y T H M S .

27 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
28
RECIPES BY SHELLI M C CONNELL PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARSON DOWNING
PRODUCED BY SCOT T J. JOHNSON FOOD ST YLING BY CHARLES WORTHINGTON
C U R AT E D T O S E R V E T H E R H Y T H M S O F Y O U R E V E R Y D AY
S E E WH AT ' S N E W AT M AG N O L I A .CO M
PREP: 30 minutes BAKE: 20 minutes

31∕2 cups all-purpose flour 1∕4–1∕2 cup milk

2 Tbsp. granulated sugar 1 recipe Brown Sugar, Spiced
1 tsp. salt Pear, Cinnamon Apple,
11∕2 cups (3 sticks) cold butter, cut up or Gingered Cranberry filling
2 eggs, lightly beaten Coarse sugar (optional)

1. Stir together flour, granulated sugar, and salt in an extra-large bowl. Cut in
butter using a pastry blender until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in eggs.
Sprinkle 1 Tbsp. of the milk over part of the flour mixture; toss with a fork
Cinnamon Apple
and push to side of bowl. Repeat by gradually adding milk until mixture begins
to come together. Gather pastry into a ball, kneading gently until it holds
together. Divide pastry into fourths; form into balls and press into disks.
Wrap each disk in plastic wrap. Chill about 1 hour or until easy to handle.

2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll each pastry disk to 1∕8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into
4-inch rounds using a floured cutter. Brush edges with additional milk so they
will adhere more easily. Spoon a well-rounded tablespoon of fruit filling onto
half of each circle (if using Brown Sugar filling, fill with 1 level tablespoon) then
fold remaining circle half over filling. Seal edges with your fingers or the tines
of a fork and cut small slits in tops.

3. Transfer pies to prepared baking sheets. Brush pies with additional milk and,
if desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake about 20 minutes or until light
brown. Remove and cool on wire racks. Serve warm or at room temperature.

MAKES: 16 pies Gingered Cranberry

For a perfectly
round circle,
use a cookie or
biscuit cutter.

Brown Sugar Spiced Pear

30
 CINNAMON APPLE

Combine 22∕3 cups chopped, peeled apples;

1∕3 cup chopped dried cherries; 1∕2 cup
granulated sugar; 3 Tbsp. all-purpose
flour; 1 Tbsp. each butter and lemon juice;
and 1 tsp. ground cinnamon in a medium
To keep fillings
saucepan. Cook and stir over medium until
inside the pie while
thickened and bubbly. Cool completely.
baking, liberally brush
pastry edges with milk
(or egg wash) then GINGERED CRANBERRY
firmly seal.
Combine 21∕2 cups fresh or frozen
cranberries; 3∕4 cup packed brown sugar;
1∕4 cup water; 1 Tbsp. each cornstarch,
butter, and orange juice; and 2 tsp. grated
fresh ginger in a medium saucepan. Cook
and stir over medium until thickened and
bubbly. Cool completely.

BROWN SUGAR

Stir together 3∕4 cup packed brown sugar,

2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, 1∕4 cup very
finely chopped pecans or walnuts, 1 Tbsp.
unsweetened cocoa powder, and 11∕2 tsp.
ground cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in 2 Tbsp.
each melted butter and heavy cream.

SPICED PEAR

Combine 3 cups chopped, peeled fresh

pears; 1∕3 cup granulated sugar; 2 Tbsp.
all-purpose flour; 1 Tbsp. each butter and
lemon juice; and 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
in a medium saucepan. Cook and stir
over medium until thickened and bubbly.
Cool completely.

If you’re working with

more than one filling,
assign a certain top cut
to each so you know
which filling is inside.
 THE ALMOST EFFORTLESS CADENCE OF HAIR CARE

The formula is different for everyone, but there’s

a powerful confidence that comes when you find
a way to honor your hair’s natural rhythm—the
mix of products and time spent between shampoo
sessions that strikes a balance, allowing you to be
01 your beautiful self. A routine that gives you this ease
can be simpler to create than you might think. The
idea is to wash only enough, condition, and then—
on the in-between days—use the right product to
clarifying refresh. Here, we’ve pared down the choices to a
shampoos list you can experiment with. Finding what works
means you can begin more days with the feeling we
all want: that everything is under control. It also can
A deep clean for your give you more time for other time-tested confidence
hair, clarifying shampoo 02 boosters, like coffee.
gently removes buildup
and residue left behind
by other hair products.
Clarifying shampoo isn’t
meant to be used at every
wash so rotate it with
your regular shampoo
once a week to once a
month, depending on your
hair’s needs.

STORY AND MARKET EDITING BY BETH SHAPOURI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARSON DOWNING PROP ST YLING BY SCOT T J. JOHNSON
for dry:
01. R+Co Oblivion Clarifying
Shampoo, $27; randco.com
for normal:
02. Bumble and Bumble Sunday
Shampoo, $27; sephora.com
for oily:
03. Aquis 02+ Detoxifying Hair
03 04
and Scalp Wash, $28; aquis.com

05 06 hydrating
conditioners
After the reset of a clarifying
shampoo, hydrating
conditioner restores moisture
and nourishes your hair.
for dry:
04. Davines Nourishing
Vegetarian Miracle Conditioner,
$39; davines.com
for normal:
05. SEEN Skin-Caring
Conditioner, $26; helloseen.com
for oily:
06. Dove Clarify and Hydrate
Conditioner, $3.49; target.com

32
HEALTHY HAIR
NEVER HIDES
GET VISIBLY HEALTHIER* HAIR WITH EVERY WASH.
0% PARABENS. 0% MINERAL OIL.
*vs. non-conditioning shampoo
©2020 P&G
THE ALMOST EFFORTLESS CADENCE OF HAIR CARE

Because overwashing can leave

your hair stripped of nutrients,
dry shampoo and refreshers can
help stretch out time between
washes. Depending on your hair
type and what your hair needs
throughout the day, these products
are designed to absorb oil, add
shine, tame flyaways, detangle, or
restore moisture.
07 08

daily
refreshers 10

Revive your natural

texture or add moisture
to your style.
for dry:
10. Kristin Ess Style Reviving
Dry Conditioner, $14;
target.com
for normal:
11. Virtue Re Fresh Purifying
Leave-in Conditioner, $30;
sephora.com
for oily:
12. Paul Mitchell Invisiblewear
Boomerang Restyling Mist, 09
$15; ulta.com

11 12 dry
shampoos
These oil absorbers
extend the time
between washings.
for dry:
07. Kérastase Fresh Affair
Refreshing Dry Shampoo,
$36; sephora.com
for normal:
08. Living Proof Perfect
Hair Day Dry Shampoo,
$36; ulta.com
for oily:
09. Oribe Gold Lust Dry
Shampoo, $48; oribe.com

34
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It’s one small step for time, yet it
requires a huge leap for mankind.

Soon it will be time for the dance

we do every year … twice a year. The
push and pull with our old friend (and
sometimes foe) daylight saving time.
Are we falling forward or springing
back? Oh, does falling back mean we’re
gaining an hour of sleep or losing one?
And most importantly, how did Hawaii
and Arizona get out of dealing with
this whole mess?

While the struggle does sometimes

feel painful, there is one small kernel
of encouragement to be found in the
brain fog—we aren’t in it alone. All of
us (even our friends in Arizona) know
how disorienting it can feel to have
rhythms disrupted. We all recognize
the craving for our regular rhythms to
be restored. When looked at through
that lens, daylight saving time is
almost like training wheels for real
life. It reminds us that, every once
in a while, schedules will go out the
window, but with patience and time,
the world will right itself again.
BRIT TANY BAKER
CAPTIONS BY

36
BRAD AND KRISTI
ILLUSTRATION BY

MONTAGUE

37 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
l e s s on s l e ar n e d f rom th e l o om

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LOLOI RUGS

38
 the
fabric
of life
T hread by thread, the weaving of
fabric tells a story of rhythm. A story
about two separate threads—the warp
and the weft—that come together to make
something beautiful. A story that might
just mirror our own.
The warp, threads held tightly in
place by the loom, stand strong during
the weaving process. They make way
for the steady rhythm of the weft to
be woven up and down, up and down.
Without the softness of the weft, the
warp is just thread pulled tight. Without
the warp’s strength and foundation, the
weft would flounder. It takes both parts
to make a whole.
What if, for a moment, we pause
to see the fabric of our lives this way.
And to see how all of us, with our
distinctly unique threads, have the
potential to come together. That when
we engage with each other—when we
help each other and serve each other,
whether with conversation and small
kindnesses or a bold deed that requires
more sacrifice on our part—we are the
weft to another’s warp.
In the ebb and flow of relationships,
there can be times when we are the
strong foundation, then other times
when perhaps we need another’s support
to lean on or wrap ourselves around.
But no matter what part we play, the
rhythm of our interactions, both small
and great, creates a tapestry that is unlike
any other. And this we know for sure:
We are stronger when we stand together.

39 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
 TIST
R

•
A

HT
•

S G
P O T LI

Leon
Bridges
AS TOLD TO ALISHA SOMMER PHOTOGRAPH BY SIMON WEBB/CONTOUR BY GET T Y IMAGES
It’s nighttime in Texas, so the
cool breeze is finally blowing.
I open the windows to let the
world in. Things seem quiet
tonight, even quieter than
they’ve been. I listen for the
roar of engines and finally
one starts up, coming to me
with that whispering breeze.
I pull my Gibson onto my lap
and pluck at the strings as
I watch the curtain float
on the wind.

40
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 TIST
R

•
A

HT
•

S G
P O T LI

hite curtain. White dress. White robe. The choir
W stood behind the pastor as he pounded on the pulpit,
their hands clapping and bodies swaying in time. I remember
the way the whole building would swell with feeling. It
might have been then, standing in
the pews on Sundays, that I began to
understand music’s ability to literally “I don’t
move someone. Maybe it was then that
I learned to feel my own rhythm. But it’s even possible
it was not only hymns and gospels. My
to pinpoint
I remember it, that’s how we all were. There was no stigma
on dancing, no boundaries on when you should or could. I
had a mirror in the garage, and if I wanted to practice, that’s
where I’d go. I studied my reflection, noticed the ways my
limbs lifted and rolled, watched beads
of sweat settle into my temples. Then
think I was ready, as prepared as I could be.
My friends and I gathered before class
to show off moves. And when my time
came to perform, I’d usually be a little
where
PHOTOGRAPH BY SIMON WEBB/CONTOUR BY GET T Y IMAGES

father kept the funky, upbeat sounds nervous, never quite getting it out just
of Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield the music really right. But I was learning.
on repeat; my mother filled the air It took being in college to get past
with the silky-voiced R&B singers of took hold. Maybe fears about performing for people.
the ’90s like Sade, Anita Baker, and Studying dance forced me onto the
Brian McKnight. There were the slow it had me in its grip stage. I started to realize that, when
jams that soothed your soul with their you dance, just as when you sing a
soft crooning and the songs that made
from the start.” song, you are telling a story. I began to
the walls jump—songs that just made understand how to really communicate
you want to dance. I don’t think it’s even possible to pinpoint with an audience through my movement.
where the music really took hold. Maybe it had me in its grip With what I’m doing now, dancing looks different. There
from the start. are no more garage mirrors, no circles of kids on the side of
When I was younger, seems like I was always dancing. As school buildings. Now, I explore my rhythm through language

42
 “… it is
always
good to
be home.
It grounds
me, this
place.
It takes
me back
to who
I am.”
and melody when writing a song. I piece together lyrics and
beats, trying to create flows that take listeners on a journey—a
journey through my own personal experience, as well as a
journey through themselves. I find my rhythm through my
fingers on the frets.
It’s day to day, mood to mood. I have to work hard to really
lay out my personal experiences into songwriting—to be
vulnerable—but then have it be broad so people can feel the
music for their own lives.
PHOTOGRAPH BY LEANN MUELLER/CONTOUR BY GET T Y IMAGES
Sometimes there’s a concept I have in my mind that I want to
try and translate into a song, and I carry it with me for a while,
letting it work itself into music. Other times I’m sitting with
my crew in a car outside a coffee shop—this happened not
long ago—and in less than an hour, just talking and singing,
I might write a whole song. I had a cappuccino that wasn’t even
done yet, but I had this new and beautiful song. Things come in;
they inspire you.
Things you see, things you think. When I’m home I think about
being on the road. Bouncing from airport to airport, from hotel
to hotel, from stage to stage. I think about shaking hands with
strangers and singing under bright lights. Out on the road, there’s a
different energy that comes with being on tour. It’s all-consuming,
filling you with adrenaline, exhilarating yet exhausting. When
43 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
I’m on the road, I think about home. And it is always good to be
home. It grounds me, this place. It takes me back to who I am.
New York and Los Angeles and Nashville, all these places
that are so good. I like being in those places and making
music. But there’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes
when you are home.
Here, I can wrap my head around the music in a different
way. If I am to be honest, and I think, as a musician, I should be,
for me going off the radar for a bit is a good thing.
Here, at home, I can ease into the version of myself that finds
comfort in the quiet and strength in being with the people I
grew up around. I can get back in the lane where it’s music and
movement and the pressure is less, not quite so many eyes on
me while I create—while I’m doing what I love to do.
Here, there is time to wake up slow and let the day pass with
easy routines. Under the piercing Texas sun, I can feel that
sometimes-elusive feeling of clarity. Then when night starts to
push in, when the windows open up and the guitar is in my
hands, the hours are there, just to play. I can sit with the songs
I’ve made for my next album and wonder about how to weave
them into a collection of music that moves. What I know now
is that the world needs more stories. I know people need to be
uplifted. The world needs to dance.
Efficient and sometimes even inspiring, today’s bento boxes can feel like a revolutionary take
on the traditional sack lunch. But we must give credit where it is due. Part of Japanese culture for
nearly 1,000 years, bento boxes originally were used as a convenient way to tote rice, fish, and
vegetables. The 21st-century version is just as practical, but can include food from all corners of the
globe as it accompanies kids to school, kids-at-heart to work, and everyone on weekend field trips.

FOOD ST YLING BY CHARLES WORTHINGTON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARSON DOWNING
PRODUCED BY SCOT T J. JOHNSON
STORY BY SHAIL A WUNDERLICH

44
 Wrap Your Sandwiches in
All Natural, Unbleached, Non-Toxic
Paper Instead of Plastic.

IF YOU CARE Unbleached

Paper Snack and Sandwich Bags
Sustainable.
Certified Compostable.
Non-GMO. Non-Toxic.
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The Perfect Fit for Your Healthy Lifestyle.

The versatility of a bento box
begins with its staple components—
many are simply revived leftovers.
By making and setting aside extra
servings of plain cooked dishes at
each dinner (bases like noodles,
beans, rice, chicken, or sliced fruit),
you will have a good start for the
week’s lunches. When it’s time to
pack the box, you can freshen
foods with vegetables, dressings,
and seasonings.

Keeping basic food categories

protein grain
in mind can be helpful
for balancing bento box
+ Grilled chicken + Brown rice
ingredients. Choosing one
item or two—if you want + Salmon + Quinoa
proteins that complement + Hamburger patties + Seasoned noodles
each other or salad as well as
+ Grilled tofu + Pita
fruit—from each makes for
satisfying combinations. + Hummus + Crackers

46
 No two boxes
ever have to be
quite the same—
the compartments
are yours to
create. By mood,
by taste, or even
by color, the meal
can be whatever
you’re craving.

produce dairy sweets

+ Dried or fresh fruit + Greek yogurt + Cookies

+ Fresh, steamed, or + Cheese cubes + Candied nuts

roasted veggies + Feta crumbles + Pudding

+ Salad + Cottage cheese + Chocolate-dipped fruit

+ Kimchi + Swiss slices + Brownie bars

47 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
 A basic combination can be a steady go-to on busy mornings or for a comfort
lunch. But the beauty in making a bento box is that you can take inspiration from
everywhere, without having to roam too far from what you already have on hand.
Here are a few out-of-the-box ideas to get you started:

noodle box mediterranean meal italian takeout

+ Seasoned noodles with cooked + Pita wedges + Seasoned whole wheat pasta
broccoli or shredded carrot + Greek salad (cucumber, olives, with shredded Parmesan
+ Chicken or tofu cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta) + Sliced chicken breast
+ Sticky rice + Hummus + Grape tomatoes and
+ Mochi + Dried fruit and yogurt baby carrots

This box can be spicy or simply
fresh and flavorful. Pull from a
weekly batch of plain noodles,
then add broccoli, scallions,
or even a hard-boiled egg.
Ingredients like carrots and
ginger, shredded on the spot,
can also freshen the dish.
Reserve undressed salad from dinner
the night before then freshen the
next morning with a bit of vinaigrette.
For extra protein, consider a pouch of
Greek yogurt. While the pitas, salad,
veggies, and fruit can be packed the
day before, hummus tastes best when
added at the last minute.
Consider this meal a healthier,
square-shaped alternative to
the greasier, round pizza from
your local takeout place. Pasta
and sliced chicken leftovers
can be brought back to life the
next morning with olive oil and
shredded Parmesan.

Sourcebook on page 110

48
THERE’S A HEINZ KETCHUP
FOR EVERYONE.
steady
comfort
like a n old friend, this
simple piece of furniture
works to soothe us, rela xing
the tension of a difficult
day or circumsta nce—
encouraging us with its
rhy thm to contin ue on.

story by BETHANY DOUGL ASS

50
 w hen I was pregnant with our firstborn, my husband and I inherited his grandmother’s
rocking chair. His mother had unexpectedly passed away, and the rocking chair became
the family heirloom passed to us, a mother’s gift of comfort. In any other circumstance, I might not
have noticed the chair. It is not the sort to stand out in a room, and it almost seemed a little too old-
fashioned—not something that was my style.

But then my baby came, and in all hours of the day and night “a nd in
I found myself drawn to the chair. The motion was a comfort,
ev ery early
and its sturdy feel gave needed support. In that first season
mothering
of motherhood, and in every early mothering season since,
I returned to that chair exhausted and within its rhythms have
season since,
found rejuvenation. Back and forth, back and forth, its sway i returned to
echoes the work of caring for the young. It is the delicate balance that chair
of strength and soothing—a reminder of the mothers who came exhausted
before me, rocking their children and recovering their strength.
a nd within
The hand-carved wooden arms tell these stories. The delicate its rhy thms
wood craftsmanship has proved sturdy against the decades
hav e found
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARSON DOWNING PRODUCED BY SCOT T J. JOHNSON ILLUSTRATION BY ANDRE JUNGET

of family wear, but the wood stain has gently lightened or

reju v enation.”
rubbed away in spots where parents before us have rocked their
children on sleepless nights or read books in dimming light.
I look at the worn wooden arms and think of my children as babies. I think of the woman I have become
in this chair, starting as a young mother finding her way—sometimes slowly as though feeling my way
through a dark room, other times with the full-sun joy of watching my young children climb into my
lap. “Read us a book, Mama,” they would beg. And so we would spend the better part of the afternoon
in the chair, rubbing down those wooden arms just a bit more with our story of togetherness.

Now I can’t imagine my home without the chair, even though I know eventually I will pass it on again.
One day a new mother, perhaps one of my daughters, will need that chair. What a gift to give, so
another might be hugged with its steady embrace. In the hours when one might feel alone, to know
you are held in a steady tradition. That this night, too, shall pass. So enjoy it while you can.

51 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
 centuries of

back & forth

Whether set on the front porch, in a living room, or in a quiet nursery corner, the rocking
chair warmly welcomes us to sit and relax. When we do, we join a rich tradition of people
who have found calm and peace in just the same way. Back and forth, back and forth, over
and over again, it mimics the steadiness we must summon for life—the persevering rhythm
that binds us as we navigate our own trials and joys.

origin design use & ben efits

Although the exact origin of the
rocking chair is unknown, many
believe the design evolved from
versions of the rocking cradle
first seen in the Middle Ages.
Primitive rocking chairs began
to show up in the American
colonies in the early 18th century.
Originally found mostly in
gardens, they were ordinary
chairs with rockers affixed on
the bottom. With that simple
innovation, the pastime of
rocking was born.
By the early 19th century,
rockers were becoming more
common in American homes.
There was not one uniform
style—some bore intricate
handwork while others were
bare-boned. But many styles
were ingenious in their simplicity.
A sewing rocker was constructed
with no arms so a person
sitting—in that time, almost
always the lady of the house—
could sew a shirt while
rocking a child.
What began as folksy knowledge
of the rockers’ benefits—that
they helped back pain and
encouraged sleep—has, over
time, become supported by
scientific research. Today’s
ergonomic rocker is a useful
tool for pain relief, and rocking
therapy is prescribed to ease
depression and anxiety. Some
studies suggest rocking may
even improve memory retention,
perhaps explaining why our
memories of rocking chairs linger.

Sourcebook on page 110

52
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54
 finding your anchor
ou’ve heard it said that change is the only constant. And,
Y the older I get, the truer that feels. Seasons come and go,
and all of life changes alongside them. Everything is always
in motion. Sometimes change is big and drastic and happens
right before my eyes, while other times it’s so slow and
gradual that it goes unnoticed until I look back and see how
far I’ve come. No matter how long it takes, nothing stays the
same. For better or for worse, everything is always changing.
But I like routine. I like structure. I like when things fall into
place. I like being anchored—kept safely tethered to something
that holds me in place. So often I think we view anchors
as negatives, things that might keep us
stagnant and prevent us from pushing
forward into new territories. And I know
in my own life, there have been moments
“And so, when
when I have questioned these natural life gets chaotic,
tendencies and the routines and habits
I hold fast to. I have wondered if I might live I’ve found
more freely without them. it’s good to have
However, when I pause to look closely,
more and more I have come to see that something that
these anchors are what keep me from
floating away into places where I don’t
steadies you…”
want to be or that I’m just not ready for yet.
Instead of stifling me, they actually provide
a safe place for me to grow and explore and be. Anchors still
allow their boats to move and float—to find a rhythm among
the waves around them. Their purpose is simply to keep a boat
from drifting so far off course that it’s difficult to recover.
The anchors of our life can be significant things like faith,
ILLUSTRATION BY LIDA ZIRUFFO
prayer, meditation, but they can also be seemingly small
and mundane like cooking, reading, running. The magical
thing is that they somehow offer a place of refuge in the ever-
changing landscapes of our lives.
This past spring when the world shut down, I kept feeling
myself drawn to my kitchen. I think it provided a place for me
to wrestle with the devastation happening in the world and
55 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
the uncertainty of what the future might hold for so many
people. I came to realize that the familiar rhythms of cooking
and baking provided a level of comfort. As I moved around
the kitchen, measuring and whisking and kneading—like
I’ve done so many times before—my heart was able to find
some rest. It was a safe place for me to think and process the
rapidly changing world around me.
Then I understood the kitchen has played a pivotal role in
my life over the years, even when I haven’t realized it. It’s been
a consistent anchor that has kept me steady while also giving
me space to find new perspectives. I remember turning to the
kitchen when the kids were young and the
ways it grounded me and gave me space
when I felt like I was being pulled in a
million different directions. I remember
turning to the kitchen when work was
using every last ounce of my creative
that energy and the ways it recharged me and
allowed me to reclaim some creativity.
Season after season, the rhythms of the
kitchen have been my stronghold, and the
peace it’s provided me has been an anchor.
So as simple as it sounds, I’m thankful
for my kitchen. I’m thankful it’s been a
place where I can put my mind to rest and
just simply be. Because everything changes, and the difficult
truth is that I simply don’t have any control over it. I can work
very hard to arrange details just so. I can wake up with fresh
intentionality for each day. And as new seasons come, I can
step into them with renewed purpose.
These are pursuits I will always believe in and will always
go after with an open heart. But even with those efforts,
circumstances will arise that can’t be conquered by human
will alone. And so, when life gets chaotic, I’ve found that it’s
good to have something that steadies you—an anchor that
keeps you where you need to be—a moment and place in time
where you can find peace and rest.
56
ILLUSTRATION AND WORDS BY MORGAN HARPER NICHOLS
Sourcebook on page 110
 FINDING COMFORT IN

The Flavors of Fall

Even if the weather outside has yet to turn, inside you can summon
the beginning of autumn whenever you please. Quintessential fall
dishes are filled with f lavors and textures that taste and feel like the
season. Much like a visit with a longtime friend you haven’t seen in a
while, these classics bring with them the deep satisfaction of a familiar
comfort—taking you back to the coziness of seasons past.

recipes by SHELLI M c CONNELL photography by CARSON DOWNING

food styling by CHARLES WORTHINGTON prop styling by SCOTT J. JOHNSON
Dutch Baby Pancake with
Pear-Caramel Sauce
PREP: 10 minutes BAKE: 15 minutes

4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) butter

3 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 pears, halved, cored, and sliced
Pure maple syrup, warmed

1. Place 2 Tbsp. of the butter in a 9- or 10-inch cast-

iron skillet. Place skillet in oven. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Combine eggs, milk, and vanilla in a medium
bowl. Whisk in flour, 1 Tbsp. of the sugar, and the
salt until smooth. Remove hot skillet from oven;
swirl butter to coat. Pour batter into skillet. Return
skillet to oven. Bake about 15 minutes or until
pancake is brown and puffed.
3. Meanwhile, melt the remaining 2 Tbsp. butter in
a large skillet over medium. Stir in the remaining
2 Tbsp. sugar, the cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add
pears; cook about 3 minutes or until crisp-tender,
gently stirring occasionally.
4. Spoon pear mixture into center of baked pancake.
Drizzle with maple syrup.

MAKES: 4 to 6 servings

Snickerdoodle Latte
S TA R T TO FINI S H: 5 minutes

3/4 cup whole milk

1 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
Dash ground nutmeg
1/2 cup hot strong-brewed coffee
Cinnamon sugar

1. Pour milk into a 1-pint canning jar. Stir in

brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Microwave,
uncovered, 1 minute. Add lid. Wrap jar with a towel
or hot pad and shake vigorously until foamy.
2. Pour coffee into a large mug. Add hot milk. Spoon
remaining foam from jar on top. Sprinkle with
cinnamon sugar.

MAKES: 1 serving
 DUTCH BABY
PA N C A K E W I T H
PEAR-CARAMEL
SAUCE

SNICKERDOODLE
L AT T E

f e a t u re d a t
Ma g n o l i a P re s s
this fall

61 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
APPLE CRISP

BUT TE RNUT SQUA SH

W I LT E D S A L A D

CHICKEN & WILD RICE

SOUP IN BREAD BOWLS

f e a t u re d i n M a g nol i a Ta ble
C o ok b o ok : Volu me 1

62

Butternut Squash
Wilted Salad
S TA R T TO FINI S H: 30 minutes
2 cups cubed butternut squash
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. ground ginger
1 5- to 6-oz. bag fresh baby spinach
2 cups thinly sliced Brussels sprouts
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup slivered red onion
3 slices thick-cut applewood-smoked
bacon, chopped
3 Tbsp. cider vinegar
11/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
Crumbled blue cheese (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a 15×10-inch
baking pan with foil. Combine squash, olive
oil, salt, pepper, and ginger in a large bowl;
toss to coat. Spread squash in the prepared
pan. Roast 15 to 20 minutes or until tender
and lightly browned.
2. Meanwhile, combine spinach, Brussels
sprouts, cranberries, and onion in a salad bowl.
3. Cook bacon in a medium skillet over
medium until crisp. Use a slotted spoon
to transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
Drain all but 2 Tbsp. drippings from skillet.
For dressing, whisk vinegar, mustard, and
additional salt and pepper to taste into
skillet. Bring to boiling, whisking until
dressing thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
4. Add roasted squash and dressing to spinach
mixture. Toss to combine. Top with bacon and,
if desired, blue cheese. Serve immediately.
MAKES: 8 servings
Bread Bowls
S TA R T TO FINI S H: 10 minutes
8 8-oz. white or sourdough bread
rounds from bakery or grocery store
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a small and a large
baking sheet with foil. Slice off tops of bread
rounds; place tops with cut sides up on small
baking sheet. Hollow out centers of rounds,
leaving a 1/2- to 1-inch-thick shell. Place bread
63
bowls on large baking sheet. Sprinkle tops
and cut edges of bowls evenly with cheese.
Bake both sheets 5 minutes or until cheese is
melted. Fill bowls with soup; serve with tops.
TIP: You can turn the bread from centers
of rounds into fresh bread crumbs with a
food processor, or you can make croutons.
For croutons, use a small serrated knife to
cut around the bread centers and pull out
in large pieces. Cut pieces into 1-inch cubes
(should yield 6 to 7 cups). Toss cubes with
1/2 cup melted butter, 2 tsp. garlic salt, and
1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper, then spread
in a single layer in a shallow baking pan.
Bake in a 300°F oven about 45 minutes
or until crisp and golden brown, stirring
occasionally. Remove and cool. Store in an
airtight container at room temperature up
to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Serve on
soup or salads.
MAKES: 8 servings
Chicken &
Wild Rice Soup
PREP: 15 minutes
C O O K : 55 minutes
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
13/4 tsp. kosher salt
13/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
21/2 lb. skinless, boneless chicken
breast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 Tbsp. (1/2 stick) butter
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1 bay leaf (optional)
8 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced
1/2 inch thick
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
4 cups chicken broth
2 8.8-oz. pouches long grain and
wild rice blend, cooked
11/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 recipe Bread Bowls (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1. Whisk together flour and 11/4 tsp. each
salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken;
toss to coat. Remove chicken from flour,
shaking off excess flour. Set chicken aside.
Discard any remaining flour.
M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
2. Heat butter in a large soup pot over
medium-high until melted and foamy.
Add onion, celery, and bay leaf (if using).
Sauté 5 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
Add mushrooms; sauté about 5 minutes
or until they release their liquid and are
browned. Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds.
Add chicken; cook about 3 minutes or until
browned, stirring occasionally. If desired,
add wine; cook 1 minute or until nearly
evaporated. Add broth; bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes.
3. Stir in rice, milk, and cream. Simmer
20 minutes to blend flavors, stirring
occasionally. Remove and discard bay
leaf (if using). Season with the remaining
1/2 tsp. salt and pepper. Ladle soup into
bread bowls and, if desired, garnish
with parsley.
MAKES: 8 servings
Apple Crisp
PREP: 30 minutes BAKE: 50 minutes
C O O L : 30 minutes
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup apple cider
1 Tbsp. apple pie spice
5 lb. tart cooking apples, peeled,
cored, and sliced
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup regular rolled oats
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) cold butter, cut up
1 cup chopped pecans or hazelnuts
Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine
granulated sugar, apple cider, and apple pie
spice in an extra-large bowl. Add apples;
toss to coat. Spread in a 3-qt. baking dish.
2. For topping, combine the next five
ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl. Cut
in butter using a pastry blender until mixture
is pea-sized. Stir in nuts. Spread over apples.
3. Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until topping is
browned, apples are tender, and juices are
bubbly. Cover loosely with foil the last 5 to
10 minutes if topping is browning too fast.
Let stand 30 minutes before serving. Serve
warm with ice cream.
MAKES: 12 servings

Cheddar Mashed
Sweet Potatoes
S TA R T TO FINI S H: 30 minutes
2 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
6 cloves garlic, halved
1/2 cup half-and-half, warmed
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar
cheese or Gruyère cheese (4 oz.)
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Place potatoes and garlic in a large
saucepan with enough water to cover.
Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and
simmer 12 to 15 minutes or until tender.
Drain; return potatoes and garlic to pan.
Add half-and-half and butter. Mash
potatoes. Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper.
MAKES: 8 servings
Mushroom-Stuffed
Acorn Squash Salads
PREP: 20 minutes BAKE: 35 minutes
2 1-lb. acorn squash
4 Tbsp. olive oil
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. butter
1 lb. fresh cremini mushrooms,
quartered
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/2 cup panko
8 cups baby greens or microgreens
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large
baking sheet with parchment paper. Place
an acorn squash on a thick towel to keep it
from sliding around. With a sharp knife,
cut the acorn squash lengthwise into four
wedges; use a spoon to remove and discard
seeds. Trim so pieces lay flat. Repeat with
remaining squash.
2. Place squash pieces on the prepared
baking sheet and brush with 2 Tbsp. of the
oil. Season with salt and black pepper. Bake
20 to 25 minutes or until just tender.
3. Meanwhile, in an extra-large skillet
heat 1 Tbsp. each of the oil and butter
over medium-high. Add mushrooms and
onion. Cook 7 to 9 minutes or until tender
and mushrooms are browned, stirring
occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in
Parmesan, thyme, crushed red pepper,
and salt to taste.
4. Melt the remaining 1 Tbsp. butter.
Toss with panko to coat. Spoon mushroom
mixture into squash pieces. Sprinkle with
panko. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until panko
is golden brown.
5. Toss greens with the remaining 1 Tbsp.
oil and the vinegar. Divide greens evenly
among serving plates. Use a spatula to
place baked squash on top of greens, then
arrange as desired.
MAKES: 8 servings
Beef Tenderloin
with Apple-Cherry
Pan Sauce
PREP: 15 minutes S T A N D : 30 minutes
R O A S T : 40 minutes
1 2½- to 3-lb. center-cut beef
tenderloin roast
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1/2 cup chopped shallots
1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 cups chopped apples
1/2 cup dried tart cherries
2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1. Let roast stand at room temperature
30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F.
Season roast with salt and pepper. Heat
oil in an extra-large oven-going skillet
over medium-high. Add roast. Sear about
8 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
Transfer skillet to oven. Roast about
40 minutes to desired doneness (125°F for
rare; 135°F for medium-rare). Remove
from oven. Transfer roast to a pan with
sides; cover with foil.
2. Place skillet on stove while roast rests.
If necessary, add 1 Tbsp. canola oil to
drippings in skillet. Add shallots; cook
over medium about 3 minutes or until
64
tender, stirring occasionally. Add broth
and vinegar to skillet, stirring to loosen
browned bits. Bring to boiling; reduce heat.
Boil gently, uncovered, 3 minutes. Stir in
apples, cherries, brown sugar, and mustard.
Cook 3 minutes or until apples are tender,
stirring occasionally. Stir in thyme. Season
with salt and pepper.
3. Add any juices from roast to sauce.
Slice roast and serve with sauce.
MAKES: 8 servings
Green Beans with
Caramelized Onions
& Walnuts
S TA R T TO FINI S H: 30 minutes
1 cup walnut halves
4 oz. applewood-smoked bacon, chopped
1 cup chopped sweet onion
11/2 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
1. Toast walnuts in a dry extra-large
skillet over medium 3 to 5 minutes or
until fragrant and lightly browned.
Remove from skillet. Chop walnuts.
2. Add bacon to skillet. Cook 2 to
3 minutes until softened and starting
to render fat. Add onion to skillet.
Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 8 to 10
minutes or until bacon is crisp and onion
is caramelized, stirring occasionally.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon
and onion to a bowl. Reserve drippings
in skillet.
3. Meanwhile, place a steamer basket in
a large saucepan. Add water to just below
bottom of basket. Bring water to boiling.
Add beans, then cover and steam 3 to
5 minutes or until just tender.
4. Transfer beans to skillet and toss in
drippings to coat. Cook over medium-
high 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown
in places. Add bacon, onion, and walnuts;
heat through. Season with salt and
pepper. Toss to combine.
TO MAKE AHEAD:
You can prepare Step 1 of this recipe
up to 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room
temperature until ready to use.
MAKES: 8 servings
 MUSHROOM-
STUFFED ACORN
SQUA SH SAL ADS

GREEN BEANS WITH

CHEDDAR CARAMELIZED ONIONS

MASHED SWEET & WA L N U T S

P O TAT O E S

BEEF TENDERLOIN
WITH APPLE-CHERRY
Sourcebook on page 110
PA N S A U C E

65 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
 SACRED
SPACE
Finding room in the day to simply be

story by KATE WAITZKIN art by SALLY WEST

Change is part of everyday life, this we know. But for many of us,
it still feels disquieting. How can we find a steadiness and a rhythm to
anchor to so that we can engage fully in our days even with their ebbs
and flows? One way is by carving out space for moments of self-care—
time to simply be.
Already, we have rhythms woven into our days—actions we
consciously choose because they support us in some way. Maybe you
turn on your favorite song every morning on the way to work. Or perhaps
tea is an afternoon pick-me-up that helps you get through the day.
The practice of designing a daily ritual for our lives builds on this
already familiar practice. By setting aside 10 minutes a day for an activity
that feeds and nourishes us, we can create a sacred space. Then—no
matter what is happening in the world around us—we can return there
daily for rejuvenation. This space becomes the time when we nurture
and tend to our spirit, when we can connect to the part of ourselves that
is always at rest, unchanging.
As you explore what this might look like in your own life, consider
what feels accessible and enjoyable. Rhythm suggests repetition, but this
doesn’t mean the activity you choose has to look the same each day. The
repetition can come in the form of consistency, in returning to this time
for renewal each day. The energy and intention we bring to the rhythm
can always keep it from feeling monotonous or mundane. Remember,
this is not about adding another thing to your to-do list but about
carving out time and space to nurture yourself.
When we are in a supportive rhythm, reenergized by time we have
gifted ourselves, we can show up in our lives with greater clarity, ease,
and the capacity to make the most of all that comes our way.

66
 Over time, these moments Bird-watching: Connect with nature by taking a walk outside or
sitting at your window and watching birds and wildlife.
of renewal can become
natural, even essential, Plant care: Tend to the plants in and around your home, offering
the water, attention, and care they need.
parts of our days. Here,
we’ve gathered ideas to use Simply breathing: Sit quietly with your eyes closed listening to the
ins and outs of your breath.
as inspiration as you think
through activities that might Sunset walk: Walk to the end of your street or explore a new route
nourish you. around your neighborhood as the sun sets.

Intention setting: Take a few moments to journal about your

intention for the day or an upcoming activity.

68
 FIND YOUR OWN SPACE
Some questions to consider as you begin to create
your own unique rituals for renewal

What does a typical day look like for you?

Which activities make you feel Which patterns or habits that are
depleted? Is it possible to let any of already in place bring you contentment
these go to make space for renewal? or positive energy?

Which daily patterns or routines are not When and where do you feel most at
working for you right now? Why? ease in your life?

Which areas of your day could benefit Which activities, places, or things make
from more flexibility and freedom? you feel inspired and alive?

Which areas of your life could benefit What time of day do you feel most open,
from some degree of added structure? receptive, and curious?

Complete this thought: When I begin to find more space for daily ritual in my life, I will feel…

69 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
70
STAYS story by SARA WOSTER photography by ABIGAIL JOHNSTON

Every autumn people from all over the world migrate

to the state of Vermont—almost like a flock of birds being called home—
to see for themselves the changing of the leaves.

Once there, as can be the case with life sometimes, visitors often discover
something even more magical than what they went to find.

The colorful tapestry of trees is what brings people in, but the inviting
nature and slower pace of the small towns are what beckons them to stay.

When the golden leaves have fallen, the warm feeling

found in each town still remains.

71 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
72
OFTEN THE
HEA RT OF EACH
TOWN BECOMES
THE HEA RT OF
THE JOU RNEY.

BRISTOL
Step back in time in Bristol, a town at the foot
of the Green Mountains so connected to
its history that its recycling is picked up by a
horse and carriage.

MIDDLEBU RY
The Middlebury farmers market, which runs
through October, offers live music and locally
produced goat cheese, pickles, and pies.

VERGENNES
With a size of only 2 1∕2 square miles,
Vergennes is one of the state’s smallest
cities. But their space is filled with stunning
architecture, including the stained-glass
dome of Bixby Library and the Vergennes
Opera House.

WA RREN
At The Warren Store, a quintessential
New England general store that was once
a stagecoach stop inn and boarding house,
you can enjoy food and drink on the terrace
overlooking the river.
74
75 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
76
 STYLE
story by Sarah Coffe y
photography by Carson Downing
Prop St yling by Scot t J. Johnson

Perhaps one of the most versatile building

materials, for centuries tile has been
used for both its aesthetic value and its
utilitarian qualities. These days, tile’s easy-
to-clean nature and steady durability mean
the hardy material is often chosen
for kitchens and bathrooms. But tile’s
usefulness can extend far beyond those
rooms—bringing beauty with an underlying
practicality throughout a home. Whether
you want to go bold in an entryway or create
a sense of calm and order in a busy mudroom,
even simple, inexpensive styles can be set in
patterns to reflect your personality. Start
with the basics—like location, material, and
size—then think about color, grout, and
pattern to put your own stamp on a space.
To help get you started, we’ve gathered
points to consider about different types
of tile along with inspiration on shapes,
surfaces, and styles.

77 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 20 2 0
MATERIAL
MATTERS
The right material is well-matched
to its location. Floor tiles need to
withstand more traffic and wear
than wall tiles, so they require
heavier materials. For backsplashes
and walls, tiles can be chosen based
on color and pattern instead of
durability. From design to ease of
care, each material has its own set

CERAMIC
of advantages to consider.

T YPES: Clay-based tiles, such as terra-cotta and

porcelain, which is a smooth, specialized type of
ceramic tile.
CARE: These tiles are easy to keep clean, but over
time sand and grit can dull a glazed surface.
DURABILIT Y: Because of their exceptional durability,
ceramic tiles are often used for flooring. Should a tile
break, replacement is easy.
NOTE: Even the same type of ceramic tile can vary in
color. Check to make sure different lots are similar in
tone so your flooring is consistent.

CEMENT

T YPES: Made from cement mixed with pigment,

these tiles are unglazed by nature and have endless
color and pattern options.
CARE: Cement tiles are porous so they stain easily.
Consider regular application of a sealer to protect
from moisture and discoloration.
DURABILIT Y: Their heat resistance means they can
be used on hearths and outdoors. However, they can’t
handle intense freeze-and-thaw cycles.
NOTE: Over time cement tile will patina, lending it
an heirloom and lived-in quality.
78
STONE

T YPES: Materials vary from light to dark in color and

include marble, limestone, quartz, granite, and slate.
CARE: Some types—like marble—can be high
maintenance, and over time their porous surface might
stain. Others, like slate, can be very low maintenance,
making them good choices for flooring.
DURABILIT Y: Because stone is naturally resistant to
weather and wear, it works well for outdoor spaces.
NOTE: As they come from the earth and can’t be
manufactured, stone tiles require more of an investment.

GLASS

T YPES: Glass tiles often come in smaller sizes, which

are great for decorative, detailed surfaces.
CARE: Easy to clean and stain resistant.
DURABILIT Y: Because glass tiles can break or chip
easily, they are most often chosen for mosaics, shower
walls, and backsplashes.
NOTE: Grout choices are limited with glass. You’ll
usually want to go with white, as other colors could
distort the final color of the tile.

RESOURCES
When you’re ready to shop, these + WATERWORKS + ANN SACKS + CLE TILE
vendors are some of our favorites. hand-cut zellige tiles
As you plan, remember a good + WALKER ZANGER + DALTILE
+ TABARKA STUDIO
rule of thumb is adding 10% to the + FLOOR & DECOR + BEDROSIANS
square footage you think you need hand-painted options
in case tiles chip or break.

79 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
 PICK YOUR Tile is textural, so its style arises from the way shapes
intersect. Depending on the installation pattern

PATTERN
chosen, the same tile can skew modern or classic.
Staggered brick work, common in turn-of-the-century
kitchens, creates a traditional, timeless look, while a
stacked, vertical grid can feel at home in midcentury
designs. Here, we look at how square and rectangular
tiles can come together for varying effects. Keep in
mind that tiles come in an array of shapes and colors,
making the choice of patterns truly unlimited.

STACKED
For a simple, clean,
and modern look, set
your tiles directly on
top of or beside one
another. This style fits
in especially well with
midcentury design.

SQUARE VERTICAL HORIZONTAL

A square stack offers a Vertical arrangements can Stacked horizontal tiles can
simple, timeless look help a room feel taller make a space appear wider

OFFSET
While an echo of
traditional brick
patterns found in
historic architecture,
this type of
arrangement can
give a very clean and
modern feel to
a space.

SQUARE VERTICAL HORIZONTAL

The iconic pattern meets a Alternating vertical positions This layout creates the classic
fresh variation creates the illusion of height subway tile pattern

80
SPECIALTY SOME DESIGN
Similarly shaped tiles can tell different stories depending on CONSIDERATIONS AS
how they are arranged. If you want tile to be high-contrast or
a focal point, these specialty designs are a good place to play. YOU’RE DREAMING
AND PLANNING

CHECKERBOARD
High-contrast tiles in a GROUT COLOR
grid give a vintage feel The grout you select will play a big role
in the final look of your tile. If you choose a
grout color that’s complementary, the grout
blends in and lets the tile speak for itself,
giving it a classic, traditional feel. On the
other hand, if you want an extra element of
personality, you can choose a contrasting
grout color. For example, dark grout with
light tile emphasizes the lines, making it
bolder, more modern, and graphic.
HERRINGBONE
V-shaped rows turn tile SCALE OF TILE
into the focal point While the tiles we have included here are
small in scale, you might want to consider
the full range of tile sizes available for the
home. Large tiles can make a big impact but
are typically used in rooms with lots of square
footage. To put large tiles in a small bathroom
might make that space appear even more
compact. But when used in a bigger space,
large tile can serve as an anchor, grounding a
room that might otherwise feel too expansive.
BASKET WEAVE
Alternating directions ONE-OF-A-KIND OPTIONS
of standard shapes To add depth and history to a space,
adds interest consider vintage and antique tiles.
Specialty options, such as hand-painted
and hand-cut tiles, can add a unique and
storied feel. Zellige tiles are known for their
handmade, slightly imperfect charm.

KNOW YOUR TILE TERMS

DIAMOND MORTAR sets the tile
A 45-degree angle makes GROUT fills the joints
a room appear wider
CAULK seals the edges and corners
GL AZE OR SEAL ANT protects the surface

Sourcebook on page 110

THE
WAYS
WE
GO
So often, our human nature wants a plan. We are comforted by
security, soothed by forward vision. And so the delicate dance of
our days is learning to balance and bend with the changes that life
brings. To face new rhythms, then embrace them. Until we can
accept that change truly is the one thing we can plan on. Until we
see that new rhythms need not be feared—that they can actually
help open our hearts to the ways we are to go.

82
 K I M B E R LY J E S S O P
My 15-year-old son, Bailey, looks like the most normal person.
And he is. He loves his dogs. He plays golf. He kneeboards. He
loves to fish. But about two weeks after he turned 12, he was
diagnosed with osteosarcoma—a tumor in his femur.
We were sitting in a waiting room, and Bailey looked at
me and said, “What if it’s a tumor?”
I didn’t tell him I thought that’s
what it was. I’m a physical therapist,
and I’d been watching him limp
on his left leg and have pain after
running cross-country. I made an
appointment with a doctor I knew
well, and two days later, we were at
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
in Memphis. I’d seen St. Jude’s my
whole life, yet had never been inside
the doors. Until then.
As a family, we had to rethink
everything. I’d spent my entire career
in pediatric physical therapy, but our
experience opened my eyes to what
parents have to do for children with
different abilities.
I didn’t want my kids to grow
up like this—it’s nothing like what
I would have chosen. But the bonus
is that kids are resilient. Bailey got a
crash course in empathy. He knows
there’s a lot more to life than “stuff.”
But he’s experienced loss too. Bailey is in remission now.
His treatment—well, we went the scenic route. He has a
titanium prosthesis from the top of his thigh to his shin,
with a prosthetic knee. He’s growing rapidly, so we go to
the hospital once a month to have his leg extended through
noninvasive surgery. It’s a familiar routine for us.
You have to grieve the life you thought you were going
to have, the life you thought your child was going to have.
Whatever you feel on any given day is OK. But in the end,
whatever plan is laid out for us, it’s our job to live it.
INTERVIEW BY MEGAN WILLOME

83 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
 MICHAEL & HELEN
RODRIGUEZ
I’ve worked outside the house for the entirety of
the kids’ lives. When they were young and I’d come
home, everything would stop for both kids, and
they’d tackle me with a “Dad!” Then when they were
high schoolers, maybe all I’d get was a “Oh, what’s
up, Dad?” So, there was an emotional shift as my kids
grew up; at times, I didn’t feel as heroic.
When people find out that my wife, Helen, and I
are now empty nesters, they tend to react with, “Wow,
now you can do what you want!” Only that was never
the goal. Since the kids were little, one thing we’ve
always made a priority has been our sense of family,
and that rhythm will never change.
Our timing of becoming empty nesters coincided
with a move halfway across the country. It was a
big deal to leave where our kids were born and
a community we had established for more than
20  years; yet, even though our surroundings have
changed, as a family we’ve remained who we’ve
always been to each other. New rhythms have
revealed what’s been there all along, just with much
more vivid luster.
Sometimes I think Helen feels remorse—just that
the kids aren’t babies anymore or that she can’t hold
them—but there’s a different aspect to who they
are today that she can hang onto in a new way. Like in conversation: Now we can
actually talk about real-world, adult subjects together. I believe that every season of
your child’s life can be the best season, as long as you are willing to see it that way.
There’s an underlying routine to both my and Helen’s days, and that structure is
a necessity for growth. For us, it’s based on our faith. It’s not if new seasons come
but when. Thinking of rhythm like a structure means we have a framework for
navigating life’s inevitable shifts.
Together and individually, there’s been a rhythm to our marriage, our parenting,
even work and how we serve others. By keeping my own heart and mind focused
on what matters to me, I can be a better partner and parent. Likewise, for Helen.
In turn, if we’re not staying true to our own personal rhythms, then that will ripple
out and affect everything else.
Years ago, we took the kids on a white-water rafting trip. Our guide had said,
“If you fall out of the raft, don’t try to fight it. Lean back and let the river take you.
We’ll get you back in.” To some degree, I’ve found that there are aspects of life
when I’m better off laying back, sticking my feet out, and riding along rather than
fighting a change. If you’ve built the necessary structures around you, then maybe
when you’re disrupted—when you fall out of the boat—you can just lay back and
float for a bit.
With kids, every moment is unique. I’ve learned that each season has its different
needs and levels of interaction, but there’s a continuation of relationship that will
INTERVIEW BY NICOLE ZIZA BAUER

never go away. Helen and I both try to keep that perspective and invest in it. As
we do, through any life transition, we find that when we can lean back into the
relationship of our family, then it’s going to be OK.

84
PA C E B R AW N E R
as told by his mother, Sara

We knew very little about our son when he was placed with us through child protective services. We were told
that he had had very little access to food and water for the first two years of his life. We could see that he was
extremely thin, and we immediately noticed his anxiety about a number of things, especially food.
Our first reaction was to give this fragile little boy everything he could ever want and had been missing. We
gave him free rein in the kitchen. When he wanted a snack, he could get a snack. If he wanted five snacks, he
could get five snacks. After a couple of months of this, we realized that while we thought we were fixing his
anxiety and obsession around food, it was actually getting worse.
One of his therapists pointed out that offering our son the control and power over what he ate actually
wasn’t helping him. It was only perpetuating the panic in his mind around the idea of food. By letting him be
in control of finding his own food when he got hungry, we were sending the message that he still had to take
care of himself, that he had to see what he could find for himself, and that we had little concern about helping
in that area of his life. He was learning that he still couldn’t count on specific times that he would get food or
specific people to give him food.
The real freedom for our son in this area came with a schedule and rhythm around food. When we began
serving three meals and two snacks a day, at specific times, he began to soften and relax. He knew what
to expect and when to expect it. And he slowly
began to learn that we would be taking care of
him and providing for him—he no longer had to
fend for himself.
This seemingly simple lesson has continued to
be really helpful for us with all of our kids, and
in a lot of areas of life. When we created rhythms
for our son around food, he trusted us more; he
had the ability to focus more of his thoughts and
energy toward playing and being a kid.
The more that our family has created rhythms
around all sorts of things—scheduled time to
get away, scheduled weekly take-out nights,
scheduled afternoon iced coffee breaks—the
easier it feels to breathe and relax and be fully
present in the moment.

85 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
KAREN GOSS
I think I’m wired to take care of people, but it isn’t something
I’ve ever intentionally sought out. Looking back at my life, it
seems as though I’ve always been surrounded by people who
need care. And so I’ve simply taken care of them.
When I was growing up, my grandmother had ALS and my
little brother, Cameron, had cerebral palsy. It became second
nature for me to step in and help my mom with anything
either of them needed. There were times my grandmother’s
caretaker wouldn’t show up, and I would need to help suction
her trach. It didn’t feel weird or foreign to me. It was all I knew.
Taking care of people at such a young age taught me how to be
intuitive and anticipate the needs of others, as well as how to
sit and be present with someone.
When my husband, Grant, and I had two sons of our own,
my life became centered on taking care of them, as well as all
their friends. I learned one way to show love for a big group of
people is to feed them, and that became my thing. Whether it
was everyone at our house before a Little League
game or our weekly Sunday night dinner, I would
cook up a massive feast and anyone who needed
a place was welcomed. When I’m making sure
everyone is fed and cared for I feel most like
myself—like I was made for those moments.
Now our boys are grown and have kids of their
own. We thought right now we’d be spending
time with our grandchildren and doing bucket-
list kinds of things, but life had a different rhythm
in mind for us.
Grant has been fighting leukemia, which
requires routine trips to Houston for checkups
and treatment. My mom has had a stroke and
broken her hip. And Grant’s mom was diagnosed
with cancer a couple years ago. It’s chaos
sometimes, and there are days I have to figure out
who needs me more at that moment. But these
are the people I love and so this is exactly where
I want to be—taking care of them any way I can.
I was in my garden the other day looking at
the flowers. All their colors were chaos. But I
can choose to focus on the chaos, or I can see
the flowers.
INTERVIEW BY NICOLE ZIZA BAUER

86
 CHRIS SMITH
I’ve been with the post office for five years. When
I was in the 12th grade, a carrier came to my high
school, Mr. Charles Johnston. He explained to us
how you can make a good living and take care of
your family with this job. It stuck with me.
After I graduated, I worked here and I worked
there—then an opportunity came up for a job as a
carrier. I put in an application, and it changed my
life. I love connecting with the customers on my
route. My goal is to spoil them—to give what they
need so they don’t have to take time out of their
days to stop by the post office. That makes their
lives easier, keeps them moving.
Back when I started, there was a lady on my
route who was sick. Every morning when I
would get to her house, she would get up and
come outside. Her son told me, “I don’t know
what you’ve done to my mom. She barely moves
through the day, but when she sees you’re here,
she jumps up and wants to greet you.”
Hearing him say that made me realize that I
can play a bigger part in people’s lives than just
delivering their mail. I started to push myself to
connect with them as much as I can.
I see these same customers every day, and they
become like family.

D AV I D WA L K E R
My earliest memories are of playing music, especially drums. I played percussion in my high school
band, then majored in music education and eventually got my master’s degree. I’d hit a drum hundreds
of times a day until spring 2017 when a giant cell tumor was discovered in my right wrist. Giant
cell tumors are very rare. They’re not cancerous, but they are highly destructive. And within days,
everything about my world changed. I had surgery and couldn’t even use my right hand—it was a
completely foreign hand to me.
That August was my first time to not be in a band hall in 18 years. I’d been a percussion teacher, a
drum line instructor, and a band director. And now, if I played percussion for one to two minutes, it
would still hurt the next day.
Some people don’t realize that percussionists tap into one of the earliest
art forms. The first instruments outside the human voice were percussion
instruments. Something that primal was pulled away from me, and I
experienced significant depression. I got counseling—I cannot overstate
how important that was.
But I knew I couldn’t live without a sense of rhythm in my life. So I
found a running group and ran my first marathon, then started training
for triathlons. Two years later, my wrist pain started back. Giant cell tumors
are not terminal, but they can keep growing. I had surgery again on the
same wrist and was derailed again.
INTERVIEW BY MEGAN WILLOME

So I’ve learned it’s okay to change your rhythm, and then for that rhythm
to change again. Now I’m writing music for high school band competitions.
My writing partner and I create programs that make an emotional
connection with the audience. Throughout this whole journey, I’ve had the
support of my wife and kids. My son loves going to see a band perform my
music. He still calls it “Daddy’s drums,” even if they’re not mine.

87 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
ELLEN MOTE
My family lived in Nigeria for a little while
when I was in elementary school. I remember
going to market and seeing the wares made
by Yoruba people. I remember feeling more
connected to the artisans than the shoppers
around me.
That feeling stuck with me. It stuck with me
in college as I majored in metalsmithing and
jewelry design. It stuck with me as I worked for
a jewelry designer in Portland, Oregon. The
feeling of being connected to those artisans in
Nigeria inspired me to pursue the craft. But all
of my life experiences after that moment are
what helped me to translate that craft—what I
did with the tools in my hands—into a career.
My husband and my mom pushed me to
start a company, Ellen Mote Jewelry. From the
very beginning, I knew if I was going to make
it, I would have to be on a schedule. My studio
is in my home so I have to draw that line.
Friends would ask if they could swing by and
I had to say, “No, I’m working.” Even when I
didn’t have orders and no one was counting on
me, I still wanted to honor the discipline of having a workday.
That consistency helps me to stay motivated and focused.
Just three months in, I found my rhythm and knew I don’t
want to do anything else. Now, Ellen Mote Jewelry is carried in
stores across more than a dozen states and Canada.
When I found out I was pregnant, it was the peak of my
business. I was running but couldn’t feel my legs because they
were flying. All the goals I’d written down, I was achieving.
But I found myself wanting to run my business like I always
had and be a stay-at-home mom. The only way I saw to do
both was to work between 4 and 8 in the morning. When I
told people my plan, they laughed.
To give both things the attention they deserve, I had to
make way for new, and uncomfortable, rhythms. I think when
you set your eyes and mind on something, the discomfort
is less important. More than a year later, I still get up before
5 every day. Being up in the early hours grounds me.
Of course there are days I’m up before sunrise and my
daughter gets up an hour early—things change at the drop
of a hat—but I keep going. I try to do everything with open
INTERVIEW BY MEGAN WILLOME

hands. My mom says I flow, like waves.

88
 MD SHOAIBOUR RAHMAN
I’ve had a fruit stand in Harlem for more than seven years. I have a lot of regular customers that I see every
day, and I know exactly what they like to buy. We talk about what’s going on in their daily lives—if they
feel happy or not. I like that part of the job. I work a lot of hours, and some days it might rain or get very
cold. Other days it is very hot. There are days that people might try to steal fruit or money. But when I see
my regular customers and say, “Hi, friend,” and they recognize me, that feels good. It helps me know my
hard work is worth it.

ALISHA WILLIAMS
I lived in an apartment on West 118th Street in Harlem, a few blocks down the street from Rahman’s fruit
stand. I remember one day, I was on my way to work, and it was pouring rain. All it took was a few simple
words for my day to change. Rahman said, “Where did you get such a fancy umbrella? It looks like it’s from
Paris!” It was the gloomiest day, but he made me laugh. I found myself looking forward to his hello in the
morning—some days it was just friendly conversation, or he might tell me not to buy tomatoes today
because they were coming in fresh tomorrow. Our conversations became part of my daily life. I don’t live
in the city anymore, but I miss Rahman’s friendly hellos. It’s funny how sometimes, even when we don't
realize it, the rhythms of our lives start to become intertwined with the people around us. New York has a
cadence that kind of sucks you in, but it’s those simple and small moments that give you a jolt and make
you pay attention to what’s happening in the present.

YO S S I A NA P R E S S L E Y
As a volleyball player, I’d always been caught up
in stats. To put it simply, I was a selfish player.
But after my sophomore season, Coach pulled me
aside and told me about a leadership institute that
would help me learn how to be a leader on and
off the court. At first I was unsure, but it ended up
being the best thing. I grew in character.
The next season, our team decided on one
unified goal before the season started. We set our
INTERVIEW BY MEGAN WILLOME PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BAYLOR UNIVERSIT Y

eyes to what we wanted to accomplish and came

together as a team. Changing our mindset changed everything.
We won the Big 12 Championship for the first time and made
it to the NCAA semifinals.
It’s kind of ironic that the year I decided to focus less on my
personal goal and more on the team’s goal was the year I won
player of the year. But volleyball isn’t a one-man show. For that
matter, neither is life. There were 19 other national players of
the year on the team with me.
We had a fire like never before. We had a rhythm, a flow,
a consistency. Everyone on the team just knew what to do
and did it. When we’re out there on the court together and
everything just clicks, that’s when the magic happens.

89 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
 R E S TO R ATI O N
O N THE In England, an 18th-century
farmhouse, barn, and trio
of cottages become spaces

COA S T that nurture rhythms of rest

and rejuvenation.

story by SARAH COFFEY

photography by THE CONTENTED NEST / GAP INTERIORS

90
S
earching for a home on England’s Cornish
coast, Christen Pears didn’t have to look
long. “This house was the first one I saw,” she
says. “It ticked all the boxes.” Christen—a
Pilates instructor—wanted space for a studio, while
her husband Chris—a captain of square-rig sailing
ships—wanted a cozy home to return to after weeks
at sea. Just over an acre, the land offered a Georgian
farmhouse, barn, tractor shed, and three cottages, but
all were in need of repair.
To help finance renovations, the couple restored the
cottages first and began renting them to weekenders.
They installed solar panels to offset energy
consumption and planted a gravel-path garden with
fruit trees, berry bushes, and seasonal vegetables. Soon,
the tractor shed became the Pilates studio Christen
had hoped for, and the main house gained a sunroom,
bathroom, and kitchen scullery—a utilitarian space
that doubles as a laundry room and potting shed. The
barn was the most labor-intensive project. “It was
crumbling and hadn’t been well looked after,” Christen
says. With walls constructed of granite on the bottom
and cob on the top, the building required traditional
restoration techniques, like lime plastering, to become
a livable space. To color the final product, Christen
chose a warm taupe that is comfortable and inviting.
Together, the restored buildings create a rhythm of
movement from home to work, from daily routines to
evening retreats—just the type of cadence the couple
wanted their lives to settle into. Christen spends most
mornings in the garden, tending to vegetables and
herbs she uses for cooking.
“I cook quite simple stuff,” she says. “I’m very partial
to broad beans, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. I like
Italian food.”
Some of the day’s harvest finds its way to the
scullery, where Christen makes pickles and preserves.
She also feeds her four cats and brings freshly baked
scones to each guest cottage for breakfast.
After gardening, Christen visits her studio to
exercise, alternating between indoor workouts and
outdoor walks or runs, depending on the weather.
Nestled between farm fields, the house opens up
to a bridle path, and one can walk southwest to a
coastline path or west into the wild, bleak moorlands.
Afternoons are spent minding the cottages, whether
keeping up with chores and maintenance or checking
in on visitors.
As the day winds down, Chris and Christen often
find themselves in the converted barn. Filled with
Christen’s library of vintage Penguin books, it’s
become a beloved spot to spend evenings. An avid
reader, Christen loves detective novels and favors
Agatha Christie. A wall of bookshelves, built from
DESIGNED TO WORK
Although much of the house is designed for cozier rhythms of life, the kitchen lends
itself to more hardworking ones. Its minimal design hints at the utilitarian nature.
Stained-black Douglas fir cabinet doors are a well-suited complement to the Farrow
& Ball Ammonite paint that covers the walls. And the organic feel of the high wood
ceilings lends just the right dose of ruggedness to the room.

92
 painted scaffold planks, houses their ever-growing collection. On
chilly nights, the couple lights a fire to keep warm while they read.
Beyond the barn, an outdoor kitchen allows for grilling when
it’s warm. Most days, the couple retires to the main house for
dinner. Christen often consults her library of cookbooks—Nigel
Slater and Diana Henry are favorite food writers. When the
garden is in season, she cooks with fresh ingredients. In winter,
she relies on last year’s preserves and a pantry stocked with pasta,
grains, and beans.
An upper-level master bedroom and bath, remodeled to create
an en suite space, welcome the couple at the end of the day. Clad
in Carrara marble tiles and outfitted with a cast-iron tub, the bath
combines timeless materials with modern shapes. In the bedroom,
evening light makes its way across the walls. “Most of the windows
are on the front of our house, and only our bedroom has windows
on three sides,” Christen says. To complement the southern light,
she chose a calming color called Acre by Little Greene.
Each color in the home is carefully chosen, to reflect the mood
of each room, as well as what the rooms are used for throughout
the day. Christen says she likes to live in a space before picking
paints and finishes. “Color changes a lot depending on the light,”
she explains. “It might look nothing like what you were expecting.”
As the hours tick by, the sun paints the walls in different shades
from dawn to dusk. Like the rolling landscape outside, the
interiors meld into one another as evening approaches. When the
cottages are full, the windows of the main house and its satellites
glow, a cluster of candles in the night sky.

ROOM TO GROW
Christen Pears spends most mornings in the walled garden,
tending to vegetables. Much of what is harvested is pickled and
preserved. Pear and apple trees located nearby, along with berry
bushes, provide homegrown ingredients for jams and chutneys.

93 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
 As the hours tick by,
the sun paints the
walls in different
shades from dawn to
dusk. Like the rolling
landscape outside,
the interiors meld
into one another as
evening approaches.

TH E N AT U R E
OF THINGS
Although the house
dates back to the 1700s,
it went through multiple
renovations over the
years and lost many
of the original period
features. Christen used
this latest renovation as
an opportunity to unify
the spaces. Choosing
natural materials
brought cohesiveness
to rooms and buildings,
from Douglas fir flooring
in the main house to
stone walls along the
main staircase, slate
floors, and lime plaster
walls in the barn.

94
B U I LT T O L A S T
In the restored 18th-century barn, black scaffold-
plank shelves house Christen’s book collection.
The cob and granite walls, painted with the color
Tom’s Bakery by British brand Earthborn, are a
natural accompaniment for the wood tones of the
Shaker-style dining table and vintage chairs.
 A LIGHT TOUCH
When designing, Christen was vigilant
about how different light could affect
color throughout the house. In the master
bedroom, a calming shade called Acre by
Little Greene complements the Douglas
fir floors. In the bath, walls clad in Carrara
marble reflect the home’s natural palette.

COVER TO COVER
Everything has a history. A midcentury
Ernest Race chair, reupholstered in green
wool, sits in front of shelves filled with
Christen’s collection of vintage Penguin
paperbacks. Designed by Swedish architect
Greta Grossman in the late 1940s, the
Grasshopper lamp dates to the same era.

96
Sourcebook on page 110

97 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
here for
each other
Staying connected makes
the world go round.
story by MICHELLE SASSA

PHOTOGRAPH BY GEORGE FAIRBAIRN/CAVAN IMAGES

98
How many times have we passed each other in our daily lives, murmured a quick, “Hi, how are
you?” and then continued on, choosing not to pause to hear the response? You and I so often have
places to be and screens to see. So busy getting from one moment to the next that sometimes we
can miss the one we’re in.

But something joyous happens when we stop. When we look outward instead of inward, turn our
focus toward our fellow humans to ask how they’re doing and actually mean it. Asking and caring
about the answer gives other people a voice, an opportunity, a stage. Invites them to share, reveal,
lighten their burden just a little by having another person help hold up their truth.

And we who dare to ask also

get so much in return.

The very definition of connection is the energy exchanged between people paying attention to
each other. Energy given, energy gotten. No wonder deeply connecting makes us feel so good. It
is one of our most fundamental human needs, yet this desire to bond, to relate, got buried and
neglected as our world started spinning faster and our attention was stretched too thin.

Then the whole world finally did stop, but we were told we couldn’t be there for each other—at
least not in the physical sense. And oh, how we kicked, screamed, and cried. They said to keep
walking, stay away, and maintain our distance, but we craved the thing we could no longer have,
so we showed up for each other in entirely new ways.

We asked more of our apps and technology, gathering on video screens and group text chains to
check in and catch up. And we also returned to the old-fashioned communication that perhaps
we had been too quick to leave behind—dropping off thank-yous on porches, chalking greetings
in asphalt, singing and clapping praise out of windows.

We learned that you don’t have to shake a hand to show how glad you are to see someone. You
don’t have to be near to touch someone’s soul. Sometimes it’s just a smile that gets us by. Seeing
that joy in another person’s eye or hearing it in their voice. One kind word might save a life.

And we remembered the power of asking, “How are you?” Because the answer mattered. And it
matters now: How you are. How I am. How we all are. What else are we doing here on this planet
if not to find that out?

We are all going through something, even when it’s not the same thing. We all have news, fears,
passion, gratitude—sharing is what makes our moments and life markers bearable and real. If
the answer to “How are you?” is that you are doing OK despite your circumstances, then there is
hope that I can also make it through whatever is on my plate. What each of us faces becomes more
manageable when we face it together—when we are connected.

99 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
We asked people one question:
What does connection mean
to you?
It’s finding those people who just
get it. They get you, they love
you, and they have your back.
Through ups and downs, scary
times and magical times, whether
that point in the journey is ugly
or beautiful, they are there.
J R BA K E R
Since I moved across the planet five years
ago, trying to stay connected has been a
journey. It takes initiation and intention.
Sometimes it’s hard to bring people in on
your rough days, but that vulnerability is
what leads to connections that last.
K AT E H A R L A N
Choosing to show up for friends.
To celebrate their wins and sit
with them in their losses.
A N N I E H AW K I N S
100
Something shifted in me when we had to stay
home. I realized it doesn’t matter if you’re in
the same city or on the other side of the world,
everyone was the same distance now. I could
control how far I felt from my parents in Florida
or my college friends in Wisconsin. It had always
been that way, but I hadn’t realized I had the
power to decide those miles didn’t matter.
ANNE BORTZ
It’s being able to recognize when
I’m wanting to present a “polished”
version of myself to the world, even
though what I really long for is to be
seen and known. I have to allow my
REAL self to come out.
B RO O K E ROSO LI N O
Connection is being both seen and heard.
It’s feeling safe in conversation—knowing
whatever good or messy things come out that
I am known, understood, and loved. There is
forgiveness there. There is grace there. And
benefit of the doubt. Because we all need our
hearts to be tenderly carried. To me, this is
connection. The rhythm of relationship. The
give and take. The ebb and flow.
KATIE HUGHES
 With people I truly
Little ways
connect with, we To be connected is
to have a reservoir of to stay
have the mutual strength you can call

understanding that
upon when you’ve
run out of it yourself.
connected
To be connected is to
life happens. There offer your strength
when your friend or Mailbox conversation
is no pressure to be partner has lost theirs. with my neighbors—
We’re not made to such a simple joy.
consistent or to take suffer alone.
B RY N N G US TA FSO N

turns—there’s no ANDREW
Walking the dog and
STERN
hollering out “Morning!”
holding grudges for to the neighbors.
M I C H A E L C A M P B E LL
time lapses in the
conversation. Sending treats to friends,
friends of my daughters, or even
E M I LY S N Y D E R strangers lets me tell people
that someone really cares about
how they are doing.
R E N A W I LLI A MS

Writing letters back and forth

To really connect, I have to be with friends feels so different
willing to set aside my own agenda. from just sending an email or
some texts. I read and reread
D E N I S E A N D E R SO N them. They feel more precious.
K I M B E R E L MO R E

High fives, hugs, and hearing

about a lost tooth or “dinosaur
bones” found on the playground
keep me connected to my
first-graders. These connections
hold our classroom—
and our school—together.
A S H LE Y LE AT H A M

Staying connected is all about honesty to me. When chatting with an old friend
PHOTOGRAPH BY L AURA STOLFI/STOCKSY

who you don’t see very often, it can be hard to keep from resorting to “Fine.” …
“Work is fine.” … “My parents are doing fine.” … “Everything’s just fine!” I’ve found
that when I share more honestly, even in just one small aspect of my life, I feel more
connected to that friend. Whether good, bad, big, or small news, there’s something
real to connect with, and the roots of the relationship go a little bit deeper.

CHRISTINE PONDER STERN

101 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
 home
ON THE
plains
IN THE GREAT STATE OF OKLAHOMA, A FAMILY OF SIX
MAKES THEIR DREAM HOUSE COME TRUE.
story by LIZ BELL YOUNG photography by EMILY HART scouting by KAREN REINECKE
T urn down the gravel-lined walkway toward the
McGregor home, and you’re immediately cocooned
by its inky black and warm cedar exterior. But the
true hint to what makes this home tick is what you find
in the thoughtfully imagined side porch, opposite, created
to meld some of that outdoor world with what’s inside.
In this space, you can pause for a moment—or hopefully
more—of sunshine at any point in the day. It’s just one of
the details that keep a feeling of place front and center in
this home both designed and built by husband-and-wife
duo Scott and Kelsey Leigh McGregor.
As a long-studied but self-taught interior designer,
Kelsey is drawn to clean, modern lines combined with the
warmth of an English cottage, capturing both cozy charm
and family functionality in her design aesthetic. This duality
102
can be spotted in the soothing green hues, which repeat
throughout the house, paired with engineered oak flooring,
chosen because it can hold up to childhood clatter. Or in the
kitchen—originally sketched on the back of a restaurant
receipt—where glass-front cabinets reveal favorite ceramics
and lower cabinets are fitted with generously sized sliding
drawers to keep everyday items in reach for the whole family.
From one room to the next, this careful attention to detail
dances with a feeling of relaxed elegance, all of it
culminating in the dining room. In this space, perhaps
the most striking in the house, Kelsey used a spectacular
grid of panel mirrors to open up the room while reflecting
the landscape outside. So every time the family gathers to
eat, they are surrounded by a view of the Oklahoma they
love—a true picture of the heart of this home.
To keep the design minimal,
Kelsey Leigh McGregor
often lets cabinetry paint be
the star of the room. In her
own kitchen, it’s a custom
color for the cabinets: a
Sherwin-Williams shade that
falls between Ripe Olive and
Pewter Green. Kelsey chose
a marble island and quartzite
countertops for their muted,
textured appearance—and for
how they disguise fingerprints.

104
 DINING ROOM: Kelsey scored a vintage
travertine table and then lit the room with a
modern France & Son chandelier. The mirrored,
black-framed grid wall was Kelsey’s design solution
to reflect outdoor light and scenery while adding a
touch of English Revival charm.

LIVING ROOM: Shell collections from family

trips to Florida line the living room shelves, and
performance fabric lines the couches—keeping
the space family-centric to the core. Built-in
cabinets with ribbed wood fronts add finesse.
For the fireplace, Kelsey and Scott worked
together to design the cast-stone surround.
The top ledge is just wide enough for greenery
around the holidays but otherwise remains
unadorned to convey its architectural strength.

105 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
BUNK ROOM: A room created for the three
McGregor girls—who love scrambling into
their warm bunks and reading by their own
lights—is an evening beacon for the family.
Kelsey chose a Loloi rug to center the room
and added comfortable pouf ottomans for
movable seating.

MUDROOM AND KIDS’ BATH: In the

mudroom and the kids’ bath upstairs,
Magnetic Gray paint by Sherwin-Williams
creates a peaceful complement to the
warmth of terra-cotta and stone flooring.
“We saved cost on floors in the upstairs
bath by using an inexpensive porcelain tile,”
Kelsey says. “Then we asked the installers
to cut some of the 16×16 pieces in half and
arrange everything in a crosshatch pattern.”

106
 Kelsey’s eucalyptus-toned office showcases
FIXTURES her very first furniture purchase: a decades-
old desk, picked up from a flea market, that
she plans to hold onto forever.

LIGHTING
Dining room
France & Son
Living room
Noir

RUGS
Side porch
Loloi
Living room
Loloi Magnolia
Lucca Collection
Mudroom
Safavieh bleached
jute runner
Girls’ room
Loloi

FURNITURE
Side porch
Sofa:
World Market
Coffee table:
Safavieh
Dining room
Chairs and
credenza:
Four Hands
Living room
Sofa:
Article
Coffee table:
Four Hands

MATERIALS
PAINT COLORS FLOORING SURFACES
A COLLECTION Walls throughout Wood flooring Kitchen
Sherwin-Williams Wire-brushed countertops
OF THE PAINTS, Marshmallow French white oak Black Vermont
FLOORING, AND leathered quartzite

SURFACES USED Cabinetry

Sherwin-Williams custom
Mudroom
flooring
Kitchen island +
backsplash
THROUGHOUT color 50/50 Ripe Olive Alpha saltillo tile Calacatta Gold
and Pewter Green leathered marble
THE HOUSE
Mudroom + bath cabinetry Designer note: By keeping her colors and materials
Sherwin-Williams cohesive, Kelsey created an easy rhythm from one
Magnetic Gray room to the next.

107 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
 time for
new rhythms
story by CHIP GAINES
I
’m finding it strange to be talking about rhythm
seeing as how, over these past few months, just
about every ounce of rhythm that I’ve ever known
has been disrupted.
A global pandemic swept over us, and life as we knew it
was thrown completely off-kilter. I know its effects were and
will be different for everyone—varying levels of difficulty
and devastation. For some, “difficulty and devastation” is
an understatement. But I couldn’t imagine us coming out on
the other side and not being made stronger because of it,
not taking better care of our communities because of it, not
realizing what actually matters.
And then my eyes were opened, yet again, to the racial
injustices that still plague our country today. I’ve spent
the past few months listening and trying to sort it all
out—overwhelmed at all the things I don’t understand.
Overwhelmed by how far we’ve still got to go. Overwhelmed
by how far I’ve still got to go.
108
I don’t have answers. I’m still listening. All I know is this:
I must do better. We must do better.
I don’t have a quippy punch line or anything cute to say.
I don’t know what the rhythms of your life looked like before
all of this or what they might look like now, but I hope that,
as we work to create new ones, we prioritize the things of
life that are good and beautiful. Because when everything
changes and the world stops and we’re forced to look at
ourselves, we can’t help but take stock of what actually
matters, of the bits and pieces of our daily rhythms that are
worth fighting for and so many that need to be forgotten.
We see the importance of slowing down and taking care of
ourselves and of our neighbors and the world around us.
I can’t pretend to know how all of this will play out, but I
do know this: When a rhythm is disrupted and displaced,
another one fills its place. It’s how the world works. This time,
let’s embrace the rhythms of understanding, the rhythms of
justice, the rhythms of hope, and the rhythms of love.
109 M A G N O L I A J O U R N A L fall 2 02 0
sourcebook
For information about products or professionals featured, please contact these sources. We cannot guarantee availability of items or services.
cover
Tullia Dress—Ulla Johnson; ullajohnson.com.
box it up PAGES 44, 46–48
PAGE 44
Large Trio in Stainless—LunchBots; lunchbots.com.
PAGES 46–48
Large Cinco in Stainless—LunchBots; lunchbots.com.
OTHER OP TIONS (NOT PIC TURED)
Food52 Modern Large Bento Box—Mepal; food52.com. Grow Bento
+ 2 Silipods—Bonnsu Miniware; bitteshop.com. Bento Box—Takenaka;
anthropologie.com. Stackable Bento Lunch Box—TiLeMiun; amazon
.com. Stainless Steel Sandwich Box—Black + Blum; bespokepost.com.
steady comfort PAGES 50–52
Vintage J16 Rocking Chair (similar, vintage & new, available online)—
Hans Wegner; vinterior.co.
well opener PAGES 56–57
“Through All That Has Changed” Framed Sign—Morgan Harper
Nichols; magnolia.com.
the flavors of fall PAGES 58–65
PAGES 58–59
Drift Reactive Indigo Soup Bowls, Salad Plates, Serving Bowl &
Pitch Black Pitcher—CB2; cb2.com.
PAGES 60–61
Pitch Appetizer Plate-Saucer & Salad Plate—CB2; cb2.com.
PAGES 62–63
Drift Reactive Indigo Dinner Plate—CB2; cb2.com.
tile style PAGES 76–81
PAGES 78–79
CER A MIC GROUPING (Orange tile) Marigold District Tile Field
Tile 3×6—Waterworks; waterworks.com. (Cream hexagon) Retro
in Vanilla—Concept Surfaces; conceptsurfaces.com. (Dark gray
rectangle) City Brick in Tabor Taupe—City Brick; conceptsurfaces
.com. (Cream rectangle) Parchment V-2 Tier 1—Bottega Design
Gallery; bottegadesigngallery.com. (Blue rectangle) Nabi Arctic Blue
Ceramic Subway—Tile Bar; tilebar.com. White subway tile—Daltile;
daltile.com. Red brick square—Arto; arto.com.
S TONE GROUPING (Mosaic hexagons) Alabama White mosaic
honed 1-inch hexagon—Alabama Marble, Mineral & Mining Co.;
am3stone.com. (Singular dark gray hexagon) Eros Grey Mosaic—Ann
Sacks; annsacks.com. (Gray rectangle) Adamo Field Tile in tumbled
110
tile style CONTINUED
finish—Ann Sacks; annsacks.com. (Dark gray textured tile) Nero
Marquina Tumbled Tile—Artistic Tile; artistictile.com. (White marbled
square) Alabama White Honed Marble—Alabama Marble, Mineral
& Mining Co.; am3stone.com. (Light gray rectangle) Bianco Carrara
Tumbled Tile—Artistic Tile; artistictile.com. (Gray marbled square)—
Waterworks; waterworks.com.
GL A SS GROUPING (Light brown and dark brown rectangles) Jeffrey
Court Gold Drop Glass and Metal Mosaic, (gray rectangle and dark
brown rectangle) MSI Amalfi Café Interlocking Glass and Porcelain
Mosaic, (white subway tile) Merola Tile Tessera Grand Ice White,
(light taupe glass subway tile) Giorbello, (blue geometric tile) MSI
Boathouse Picket Glass Mosaic, (dark teal subway tile) Giorbello—
The Home Depot; homedepot.com.
CEMENT GROUPING (Cream hexagon) Pacific White Hexagon—
Cement Tile Shop; cementtileshop.com. (Teal square) Casona Tile in
Cypress—Ann Sacks; annsacks.com. (Black and cream patterned)
Circulous Black, (Blue diamond) special order—Cement Tile Shop;
cementtileshop.com.
restoration on the coast PAGES 90–97
Photography—Christen Pears; @christenpears.
PAGES 92–93
Carrara marble countertops, Carrara marble backsplash tile—
Mandarin Stone; mandarinstone.com. Hanging pot rack, custom—
Ashley Pearce (blacksmith); bcbspenwith@outlook.com. Range—
AGA; agaliving.com. Børge Mogensen Sofa—Danish Design Store;
danishdesignstore.com. Accent pillow fabric—Josef Frank available
through Svenskt Tenn; svenskttenn.se.
PAGES 94–95
Georgian pine table—Tristan Hay; pineandperiodcornwall.co.uk.
Børge Mogensen J39 Dining Chairs—eBay; ebay.com.
PAGES 96–97
Carrara marble tiles—Mandarin Stone; mandarinstone.com.
Faucets—Vola; en.vola.com. Bathtub—The Cast Iron Bath Co.;
castironbath.co.uk. Sink—Kast Concrete Basins; kastconcretebasins
.com. Ernest Race DA1 Armchair—Mark Parrish; markparrish
.co.uk. Emerald wool upholstery fabric—Kirby Design; kirbydesign
.com. Greta Grossman Grasshopper Lamp—Gubi; gubi.com.
Brass bed—Wessex Antique Bedsteads; wessexbeds.co.uk. Illum
Wikkelsø Rocking Chair—eBay; ebay.com. Accent pillows—Kirsten
Hecktermann; kirstenhecktermann.com. Børge Mogensen Dresser—
Danish Design Store; danishdesignstore.com.
Paint Colors
Because of the magazine printing process, paint colors depicted
on our pages may vary slightly from manufacturers’ colors. Use
paint color names or numbers, when provided, as a starting
point. To get the exact color you see in the magazine, take the
page to a paint retailer for matching.
Our hope is that every
time you tune in to
Magnolia Network, you
leave feeling like it was

Time
Well
Spent
Chip & Joanna Gaines

Magnolia.com/Network
Follow Us on the Road to Launch
@ MagnoliaNetwork
FALL 2020 // rhythm

we
believe
We believe in home, that it should restore We believe in courage, in cartwheeling
us from today and ready us for tomorrow. We past our comfort zones and trying
believe in friendship, because friends who something a little bit scary every day.
feel like family are the best kind of friends, We believe that failure needn’t be a
and that nothing matters more than family. negative thing; rather, we learn from
our mistakes and fail smarter next
WE BELIEVE time. We believe in doing good work that
matters and, in choosing that, nudging
others toward doing the same. We believe

in seeking the balance that newer isn’t always better and that
it’s time for the pendulum of trend to
swing back to the basics. We believe
between hustle and rest in unearthing beauty, however hidden
or subtle it might be. We believe that
and learning to find each day is a gift and that everyday
miracles are scattered about if only

contentment in both. we have eyes to see. And of all heroic

pursuits large or small, we believe
there may be none greater than a life
well loved.
We believe everyone deserves a seat at the
table and everyone has a story worth telling.
We believe in human kindness, knowing we are
made better when we all work together. MAGNOLIA MANIFESTO

112