Author: Lulu Lee

I'm Lulu an amateur gardener, cook, crafts person and lifelong learner.
Zone 7a Spring Garden Update: Starting Seeds Indoors & Preparing Raised Beds
Gardening · Gardening

Zone 7a Spring Garden Update: Starting Seeds Indoors & Preparing Raised Beds

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

There’s something about this time of year that feels full of possibility.

The air is still cool. The mornings are quiet. But underneath the surface, everything is preparing to grow — and so am I.

This week, I officially started seeds indoors.

And just like that, the planting season feels real.

🌿 The Indoor Seed Station Is Fully Operational


Wide shot of my full seed station with trays and grow lights

This year I expanded my indoor setup — multiple trays, labeled pods, grow lights positioned carefully, and even sweet potatoes sprouting below.

It may look simple, but this setup represents planning, learning, and commitment. I’m not rushing this season. I’m building it intentionally.

🌱 First Sprouts Under the Lights


Close-up of seedlings under grow lights

Watching those first leaves unfold under the glow of the grow lights never gets old. They may look delicate, but what’s happening below the surface is powerful.

Roots are forming.
Systems are strengthening.
Life is preparing.

This year’s indoor lineup includes:

  • Eggplant
  • Cayenne peppers
  • Bell peppers
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli
  • Basil
  • Marigolds
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Tomatoes

Peppers and eggplant need that early head start. The brassicas will transition outside earlier if the forecast cooperates. Basil and marigolds are part of my companion planting strategy — protection, pollination, and balance.

And the sweet potatoes? Those are personal. Watching them sprout reminds me that even something dormant can surprise you with life.

🪵 Preparing the Raised Beds


Photo of raised beds before cow manure

Outside, the beds are waiting.

I added more cow manure to enrich the soil and refreshed the raised beds in preparation for spring planting. The yard still looks winter-worn, but I can already see what it will become.

Healthy soil means stronger roots, better yields, and more resilient plants.

Soil first. Always.

🌽 The Future Corn & Peanut Patch


Outdoor patch photo where corn and peanuts will go

This is where the corn and peanuts will grow this year.

But timing matters.

I’m watching the forecast carefully, especially soil temperatures. Corn and peanuts need warmth and stability. I’m waiting until frost risk has passed and the soil temperature is consistently warm enough to support strong growth.

Gardening has taught me that patience protects your harvest.

📅 Zone 7a Planting Timeline (Quick Reminder)

Living in Zone 7a means our average last frost date typically falls around mid-April (April 10–20). That date guides almost everything I do this time of year.

Here’s how I’m planning around it:

6–8 weeks before last frost (February–early March):

  • Start peppers, eggplant, tomatoes indoors
  • Begin brassicas like broccoli and cauliflower

4–6 weeks before last frost:

  • Start basil and companion flowers like marigolds

2–3 weeks before last frost (weather permitting):

  • Harden off cool-weather crops
  • Transplant broccoli and cauliflower outdoors

After last frost (mid-to-late April):

  • Transplant peppers, tomatoes, eggplant
  • Direct sow corn
  • Plant peanuts once soil temperatures are above 65°F
  • Move sweet potato slips outdoors once nights are consistently warm

Gardening in Zone 7a is about watching the weather — not just the calendar.

📒 Systems Matter This Year

This year I have:

  • My gardening binder organized
  • Seed inventory tracked
  • Raised beds refreshed
  • A growing app helping me stay on schedule
  • Weather patterns monitored closely

It feels less chaotic and more strategic.

Preparation brings peace.

🌿 Planting With Purpose

Every year I garden, but this year feels different.

I’m not just planting vegetables — I’m building discipline. I’m practicing patience. I’m creating a rhythm that aligns with the seasons instead of rushing ahead of them.

Watching frost dates. Preparing soil before seeds go in. Starting early indoors but waiting wisely outdoors.

This garden is about more than harvest.

It’s about:

  • Teaching my children where food comes from
  • Building food security one bed at a time
  • Honoring agricultural roots that shaped generations before me
  • And trusting that steady preparation always produces results

The seedlings under my grow lights may look small now. The outdoor beds may still look quiet.

But I know what’s coming.

Because I’ve done the work.

And this season, I’m planting with purpose.

When Plans Change: Training Smarter, Not Harder
Health & Fitness · Health & Fitness

When Plans Change: Training Smarter, Not Harder

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

January didn’t unfold the way I expected — and honestly, that feels like a theme I’m learning to accept more gracefully.

I was scheduled to run a 5K earlier this winter, but the race was first rescheduled to the first weekend in February and then eventually cancelled altogether due to severe weather and safety concerns. Between extremely low temperatures and icy roads, outdoor running became less about discipline and more about risk — and that’s not a tradeoff I’m willing to make.

So instead, I’ve found myself back on the treadmill at my local gym.

The Treadmill Reality

I’ll be honest: I’m not a big fan of treadmill running.

I love the rhythm of running outdoors — fresh air, changing scenery, the way your body naturally adjusts to the terrain. The treadmill feels repetitive, controlled, and mentally harder for me, even when the miles are shorter.

But right now, it’s the safest option.

And this season is teaching me that safe training is smart training, even when it’s not my favorite.

Learning to Adjust the Plan

With races being postponed or cancelled, I’ve had to step back and look at my race calendar more realistically. Instead of forcing a rigid plan, I’m giving myself permission to adjust.

My goals for this year include:

  • 2 half marathons (Marine Corps Historic Half-Marathon) and Blue & Grey Half Marathon
  • 1 full marathon (Richmond Marathon-Maybe)
  • Army 10-Miler
  • 1 ten-kilometer race– Local race
  • A 5-mile race– 4th of July
  • Possibly 6 (5K) races– Father’s Legacy Race, St. Patty’s Day Race, Fight Against Autism, Go for Bo, and 2 more TBD races.

Altogether, I’m aiming for around 12 races this calendar year — but with flexibility built in.

Because life is unpredictable. Weather changes. Schedules shift. Bodies need rest. And none of that means failure.

Training With Flexibility (And Grace)

This season has reminded me that growth isn’t always about pushing harder — sometimes it’s about adjusting smarter.

Running on the treadmill isn’t ideal for me, but it keeps me moving. Rearranging my race schedule doesn’t mean I’ve lost momentum — it means I’m protecting my health and longevity as a runner.

I’m learning to:

  • listen to my body
  • prioritize safety over stubbornness
  • adapt my goals instead of abandoning them
  • and stay committed without being rigid

That balance matters — not just in running, but in life.

Moving Forward

I still love running. I still love the goals. I still love the feeling of progress.

But I’m also learning to leave space for reality.

This year isn’t about perfection — it’s about consistency, flexibility, and showing up in ways that make sense for the season I’m in. Whether that means icy sidewalks, cancelled races, or treadmill miles, I’m choosing to keep going — thoughtfully.

One run at a time.

Where I get my Running Supplies

Vegan Egg Rolls (My First Time—and a Family Favorite!)
Recipes

Vegan Egg Rolls (My First Time—and a Family Favorite!)

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

This was my first time ever making egg rolls, and I’m still smiling about how well they turned out.

I’ve been leaning more into Asian-inspired flavors lately as part of my vegan journey, mostly because they feel flexible, bold, and fun to experiment with. This dish came together after work, without a ton of pressure, and ended up being one of those meals where everyone actually agrees: this is good.

That alone felt like a win.

I didn’t follow a strict recipe — I adjusted, swapped ingredients, and trusted my instincts. And honestly? I’m so glad I did.

What I Used

Filling

  • 1 block firm tofu, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • Sweet peppers, sliced
  • Shredded sweet potatoes (instead of carrots)
  • 4 scallions, chopped

For Wrapping & Frying

  • Premade egg roll wrappers
  • Oil for frying

How I Made Them

1. Prepare the Tofu

I crumbled the tofu and cooked it in olive oil with the ginger, garlic, turmeric, and soy sauce. I let it cook until it reached the texture and temperature I wanted — slightly firm, well-seasoned, and flavorful.

2. Cook the Vegetables

Once the tofu was ready, I cooked the vegetables separately on medium heat for about 5 minutes, just until they softened but still had a little bite.

3. Combine & Cool

I added the tofu back into the pan with the vegetables and cooked everything together for another 5 minutes. Then I removed the mixture from the heat and let it cool to room temperature before wrapping.

(This step really matters — warm filling can tear the wrappers.)

4. Wrap & Fry

Using premade egg roll wrappers, I wrapped each egg roll individually and fried them for about 8 minutes, turning as needed, until they were golden and crisp.

5. Serve

I served them with a homemade soy sauce dipping mixture, and that was dinner.

Where I Bought My Ingredients (Weis Markets)

These are not affiliate links — just sharing what worked for me and how I keep vegan meals flavorful, nourishing, and affordable.

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

What made this meal special wasn’t just the flavor — it was the feeling. Trying something new, trusting myself in the kitchen, and watching my family enjoy it made the whole process feel rewarding.

The tofu held up beautifully, the sweet potatoes added warmth and balance, and the banana peppers gave just the right kick. For a first attempt, I couldn’t have asked for better results.

Looking Ahead

This recipe definitely opened the door for me. I’m excited to keep experimenting with more Asian-inspired vegan dishes — not just to keep things fresh, but to remind myself that this journey can be creative, joyful, and full of new favorites.

If this was my first attempt, I can’t wait to see what comes next.

Book Club Update: Introducing Legacy
Book Club

Book Club Update: Introducing Legacy

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

This month’s Book Club post is a little different. Instead of reflecting on a book I’ve read, I’m sharing a book I’ve written.

My latest chapbook, Legacy: A Collection of Poems, grew out of a long, quiet process of learning, unlearning, and sitting with uncomfortable truths. It reflects my discovery of the African American experience after immigrating to the United States as a preteen in the early 1990s—and how learning about the transatlantic slave trade reshaped the way I see history, identity, and my place in the world today.

If you’d like to read Legacy, it’s available here:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GM7KDDDV

Coming to the U.S. and Learning What I Didn’t Know

When I arrived in the United States, I came with my own sense of self, culture, and history. Like many immigrants, I was focused on adapting—learning how to belong, how to succeed, how to survive in a new place. What I didn’t yet understand was how deeply history lived beneath everyday life here.

It wasn’t until later—through school, conversations, reading, and lived experience—that I began to truly grasp the scope and brutality of the slave trade and its lasting impact on African Americans. That knowledge didn’t arrive all at once. It unfolded slowly, and with it came grief, anger, confusion, and a profound shift in my worldview.

Legacy was born from that reckoning.

What Legacy Holds

This chapbook is not an attempt to speak for anyone. It is a record of how learning this history changed me—how it complicated my understanding of freedom, resilience, inheritance, and responsibility.

The poems explore:

  • the weight of historical truth
  • the distance and connection between African and African American experiences
  • what it means to arrive somewhere without fully knowing its past
  • how knowledge reshapes identity
  • and how history continues to echo through the present

Writing these poems required me to slow down and listen—to history, to voices that came before me, and to my own evolving understanding.

Why This Book Matters to Me Now

Legacy represents a turning point in my writing. It’s where reflection met accountability. Where curiosity met responsibility. Where I stopped looking away from discomfort and allowed it to inform how I move through the world.

This book is about inheritance—not just of trauma, but of truth. And about what we do once we know better.

A Quiet Invitation

I’m sharing Legacy here because this Book Club space has always been about reflection and growth. If you choose to read it, I hope it invites you to pause, to consider history more closely, and to reflect on how knowledge shapes compassion.

Some books entertain.
Some educate.
And some simply ask us to sit with what we’ve learned.

Legacy is that kind of book for me.

Garden Update: Ready to Grow, Learning to Wait
Gardening

Garden Update: Ready to Grow, Learning to Wait

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

Right now, my garden feels like it’s holding its breath — and so am I.

I have my seeds.

I have my starter pods.

I even have the garden layout mapped out and ready to go.

And yet… I’m pausing.

As excited as I am to start my seeds, I’m being intentional about when I begin. Living in a climate where late frosts are still a possibility, I’ve learned that starting too early can undo weeks of careful planning. Losing seedlings to an unexpected cold snap is frustrating — and avoidable — if you’re willing to wait.

This season, I’m choosing patience

Why I’m Waiting to Start My Seeds

Seed starting is one of the most exciting parts of gardening. It’s where hope takes shape. But timing matters just as much as enthusiasm.

Right now, my hesitation comes down to one thing: our last frost date.

Even with grow lights and starter pods ready, planting too soon can mean:

weak seedlings that outgrow their containers stressed plants when it’s time to transplant or worse — losing them entirely to cold temperatures

I’ve learned that starting seeds at the right time is just as important as starting them at all.

What I’m Doing Instead (And Why It Still Counts as Progress)

Even though seeds aren’t in the soil yet, the work hasn’t stopped.

Here’s what I have been doing:

Reviewing my garden diagram and spacing plans Organizing seeds by indoor vs. direct-sow crops Prepping starter pods and trays Refreshing my memory on frost dates for my zone Making a short list of which plants truly benefit from early starts

This stage of gardening — the quiet planning — sets the tone for the entire season.

Trusting the Process

Gardening has taught me that rushing doesn’t lead to better results. The soil warms when it’s ready. The seeds sprout when conditions are right. And sometimes, the most responsible thing a gardener can do is wait.

I’m excited. I’m prepared. And when the timing is right, I’ll be ready to move quickly and confidently.

For now, I’m honoring the pause.

What’s Coming Next

Once we’re closer to our last frost date, I’ll be:

starting select seeds indoors hardening off seedlings slowly preparing beds for transplanting and sharing updates on what’s thriving

This season already feels promising — and it hasn’t even started yet.

Sometimes growth begins long before anything breaks the surface.

Vegan Stewed Black-Eyed Peas with Tofu (A Family Favorite)
Recipes

Vegan Stewed Black-Eyed Peas with Tofu (A Family Favorite)

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

Some of my favorite meals are the ones that come together quietly — no measuring cups everywhere, no rushing, just cooking by feel and adjusting as I go. This vegan version of stewed black-eyed peas is one of those dishes.

I’ve been making some version of black-eyed peas for years, but recently I started experimenting with tofu as a protein swap — and to my surprise, my family really loves it this way. The tofu soaks up all the flavor from the stew, the peas make it hearty and comforting, and the whole dish feels both familiar and new.

This is the kind of meal I make when I want something filling, nourishing, and deeply satisfying — without meat.

Ingredients

  • 1 block firm tofu
  • 1 cup uncooked black-eyed peas
  • Oil (for frying and for the stew)
  • 2 onions
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 1 steak tomato
  • ½ tube tomato paste

Seasoning Mix

(I cook by instinct, so adjust these to your taste)

  • Chili pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Ginger
  • Turmeric
  • Salt
  • Cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

  • Rinse and cook the black-eyed peas in water on medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until they begin to soften. Set aside.
  • Cube the tofu and fry it in oil until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.

2. Build the Stew

  • In a food processor, blend the onions, bell pepper, and tomato until smooth.
  • In a pot or deep skillet, heat oil and add the blended vegetables.
  • Let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the raw tomato flavor cooks down.

3. Season & Simmer

  • Add your seasoning mix and let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.
  • Stir in the tomato paste until fully combined.
  • Add the cooked black-eyed peas and the fried tofu.
  • Lower the heat to low–medium and let everything simmer for about 30 minutes.

During this time, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You’re looking for tender peas, well-seasoned sauce, and tofu that’s fully infused with flavor.

How We Serve It

This stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

  • rice
  • crusty bread
  • or a simple side of steamed greens

Leftovers taste even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to deepen.

Cooking by Instinct

I don’t measure my spices because every pot tells me what it needs. Some days it wants more heat, other days more warmth. That freedom is part of what makes cooking feel grounding to me — especially as I continue exploring plant-based versions of dishes my family already loves.

This one is definitely staying in our rotation.

If you try it, feel free to make it your own. That’s the beauty of a good stew.

Book Club Reflection: Finding Perspective with The Midnight Library
Book Club

Book Club Reflection: Finding Perspective with The Midnight Library

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

A few years ago, in the middle of the pandemic, my family was carrying more stress than we knew how to name. Like so many households, our routines were disrupted, uncertainty felt constant, and my kids were overwhelmed in ways that showed up quietly — in moods, in questions, in exhaustion.

Around that time, a good friend recommended a book for our family book club: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. We decided to read it together, not knowing just how much it would shift the way we were thinking about our lives.

If you want to check it out, here’s a link to the book:

👉 https://a.co/d/5bWxTcP

What stood out most wasn’t just the story itself, but the conversations it sparked in our home.

Reading It Together Changed How We Saw Our Lives

At its core, The Midnight Library invites readers to think about the many versions of life we imagine for ourselves — the what ifs, the roads not taken, the choices that could have led us somewhere else. During a time when everything felt heavy, that idea resonated deeply with all of us.

As a family, we talked about regret, disappointment, and the temptation to compare our current lives to imagined alternatives. We talked about how easy it is to get caught up in what could have been and miss the value of what is.

What the book helped us see — gently and without judgment — is that even the hardest parts of our lives still hold meaning. That the life we are living, imperfect and unfinished, deserves our attention and care.

A Lesson That Still Stays With Us

Years later, we still reference this book from time to time. When one of us feels stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed, the reminder comes back:

Don’t forget to take in the life you have.

That doesn’t mean ignoring pain or pretending everything is fine. It means learning how to hold gratitude and struggle at the same time. It means appreciating growth, resilience, and connection — even when circumstances are far from ideal.

For my kids especially, this book offered language for feelings they didn’t yet have words for. It helped them understand that stress and uncertainty don’t mean failure — they’re part of being human.

Why I Still Recommend This Book

I recommend The Midnight Library not because it offers easy answers, but because it encourages thoughtful reflection. It opens the door to meaningful conversations — especially within families — about choice, perspective, and how we learn to make peace with the lives we’re living.

It was exactly the book we needed at that moment in time. And looking back, I’m grateful we read it together.

Sometimes the right book doesn’t change your circumstances — it changes how you see them. And that can make all the difference.

What are your favorite books? Why?

Gardening · Gardening

Spring Garden Plans: Preparing the Soil & Setting Intentions

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

Garden Updates | Spring Garden Series – Part 1

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After the quiet of winter, I’ve started easing back into the garden—not by planting right away, but by preparing the space where everything will grow.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been clearing out my garden beds, removing old growth, and giving the soil some much-needed care. I added compost to replenish nutrients and laid down hay to protect the beds, retain moisture, and allow the soil to rest while the weather finishes deciding what it wants to do.

This stage of gardening is slower and quieter, but it’s one of my favorites. It reminds me that growth doesn’t begin when seeds go into the ground—it begins with preparation.

Starting Seeds Indoors

With the outdoor beds resting, my next step is starting seeds indoors this coming weekend. Seed starting always feels hopeful to me. It’s a way to stay connected to the garden while honoring the last frost date and the natural rhythm of the season.

I keep things simple—seed trays, soil, light, and patience. These early starts will be ready to transition outside once spring settles in.

Garden Layout & Planting Intentions

I’ve also been sketching out my garden layout to help me think through spacing, companion planting, and how different plants support one another. This doesn’t have to be perfect—just intentional.

Here’s the plant list inspired by my current layout plan:

Spring Garden Plant List

Vegetables and Fruits

  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers (bell & other varieties)
  • Cucumbers (with trellis support)
  • Zucchini
  • Potatoes
  • Okra
  • Corn
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Melons
  • Strawberries
  • Lettuce
  • Kale
  • Cabbage

Herbs

  • Basil
  • Dill
  • Parsley
  • Oregano
  • Sage
  • Garlic (already established / overwintered)

Flowers & Pollinators

  • Zinnias
  • Nasturtiums (woven throughout beds)
  • Calendula
  • Chamomile
  • Coneflower
  • Echinacea

These choices support pollinators, improve soil health, and encourage a balanced garden ecosystem—not just productivity.

Why I Plan Before I Plant

Mapping things out helps me stay flexible while still being intentional. It allows me to think about airflow, sunlight, harvest timing, and how my garden functions as a whole rather than a collection of individual plants.

For now, the beds are resting under compost and hay, and the seeds are getting ready to wake up indoors. Spring will come when it’s ready—and so will the garden.

Spring Garden Series

This post is Part 1 of my spring garden series. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing:

  • Seed starting progress
  • Bed planting updates
  • Companion planting wins (and lessons learned)
  • Early harvests and seasonal adjustments

Join the Conversation

If you’re planning your spring garden, I’d love to hear about it.
What are you growing this year—or what are you thinking about trying for the first time?

Feel free to share in the comments or follow along as the season unfolds.

62 Miles for a Cause: My January Movement Challenge with the American Cancer Society
Health & Fitness · Health & Fitness

62 Miles for a Cause: My January Movement Challenge with the American Cancer Society

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

January often comes with pressure to overhaul everything at once—our bodies, our habits, our lives.
This year, I’m choosing something more intentional.

For the month of January, I’m completing a 62-mile movement challenge in support of the American Cancer Society. My goal is to raise $500 to help fund cancer research, patient support, and prevention efforts. If you’d like to support the cause, you can donate here: https://gofund.me/7926ab0e7

This challenge isn’t about speed or perfection. It’s about purpose.

Why 62 Miles Matters to Me

Sixty-two miles, spread across a month, is both a physical and emotional commitment. Some days those miles will be run. Other days they’ll be walked. What matters is showing up consistently and honoring what my body can do on any given day.

Cancer has touched too many lives to feel distant or theoretical. Supporting the American Cancer Society feels like a way to turn movement into meaning—one mile at a time.

How I’m Approaching This Challenge

I’m keeping this challenge sustainable and compassionate. That means:

  • Breaking the miles up across the month
  • Mixing running, walking, and strength training
  • Listening closely to my body and resting when needed
  • Letting progress be measured in effort, not pace

Some days will feel strong.
Some days will feel slow.
Both still count toward the 62 miles.

Movement as Gratitude, Not Punishment

For a long time, exercise felt tied to guilt or pressure. This challenge has helped me shift that mindset.

Each mile is an act of gratitude.
Each step is a reminder that movement can be a privilege.
Each workout supports something bigger than me.

That perspective changes everything.

Why the $500 Goal Matters

The $500 fundraising goal isn’t just a number. It represents:

  • Research that saves lives
  • Support for individuals and families navigating cancer
  • Education and prevention efforts that create long-term impact

Every donation—no matter the size—helps push that work forward.
If you’d like to support my challenge and help me reach my $500 goal, you can donate here: https://gofund.me/7926ab0e7

An Invitation

If you’re moving your body this month, you’re already doing something powerful. If you’re looking for a way to pair movement with purpose, I invite you to support this challenge. Alternatively, find one that aligns with your own “why.”

Your movement doesn’t have to look like mine to matter.

Closing

January doesn’t have to be about becoming someone new.
Sometimes, it’s about showing up as you are and choosing intention over pressure.

This month, I’m moving 62 miles with purpose—for awareness, for hope, and for the people who need it most.

Closing the Year with Intention: A Reflection on 2025 and What’s Coming in 2026
Health & Fitness · Health & Fitness

Closing the Year with Intention: A Reflection on 2025 and What’s Coming in 2026

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

As the year comes to an end, I’ve been taking time to slow down, breathe, and look back at everything 2025 brought into my life — the growth, the challenges, the small joys, and the big victories. This year has been a season of showing up for myself in deeper, more intentional ways. It has been a year of rediscovering my voice, nurturing my creativity, strengthening my body, and creating traditions that reflect who I am becoming.

I entered this year wanting stability and connection — and I’m ending it feeling grounded, hopeful, and proud.

Here is a look back at the year through each of the four corners of this blog: health & fitness, reading, gardening, and recipes — the spaces where so much of my growth took root.

💪 Health & Fitness: A Year of Movement and Milestones

This year, I ran more races than I ever have before — and I pushed myself farther than I knew I could go. From the Turkey Trot I ran with my daughter to the Blue and Gray Half Marathon, each finish line taught me something new about my resilience, discipline, and joy.

I set personal records. I found strength in early mornings and in quiet miles. I learned to trust my body again. And perhaps most importantly, I found confidence — the kind that comes from showing up even when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or unsure.

Running became a reflection of my healing: slow, steady, and deeply personal.

📚 Book Club: Choosing Courage, Creativity, and Connection

My book of the month, Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, could not have been more timely. Reading it reminded me to stretch, to take up space, and to lean into the opportunities that make me feel alive. Her voice pushed me to say “yes” to myself — yes to rest, yes to creativity, yes to courage.

And that energy followed me straight into my writing.

Book Two of my Tidewalker series began taking shape in new and exciting ways. I made progress on Ezra’s internal journey, deepened Grandmother Fatu’s backstory, and built the tension between the two worlds in ways that feel richer and more purposeful.

This was also the year I became more consistent with my blog — saying “yes” to sharing my voice, my journey, and my creativity with others.

🌱 Garden: Lessons from the Soil

My garden was one of my grounding spaces this year. From planting collards that ended up on our Thanksgiving table to experimenting with new vegetables and learning more about what my soil needs, gardening reminded me to slow down, stay patient, and trust the process.

Some plants thrived, some didn’t, and all of it taught me something.

Next year, I’m excited to bring the garden back to life in the spring — with new layouts, new crops, and a renewed appreciation for what grows when you nurture it with intention.

🍽️ Recipes: A Year of Flavor, Culture, and Tradition

Cooking has always been a form of connection for me — to my family, to my culture, and to my creativity. This year, I shared some of my favorite recipes, from sweet potato pie to sweet potato rolls (the only version my youngest gladly accepts!).

Food remains a place where tradition meets innovation in my home — a way to honor my Sierra Leonean roots while creating new memories with my children.

In 2026, I’m planning to share more dishes inspired by Mama Africa, more home-baked favorites, and possibly a cultural cooking series that highlights flavors from across the continent.

✨ Looking Ahead: What’s Coming in 2026

As I step into the new year, I’m carrying a deep sense of clarity about what I want — and what I’m ready to grow into.

Here’s a preview of what’s ahead:

📘 Book Two Release Timeline

I’ll be sharing more concrete updates early in the year, including sneak peeks, character insights, and details on when you can expect the next Tidewalker installment.

🌿 A New Garden Season

I’m already planning my spring planting: herbs, collards, vegetables, and maybe a few new experiments.

🍲 New Recipes + A Cultural Cooking Series

2026 will bring new flavors to the blog — including traditional dishes, West African favorites, and original recipes inspired by my roots.

📝 2026 Blog Themes

Next year, I’ll continue rotating through Health & Fitness, Book Club, Gardening, and Recipes — with a deeper commitment to consistency, reflection, and creativity.

❤️ Personal Goals

Above all, 2026 will be a year of:

  • emotional wellness
  • rest
  • travel
  • continued healing
  • and choosing courage, both quietly and boldly

Thank You for Being Here

Ending this year with gratitude feels right. Thank you for reading, for showing up, and for taking this journey with me. Whether you’re here for the recipes, the reflections, the stories, or the updates — I’m truly grateful.

Here’s to a year of growth behind us, and a year of intention ahead.

See you in 2026. 🌿✨