My days lately have been organized around lists: to-do lists, menu plans, grocery lists, and daily schedules. Camp Homewood is moving toward full swing, and my time in the camp kitchen is packed with planning, prepping, and managing meals for our campers and staff. I’m constantly trying to stay a few steps ahead so that service runs smoothly and everyone is well fed, happy, and safe.
On most days I find myself juggling practical tasks—inventory checks, meal timing, dietary notes, and staffing schedules—while also trying to keep a calm and encouraging atmosphere in the kitchen. Meal planning here is a balancing act: creating menus that please kids and adults, working within budget, and making sure we accommodate allergies and preferences. The rhythm of camp life keeps me busy from dawn until late evening, and lists are the only thing that keep me from feeling overwhelmed.
Outside of kitchen life, I’ve been writing a weekly “Fashion Over 40” post each Wednesday. I joined Alison’s Spring Fashion Challenge, and she kindly featured me in a lovely post that is part of that series. Reading how other women are gaining confidence through clothing and experimenting with styles has been inspiring. It’s encouraging to see women of all ages learning to feel pretty and confident in their outfits, and that confidence often spills into other areas of life.
My own version of “fashion” at camp is practical: closed-toed, food-safe shoes, an apron, and a quick, comfortable look that will survive a long day near stoves and sinks. Comfort and safety come first in a busy kitchen, so my outfits tend to be more functional than trendy. I joke that my 24-hour deodorant will get a real workout and I might end up smelling faintly of onions after a long shift—camp cooking has its honest aromas!
The other day I was shopping with my friend Sue at a charming gift shop down island. Between the grain-sack pillows and the chalk-painted furniture, a small sign caught my eye. It read:
HAPPY IS THE NEW PRETTY
Those words stopped me in my tracks. They felt like a simple but powerful reminder: true beauty comes from joy, kindness, and the way we show up for others. When a person is filled with laughter and a spirit that points out ordinary blessings, that joy becomes one of the most attractive qualities imaginable.
(Image source)
That idea—happy is the new pretty—has become a quiet prayer for my life, especially during this season of long days and hard work in the kitchen. Even when my outfit choices are driven by practicality rather than style, I want my heart to be full of joy and grace. I aim for a presence that exudes warmth, patience, and an encouraging word, whatever I’m wearing.
I often remind myself to “marinate” in quiet and rest in God’s presence amid the busyness. Pausing to breathe, to pray, or to be thankful refills my energy and keeps my perspective right. Those small moments of spiritual rest help the days feel less like a string of chores and more like meaningful service, where cooking a meal becomes an act of care and community.
I’d be grateful for your prayers during the busy months ahead. I don’t know exactly how often I’ll be able to post here, but I’ll share updates whenever I can. If there are long gaps between posts, picture me up in the camp kitchen—stirring big pots, coordinating meals, and laughing with the staff and campers.
Until next time: cooking, serving, and finding joy in the everyday—because truly, happy is the new pretty.