Camp Kitchen Life: Joy, Fashion, and “Happy Is the New Pretty”

My days lately have been organized around lists—task lists, menu ideas, grocery lists, and daily schedules. Life at
Camp Homewood is ramping up toward full speed, and I’m working hard to stay ahead in the camp kitchen. Between planning meals, ordering supplies, and prepping for long days, organization has become essential.

Fashion, Confidence, and Community

On a lighter note, I’ve been sharing a “Fashion over 40” post every Wednesday. I joined Alison’s Spring Fashion Challenge, and she kindly featured me in a lovely roundup that inspired me to think more intentionally about clothing choices. Seeing other women gain confidence and feel “pretty” in what they wear has been encouraging and humbling.

That said, my current version of “cute and comfortable” usually includes closed-toe, food-safe shoes and a sturdy apron. Practicality reigns when you’re serving hundreds of meals, and comfort goes a long way toward making long shifts manageable. I often joke that my 24-hour deodorant will get a real workout—and that I might smell like onions by the end of a busy day! Still, there’s a kind of contentment in being useful and present for campers and staff.

“Happy Is the New Pretty”

Recently, my friend Sue and I wandered through a charming gift shop. Among the grain sack pillows and painted furniture, a wooden sign stopped me in my tracks. In block letters it read:

HAPPY IS THE NEW PRETTY

Those words felt like a gentle nudge. It’s one thing to care about outward appearance; it’s another to cultivate a life that radiates joy. To me, true beauty often looks like someone who laughs easily, encourages others, and notices the small blessings around them. That kind of light draws people in far more than the latest trend ever could.

(Image source)

Faith, Fragrance, and Daily Work

This season of my life is full of hard work and long hours, and honestly, cooking isn’t my favorite thing. Yet I keep returning to a simple prayer: that my heart overflow with joy and that the beautiful fragrance of Jesus would be evident in my life. I desire that whatever I do—no matter how practical or unglamorous—would spill over as encouragement and warmth to the people I meet.

I remind myself frequently to “marinate” in God’s presence, even when days are packed from dawn to dusk. Rest and reflection are not luxuries but necessary pauses that sustain the soul. When I take time to breathe, to thank, and to listen, the daily grind feels different—less taxing and more meaningful.

Asking for Support

I would appreciate your prayers during the busy months ahead. I’m not sure how often I’ll be able to post here, but I will pop in whenever time allows. If you notice long gaps between posts, picture me in the camp kitchen—collaborating with a team, chopping and stirring, and sharing a good laugh. Those extended stretches of quiet on the blog likely mean I’m elbow-deep in preparation for the next meal service, and I’m grateful you’ll be thinking of us.

Cooking for a community, juggling schedules, and keeping everything running smoothly is exhausting at times, but it’s also deeply rewarding. The laughter shared over a steaming pot or the simple thank-you from a camper makes the long hours worthwhile. In the end, whether my outfit is trendy or practical, my aim remains the same: to carry joy into each day and invite others to find beauty in kindness, gratitude, and service.

Thank you for your encouragement and your prayers. I’ll be back here whenever I can to share more snapshots from camp life—until then, keep choosing joy. It really might just be the new definition of pretty.