It Has Officially Rooted 🌿
JOURNAL ENTRY #24
TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2026
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picked up fresh herbs from the refrigerated produce section at the grocery store. They always come in those little plastic containers, and every single time the same thing would happen. I’d use what I needed for a recipe, and the rest would wilt away before I had another chance to use it.
That wasn’t just true for herbs. It was true for almost any plant I brought home.
For so many years, life was spent constantly on the go. I devoted so much of my time and energy to my corporate career that by the time I got home, I was simply exhausted. Most evenings consisted of eating dinner and going to bed, only to wake up and do it all over again the next day. My plants never had much of a chance because I didn’t have the time or energy to properly care for them.
As it turns out, our physical health isn’t much different.
My work became increasingly sedentary, and my circulatory system continued to decline, leaving me even more exhausted. Yet the mindset that had been ingrained in me for years kept saying, Keep going until the work is finished.
Eventually, my cardiologist ordered me to take a mandatory ten-minute walk every hour during the workday. While it was exactly what my body needed, my mind couldn’t stop calculating how much extra time I was taking beyond my scheduled breaks. I felt like I had to make up every minute, which often meant staying even later.
It eventually became clear that if I wanted to live — and have an opportunity to regain even some of my health — it was time to retire from my corporate career. I could only hope I wasn’t making the decision too late.
But back to those fresh herbs…
Recently, I bought a package of fresh rosemary for a recipe. These days, my diet is changing dramatically as I work toward eating whole foods and leaving processed foods behind. It’s a journey, and I’m learning a little more each day.
The package came with several sprigs, far more than I needed for my recipe. Instead of watching the leftovers wilt like I had done so many times before, I decided to try something I’d never attempted.
I propagated my very first plant.
Even though it was just a sprig of grocery store rosemary…
It worked.
It has officially rooted!
Later this week, I’ll be planting it in a pot of soil, and I can’t wait to watch it continue to grow.
Taking the time to care for my own health — not only for myself, but for my family — has also given me the opportunity to care for the plants that nourish us. As I learn to choose foods that support healing, I’m also learning to tend the very things that produce them.
Perhaps that’s part of how we were always meant to live.
To care for ourselves.
To care for one another.
To tend what we’ve been given.
And in doing so, help all of it flourish.
Until next time…
Finding Beauty in the Everyday.
— LHogarth
Finding My Rhythm
JOURNAL ENTRY #23
MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026
Today I felt rather chipper and was able to focus more on LHogarth Creative Living itself.
I started my morning with a cup of turmeric ginger tea — one of my favorites — as I entered several journal entries into the drafts section of my website, Facebook, and Instagram. After breakfast, I finished scheduling my drafts through Thursday.
Then it was off to the studio.
I cleared a space on the mantel and treated myself to a little photography session, thoughtfully arranging objects for this week’s journal entries and social media posts. It was such a simple thing, but I genuinely enjoyed slowing down and creating little scenes to photograph.
So far, I’ve managed to stay ahead of schedule, and as I mentioned back in Journal Entry #8, “Try Again Tomorrow,” each day really has become a little easier. A new routine is beginning to emerge. It’s not quite there yet — there are still boxes to unpack and plenty to organize — but I’m finally settling into a comfortable groove.
Now that everything is becoming a bit more manageable, I’m hoping to expand beyond Facebook and Instagram by sharing excerpts from these journal entries across additional social media platforms.
One of the highlights of today’s photo session was finally photographing my daisy prints. I’ve been looking forward to this ever since creating them digitally on my iPad before our permanent move and releasing them as digital downloads in my Etsy shop, which is linked through my website.
Since purchasing The Union House of Hogarth, I’ve been collecting antique gold frames whenever I came across one that spoke to me. Today, I finally had the opportunity to use one to display my daisy prints, and seeing everything come together made me smile. I truly enjoyed styling each photograph and bringing the prints to life.
Once my little photo session was complete, I added today’s images — everything except the daisy prints — to my website and social media drafts and made sure they were all scheduled. I’ll save the daisy print photographs for the day this journal entry is released. 🥰
Now… speaking of frames…
After everything was scheduled, I spent some more time working on the vision board for my upcoming “Live By” Series — A Journey in Seven Parts.
I realized I needed to rethink the materials I had planned to use. Between designing shelving for the studio and continuing to unpack and organize the house, building custom frames for the vision boards felt like more than I needed to tackle right now. Sometimes moving forward means adjusting the plan instead of waiting for perfect circumstances.
Today we found two large canvas frames we had tucked away. I cleaned them up and began fitting foam board and cork inside them. They’re not the color I would have chosen for this house, but they’ll serve as a wonderful temporary solution while I begin building the collection. We’ll keep our eyes open for more antique gold frames that can eventually take their place.
If all goes according to plan, tomorrow will be hanging day for the vision boards.
WOOHOO!
Today was a good day.
Finding Beauty in the Everyday.
“Til next time,
LHogarth
A Different Kind of Productive
JOURNAL ENTRY #22
SUNDY, JULY 5, 2026
Journal Entry #22
Sunday, July 5, 2026
This evening I found myself telling my husband, “I really didn’t do much of anything today.”
Without missing a beat, he smiled and said, “You got up today. Good job!”
I laughed and replied, “Yes… I suppose that is pretty important. I got up today.”
Then we started listing everything I had actually done.
I got up.
I made breakfast.
I finished and scheduled two journal entries for my website, Facebook, and Instagram, along with taking today’s photo.
I went grocery shopping.
I made dinner.
When we reached the end of the list, he looked at me and said, “That’s a lot! Sounds to me like you did quite a bit today, and you’ve done a wonderful job.”
He was right.
Living with heart disease has changed my pace. Everyday tasks take me longer than they once did, and sometimes that slower pace tricks me into thinking I haven’t accomplished very much. We talked about that today, too.
For years, I lived in the corporate world where every day was measured by how much I could accomplish and how quickly I could move. There was always another task waiting, another deadline to meet, another reason to keep pushing forward.
Looking back, I realize that lifestyle often left little room to prepare healthy meals, care for myself, or simply be present. When you’re constantly rushing, convenience often replaces nourishment.
I’m also learning that my tendency to hyper-focus played a role. My mind would always whisper, “Keep going… you’re almost done.” Then I’d look up two hours later, still working and still putting my own well-being aside.
Changing that mindset doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to replace old habits with healthier ones that truly serve your life instead of consuming it.
Today may have looked simple, but it wasn’t insignificant.
Today I cared for our home.
I cared for our health.
I cared for the work God has placed before me.
And I cared for the people I love.
When I stop measuring my day by how fast I moved and instead by how well I cared for what matters most, I realize something beautiful.
Today was a good day.
Finding Beauty in the Everyday.
‘Til Next Time…
—LHogarth
The Quiet Reset
JOURNAL ENTRY #21
SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2026
My favorite day of the week arrived today — another cherished day of rest.
Lately, I’ve been reminded that rest is not a luxury or an afterthought. It’s part of the design. A quiet reset. A gentle returning. A moment when the body finally exhales and the spirit remembers its own rhythm — something I greatly need.
We rush. We pull. We push. This world would have us believe there’s no other way.
But even the strongest roots need stillness.
Even creativity needs space to breathe.
Even renewal needs room to unfold.
Rest is not stepping away from purpose, as some would have you believe. It’s stepping back into alignment. It’s the place where clarity returns, strength is restored, and the heart gathers itself again.
My heart is in great need of that.
So today, I chose rest — not because the world paused, but because my Father above commanded it for my health and well-being… because I need it.
Here’s to honoring the quiet moments that keep us whole.
Finding Beauty in the Everyday.
Happy Sabbath.
—LHogarth
New Beginnings Under One Roof
JOURNAL ENTRY #20
JULY 3, 2026
Today was a day of catching up with family.
The kids arrived safely last night at around 12:30 a.m. After everyone had a chance to rest, we gathered for a relaxed brunch and spent time visiting before our son headed back to Florida.
Our daughter, however, is staying with us for a while as she focuses on growing her art career and prepares to launch a cottage stand of her own. It was wonderful having her beside me in the kitchen today, and as we talked, I found myself thinking about all the ways we might encourage one another along this new journey.
I’m especially looking forward to helping each other with photography, filming videos, and documenting the creative process. As someone building LHogarth Creative Living, I know how valuable it is to have another creative soul nearby who understands the excitement — and sometimes the challenges — of pursuing a dream.
Watching her begin this new chapter fills me with hope, and I’m grateful that we have the opportunity to walk alongside one another. I have a feeling we’ll both learn a great deal as we continue creating, growing, and cheering each other on.
I’ll be sure to keep you updated on her progress and let you know where you can follow her journey once everything is up and running.
Until next time…
Finding Beauty in the Everyday.
💚 LHogarth
The Right Place at the Right Time
JOURNAL ENTRY #19
THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026
Another day of mostly cleaning and rearranging what we’ve already unpacked so that we can unpack even more.
Oh! And my husband and I took care of a few necessary errands today. Afterwards, we stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things for tomorrow, as two of our children are on the road and should be arriving from Florida around midnight tonight.
But let me tell you a little story.
I originally went to one particular store because I wanted to decorate the outside of The Union House of Hogarth for the Fourth of July. It’s our very first Fourth of July here — and the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding made it feel even more special.
Unfortunately, they didn’t have what I was looking for, so I decided I’ll decorate next year when I’ve gathered everything I need.
As I was standing there, an elderly gentleman called over to me and asked, “Can you see with your glasses?”
He seemed a little panicked as he stood across the aisle in the candle section.
I smiled and replied, “Sure. What do you need?”
He pointed toward the shelves and said, “I’m looking for Pumpkin Spice, but the writing is so small on these labels that I can’t read them. Do you see any Pumpkin Spice? My wife bought one but accidentally left it in the shopping cart in the parking lot. So I told her I’d get her another one.”
Together we searched the shelf until we found exactly what he was looking for.
The smile that came across his face was priceless.
He thanked me several times before continuing with the rest of his shopping, and it left a warm place in my heart knowing I had been able to help.
I may not have found what I went into the store looking for, but perhaps I was exactly where I needed to be for someone else.
It was a good day.
Finding Beauty in the Everyday.
Until next time…
LHogarth
Finding Beauty in the Everyday
JOURNAL ENTRY #18
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2026
Today wasn’t filled with grand adventures.
It was a day of noticing.
The crepe myrtles…
The crepe myrtles…
Wait… what?
Hmm… something is very different with the crepe myrtles.
When we bought The Union House of Hogarth, there were only two: a white one in the front yard and a purplish one in the back. Last time we were here in April, that was still the case.
But now there are five!
Three new crepe myrtles have decided they like the front yard. One popped up through the rosemary bush, another appeared in the middle of an azalea, and a tiny one has emerged near the hostas.
One of the newcomers has already started blooming, and it’s nothing like the others. Instead of white or purple, it’s a soft light pink.
Now I’m curious to see what colors the other two will become.
Sometimes beauty doesn’t arrive with fanfare.
Sometimes it quietly grows where you least expect it, waiting for you to slow down long enough to notice.
Finding Beauty in the Everyday.
Until next time…
LHogarth
The Positive You Almost Missed
JOURNAL ENTRY #17
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026
This journal isn’t just about writing stories of my day.
Some days are harder than others. Life can be difficult, and every one of us here on this earth is going through something. We see it, we hear it, and we witness it — not only in those we love and those closest to us, but often in complete strangers.
I’ve always been an empathetic person. I feel the hurt others go through, even people I’ve never met. It’s difficult because you wish you could simply snap your fingers and make life in this world, in the era, better for everyone.
I may not be able to do that, but I can pray. And I do. I pray for the Wonderful World Tomorrow that I know is coming, and I hold fast to that promise.
Today was one of those days.
On the very first page of this journal, I wrote the words:
“For Use of Reflection and Positivity.”
My hope is that this particular entry encourages others to begin a journal of their own with those same words written on the first page.
I understand that some days are difficult. But I also promise you this: there was something positive that happened today. Something worth noticing. Something worth writing down. Sometimes we have to intentionally look for the good so it isn’t overshadowed by the difficult.
When I find myself in those “blah” moods, it’s hard to want to do anything. I have a tendency to shut down, and I know many of us do when life feels overwhelming.
But today…
I chose to move forward.
I picked out the canvases for my “Live By” series. I had a stack of 16 × 20-inch canvases, all practically raising their hands saying, “Pick me!” 😂
I gathered them up and carried them into the studio.
Then I cleaned the chair rail and baseboards along the entryway just outside my studio doors, preparing the space where I’ll be creating my vision boards for the series. I’ll be framing everything to complement the character and history of The Union House of Hogarth.
That may have been as far as I got today with the project, but that’s okay.
Because it has officially begun.
And that’s exciting enough to celebrate, no matter how small it may seem.
That feeling of helplessness I started the day with?
It lifted.
And how did I end my day?
Hanging a couple of spider plants outside — one of them successfully multiplied — while fireflies danced through the evening air.
Peace.
We all long for peace in our lives. While this world and this present era may cause many to believe that all hope is lost, I assure you…
Peace is coming.
Hold fast.
And before your day is over, go write down the positive thing you found today. It may be small, but it matters. Those small moments have a way of reminding us that hope is never as far away as it sometimes feels.
What was your positive today?
Finding Beauty in the Everyday.
Until Next Time…
LHogarth
When Dreams Become Brushstrokes
JOURNAL ENTRY #16
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2026
6S — a workplace organization and management methodology I picked up during my previous career.
Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, Safety.
One of the principles behind it is simple: clean as you go.
The older I become, the more I’ve realized this method is just as helpful at home as it ever was in the workplace.
When we bought this house, one of the first things we noticed was the labeling system for what seems like a gazillion light switches thoughout the bathrooms and workshop. I’m so thankful they’re labeled because otherwise I’d probably be flipping every switch just to find the right light. 😂 My memory isn’t quite as sharp as it used to be, and that’s perfectly okay.
Today was spent sorting, straightening, and doing a little shining in the kitchen.
We still have plenty of boxes to unpack. While rooms like the studio are still waiting for shelving, the kitchen came with an abundance of cabinets, a walk-in pantry, open shelving, and even a rolling library ladder to reach it all.
Now it’s simply a matter of deciding what belongs where.
Today I moved the coffee maker and electric kettle to the area just inside the kitchen entrance beneath a cabinet that I had cleared out. I also moved all of our coffee and tea mugs there, along with everything needed to make a warm cup of either.
It simply made sense.
We’ll give it a try and see if it works for us.
But enough about organizing.
What I’d really like to share this evening is the very first art series I’ll be beginning in July.
The “Live By” Series — A Journey in Seven parts
This series was born in a dream and carried forward by grace.
Each piece is a meditation on how we are called to live — not by what we see, but by what we believe.
Birds, branches, light, and ancient architectural lines guide the journey through scriptural echoes:
Live by Faith
Live by Grace
Live by the Spirit
Live by Hope
Live by the Word
Live by Mercy
Live by Light
My hope is that you’ll find yourself somewhere within the sacred flight and that these pieces will remind you that renewal is always possible.
It all began with a dream.
I woke one morning with the vivid image of a painting in my mind. I knew there was a phrase written on the sign within the painting, but I couldn’t quite remember what it said. I believed it began with the word, “Live,” and I had the feeling it was scriptural, but at that moment the rest escaped me.
I should have written it down immediately.
The background was filled with distressed creams and soft golds. A small bird, similar to a wren, perched beside a yellow diamond-shaped road sign. Instead of a traffic symbol, the sign displayed a simple phrase.
Around the bird grew sage-colored greenery with pale rose blossoms. Behind it all were faint architectural lines from a Corinthian column, adding a quiet sense of timelessness.
As I continued trying to focus on the words in the dream, they slowly became clear.
“Live by Faith.”
That single phrase became the beginning of an entire collection.
Finding beauty in the everyday.
Until next time…
— LHogarth
Inspiration Found Between the Storms
JOURNAL ENTRY #15
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2026
Yard clean-up didn’t happen today, and honestly, that turned out to be perfectly fine.
Later in the day, while we were out of town, another severe weather warning came across my phone. I also learned that yesterday’s damage throughout our area had been caused by straight-line winds. I had never witnessed anything quite like it before. From what I”ve learned, the destruction can resemble that of a tornado, though it’s created in a very different way.
We were incredibly fortunate.
As we drove down our street this morning, we noticed even more trees had fallen since yesterday. It was another reminder of just how powerful nature can be.
Thankfully, today’s plans had already shifted in a much different direction.
We remembered that it was the monthly Book Warehouse Outlet sale in Easley — one weekend each month when everything is 70% off and open to the public. Naturally, that became today’s adventure.
These kinds of outings always reveal a little about who we are.
While James searched for science fiction novels and comic books, I wandered through the sections filled with art, unique cookbooks, and home and garden books.
I came home with several wonderful finds.
A beautiful Nordic baking cookbook to add to my growing collection — a fitting choice since James has Norwegian roots.
A deck of artist prompt cards to spark ideas whenever creativity decides to hide behind a stubborn case of artist’s block.
And perhaps my favorite discoveries of the day…
Two books on foraging.
Foraging has always held a special place in my heart. Dandelions and sponge mushrooms have been a favorite ever since I was a child. I have fond memories of gathering them, and I still enjoy eating them today.
Before all of that, we started our adventure with breakfast in Simpsonville at one of our favorite breakfast spots, First Watch. It was the perfect beginning to an inspiring day.
Now I’m looking forward to trying new recipes, learning more about foraging, and discovering what edible treasures might already be growing right here in our own yard.
Sometimes the best days aren’t the ones we planned.
Sometimes they’re simply the ones that leave us inspired.
Until next time,
— LHogarth
P.S. I feel like these journal entries should end with a tagline… 😂 I’ll keep thinking on that one. Good night.
