-written by Hearth Member, Marika McCoola I dedicated Baba Yaga’s Assistant, my first book, to my grandma Lily; it never occurred to me to dedicate it to anyone else. There would, I knew, be other books for other people. Lily was the daughter of a bookseller and an avid reader throughout her life. She raised… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Blog
Erin Gum
ERIN GUM Member Dancer, Photographer, Artist What’s your story? I spent my childhood playing pretend in the woods of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, learning how to notice and appreciate the little things from my dad and how to create a comfortable space for people from my mom. As foundational as my parents are in my… Continue Reading
What We Can Learn About Branding From Artists
-written by Hearth Member, Ryan Bonaparte Artists rely on their brand to survive. If I told you a cellist was going to be playing at my house tomorrow, you might give me a strange look and wonder why I thought that was particularly interesting. However, if I told you it was Yo-Yo Ma, a world… Continue Reading
Why the Best Way to Give is to Ask
I am ashamed of asking for help. Every time I do, I experience a base, physical reaction that tightens my throat, speeds up my heart, and calcifies the air in my lungs. I’ve spent my life making myself as independent and self-sufficient as possible to avoid this exact feeling. But now, as I throw myself… Continue Reading
Waltzing, To-ing, and Fro-ing
– written by Hearth Member, Matthew Reese Last night was a delight. We had another good turnout for our continuing lively evenings of waltz at Miranda’s Hearth. I don’t think I’m ever going to get tired of it, nor will I ever want any of these nights to end. This month was particularly special. Clayton Clemetson—the… Continue Reading
Why We Dance
-written by Hearth Member, Matthew Reese “This is why we dance.” That is the most special sentence I’ve heard spoken on the dance floor. A woman dear to all at my local contra dance—something of a community grandmother—approached me and a friend whom I had just waltzed with. “I want you guys to know, it is… Continue Reading
Why We Ask People What They Make
When we ask people what they make, the object or activity they come up with is the least interesting part. What we really what to know is why and how and when and where they make things. Do they create with unrelenting drive or through curious dabbling? What does it feel like, smell like, sound… Continue Reading
On Destroying Your Dreams and Enjoying Your Caterpillars
-written by Hearth Founder, Miranda Aisling It’s four in the morning and I can’t sleep. Yesterday, we hosted the first WhatIMake Conference and I am throughly and utterly exhausted. I had forgotten how painful it is to bring a new idea into the world. Although I am constantly creating things, I’ve spent most of my time… Continue Reading
#WhatIMake Speaker Profile: Timmy Riordan
Talk: Fearless Songwriting: How to toss out your inhibitions, forget about your blocks, and just write. Between finishing he first album in June of 2004 and April of 2007, Timmy wrote a grand total of about 3 songs and was tired of it. Tired of being a songwriter who didn’t write. Tired of being a songwriter… Continue Reading
Vegan Menu and Ingredients!
At this Sunday’s Hearth Dinner the Hearth is going vegan! Cameron Gray, who runs Abundance Catering and will be speaking at #WhatIMake: The Conference on April 16, will teach us how to make the following items: beet tartare zucchini fritters a salad of local veggies vegan chocolate mousse cupcakes Worry not, after we learn how… Continue Reading