The end of September is rapidly approaching, and as we look back on the past 30 days, we stand in the cold spring of awe- refreshed and ready to go again.
This past month, we intentionally took time for ourselves and our family and did what renews real joy within us. In the midst of our careers and our vision for Cantrell Creek, we understand the need to work hard and to persist. But to persist in the hard work, we're determined to transform our paradigm - to reimagine what persistence looks like tangibly and feels like mentally.
Since November 2024, it's been a whirlwind of excitement, unknowns, opposition, and joy- but mostly, it's been a lot of work.
For each season we find ourselves in, different tools and resources are required. To conquer the goal before us, we have to pause long enough to gather the right ones - and sometimes longer still how to use them. For September, our tools looked more like rest, fun, creativity, and inspiration. These things - often overlooked - are the fuel to keep the flame of enthusiasm burning bright.
Our persistence isn't rigid - it's resolute. It's grounded in joy, rest, and peace. But none of those happen by accident. A choice has to be made. Life doesn't wait for the perfect moment. We simply had to decide.
We chose fun.
We chose creative.
We chose rest.
We chose excitement.
We chose to persist.
We chose to be okay - and enjoy this process - because it's in these moments that we're cultivating a truly sustainable life. A life that welcomes the work of each day with enthusiasm. With creativity. With intention. Without dread. Without burnout. Without the grind culture that numbs our senses and steals our joy. As October begins and the seasons begin to change, we flow forward- expanding with each step.
Progress Update (Mid August through September)
While this month was lighter in workload, we still made intentional moves forward at Cantrell Creek.
Inside the home: (Minimal this round)
- Dustin built the frames for the pantry cabinet beside the fridge
- Decision to relocate the fridge to be placed between the pantry and baking counter.
Outdoor & Site Work
- Septic tank was pumped.
- Chicken coop cleaned out to repurpose for storage of lawn/garden/misc. items.
- Coop fencing and debris removed.
- Gravel hauled in to fill the coop and prep the shop area for concrete leveling.
- Dumpster delivered and filled with first round of debris and construction materials.
Garden & Native Planting
- Planted 2 types of garlic
- Purchased and planted native species: pawpaw tree, gooseberry, spice bush, native grasses, hazelnut tree, elderberry, and pollinators.
Propagation & Plants
- Aloe plants separated and repotted (15 new pups).
- Spider plants repotted and propagated 2 more.
- Avocado seed started- now producing leaves.
Adventures & Rest
Persistence doesn't just mean forward motion - it includes space for joy. Here's how we filled our cup this month:
Roadtrip & Family
- Drove to New Jersey to can tomato sauce with family (over 1,000 jars made!)
Stops included:
Columbus, OH - Katalina's (Home of the pancake balls).
Fisherman's Paradise, PA- Fly Fishing Museum
Yellow Breeches Creek, PA - Water trail stop.
Philadelphia, PA - Grabbed an unforgettable Philly Cheesesteak
Return Stops included:
Enola Low Grade Trail, PA
Trout Run Nature Preserve
Allenberry PA - A fishing resort with 3 miles of private stream. We missed the late evening mayfly hatch but still got to cast!
Local Exploration: Hiked Cedar Gap
Montauk State Park
September offered a slower rhythm, but the current didn't stop. The pace shifted, the tone softened, and the tools look different - but the movement remained. With rest as fuel and joy as our compass, we stayed in motion. And while the rhythm of this month felt different, our persistence didn't fade, it simply flowed.
