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A new journey begins, blogging, breast cancer, Cancer, change, finding inspiration, Hardware Store Life, Home, journey in life, Life experiences, Natural World, Personal Self-Care, seasons of life

Cancer Journal #3… A Unique Path to Healing

February 5, 2026 hardwarelifewife 1 Comment

“*Surrender your path, don’t worry about your timing or speed. Walk with joy.”*

Have you been following the Walk of Peace by the Monks? I actually didn’t know about this event until they were walking through Georgia several weeks ago. Richard was talking about this unique event one night a dinner. My interest was peaked and I began following their journey from that point forward. It has been an amazing experience to watch them walk this path, enduring all types of weather conditions from Texas to Washington DC, their final destination.

*Walk for Peace… a journey rooted in kindness, creating awareness of inner peace, and mindfulness*

My path to healing from this cancer feels like a similar journey. I may not be literally walking 2,300 miles, but I’m still moving forward, one day at a time with a specific goal in mind, my return to good health.

“*Sometimes the path isn’t always easy”*

What I have learned thus far is each person’s path to healing from cancer is uniquely different. Breast Cancer isn’t a “cookie cutter” disease.

Even though you may have had the same type of breast cancer as someone you know, the details are unique to you… such as… the size of the tumor, whether cancer was present in lymph nodes, estrogen positive tumor, was the tumor fast growing… and I could go on… but you get the gist. It’s a lot!

“Comparison is the thief of Joy”… so true!!! Your cancer plan of treatment will be unique to your cancer diagnosis and it’s difficult to compare it with anyone else’s journey. Similarities are common, but your path is uniquely shaped by your cancer and your mindset.

***These were my surgery socks… the nurses loved them. Thanks Barb*** 💕

I lost a friend to cancer this past week. She had a different diagnosis from me, and her battle with breast cancer was inspiring. Laura was a true warrior. Laura always had a kick this cancer attitude. When she started her chemotherapy treatment, she wore bright, colorful socks to “sock it to cancer”. She was a tremendous advocate to me when I began having concerns and questions about my micro-cysts in 2020. I felt better after talking to her as I began the navigating the path forward.

*“Be bold enough to choose your own path and strong enough to follow it.”*

I was upset to learn recently that Laura had relapsed, and her time was growing short. As word of her passing came to light, I was deeply saddened. Laura led with a warm beaming smile always, and her beautiful soul matched her life.

I was also trying to wrap my mind on potential future cancer relapses, and how to move forward. For sure, the ONE thing that all cancer patients experience, in their journey that isn’t unique… the fear of reoccurrence. Will it happen to me? That reality of cancer is often hard. Yet, I wanted to recognize Laura’s fight. I felt led to carry on Laura’s colorful sock tradition, one day at a time.

*Sock it to Breast Cancer… an easy way to show support to a family member or anyone you might know who is fighting cancer , a daily reminder to say a prayer for them as you get dressed each day.*

I’m currently at a in-between stage… recovering from surgery and waiting for completion of healing before next steps happen. My surgery went well, no cancer in lymph nodes, all margins were clear after the cancer tumor was removed. I have met again with my medical oncologist and we are discussing medications moving forward AND, I’m currently waiting to begin radiation. I have an appointment this week to meet yet another doctor, my radiation oncologist.

Several people have approached me saying how much they appreciated my cancer blog posts and my bold choice to write about it. My decision to write about my cancer journey is not based on gaining support of others but the opposite, as a way to offer support to those who might need it… if Cancer finds them or a family member. Navigating the Cancer pathway isn’t always easy.

*Just like a snow covered road, you need a good navigator and 4×4! Thankful for my family, friends and medical professionals who are helping me navigate this cancer.*

AND I have questions… lots of them!!! The internet and social media is a total vacuum of information, some good, some information probably not very useful… luckily, I have amazing doctors who can advise and guide me and who take TIME to answer my questions in compassionate manner.

*The path back to Wilkes from Winston Salem is often a reminder of the beauty of our home. Thankful for the Mountains that welcome us back home each trip. A small blessing in my cancer journey.*

After cancer surgery, it might be easy to assume, the cancer is gone! Get your life back to normal, and just eat what you want! But, surgery completion is just a starting point on my cancer journey. Often Breast cancer patients will need either radiation or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy can capture any remaining microscopic cancer cells that are present unseen by the human eye. Chemotherapy is a much more invasive to the body systems, for those who have a higher stage or risk of cancer returning.

My Oncotype score was on the lower end, so Chemotherapy was not needed! Thankful 💕

As I have been in this “in-between stage”, I have intentionally chosen to focus on what my body now has become accustomed to, eating more Whole Foods… Maximizing my potential for success in this fight. Why did I choose this??? Less processed foods and added chemicals in my diet is a good thing to reduce any future cancer risk and this will help me maintain a healthier lifestyle overall. We will all benefit from this simple shopping adjustment in my family.

In my “internet vacuum of research”, reading my manual from the Cancer Center, talking with other cancer survivors, and I have even participated in discussions with a cancer dietitian! I have learned that what you eat is just as important as exercise, and any medications you may take. All of these factors work together to defeat the cancer. Maximize!

*Hydration is key… the choice to drink Lemon water all day, not only for Cancer recovery, but I also had a kidney stone flair in the midst of my cancer diagnosis. That was not fun!!!*

With this Whole Foods approach, I’m concentrating on eating healthy proteins 90grams… limiting sugars 25g, using fruit as a natural source of sugars that my body needs, fiber 25g(beans, whole grains, natural fruits/vegetables) and of course hydration is key!!

*We switched milk brands prior to my cancer diagnosis, glad we did that! I can grab protein in this milk!!! And you can make a great homemade hot chocolate with this milk brand too!*

Protein Hot Chocolate 2 servings: 2 cups Fairlife milk, 2 T cocoa, 2T Monk fruit, dash of vanilla, 1/4 c chocolate chips, and cinnamon for extra cancer fighting power. Warm milk over low heat, add cocoa, monk fruit, stir well. Once well incorporated, add chocolate chips to melt, dash of vanilla flavoring, and dash of cinnamon. Stir well until chocolate is dissolved and milk is warm. Enjoy!

In my mind, being intentional about what I put on my plate each day or even what I’m snacking on can make a world of difference in my recovery. So, what IF I decided to go back to “my old normal” routines, ways of eating, could that spur a cancer reoccurrence?? Maybe, maybe not… but why take that risk? Healthier habits can help my body in other areas as I move into the next portion of my path, Radiation and Estrogen suppression medications.

*My mom found this low sugar, high protein yogurt for me over Thanksgiving… I absolutely love this brand!!! Tried a few others but this one is my favorite.. Aldi brand by the way*

When two trees are joined together like this one pictured below, it’s called inosculation. The trees themselves… trunks, roots and branches physically morph into one. The location of the where they connect can be different. My photo capture shows them morphing at the base. Inosculation happens when the friction between two trees causes the outer bark of each tree to scrape off at the point of contact… creating an opening to connect together .

This is where I’m at on my cancer journey. My old life is merging into one with my cancer, the friction, sharing it as one. Merged together forever, creating a new path.

*Inosculation at the base… marriage of two trees… Creating a Union of the Path*

A new journey begins, blogging, breast cancer, Cancer, community, Everyday Angels, family, Hardware Store Life, journey in life, Life experiences, Resilence, seasons of life, southern living

Cancer Journal #2…The Everyday Angels

January 25, 2026 hardwarelifewife 1 Comment

You may have never heard of the Herdmans, especially if you haven’t read, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. It is a novel targeted towards younger children that I used to read aloud in my earliest years of teaching to my classes in the days leading up to the Christmas season.

It was always a wonderful read aloud story because the main characters were high spirited and dramatic. These spirited and unruly characters added to the fun.

I haven’t thought much about that book until this past year. Our local movie theater, The Liberty, featured a free movie, portraying the story, so we went to see it during the Christmas season. I laughed and I cried. It was a beautiful movie which I will add to my watch list each Christmas season.

The movie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, was a beautiful story of Christmas, and how “Everyday Angels” are alive and well. These Angels walk among us offering gifts of kindness, compassion, and understanding and SO much more… You know these folks… they are the ones who are always there for you… your “Everyday Angels”.

The Herdman children desperately needed an “Everyday Angel” in the book, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. They had worked super hard in keeping all people out of their lives. They were tough, dirty, physically rough, bullies, and simply hard to deal with in most situations.

The movie we viewed revealed how the “Everyday Angels” who were patient with these highly spirited characters, empathetic, and had a determined willingness to teach The Herdmans children about the Christmas story.

As a result of that very small community of people who exhibited considerable efforts, these “Everyday Angels” in the movie, created a significant change in how The Herdman kids viewed others. This kind offering by “Everyday Angels”, gave The Herdman kids a chance at redemption, a chance at a new beginning, and an opportunity to live within their community in a more peaceful, positive manner.

Thank you Libby Brooks for my Guardian Angel 💕!!!

My cancer surgery is now a few weeks behind me. I’m slowly regaining my strength and stamina back. As I approach early February, I will learn more about my next phases, radiation and future medications moving forward.

In case you missed the first blog post… My Cancer Journal- Part 1

I’m very thankful for my team of “Everyday Angels”. These individuals have made my day by simply doing the little things… texting or calling to check in, sending a card, offering a smile, prayers, or even sometimes, a bit more. Thank you!!! Your kindness has been greatly appreciated.💕💕💕

Handmade Angels… an Everyday Gift of Love and Kindness. These beautiful gifts flew off our shelves this past Christmas made by local artist, Kim Reid at Wilkes County Hardware.

That’s the thing about Angels, they often appear when you least expect them. The Herdman children were initially looking for free food and snacks at church when they first arrived on the big screen. Over time, their mission evolved into become more involved with the Church Christmas play. The Church snacks were secondary. Eventually, they learned about the story of Jesus’s birth and much more.

One of the youngest Herdman’s, Gladys Herdman served as The Angel of The Lord in a unique way in *The Best Christmas Pageant Ever* Christmas play. She yells out to the audience and tells the Wisemen to get going using a large sense of urgency.

Likewise, This Cancer Journey has revealed to me a host of “Everyday Angels” in my midst… like those medical professionals who consistently give 200 percent of their daily work towards helping oncology patients find answers to their ongoing medical care needs. I’m truly blessed with an amazing medical care team!!! Thank you 😇 Angels!!!

Until Cancer comes calling, you don’t realize how many different medical professionals you will encounter. I have been blessed so far with Angels, doing their everyday work in a very gentle way.

Let us not forget those “Everyday Angels” who walk among us in our daily lives who have the ability to sense those who need immediate care, and offering kindness and assistance where it is needed.

I’m extremely thankful for my small little host of “Everyday Angels” that have appeared to help me during this difficult time.

My closing question to you today…have you taken the time to notice who your Angels are OR can you recognize/know who your “Everyday Angels” are??? If so, take time to say Thank You!!

As I continue this Cancer Journey, I’ll never forget the Angels that have surrounded me with love, kindness, prayers, endless encouragement, and support during my journey … from all over my greater community… family, friends, hardware store community, and my new Cancer Medical Team. 😇😇😇

*“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” – Hebrews 13:2*

Advocacy, blogging, breast cancer, Cancer, family, Hardware Store Life, Home, January, journey in life, Life experiences, Personal Self-Care, seasons of life, women’s health

My Cancer Journal- Part 1

January 11, 2026 hardwarelifewife 7 Comments

Normal Existence, Turned Upside Down…

In Early November in 2025, I went to Winston Salem for my usual 3D imaging mammogram. For those of you who are regular readers of my blog, several years ago I had written a blog post entitled, “Waiting” after finding a lump in my right breast. I went regularly every 6 months for scans for a couple of years solid until the radiological team had enough data evidence to show that the micro cysts were stable enough to move me back on a yearly mammogram routine. So, my “worry” had subsided somewhat because everything was fairly normal… well, for me that is.

Fast forward to November of 2025… I was stunned when I opened up my mammogram results online to see the radiology report read very differently from what I “normally” see… the words “Architectural distortion of the left breast” looming large in my mind. The verbiage was just very different from my “usual” mammogram summary. I was worried.

I Just Knew…

I was asked to have a repeat mammogram exam and ultrasound follow up as soon as possible. The medical team was quick to proceed with this and thankfully, it happened quickly.

I knew the protocol already, the results are given to me of the day of the new mammogram/ultrasound findings. I would know before I went home from my appointment, which is a small blessing in disguise. This time the results discussion was different. The radiologist who read my new mammogram and ultrasound results, came in to speak to me in person. After he began to go over my results, I knew then it was cancer even though he never used the words cancer directly to me as he began to discuss next steps… MRI and Biopsy.

My next few weeks were filled with upcoming appointments in between daily life and work. “The Big C” was looming large in all things… my diet was changing a bit more to defeat my new enemy, The Grinch.

This “large” manual has been a wonderful resource for me over the last few months… and will continue to be as I move into next steps after surgery recovery

Choosing To Focus On Essentials…

I have a few good friends who have been through cancer treatment in the last few years and I was aware of how intentionally they had switched up their dietary habits to combat the cancer itself AND aid in healing. I wanted to start small, so I began to push away sugar, starches, pasta, and breads in my diet. Ugh… the holidays were fast approaching and those holiday goodies were absolutely everywhere… it was a battle worth fighting for and during the holiday season, it was a must do.

I’ve added mushroom coffee into my daily lineup, the benefits of different types of mushrooms are tremendous for cancer patients

Choices made. I decided to focus on eating a variety of Whole Foods… a more intentional emphasis on fresh fruits, vegetables and a nice portion of protein on my plate. I’ve left the processed foods off my plate all together. The health benefits of a Whole Foods diet would definitely be a greater advantage to me.

What I have learned … Cancer cells thrive in a glucose rich environment and in my case as well, having an estrogen positive cancer… maintaining a healthy weight will be a beneficial outcome in my Cancer Journey. Breast Cancer, by its true definition, is the uncontrolled growth and division of cells in breast tissue, which can typically lead to the formation of a tumor. Knowing all of these factors, I didn’t want cancer to thrive within me. A healthy approach to eating and food should hopefully make a remarkable difference as I continue to confront this disease head on for years to come, not just a temporary fix.

Bowl full of fresh fruit for breakfast, full of blueberries, blackberries, oranges, apples, and often strawberries

One Day At A Time…

Looking back on those weeks, it’s all a big blur. The biopsy confirmed what I already knew internally, it was Cancer. Specifically, Invasive Ductal Cancer, a very common form of Breast Cancer, now a real part of my daily existence. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. When I heard those statistics, I was stunned and a bit surprised.

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide, with over 1.84 million new cases of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma occurring in 2022. The US has estimated last year, in 2025, that 316,950 women were diagnosed with Breast Cancer. What do all these numbers tell us? Early detection and regular screening is imperative for all women across the globe. I should also mention that being proactive with our health concerns as women should be top of mind. If you are unhappy with the answers you are getting, advocate for yourself and find other solutions when it comes to your health.

This sweet gift, a pink cross is never far from my sight. Thank you Ruth 💕

The last few months have been a blessing and very humbling for me. So many people walk the cancer journey unbeknownst to others in their greater community without vocalizing their needs. I have talked with several people who have personally experienced cancer that I had no idea that they had cancer before. These “silent soldiers” who have defeated cancer under their own terms making strides towards full recovery. These cancer survivors have offered tremendous support, and encouragement as well as my friends and family.

Meeting My Medical Team…

More appointments followed in early December and I met my surgeon and my medical oncology doctor, with whom I feel very lucky to have in my corner. Their constant positivity was not only contagious but they also indicated that the cancer findings were fixable. A “road map” for my cancer journey was in progress for my recovery and I felt very grateful to have them navigating the way. My new medical team has created positive connections with me, for which I’m thankful, as they have addressed all my concerns and questions. As a result, I feel highly confident in their ability to provide the best and upmost care and support for my recovery.

But, still looming large in my mind…was the upcoming holiday season. It was only a matter of a few weeks before Christmas and I couldn’t let Cancer ruin my holiday. My doctors had quickly begun to map out the next steps on my “road map to recovery” and finally, it was becoming more clear to me and my family how the process would take place. I felt good about my prognosis. I also felt lucky… my yearly mammogram screening had caught the cancer early!!

The Grinch That Didn’t Steal My Christmas

Beginning the Next Chapter…

The New Year rang in and I waited patiently for my surgery date. As you read this today, I have turned a page on a new chapter in this journey . My surgery to remove the cancer was completed. Healing is now in progress, and my pathology results are really good. I’m so thankful! My margins are clear, no signs of cancer in my lymph nodes, and The Grinch, (my cancer tumor) size 14mm , has been extracted!

The Road Map Continues…

I will soon follow up with my surgeon and medical oncologist and once surgery healing has been completed, next steps will be laid out on the “road map”. Radiation is anticipated, in early February. One step at a time in the cancer process.

On the journey I have noted… Cancer changes your mindset, how you move, how you react to food, and how you will respond to your overall health needs. Rest, I have learned, is important in my day to day life. Literally taking each day, one day at a time. Cancer is a life changing experience and my health will never be the same again without the thoughts of cancer.

Advocacy and Connections…

Connection: The energy that exists between people when they feel valued, seen, heard… when they can give and receive feedback without judgement and derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.

I’m going to take a moment to connect back to the daily life of a business owner. Each day brings the opportunity to make connections with existing customers or creating connections with a new customer. A constant flow of communication can be achieved in several ways by utilizing such tools as social media networks, sending emails, answering phone calls, OR the direct interaction with a customer. However these connections are made, a base network can be made or created. When those connections are positive interactions and those become the norm, successful relationships thrive. A definite goal of any business owner or entrepreneur… or any highly valued professional.

My personal health over the last 6 months has brought me to a new place where I will continue to highly value and creating those positive connections with any medical professionals that I encounter. Even though my surgery was successful, Cancer will always be in my radar for years to come.

Creating positive connections and relationships is the Standard of Care that we all should have. I don’t consider it to be the Gold Standard, but the Basic Standard of Care.

As you are reading this, you may think back upon an encounter where you may have felt the same way at some point… disconnected from your medical provider… were they truly listening to your symptoms??? Did you feel valued as a patient or even was your time valued???? I have felt “disconnected” from doctors that I have met in my past and it was not a wonderful experience.

My Cancer health journey has made me realize that I’m the Gold Standard for my personal self-care and advocacy. What I have learned from those past disconnected experiences…Advocacy is self-care. Personal Self-care is important…Make time for your personal medical, physical and mental health and overall wellbeing. Seek out and find those providers who are “connected” with your health needs and who will help you achieve your health goals. Self -care is taking time to take action and meeting those mandatory health screenings.

This routine mammogram screening in November of 2025 definitely has impacted my cancer recovery. If I had initially cancelled my appointment, or even rescheduled it, my cancer treatment could have possibly look very different.

Personal Self-care is my goal moving forward, along with Advocating for my healing and overall wellbeing. I’m trying to allow myself the grace to live one day at a time and the opportunity to rest when I need it as part of that self-care routine.

Whether Cancer is present in your daily walk, or not, we all need to advocate for ourselves in all situations. Take care of yourself 💕.

Dedication Note…

This blog post is dedicated to my Family and Friends who have been by my side from Day ONE of my diagnosis.

To my fellow cancer journey friends and survivors, we are in this together, forever. Thank you for your strength, endless support and endurance.

Richard has been a rock of strength, courage, love, and support to me… following me to each doctor appointment as well as my parents and sister. Benjamin has surrounded me with love and hope for healing from the very beginning. I’m truly blessed with wonderful family.

Friends, you may never know how much I appreciate your love, presence, and kindness with each passing day.

Lastly, to you my loyal followers and readers, I would not want to make this Cancer journey alone without your prayers. The power of prayer and your kind words of encouragement have given me hope as I have begun to navigate this new way of living as a reality in 2026. Thank you 💕

A new journey begins, aging, blogging, breast cancer, Cancer, caregiving, challenges, change, Christmas, classic movies, community, December, family, Hardware Store Life, Home, Hometown Holidays, journey in life, Life experiences, Life In Wilkes, Resilence, The Grinch, Transitions in Life

The Grinch That Didn’t Steal My Christmas

December 15, 2025 hardwarelifewife 14 Comments

Often the Christmas Classics have an unscrupulous or “misfit”character that is central in the story. As the Christmas story unfolds, that unruly character evolves and begins to change over time, reaching a new level of understanding and empathy. The Grinch is no stranger to this scenario. The Grinch has a unique meaning for me this 2025 holiday season.

The Grinch… the neighbor North of Whoville who hated the entire Christmas season.

The Grinch…hated the thought of the people of Whoville experiencing joy on Christmas Day. He stole all of the Christmas presents, stockings, Christmas trees, feasting food and even the firewood logs!!!

The Grinch…hoped the joy of Christmas would be spoiled, every home had been emptied by him as he taken all of their possessions. But, it didn’t happen. The people of Whoville celebrated Christmas anyway.

The Grinch… eventually realized that Christmas had come without all the excitement of Christmas presents, toys, wrapping paper, and all the other components of how we often celebrate Christmas Day. Christmas was about something so much more.

The Grinch… Experiencing Cancer, sickness OR even the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. These life altering events can definitely steal the Joy of the Holiday Season and leave you feeling sad, stressed or “Grinchy”.

The Grinch…personally present for me this holiday season, but NOT stealing the hope for healing, or the joy of celebrating the holiday season with family and friends. Will the holiday look potentially different? Yes. But, so will the next few months. Meeting my care team, Surgery, radiation, and ❤️‍🩹 begin the process of healing and recovery.

The Grinch… learned that the Whoville community gathered together to celebrate what was wonderfully good about Christmas, ultimately making his heart grow bigger.

The Grinch… has nothing our own hardware community….We are blessed. I always look forward to your smiles, laughter, and conversations as you have continued to shop with us for the last 10 years. You have become a part of our family.

The Grinch… The arrival of Cancer within my own life has made me very thankful and grateful for my community of family and friends who are supporting me daily as I embark upon a journey to find wellness once again. My heart is full of strength, hope, and courage as I continue to live ONE day at a time.

The Grinch… Unable to steal Christmas away, because Christmas is so much more than the day itself. Christmas is more about tiny acts of kindness, compassion, community spirit, and finding Grace in second chance opportunities.

The Grinch… Often when sickness or grief comes, we don’t allow ourselves the opportunity to live in full grace. The daily mantra should be for us all, not just cancer patients to live ONE DAY AT A TIME. When experiencing grief, anxiety, sickness, or cancer, every single day can be challenge with ever changing health conditions, or emotions. Through God’s grace, tomorrow is a uniquely different day. Celebrate the positive days and allow ourselves to rest when we need to.

Foot Note: Earlier this month, I was officially diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer, my Grinch. This cancer was found after my regularly scheduled mammogram. I strongly encourage everyone to keep all medical screening appointments. It’s so easy to get “busy” in the moment and forget about or delay them months down the line.

My initial prognosis is good and surgery will be scheduled soon. I have two appointments this week in Winston Salem. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers over the next few months. I covet your prayers.

I know many of you that might be reading this today, have faced similar health challenges whether it was long term sickness, loss of a dear loved one, or a personal battle with cancer and can empathize with my personal situation.

Moving forward, we may find it necessary to alter our store hours to accommodate my appointments. Please be patient with us as we try to navigate this new “un-normal” phase of life for us.

Please also consider that if you reach out to our social media pages that a response might be delayed due to this new phase “unwellness” I am experiencing. That being said, If you need an immediate response to a specific product question, please call the hardware store for further assistance. We thank you for your support and understanding.

Wishing y’all a very Merry Christmas season! 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

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“Grounding and Grafting” into The Hardware Life

August 1, 2025 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

The world of flight and aviation offers a unique experience, viewing our world in a very different and special way. Air flight offers one the opportunity to be “in the clouds”flying through and above the clouds. Being in and above the clouds presents the possibility to witness a place where our humanity is not truly visible everyday, a new and unique experience.

When I have the opportunity to fly, I always reserve a window seat so I can watch the clouds, and the sky. Graciously, my husband always grants me the courtesy of the window seat. My mind always soars with excitement once the plane begins to reach elevations above the clouds. From the safety of my window seat, I’m able to enjoy the beautiful sight of mountains, river valleys, oceans, and the cloud line below.

I grew up in Wilkes County, where our daily view includes the Blue Ridge Mountains. Simply, as one steps out the back door step, those mountains are sending a glorious daily greeting. I must admit, these mountains “ground” me as I continue to age. Even in the mundane activities of the day, like running errands, or maybe even if you’re headed off to work …those mountains are not far from our view. The mountains “grounded” in nature without the need to explore air travel in order to experience our surrounding beauty.

*Watching a Sunset in our Mountains is simply the best view in the world*

Our home county of Wilkes is rich in local history. Here in Wilkes, Brushy Mountain orchards are bursting with many different varieties of apples and peaches that are harvested each season, bringing the only the best fruits to market and our local festivals. Trees that are typically successfully grafted are fruit trees. Grafting a tree in its absolute simplest form, occurs when two different parts of the tree are joined together as ONE over a period of time.

Beautiful Parker Orchard local peaches in a handcrafted wooden bowl by Keegan Watson

Several months ago I wrote a blog post about being “Rooted in Wilkes” and how “Grafting” has taken place over time in my own life. I’ve been taking time to reflect, and as we head into year TEN in our hardware store ownership, that journey exemplifies grafting. I still can’t believe we are beginning year number TEN in August of 2025.

*Our old historic building was home originally to a local poultry processing plant, our logo is nod back to those times . Check out the link* The Chicken Hat

Who would have thought that the girl who spent her summers running in the grass, barefoot, with a view of the Blue Ridge in the distance, and loved chasing lightning bugs, would “graft” and be firmly “grounded” into the hardware life?

“The Hardware Life”, started TEN years ago, as Richard and I began our new journey into hardware store ownership inside the 1904 era vintage, historic building that still exists on 10th Street in Downtown North Wilkesboro.

It was an exciting, challenging, scary, and ultimately life altering, a full-fledged “grafting” experience. We were going to have to find our “footing” in this new adventure. The thick fog and clouds were looming. We were flying into those unknown/unfamiliar clouds of business ownership. Initially, it was a total cloud fog. Would the skies eventually become clearer???

For us, navigating the thick cloud bank, of hardware store ownership for the first time caused a bit of anxiety. But, I’ll reference a flight analogy, with the sure and steady handiwork of an “experienced flight crew”, the heavy cloud bank was easily navigable. As the aircraft began cruising at higher altitudes, our “clouds” disappearing from view. Yes, we have experience turbulence over the last TEN years. It has been a bit of bumpy ride navigating this new Hardware Life.

To those who helped us navigate through the first stages of hardware store operations and ownership, we are extremely grateful. Thank you for helping us navigate to higher altitudes and enabling us able to gain some “grounded” confidence in our new normal in The Hardware Life.

With this new lesson in being “grounded” in hardware store ownership underway, Richard and I have somehow managed to survive this ever changing economic climate by continuing to adapt to our customers needs and wants.

Just because our building is old, doesn’t mean that we are the keepers of everything of times past. Don’t get me wrong, we treasure those legendary stories of our old 1904 era building and the rustic hardware store. But, holding onto and keeping the “dusty old items” on the shelf that no one is purchasing or needs anymore, will not help us make our bottom line. We have worked hard to build an updated inventory of hardware store essentials. All the while, building a unique hardware community. Richard and I have formed many new friendships with so many great people. We are truly thankful, grateful, and blessed.

*Our building dates back to 1904… look back* If These Walls Could Talk…

When we began this new business venture, Richard was excited about beginning a new career path, and exploring the opportunities to learn more about the inner workings of the hardware industry. He had always been around it, as he worked for a major paint manufacturer for over 20 years. Richard pushed hard for the first few years without me at Wilkes County Hardware.

*Key Making is an Integral Part of our Day to Day Business inside Wilkes County Hardware here’s a quick myth buster guide to keys* Myth Busters: Test Your Knowledge… MYTH v. FACT… Dispelling MYTHS about Common Key Problems

In those first few years of business ownership, I continued to work full time as an educator. My main initial contribution was setting up the social media platforms for our hardware store. Those platforms were maintained and updated regularly by me and I also helped out on weekends and summers as I could. We reset the hardware store to be more accessible to shoppers so merchandise was easier to find. Slowly over time, we have steadily grown a loyal audience on Facebook and Instagram, our hardware community has expanded.

In 2018, I began a blog, The Hardware Life Wife, to share stories about our business and our products. As a novice writer, my blog pieces were fairly short and mostly without pictures. Initially, in early days of blogging, I honestly couldn’t devote much time to focusing on the blog. It was mostly a “summertime project” and I worked on blog posts between planning school lessons while teaching full time.

But, after a few years of consistent blogging, it became a goal of mine to add as many authentic pictures as I could to help break up my longer content pieces that I was now beginning to write.

My blog was changing and grafting into a new direction. I had found that my photography was providing a visual experience for the reader, adding an extra dimension, or as I could say “branch” to the story that was needed. This visual graft, a realistic view, and a liaison to my personal experience, an offering from me to others as a shared experience.

*The Blue Ridge Mountains… where the clouds meet the horizon*

Surprisingly, my personal photos were well received. I was stunned. This new finding was giving me the confidence and the opportunity to share more of my personal photography for which, I’m thankful and extremely grateful. I enjoy sharing snapshots of my daily life. In the last few years, my photography has been featured in the annual Blue Ridge Photography Overview at Wilkes Art Gallery. Local amateur photographers from all over our surrounding area bring their best work to our local gallery to display in this juried exhibition.

Now, in 2025, my blog is a creative outlet for me as well as a way to share with others about our hardware store ownership journey. I am continuing to grow my audience and readership slowly and steadily “grafting” our daily lives into our hardware store business.

As life would have it, after those first few years of business ownership, it was becoming apparent, to both of us, that we needed to grow our business or simply move on. Richard and I decided to be firmly committed and “grounded” in our hardware store business and “graft” together. I launched into early retirement, leaving my 26 years in educational world behind.

How would two very different people manage to work together and still be harmonious? We now had the basics of hardware store ownership “grounded” into our reality. It took a bit of time to adjust to our new daily normal. “Grafting” together our skill sets, combining our strengths and weaknesses, utilizing them to bring the best hardware store experience possible our customers. Grafting at its core definition.

Fruit farmers often graft their fruit trees to create a new variety. The act of grafting… taking one plant cutting and merging with another, creating a unique union and the growth of a new species. Together, we grafted a new hardware reality working together to meet our customers needs, while continuing expanding our hardware store knowledge base.

*Our shelves are fully stocked with customer favorites and needed items*

Working together, Richard and I have slowly made changes inside our historic hardware store walls, such as resetting our shelves and changing the flow of customer traffic. Other avenues we have explored included adding a vast new variety of hardware products into our existing lineup, “Grounding and Grafting” our way through the hardware life.

But probably the most distinctive aspect that we are becoming known for, is finding and curating locally sourced handmade goods. All of these changes, within our small town hardware store “grafted” or combined together, we have tried to create a unique shopping experience for all who visit our old-fashioned hardware store in Downtown North Wilkesboro, locals and visitors alike.

As “grafted and now more grounded” business owners, we know the positive impact of being active within our community. In the last few years, Richard and I have worked alongside other Downtown Merchants, to form The Downtown North Wilkesboro Merchants Association. We both actively participate in this group and we are excited to see this group grow. You may recognize this organization, as we have collectively worked to create, The Spooktacular Festival for our community when the Greenway Trail of Treats was cancelled several years ago and The Spooktacular would serve as an alternative event.

In closing, as we begin year TEN, our Hardware Life story is simple. We thrive on interaction with our customers and our greater community. Without that, we would not exist. That’s how we stay connected and grounded. We have heard too many stories over the last ten years about how old, vintage, authentic hardware stores are just not around anymore. Richard and I are very thankful that our community still supports our local hardware store. Thanks for the opportunity to keep us firmly “grounded” in our community!

The Hardware Life – A wife's journey into the hardware business