Jacinta Meredith

Dare to Hope

I learned, early on in life, what I thought was a valuable lesson. That hope usually led to disappointment in life. If you hoped for something, got excited for it, it was bound to fall through or hurt you in some way. So, by the time I reached college, I had my own mantra. ItContinueContinue reading “Dare to Hope”

On the Trail: Stop 1 Alternate – Mahaffie House

So, I’ve decided to try and take you on a virtual trip down the trail. Since we’ve already talked about Jumping Off towns, let’s move on to one of the first stops a family might make. If one (say, my fictional family) were to decide to take the Oregon/California trail, jumping off from Independence, dependingContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Stop 1 Alternate – Mahaffie House”

19th Century Hats: 1830 – 1840

This decade started out as the last one ended – with extravagant, large hats, overloaded with trim. But, by the end of the decade, hats followed the style of dress and significantly toned down, becoming slimmer, more unassuming, and sedate (at least by comparison). Cunnington said of the 1830s, “The novice may have some difficultyContinueContinue reading “19th Century Hats: 1830 – 1840”

Dinner at 1800: Cold Vichyssoise Cream

I partially picked this recipe because it sounded so fancy…afterwards I discovered it actually is just a fancy term for potato and leek soup…which is apparently still a thing! But at least it was new to me…and to Daniel, which is the important thing. Don’t forget to check out the one minute Instagram version! ColdContinueContinue reading “Dinner at 1800: Cold Vichyssoise Cream”

An Unexpected Path

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43: 19a) Anyone who has followed me for the last year or two knows that I’ve been clinging to this verse. It’s my go-to when I am discouraged, when I am frustrated, or when I am doubting. God’sContinueContinue reading “An Unexpected Path”

On the Trail: River Crossings

Anyone who has played The Oregon Trail game knows the dangers of river crossings. How many of us have not lost an axle, supplies, or a “family member” during one of those crossings? Well, that game was probably more accurate than we’d like to think. River crossings were one of the more dangerous and fearedContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: River Crossings”

19th Century Hats: 1820 – 1830

And enter the era of flowers and ribbons! Bonnets, hats of various kinds (but particularly leghorn), and turbans were all popular during this decade, with the size of the hats growing so large by the end of the decade that Cunnington mentions animals in the streets would shy away from them! Quick Overview While bonnets,ContinueContinue reading “19th Century Hats: 1820 – 1830”

Dinner at 1800: Pork Chops Bavarian

I am finally back after a much needed break! Not needed for just the reasons I thought…but also due to holidays and an unexpected surgery! That’s right, I got the dreaded appendicitis. I’m just grateful we caught it in time thanks to God’s grace in telling me my feeling of illness was not normal. But,ContinueContinue reading “Dinner at 1800: Pork Chops Bavarian”

When It’s Time to Write

You know that feeling when you’ve been doing something halfway for awhile and you are getting impatient to just buckle down and get it done? It feels like it has been that way with my writing and even reading for awhile. Life just gets in the way! There’s always something to clean, an errand toContinueContinue reading “When It’s Time to Write”

19th Century Hats: 1810 – 1820

Can anyone say FEATHERS? Apparently the regency era was also the era of all the feathers. It is one of the few consistent things in this decade. While not quite as varied as the previous decade…it is pretty close. Quick Overview Feathers over everything! Marie Stuart shaped hats Hat styles named after various people BonnetsContinueContinue reading “19th Century Hats: 1810 – 1820”