Boobs, Books, and a Busted Winter Garden: March in a Nutshell

a cover slide that says Goodbye,March with flowers

March was a month for comfort—puzzles, books, homemade meals, and a bit of time in the garden. I finished two fun Ceaco puzzles (with some “help” from Chester), read several great series including Flashpoint and The Dark Road, and rediscovered the Gabriel Allon novels by Daniel Silva. While my Winter garden didn’t produce a single harvest, I’m clearing the beds and getting ready to replant. I also have a cozy recipe to share: Cowboy Meatloaf and Potato Casserole—perfect for when you need something hearty and homemade.

Gentle Productivity: Making a Realistic To-Do List When You’re Low on Energy

a calming scene of a plant, a nice cut of tea or coffee, and a planner....take time

Feeling overwhelmed and low on energy? Discover a gentle approach to productivity using realistic to-do lists that help you get things done—without the pressure.

What is a Tansy? And Why Thimble & Tansy?

a tansy plant in bloom

When choosing a name for this space, I wanted something that spoke to my love of needle arts and gardening—two things that have been a part of my life for decades. Thimble & Tansy came together naturally, representing both of these passions and the beauty of a handmade life. The Thimble: A Symbol of Craft and Tradition … Read more

Welcome to Thimble & Tansy!

An AI generated photo for Thimble & Tansy.

For most of my life, I lived for others—my husband, my son, my job, my parents, and sometimes even my siblings. Like many women of my generation, I was taught to put my needs last. My mother’s views on life shaped much of my early choices. She encouraged me to go to college—not to build … Read more