Update On Project

After the summer off to focus on healing, I’m working again on the River’s Forest project. 

For those who might not know, Josh and I drove to the East Coast to see family and dear friends -- many of whom could not make it to River’s memorial events in Texas. Our journey took us to 19 states, with many new tree connections made along the way!

We went tubing on the quiet side of the Smokies (outside of Knoxville) and saw hundreds of beautiful Mimosa trees in bloom. They remind me of the tassel earrings I’m fond of and River’s love for the color PINK. Next, we had lunch in Asheville, North Carolina, among beautiful big oaks. Then onto a visit with special friends outside Philadelphia and a walk around their neighborhood to meet their community of trees.

After four days on the road, we landed in sweet New England – where my love of trees was born. I visited two very special River’s Forest trees in Connecticut and talked to many different people about their future planning plans. I also spent a few hours sitting in my sister's garden with her freshly planted Apple Trees. Josh visited my Dad’s favorite stream bed in Vermont, which is now home to 24 baby Sugar Maples that are part of the Forest.

We left the last week of July, stopped briefly at Niagara Falls, and had dinner in Chicago with good friends. The way back had to be quick, so less visits with trees. My favorites were the rolling forested hills of the Missouri Ozarks, which I saw through the car window. I hope to return there for a proper visit someday soon.

We are back in Texas now and after a few weeks of acclimating to the weather, culture and our life here, I have created the time to update the River’s Forest website. As of today, there are 168 trees listed on River’s Tree map and I have a few more to add!

Trees are planted in the following states:
·         Texas
·         Vermont
·         Connecticut
.         New Mexico
·         Oregon
·         Illinois
·         Minnesota
·         New York
​·         Massachusetts

And in the following Countries
·         Mexico
·         Nepal
·         Indonesia
·         Brazil
·         US

It feels BIG to write this out and think about how many people & hands have nourished this project.
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Please don't feel rushed if you haven’t planted a tree yet. The world still needs them and I still very much enjoy thinking about them!

Here are some next steps for me & River's Forest: 

· I will be creating a River’s Forest Facebook and Instagram page, so it is easier to keep people updated on progress and remind them of upcoming planting dates. Look for an invite from me soon.

· This year, I also hope to clean up the website, which I'll announce through the blog and on social media.  

· For those in Texas or other southern states, Arbor Day is November 1st! Maybe this year is the right time for you to get your tree in the ground. If so, look for hardy trees that can take the freezing temperatures we might get this year and also will be ok with another hot, hot summer next year.


Grieving can feel at times like these extreme weather swings. There are days when Josh and I feel hot & angry with our loss. And days when we feel the bitter cold sting of sadness. Some days are calm and comfortable. There are lots and lots of days in between that just are.

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We are doing what we can to stand tall, stay watered, weather the storms, continue to grow, and shade those who come under our canopy.