As I got a tour of the house and gardens, I could see what a purposeful and fun filled life Brayton lived. A collection of medals won from local Dog competitions were hung up on the second floor wall opposite her writing desk. Paintings of her garden, which were gifted to her by guests she hosted, were framed alongside her table. Brayton wrote numerous books and regularly contributed to “Gardens of America”—a major work in historical gardens. She was a woman of many interests, who lived a full life and wrote alongside it. Brayton’s life was one of contribution and her countless written works reveal that she had a practice of writing that allowed her to live with a heightened sense of awareness and reach hearts beyond her lifetime. 

Future: In terms of what I can naturally contribute alongside living my full life, I came across My Kitchen Diary created by Shehla Sanam Abdulla. It’s a gorgeous book with illustrated recipes and space to document all your personal culinary adventures. I received my copy and look forward to filling it up with my simple recipes for the purpose of handing it down to my girls, so that they can have a connection with me even when my physical body ceases to exist.