Some mornings, I step outside and the world feels perfectly still, except for the soft rhythm of life that surrounds me. The cows graze quietly in the pasture, the horses lift their heads as I walk by, and the bees hum through the wildflowers that edge the fenceline. It’s a peaceful, grounding sound, one that reminds me I’m part of something much bigger and more beautiful than myself.

I take great pride in caring for the animals and the land that sustain us. The cows here eat well and live simply. The horses are treated with a soft touch and an immense amount of patience. Even the smallest creatures, the wild geese, the butterflies, the bees know this place is safe. They come and go as they please, stopping for a rest or a drink, or staying as long as they need. Over time, this land has become its own kind of sanctuary, a pause between wild and home, where all living things are welcome.

This way of living wasn’t something I just stumbled into, it’s something I learned from my dad and grandfather. They showed me, through their quiet consistency, what it means to truly tend to the land. It wasn’t just about hard work; it was about respect. They taught me to listen to the animals, to the seasons, to the quiet signs of nature that tell you what needs care and what needs time.

From them, I learned that the best kind of life is simple and steady. You feed what feeds you. You plant what helps the bees and the butterflies. You make sure every creature big or small has what it needs to live well. And in return, the land gives back in peace, beauty, and inspiration.

When I’m planting my seeds, I think about who I’m planting for, the bees that will come for the blooms, the monarchs that will dance through the milkweed, the birds that might find a safe place to rest. Each small act of care feels like a way to keep the cycle going.

That same rhythm of care and intention flows into Indy Mae Designs. Every towel I print begins with inspiration from this land, from the textures of tree bark, the curve of a leaf, the stillness of the horses grazing. My designs are a reflection of the quiet beauty that happens when nature, art, and purpose come together.

This place and the life it holds continue to remind me that beauty always begins with how we care for the world around us. Whether it’s tending to the animals, planting for the pollinators, or creating something by hand, it all comes from the same root: love and respect for what’s real.

So, as I go about my days feeding the cows, brushing down the horses, checking the flowers, or inking a fresh towel, I carry that lesson with me. The rhythm of the land keeps me grounded, inspired, and endlessly grateful to play a small part in nurturing the life that surrounds me.

And in every hand-printed towel I make, I hope a little bit of that feeling comes through, the peace of the pastures, the hum of the bees, and the simple beauty of living in tune with the land. 

If you’d like to bring a piece of that slow, grounded rhythm into your home, you can explore my latest hand-printed tea towels here.

With love from the studio,

Whitney