When Clayton and I lived in Maine our family and Kjirsten's family got together for Thanksgiving. The table was spread with the most delicous things, all coming mostly from their gardens and ours; heirloom veggies, their own turkey, homemade grape juice, all lit by candles made with their very own beeswax. You can see why we're kindrid spirits.

Kjirsten was over for dinner the other night and we chatted about all sorts of things. Clay graciously juggled the two kids so I could simply enjoy catching up and having a "grown-up" conversation. We talked about food (of course), about her recent trip to Hawaii to assist her cousin when she gave birth, about the home schooled kids she works with and our ideas about home schooling, about Maine, about cloth diapers, about art and beautiful things.... Conversation flows easily with Kjirsten and so, I'm sure, will the pen glide just as easily as I write to her (and you!).

I asked Kjirsten to send along a few pictures to help you get to know her a bit. I love the ones she chose; wild Maine blueberries (they are SO good!), her art, things she loves, and photos that show her radiant personality. I love sunny people:) Now I'll let her tell you a bit about herself in her own words:

My name is Kjirsten---yep the "j" throws people off, but I totally love it. I grew up all over the states. (My dad was an ARMY doctor) Some of my favorite places to live were Washington D.C., Hawaii, and Washington State---and of course MAINE!!! I went to BYU-Idaho and started out in Art History, and then realized that I couldn't choose just ONE art emphasis, so...I went into Art Education (Love teaching, love kids, love sharing what I know--love learning from them, and what they know.) and also double majored in graphic design. (Good typography makes me swoon!) 
Currently I work as a private tutor for four adorable children. We grow gardens, devour history, and memorize Shakespeare while jumping on the trampoline. I love my job. I also teach an art class for a homeschooling co-op. Photography is my other love. People are so beautiful. The world is so beautiful.

I love exploring new places, and cultures. Be it across the globe, in a sailboat, or down the street at the farmer's market.

I love to sing, especially with my family. It's a great tradition that helps us connect and use our talents. And I looooove to cook. Indian food is my specialty. Basically I love to create. Bookmaking, ceramics, painting, cooking. Recently I've put my endearment (read: obsession!) of textiles to good use and made a crazy quilt. It is so not even close to perfect, but it was fun!

You can get your daily dose of Kjirsten on her blog, and see more of her lovely photos here.

And now that we're all friends, let the letter writing begin!! 