Local Love: Bits & Pieces Art and Antiques and Milkweed Provisions

Tonight felt like a quiet reset that I did not realize I was craving. Jennifer with Bits and Pieces Art and Antiques hosted the sweetest letter writing workshop at Milkweed Provisions on the Marion square, and the space felt like it was wrapped in its own kind of calm. The lights were soft, the conversations moved slowly, and for once there was no pressure to rush or produce. We simply sat, wrote, and allowed ourselves to be fully present without the constant pull of notifications.

I went with my friend Sarah from Salon Freedom, who is one of the most thoughtful people I know. She writes handwritten notes the way some people paint, and watching her settle into a space that values that kind of intentional connection made the night feel even more meaningful.

Being there reminded me how important it is to create moments that pull us back into ourselves. Moments that quiet the swirl of the week and make room for genuine connection. What I love most is that both Bits and Pieces and Milkweed Provisions have built businesses around this kind of intentional living. They encourage people to slow down, breathe, create, connect, and experience community in a deeper and more grounded way. That is a powerful brand to uphold, and I am grateful to have it here in Southern Illinois.

I left tonight feeling steady, inspired, and thankful for the small pauses that help anchor us. These are the moments that make our community feel like home.