A Mom Like You – Meet Hyacynth the Happy, Healthy, Hippie

From Highland Park to Hainesville, the Lake County suburbs are vast and everyone is looking for that parent who’s just like them.  This month we’re taking a look “Behind the Trike” and meeting the parents who bring Lake County to you every day. Today we’re meeting Hyacynth, the Happy, Healthy, Hippie for Jesus.

I’ve known Hy for years, although we actually meet online {true story}. We’ve collaborated on numerous writing and creativity projects before I finally convinced her to join us on Little Lake County. She is the Green Editor and has helped create and edit the Green Lifestyle Guide and of course, she is the Happy Hippie behind Homesteading with Hyacynth.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in the beautiful — words, a sunset, a hug, a good conversation, a thoughtful read, a challenging movie, a hand-written note, my children’s child-like faith and in the Word of God, especially the beautiful prose and poetry of the Psalms.

Best advice (and from whom) you’ve received as a mom?

I was at a conference a few years ago, and I was sitting in on a speaker I’d never really heard of before– Sally Clarkson. She was a mom to four kids and the author of a dozen books, and the head of a pretty significant ministry that tends to families and mothers, especially. My ears perked up when she began talking about the pressure of following dreams and simultaneously raising children. At the time, I struggled to find time even to write, something that gives me life and helps me make sense of life. I had been feeling totally defeated in mothering and writing and trying to make the two coexist. What she said changed my whole perspective, “My children are the most important books I’ve ever written. They are living stories to people they meet.”When I’ve become frustrated with not having time to write since then, I’ve remembered those words and been especially mindful of the words I’m writing on my children’s hearts. 

What would your children say about you?

I just asked my oldest (5), and he said, “I would tell someone, ‘she loves me, and she makes us dinner.'”

My four-year-old said, “You are mommy! You give hugs and kisses and your sword fight.”

All right, then! They would probably also tell a stranger how I make them eat healthy food and pick up their underwear.

Local Gem you wouldn’t ever miss?

We rarely miss the Grayslake Farmers Market! So many splendidly healthy and delicious locally grown foods! A mom’s dream!

Hyacynth is a former journalist that can be found a lot of places online. She will be in the 2014 cast of Listen to Your Mother.