emphasizing connection and compassion towards both nature and humanity

KINSHIP JOURNAL includes articles on mindful living, reading, travel, and wellness that explore our connection with nature and with each other.

Humankind is united through deep social, emotional, and structural bonds. The concept of kinship offers a structure for social interactions, support, identity formation, and responsibilities, all of which foster a sense of belonging and cultural continuity.

A kinship with nature represents a profound, relational, and often spiritual connection between humans and the natural world. Earth is an extended family rather than merely a resource. This perspective involves understanding that human well-being is deeply linked to the health of the land and promotes responsibility, respect, and nurture with all living beings.

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Mindful LIVING

A collection of articles about consciously aligning actions, choices, and habits with my core values and beliefs. Counter-culturally moving away from an over-busy, stress-filled, anxious existence to actively creating a life focused on purpose, mindfulness, while discovering the ways that life is interconnected.

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Reading

A curated selection of meaningful book quotes and reading recommendations, focusing on historical fiction, non-fiction, nature, classics, and writing. The goal is to acquire knowledge and deepen understanding of parallels, symbolism, connections, and lessons through the pastime of reading.

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Travel

Exploring how travel fosters empathy, challenges assumptions and cultural stereotypes, and creates experiences that connect people from different backgrounds. Face-to-face interactions build trust and understanding. Human connections remind us that we are not so different from each other and we still have a lot to learn.

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Wellness

Articles that focus on actively improving emotional, psychological, and social well-being to improve stress management and to be better in tune with oneself. Main topics include self-care, understanding personal traits and challenges, maintaining physical activity, practicing intentional living, and expressing gratitude.

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Other Writing

AUTHOR

Tera Lopez Vannoy

The story is set in late 19th-century New England about a young orphan girl from Mexico. Raised in a wealthy home and loved by her guardians, she faces rejection from the local community. Struggling to fit into either the upper class or the working class, Lucia must navigate a changing world to find her place. When a family member visits, it disrupts the balance at Leyland Park and ultimately transforms everyone’s lives.

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DEVOTIONAL

MANÁ Scripture Notes

MANÁ is the Spanish word for manna, and like manna from the story of Exodus, the objective of this devotional is to provide daily spiritual sustenance. With daily scriptural nourishment and visually appealing scriptural notes, the hope is for this devotional to provide a path toward a more grounded faith as well as an aesthetically appealing study of scripture. The study is best for people who consider themselves belivers.

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