Kelly and Robb Hatch and Debbie and Clay Wood have experienced the touch of angels in their lives. This week, we had the amazing opportunity to hear their story. In 2012, Kelly and Robb survived a plane crash. Debbie and Clay were among the first responders at the scene. They shared with us their experiences during the accident, recovering from serious injuries, and developing a wonderful friendship–all full of miracles. The Hatches and Woods reminded us that God is present in our lives, often in unexpected ways that we don’t see until after miracles have occurred. 

Be aware that this episode contains descriptions of a plane crash and related injuries in some detail.

Michael and Hannie were joined by Kim Clonch this week, a woman whose story tugged our heartstrings. Learning about her life took us through war, animal rescue, and battles with illness. Her strength and perseverance, coupled with an incredible attitude, are truly awe-inspiring. Join us to learn about love letters at war, the effect one person can have when they follow their passions, and how to stay positive and move forward when life seems bleak.

In the words of Hannie, this is “one of my most favorite stories I’ve ever heard”. We’re joined this week by a family that came from an incredible start. Christi and Ed met each other across the world–through letters, while Ed was serving in the Navy during Desert Storm. Their daughter, Molly, brought their story to us, and we were fortunate to have the opportunity to unfold their love story with them. We were shocked and delighted by the twists and turns of what it looked like to truly court through letters, especially in a time so close to our own. Join us to hear an incredibly unique story of love letters during war!

Our guest this week, Karen Stanaland, taught us a lot about becoming who you are. In her life so far, she’s experienced and accomplished so much. She’s published books, run businesses, completed degrees, sung arias, played concertos, overcome heartbreak, and left an impact on countless lives. After all this, she found her calling as an inspirational art teacher. Join us as we learn from her how to keep moving forward and thrive in any circumstance.

Have you ever considered how much your personal history matters? Our guest this week, Kate Zirkle, runs a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the personal histories of everyday people–diaries. It’s called The American Diary Project, and we think its mission is worth supporting. Join us to learn about how Kate got started with such a unique project, some of the stories she’s gathered, and how everyone can be involved.

To donate journals, volunteer, or learn more about Kate’s work, go to the American Diary Project’s website:

https://americandiaryproject.com/

Our youngest guest yet, Makenzie Monson, is a testament to the power of hope during trials. Michael and Hannie got a lot of time to listen as she shared her story this week. In her junior year of high school, Makenzie’s life was changed in an instant by a traumatic brain injury at a dance practice. Over the following months, her symptoms multiplied, turning what she thought would be a short recovery into a life-altering set of conditions. She was filled with darkness, fear, and despair for a long time as her mind turned on her. Miraculously, Makenzie found hope in these bleak circumstances through little sparkles of hope. Through a lot of time, effort, and hope, she’s working towards a brighter future. Her story demonstrates the power of small and simple things bringing about great changes.

Find Makenzie's blog here: https://sweet-hope.com

This week, we dive into Gilded Age history with Cassandra Van Cott and Kate Botelho Sibya of the Preservation Society of Newport County. 

Over the past year, Michael and Hannie have created a story centered around the Newport Mansions, The Camellia Grace Letters. Join us as we dive into the history behind the story, how this collaboration came to be, and explore the mansions with people who have spent years involved in their preservation. We learned a lot about the Gilded Age through creating this story, and even more in our conversation with Cassandra and Kate.

Learn more about the Newport Mansions:

https://www.newportmansions.org/ 

Learn more about the Camellia Grace Letters:

https://vimeo.com/1123987884/fc8f4838dd?share=copy

Purchase the Camellia Grace Letters:

https://newportstyle.net/the-camellia-grace-letters-subscription/?utm_source=FlowerLettersPodcast&utm_medium=AffiliateMarketing&utm_campaign=FlowerLettersToNewportMansionsTracking

Matching Camellia Grace Tin

https://newportstyle.net/the-camellia-grace-keepsake-tin/?utm_source=FlowerLettersPodcast&utm_medium=AffiliateMarketing&utm_campaign=FlowerLettersToNewportMansionsTracking

This week, we’re taking a look at our newest story, The Camellia Grace Letters. Camellia Grace is a Gilded Age story we made in connection with The Newport Mansions. Hannie and Michael share how this collaboration came to be, insights into the story, and what makes this story launch so special. Tune in to get the inside scoop on our latest release!

For more information about The Newport Mansions, visit: https://www.newportmansions.org/

Our Behind The Story episodes will explore the creative journey behind Hannie’s stories. Join us this week for inside insights about The Audrey Rose Letters, the first story we released! Michael & Hannie explore why they chose WW2 as the time period, and answer questions surrounding the making of the story.

For those of you who haven’t read The Audrey Rose Letters, here’s the synopsis:

“Audrey Rose Drollinger meets Corporal Charlie Henderson Burke at a Fourth of July Army Ranger dance in Tullahoma, Tennessee. From the moment he lays eyes on her, Charlie knows he’s a goner. He has to meet Audrey Rose…to share a dance, a moment, a true connection before leaving for basic training – and soon, the war raging on the other side of the world.

When the music ends that night, their story is just beginning, as the two soon learn they have a great deal in common: a love for their country, loyalty to the army, and, of course, an immediate attraction to one another.

As their relationship develops through heartfelt letters, the couple moves closer and closer to one of the most important days of WWII. Yet, neither can see the significant role each will play in the day’s events… and whether both of them will make it out alive – or even together.”

Hannie and Michael chatted with Mary Cafazzo this week, and her story feels like something straight out of a movie. At age 16, she met her husband at a summer camp in Connecticut. Though he went back to England, their relationship blossomed through countless letters sent across an ocean, phone calls at the holidays, and the occasional transatlantic trip. After going their separate ways for a number of years, they once again connected through a series of letters that led to a beautiful marriage that’s endured for decades. Join us to hear the full love story, along with her challenges and eventual successes in sharing stories with others!

Mary even started a book club for those who appreciate epistolary stories (stories told in letter format). Join the book club here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/507451325249661/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT