IN THIS ISSUE:

• From Kim’s Desk → Seasons of change and the beauty of letting go
• From the Schoolhouse → The power of clear communication
• On Display → The Founding Member Blueprint Workshop
• Field Notes → Poetry, cozy meals, and small business inspiration
• Grace + Grit → Jolene’s big city adventures
• Coming Up → The Mapphouse Buyers Guide

Hey Reader! November is here, and I’ll be honest — I was sad to say goodbye to October. It’s always such a beautiful month in the mountains, often the “blessing” we get after wildfire and smoke season. But this year, it felt like it passed in a blink. As the aspens finish their color change and most of the leaves fall, the tamaracks — or larches — begin their golden transformation. If you’re unfamiliar with this tree, it’s one of the only deciduous pines in the world. In spring, its soft needles emerge a vibrant green, and in fall, they turn a mind-blowing gold before dropping entirely. It’s truly a sight to see. (Check out the short video below!) ​

Watching that shift reminded me that when seasons change — when one opportunity ends or a dream evolves — something else is always waiting to emerge. Something with its own beauty and potential for impact. I’m anxiously (and excitedly) looking forward to this new season — in both business and life — and I’m so grateful you’re here to walk alongside me.With grace and grit,

+ In each issue, The Schoolhouse is where we pause to learn. A short reflection, a lesson in progress, a reminder worth keeping — for business, life, and everything in between.

The Power of Clear Communication

Over the past few months, I’ve been reminded just how powerful clear communication really is — in leadership, in business, and in life.

Communication is an interesting thing. We all speak, listen, and perceive through our own filters — shaped by lived experience, language, and preconceived perceptions. Every time we send an email, hold a conversation, or share an idea, the person on the other end arrives with their own framework already in place for how they’ll interpret what we say.

So here’s your reminder: be as clear as possible. Ask for clarity when you need it. And if you’re leading, teaching, or collaborating — build in small “checks for understanding” around the things that truly matter.

We can’t assume others will internalize our message exactly as we mean it. But we can take responsibility for how we communicate — with patience, precision, and presence.

The Founding Member Blueprint Workshop — December 10th

This is for the ones ready to create with purpose in 2026.
If you’re a coach, creative, educator, or service provider ready to turn your knowledge into a course, workshop, or learning experience — this live session is your starting point.

Join me on Wednesday, December 10th for a 60-minute live workshop + Q&A, where we’ll walk through the Signature Course Blueprint — a framework built on my unique experience of nearly 20 years in eduction, designing and building online courses, with leadership and business best practices, all rolled into one.

You’ll also receive:
• The downloadable Signature Course Blueprint Workbook​
• A 1:1 strategy session to refine your next steps

I’m inviting a small group of brave builders to walk alongside me in shaping this first round — and the future of Mapphouse’s educational experiences.

This workshop is 50% off what future events will be, it is a great chance to get in on the ground floor of this program!

What I’m Reading​
I’ve been reading Devotions by Mary Oliver — a collection that never really leaves my nightstand. Poetry has always been a quiet constant for me, even since childhood. I find myself reaching for it in the in-between spaces — between books, between seasons — when I need a reminder to slow down and notice the world a little more closely.

What I’m Cooking​
This Salsa Verde Chicken Tortilla Bowl from Half Baked Harvest has been on repeat lately. It’s cozy, flavorful, and just the right amount of comfort for these colder November days — the kind of meal that feels like coming home after a long day of work.

What’s Inspiring Me​
As the holiday season ramps up, I’m thinking of all the small-business owners, makers, and creatives in full hustle mode. I’ll be sharing a buyer’s guide soon with some of the brands and businesses I personally love, know, and use. But for now, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to Jillian Lukiwski of The Noisy Plume — a family friend and one of the most inspiring makers I know. After a serious horse accident this summer, she’s moving through this season with such grace, grit, and resilience. Watching her continue to create and show up with purpose has been a powerful reminder of what it means to build with both heart and courage.

Disclaimer: This letter was “written” by Jolene — Kim’s 19 month old — and typed up by her mom. Hopefully it’s a breath of fresh air in the middle of the chaos, and a gentle reminder that we’re all just doing our best on any given day.

Hi everyone, Jolene here — toddler-in-chief and part-time travel correspondent. This week I took a big trip to the city to visit my grandparents! Mom says it’s important to “get out more,” so I took that very seriously — I ran through piles of leaves, made friends with every dog in sight, and enjoyed a few very public meltdowns (you know, to keep things interesting). Highlights included: snacks in the car, an epic game of “no sleep for me,” and discovering that restaurants have food you can throw really far. Overall, I’d say the trip was a success — 10/10 leaves crunched, 4/5 tantrums survived, and lots of extra hugs from the grandparents. Can’t wait to tell you all about my next adventure soon!

Love, ​Jolene (and Mom, who is currently re-hydrating and re-grouping)

The Mapphouse Buyers Guide

Something new (and special) is in the works — the very first Mapphouse Buyers Guide. Think of it as a curated collection of artists, makers, educators, and small businesses who are building with purpose, beauty, and intention.

If you’re a creative business owner, educator, or artisan who would love to be included (or know someone who should be), I’d love to hear from you.