Reader-

I was going to say that things have been warming up in Ohio, but then, in true Ohio fashion, we have a chillier rainy day. You know what I love about Ohio? It forces you to be flexible. It demands that you don't get too stuck and comfortable in your plans. It's like a continual invitation to stretch yourself as a human to choose to live here.
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Which reminds me- I saw someone I know post about visiting Ohio and asking (kindly) why anyone chooses to live here. Now I have to admit that I've tried to escape Ohio a few times, but there seems to be some gravitational pull that always brings us back.
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In 2010, I was SURE I would leave after college graduation and move to Kenya. Turns out, at the time, I had too much debt from my private Christian institution to qualify to do the missionary work I was planning to do. Ope. Joke's on me.
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In 2012, Mike and I packed up a U-Haul and drove our (measly) belongings to Southern Arkansas- a place we had never been before- to do a stint with Teach for America. (We moved back to Ohio when we got pregnant for a few reasons, but one of them was that I was convinced the amount of mosquito spray in the air there on a regular basis couldn't be good for anyone. Plus, let's be honest, we didn't really fit in in southern Arkansas, and we preferred having friends and family to raise our baby around.
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Then in 2020 (yes, THAT 2020), we rented out our house and bought an RV for the first time and went on the road with the plan to either find another part of the country that we wanted to settle in or stay in travel mode long-term. Long story short, life did that thing where unexpected things happen and doors open, and we bought our home (now in Sunbury) and have been here since. I was SURE we'd only stay for 2 years MAX. But then we fell in love with our people and our home and our rhythms and now- well, I've been trying to remove myself from expectations and "plans" and trying to live each day with more intention and appreciation. So far, it's working out, but if asked WHY OHIO, it's simple- we love so many people here. I didn't expect how cool it feels to not just love your people, but to start to see your kids find their people and to sometimes be so lucky as to sit with them as they talk and giggle. I'm obsessed.
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Anyways, this email wasn't supposed to be all about Ohio, but the thing is- we are all Central Ohio moms or dads or humans who want connection and purpose and enjoyment, so this email is here to hopefully bring you some of those things. You'll find some events I'm hosting, some I plan to attend, and others that I might not be at, but I cherish and trust the people hosting them, so I want to pass them along!
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Okay now as promised, upcoming events

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(As much as I wanted to make this cutesy, it's honestly going to be a list. Sometimes you get cutesy, and sometimes you get to the point.)
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​1. Babies and Bumps: Babies & Bumps Columbus on June 8th​
Perfect to share with anyone you know who is expecting or has a newborn. My husband, Mike, and I are going to be speaking on Thriving Together with Baby and having a table. I really like this event and find it to be very informational (there are demonstrations on things like babywearing and carseats), and I personally trust a lot of the experts that will be there! If you or someone you know wants to attend, you can use the code COLUMBUSLOVE at checkout for 30% off tickets.
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​2. Let the Light In Resale: 2025 BWC Semi-Annual Resale on June 13th-17th​
​Let the Light In is a local nonprofit that provides support for families facing the pain of miscarriage and pregnancy loss. I cannot say enough about how much I respect Kami, the founder, and everyone involved. They host a semi-annual resale, which basically is a sale in which people donate new or like-new items to the sale ,and all proceeds go back to Let the Light In for their continued service and growth. They have GREAT baby, kids, and other items in like, great shape so I recommend going if you need to stock up!

3. Mom Brew Crew: ​Nostalgia Brewing on June 21st 12-2pm

Last year, I had a few clients in different cities, all struggling with the same thing- making real, quality mom friends in their area. This made me think that people in central Ohio are probably craving that too. That's why I started this monthly meet-up, Mom Brew Crew, as a way for people to connect with other moms and start building meaningful friendships. Most of the people I attract into this circle tend to value things like: Inclusivity, justice, personal growth, family, and have a little less emphasis on the performance parts of motherhood and family, which I personally find refreshing and hope that you do too. Oh, and I partner with other local businesses to have some kids' activities and a giveaway because 1. Someone else should entertain those kids for a bit so you can breathe and 2. You deserve a little pamperin,g too.

4. Worthington Area Mom Walk on June 21st at 10am

Mom walks are a great, low-key way to get together and have some adult conversation. The Worthington area group meets twice a month, usually at Heischmann Park.

5. Delaware Area Mom Walk: June 13th, 18th, 27th

Just like above, get out and walk and talk. The Delaware area group meets at different parks, including Smith, Veterans, Mingo, and the zoo. Check out their IG pinned post for the June calendar.

6. Frog Friday at Highlands Park Westerville June 20th

Oka,y my friend Sarah of Frida Bee Studio (best place for piercings and eyebrows) told me about this one. Her daughter and my son were in preschool together and bonded over all things messy, outdoors, and animals. (I don't particularly believe in arranged marriages for my kids, but if I did, I'd be working on these two.) Anyways, you can explore the wetlands and learn about frogs and let your grimey kids meet other grimey kids and maybe awkwardly make friends with that kid's mom and... well, magic could happen.
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6. Postpartum Drop-in Meet-up with Erin of Thrive Doula on June 27th 10-12
​Meet at Beyond Arts and Music in Bexley. No sign up required. (P.S. I'm obsessed with Erin, so I've thought about stealing a baby so I can go to her postpartum meet-ups, but that seems a tad unethical.
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​7. Therapeutic Journaling workshop with Anne Brady on June 30th

If I needed to decompress, tap into my inner self, and feel seen and held, Anne Brady is one of the people I'd choose to let down my walls and do this with. If you've been saying that you need to start journaling, this is your sign to actually do it.
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Upcoming Months:
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​Mom Brew Crew (either July 12th or 19th. Will be confirmed soon!) Looking into Crooked Can in Hilliard

Lactation and Newborn Care classes on July 22nd
Northside Women's Health with Erin of Thrive Doula
*If you or someone you know is pregnant and interested, let me know, and I'll get a discount code for you!
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​Sound Bath hosted by The Educated Pelvis: July 26th from 6pm-7pm
Sound Bath and Guided Mindfulness by Amy (owns Magic Hour Wellness)
Location: Arbuckle Room at Be Well Collective (Upper Arlington)
Bring With You: Yoga Mat, Blanket & Pillow
Sign-Up: Email DrSamParkhurst@gmail.com *Free for attendees!
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​Becoming Pregnancy Retreat: September 13th
Vanessa of Breath and Birth Co is another gem of a human. She's wise and calm and the kind of person you want in your corner. She is hosting a one-day pregnancy retreat in the Columbus area. If you know someone (or are someone) who values the idea of a mindful birth experience and connection to self and body throughout, this is for them/you.

Family Counseling Openings: ​
Not an event, but I wanted to share a therapist who does evidence-based parenting work and individual work with kids and teens. She'll see families together with one child identified as the patient. I know it's HARD to find someone you and your kid can like and trust, so check out the work from Nurturing Wellness LLC and specifically Katie's openings.
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​OKAY PS: I guess not everyone knows about the culture passes at local libraries. This is one of my favorite summer hacks (and really all year.) Columbus Metro Library has great ones, but smaller libraries are adding more and more too! ​
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PSS: Last week I went on a trip with my friend Georgia. Georgia's daughter was in my daughter's summer care class last year and she sent home a little card with her contact information. I thought that was brave and cool of her. From that card came a trip to Sedona filled with way-too-loud cackling at a brewery, way-to-early hikes in the red mountains, and someone to just relax and recharge with. That wouldn't have happened if she wasn't willing to put herself out there and meet new people. Sometimes it's scary but it's worth it. (I hope she'd say it's worth it ;) )
Lesson: DO THE THING. BE A LITTLE AWKWARD. PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE.
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​PSSS: Last one, I promise. If you're looking to make a new friend or find someone who shares your same interest or you're not feeling as connected as you want to be, I'd be happy to try and find someone I think you'll jive with. Let me know if I can play mom-friend matchmaker for you at all.

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Let's make Central Ohio the place with the coolest moms and families, okay?