Collaboration Magic

Marriage ain’t easy. Soul mates are still human. 

Mark and I have periods of blissful connection, followed by periods of tense distance. But we’re getting better at it. 

One thing we’ve learned that works for us is collaborating on something that lights both of us up. There’s so much magic in directing our energy, imagination and curiosity into a shared project. 

Over the years, we’ve built a lot of things together. 

We’re writing a book and recording a podcast. We’ve recorded a love song. We host song circles, musicians’ jams, talent shows and other gatherings that bring people together.  

We hauled in tons of white sand, reclaimed wood, palm trees, and hammocks to transform a forgotten little triangle lot in downtown Nashville into what became Little Chill Beach. What started as a Fourth of July party became a gathering place that carried us and many of our friends through the pandemic. 

We bought a neglected lot behind our home that was filled with tires, box springs, trash, and decades of overgrowth. Together we cleaned it up and transformed it into the Tiny Happy Forest, a place for concerts, bonfires, and community under the trees.  

We built the “Tiny Happy Library” at the stop sign in front of our house so neighbors could share books, stories, and surprises.

Now we’re building “Tiny Happy Studio” in our backyard to hold space for new creative ideas, including Happy Overall. 

Looking back, I realize none of these projects were really about the things themselves. They were about creating something side by side. That's the gift.

— Jenny