A Proper Mountain Woman: Naomi Young

Better Know a Proper Mountain Woman: Naomi Young
I am excited for today's post about Naomi, one of the most kind and thoughtful people I know. I admire Naomi because she's always trying new things (I was delighted when I heard that she started belly dancing a few years ago), she designs curtains, makes unique jewelry organizers and headbands, studies graphology... and I have been the happy recipient of many of her home-made cards. Naomi and her little family live in Austin, Texas and she was raised and grew up in Louisiana... so she has a cute sorta "southern bell" way about her, which I love. I just love this woman, I'm glad she wanted to be spotlighted here.

1. Where is your favorite outdoor refuge where you live right now?

That's a hard one since there are so many awesome trails to choose from in Austin and I haven't even done them all. I really love one trail that's tucked into a wooded area called Walnut Creek, there's a dog park there , and a great playground for kids too. I go there when I want to get away from buildings and concrete and see the sunlight flow through the trees.

2. What do you do to feel creative? What is your creative outlet?

I make things. Wreaths are one of my favorites. I enjoy making cards and designing curtains as well. I also enjoy venturing into fun cooking adventures like frying fish at home or making awesome steaks and gourmet burgers for my man.

3. What is your favorite mountain? 

I really haven't been on tons of mountains, but nothing tops Colorado peaks in my opinion.

4. What would you say is a mountain that you have conquered in life?

Giving birth all naturally in my own bedroom. 

5. Is etiquette important to you? How do you plan on teaching etiquette to your children? Who taught you?

I'm not sure what all proper etiquette encompasses but what I would like to pass down to my kids is what I learned from my mom. My mom is so good at thanking people for things, she buys flowers and cookies for bank tellers, pharmacy workers, trash men, and any other person that impresses her. I absolutely love and admire that about her, because it's sometimes so easy to brush those kind of interactions off. My mother-in-law is a fantastic example of a proper hostess, her table is always set, napkin rings and all. That's another great inspiration for me, which I plan on passing down to my kids. Sending thank you cards is something I enjoy doing not just for gifts but also post dinner parties and other various occasions. I feel that sending paper mail is such a lost art of etiquette.

6. What do you do to feel motivated when you are feeling lazy, or you feel like you are in a rut?

Exercise or go in nature or both! Something about getting my body moving just awakens my brain. And being surrounded by God's creation does that too and makes my problems feel much smaller.

7. What daily routine do you have to help you feel more feminine or more like a proper lady?

Honestly, I haven't been as diligent as I wish regarding my daily routine since having a baby. But one thing that links to the next question is always having my nails painted. I always try to wear a piece of jewelry as well, to make me feel womanly. I keep a daily gratitude journal as well, a small thing but really a big part of my day. 

8. What is your favorite fingernail polish brand and color?

Love OPI's "Did you ear about Van Gogh?", it's a beige color and goes with everything!

9. What is your favorite song that you've been listening to?

Oh so many! I'd say one of the newer ones I've purchased is Jack White's "Would you fight my love".

10. What new hobbies or skills are you currently pursuing? Do you ever feel nervous about trying something new?

I'm thinking of starting my own Etsy store, definitely nervous and scared to do that! Combing a few questions here, but one womanly thing I enjoy doing is belly dancing. The reason I started belly dancing in the first place was in order to try something that I was scared to death to do, and now I love it!

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Peace and pine trees,

Whitney (& Naomi)