Welcome to A Patch of Edelweiss! My name is Katie, and I’m so excited to begin this journey with you! I am a twenty-something aspiring writer, learning to navigate our complex and interesting world. A big “Thank You” in advance for accompanying me on this adventure!

My goal for this blog is to provide a fresh, honest perspective about a variety of issues and topics, both in my life and in today’s society. There are so many voices out there in social media, screaming at us about politics, body image, how to raise a family, how to live life, etc. It is my hope to be one small voice reminding people to pause and re-assess what is truly important for them, to embark on the search for truth in a world that tells us that truth is subjective, and to begin the journey of discovering the real meaning of simplicity and inner happiness.

So, what does A Patch of Edelweiss mean?

Edelweiss is a hardy little flower that grows high in the crags of the Alps of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. It is very rare and must survive harsh weather on a continual basis. Edelweiss is a symbol of national pride for these countries, and travelers and hikers go to great lengths to obtain it. Perhaps the easiest way of describing it is by way of the famous song in The Sound of Music:

Edelweiss, Edelweiss, every morning you greet me;

Small and white, clean and bright, you look happy to meet me!

Blossom of snow, may you bloom and grow, bloom and grow forever!

Edelweiss, Edelweiss, bless my homeland forever!

I wanted to use this flower to describe the way in which I view the world. I will strive to make this blog a place where you, the reader, can find a “clean and bright” perspective, not only on some of the big issues we face as a society, but also in the small moments of daily life. Edelweiss may be rare, but its strength is what enables it to survive.

There is so much unhappiness in the world, so I thank you for joining me as we climb the mountains of life in pursuit of truth, simplicity, and beauty. Along the way, we will have to drop some burdens to make it easier: grudges, old opinions, things that sap us of our energy. But we’ll also learn ways to enjoy the view. Who says the journey can’t be fun? It will be a tough ascent, but I think it’s worth it to find that patch of Edelweiss. See you at the top!