Hello, First name / dear friend!

 

Welcome to another edition of Fun Mail. This month’s edition is full of summer heart—not only the joy of family and food, but stories of how Simple Hospitality continues to travel to new places and connect me with the kindest people. I’m so grateful you’re here.

 

✨ A milestone worth celebrating: As of the end of June, we’ve now sold or given away exactly 2,000 copies of the 5,184 Simple Hospitality books we printed!

 

That number means so much to me—not because of sales or stats, but because of the stories, conversations, and unexpected connections this book has made possible. When I think about what’s next, I don’t have a perfect “end goal” in mind… I’m just praying God keeps opening doors and using this message of kindness and everyday hospitality in ways that will always surprise me!

 

I’d love to continue showing up here each month with these newsletters, and trust that God can use even the smallest, simplest acts to soften hearts and bring people together. It’s fun that the book’s story continues through this monthly newsletter, too. I like to think of it as the “P.S.” of the book, right?

 

Simple Hospitality has never been about big gestures or fancy events—it’s always been about presence, intention, and love.

 

And speaking of hospitality taking unexpected paths: I’m excited to share that I’ve been invited to speak next spring at our daughter, Anna’s MomCo group in Atlanta! 🌸 (MomCo, formerly MOPS, or Mothers of Preschoolers has been a huge part of Anna’s transition from working mom to stay-at-home mom—and my sister, Jeana also serves as a mentor mom in Wisconsin!) I’m truly honored and can’t wait to encourage young moms with the heart behind this message.

 

Scott and I marked 45 years of marriage in the North Carolina mountains—what a milestone! We spent a week just the two of us celebrating our anniversary, then a beautiful week surrounded by our children, Betsy, Michael, and Anna and their spouses Michael, Ashley, and Houston. And our six perfect grandchildren, Connor, Will, Margaret, Davis, Palmer and Brooks… what a gift! There’s something about the mountains that refreshes the soul.

 

 

While in the area, I had the joy of visiting several North Carolina shops in Blowing Rock, Highlands and Cashiers that carry Simple Hospitality—including Acorns at Old Edwards Inn, CK Swan, Fiddlehead Designs, My Mountain Home, Nora & Co., and Take Heart. I’m so grateful for these beautiful spaces that have embraced my book and shared it with their customers and guests. Take Heart and My Mountain Home had both sold out and re-ordered, and Acorns at Old Edwards Inn placed their THIRD order! 👏 I always love getting to hand deliver the books and reconnect with owners and the retail buyers of the shops.

 

But truly the best part of this entire experience in writing a book, has absolutely been the PEOPLE I've gotten to meet along the way. This whole journey has really been SO much fun!! I truly could tell story after story about the wonderful people we have met. In fact, some have suggested I write a book about those people…never say never, but at nearly 70 years old, I’ve got to get back to my Gigi life!! 🧡 

Have you shared Simple Hospitality with a favorite local shop or friend? I’d love to know where it’s traveled or who it’s touched—just hit reply and tell me! You know I’m a Story Girl!!🧡

Whether you’re heading across the country or just across town, summer often means movement. And with that movement comes a beautiful opportunity: to bring hospitality with you.

 

This month, I’m sharing a chapter from my book that feels especially fitting for the season—“Invitation #7: Traveling Kindness.” It’s a gentle reminder that hospitality isn’t limited to our homes. It travels with us in the way we notice others, offer kindness, and carry peace in unfamiliar places.

 

➡️ Read the full chapter and blog post here.

 

I hope it inspires you to bring a little extra warmth and welcome with you—wherever the road and life takes you. 

 

 

When I think of July, I think of sunshine on the porch, fresh-picked flowers in a jar, and the beautiful gift of slowing down. Summer doesn’t have to be packed to be meaningful.

 

I once read a book about To-Be’s, instead of the typical To-Do’s that we all strive for. Readings like that speak to me. Sometimes, the sweetest moments are the quietest ones—the ones you could do something if the mood strikes, and the ones that don’t require planning or perfection.

 

Inspired by the idea of a “could-do list,” I created this soft reminder for all of us: you don’t have to hustle to make this summer count. Just choose kindness, delight, and connection—one small thing at a time. If we keep that thought with us, I believe it will happen.

 

🌿 A July Could-Do List

 

You never know how much a kind word could mean. I’m always looking for “fun mail” in my mailbox and I just bet you are, too.

 

A friend, a neighbor, or even your pharmacist—hospitality can bloom anywhere.

 

Store-bought popsicles or brownies on paper plates totally count.

 

How welcoming is the simplest invitation: “Would you like to come sit a while?”

 

Leave margin for joy. That’s where real connection grows.

 

This little “could-do list” isn’t about productivity. It’s about presence. And it’s deeply rooted in the heartbeat of Simple Hospitality—offering warmth and welcome in the everyday moments.

 

What’s something you might add to your own could-do list? I’d love to hear it.

 

Here’s to a July filled with light, laughter, and a little more love around the table.

Some connections stay with you—and Take Heart is one of those for me.

 

As I was finishing up the writing and editing of Simple Hospitality, I began sending a few emails to shopkeepers I admired. Take Heart was the very first shop I reached out to—and I still remember exactly where I was sitting when I got a computer reply just 45 minutes later. I didn’t know how this whole thing even worked!! I may have written a book but I sure didn’t know anything about marketing and distributing etc, etc!! The shop owner’s response to me was full of kindness and encouragement. She told me how brave I was to be writing my own book and self-publishing. I have saved that email and will never forget how much her words meant to me in that vulnerable, early stage. It was a beautiful reminder that people are people—and you never know what a thoughtful message might mean to someone, just as it did for me.

 

Since then, my husband and I have had the joy of meeting in person and staying connected with Sheri. On our most recent trip to North Carolina, I stopped in again and told her where the proceeds from my book are going, the Orlando Health new Children’s Pavilion here in downtown Orlando. She lit up. She shared that she knew people currently walking through some difficult times themselves and that she wanted to gift some copies to encourage them. That moment touched me deeply.

 

When she purchased another box of 12 books to restock her shelves, I picked out some lovely stationery in her shop—and in true Simple Hospitality fashion, she gifted it to me. I was so moved by that thoughtful gesture… and of course, I used one of those cards to send her a thank-you note. 💌

 

I love how Take Heart lives out what its name promises. Their shop is peaceful and beautifully curated, but even more than that—it’s full of heart. I’m so grateful Simple Hospitality has found a home there. They even have a Prayer Tree right outside the front door of the shop (picture below!).

 

If you find yourself in Blowing Rock, NC, I hope you stop in. You’ll leave with something beautiful—and maybe even a little more encouraged than when you arrived. 💗

 

I recently shared the recipe on my blog for my mom’s summer chicken salad—a refreshing, nostalgic dish that made its first appearance at her and my dad’s 50th wedding anniversary. Twenty years later, we’re still making it and loving every bite!

 

I was on the phone with our daughter Anna in Atlanta this week while she was taking her little ones to the zoo. I happened to mention some animal stamps I had at home, and sweet Margaret (4) quickly asked if I’d send her a letter! While they were off visiting the animals, I sat down and wrote two quick notes—one with a racecar stamp for Palmer (he’s all about racecars these days!) and one with a giraffe sticker for Margaret. Stickers feel like such a treat to little ones, and it was so simple to tuck a few animal stickers I had at home into their envelopes.

 

It reminded me how simple it can be to brighten someone’s day. A quick note, a thoughtful stamp, a few fun stickers… sometimes the smallest gestures leave the biggest impression.

 

🌼 Maybe there’s someone on your mind today? A friend, a grandchild, a neighbor? Take this as your nudge to send a little Fun Mail this week. 💌 

 

Summer tends to present new rhythms, which means there can be new and sometimes unexpected ways to show kindness and hospitality to others.

 

Until Next Time…
Thank you for being here. I love hearing from you—hit reply and let me know what you've been up to this summer!

P.S. Did you know? All proceeds from my book, Simple Hospitality, go directly to support the new Orlando Health Children’s Pavilion—a place of hope, healing, and care for families in our community. Thank you for helping make a difference with every book you gift and share.

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If someone forwarded it to you—welcome! I'm so glad you're here. My name is Jennifer Boyd, and I recently published Simple Hospitality: An Invitation to Add Kindness to Your Everyday Life, a dream 25 years in the making. In both my book and newsletter, I share the heart behind hospitality—simple ways to bring kindness and connection into everyday life.

 

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