Where Art Takes Shape
Join me on a journey through Mansfield, PA, where I find inspiration for my handcrafted hats and you might just discover your own creative spark.
Finding Inspiration in Mansfield, Pennsylvania’s Countryside
My latest collection of hats isn't just about fashion; it's about capturing the essence of Mansfield's tranquil beauty and translating it into wearable art. There's something about the rolling hills, the whispering pines, and the expansive skies that speaks to my soul and ignites my creativity.
Each hat is a canvas, a story waiting to be told. I find myself drawn to natural compositions and earthy tones, reflecting the textures of the landscape. They become my interpretation of the flowers I find growing wild along creek beds and road sides.
Mansfield provides the perfect backdrop for this artistic exploration. Beyond the town, hidden gems like Mill Cove and Hills Creek State Park offer a refuge from the everyday, a place to reconnect with nature and find inspiration in its quiet grandeur. And after a day spent soaking in the scenery, be sure to treat yourself to a hot vanilla chai latte at Night and Day Coffee – it's my go-to for a cozy pick-me-up!
If you're seeking a place to escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in creativity, I invite you to discover Mansfield, Pennsylvania. Explore the trails, breathe in the fresh air, and let the beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds awaken your own artistic spirit. And if you happen to fall in love with a hat that speaks to your soul, well, that's just a bonus.
So, if you're looking to escape the ordinary and find a place where inspiration blooms, come wander the paths of Mansfield, Pennsylvania. And if you're traveling from afar, The Ranch House offers a tranquil retreat with unforgettable views – the perfect place to unwind after a day spent exploring the natural beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Healing Through Art, Finding Unity in Community
Healing Through Art, Finding Unity in Community: Discover how art can help us heal and connect in challenging times. Taschi Creates offers a safe space for self-expression and community building, especially centering marginalized voices. Join us on a journey of art, activism, and collective empowerment.
The world feels fractured…
The world feels fractured. The recent election has left many of us reeling, our hearts heavy with disappointment and anger. It's easy to feel divided, to turn against those who made choices that are a betrayal of our rights and values.
But healing isn't just about individual expression; it's about collective action and radical inclusivity. We must actively center and prioritize the voices and experiences of marginalized groups – Black women, Indigenous women, women of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with disabilities.
These communities have historically been silenced, marginalized, and harmed by systems of oppression. It's our responsibility to create spaces where they feel safe, heard, and empowered. This means actively listening, amplifying their voices, and challenging our own biases and privileges.
We must stand in solidarity with those who are most vulnerable and fight for a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and free to express their authentic selves. My own journey with healing began long ago. As a young girl, I experienced abuse that left deep scars. My first marriage was a challenging chapter filled with pain and adversity. I have had to stay silent in my authenticity for safety.
These experiences left me feeling lost and broken. But through art, I found a way to process my trauma, to reclaim my voice, and to begin the long journey of healing.
Art became my refuge, a space where I could express the emotions that words couldn't contain. It was through painting, drawing, and creating that I began to piece myself back together, to find strength I didn't know I possessed.
Art can be a powerful catalyst for this healing process. It provides a language beyond words, a way to express emotions that feel too complex or overwhelming to articulate. Through art, we can tap into our inner strength, process our pain, and find solace in shared experiences.
For those who may not have access to therapy or other mental health resources, art can be an especially valuable tool for self-discovery and emotional processing. There's a low barrier to entry – all you need is a pen, a paintbrush, or any creative outlet that speaks to you.
But healing isn't just about individual expression; it's about collective action. We need to hold white men accountable for their role in upholding systems of oppression. We need to demand change, to use our voices and our creativity to advocate for a more just and equitable world.
Here are some resources to get you started:
Find and Contact Elected Officials
LGBTQIA+ Resource List
Indigenous Women Resources
Let's not allow anger and division to consume us. Let's channel our energy into creating, connecting, and healing together. Let's use art as a tool for transformation, both within ourselves and within our communities.
Because at the end of the day, we are stronger together. We are united in our pursuit of a world where every person ESPECIALLY marginalized groups can feel safe, empowered, and free.
The Weight of This Election: Why Silence Isn’t An Option
This election brings up intense emotions—a blend of hope and deep concern. The possibility of a woman president represents progress, yet there’s also the fear that a loss could empower voices of hate and division. As a woman and a community builder, I feel the need to speak out, not just for myself but for everyone who believes in unity, compassion, and safety for all. Silence might feel easier, but real change starts when we engage and stand together. **photo by New York Times
This election brings me to tears. The idea of a woman becoming president feels like a symbol of progress, resilience, and validation for so many of us. It’s inspiring, a milestone that brings hope. But the possibility of that slipping away? That’s heavy. It’s hard to ignore the fear that a loss could validate voices of hate, racism, and homophobia, voices that leave people vulnerable simply for being who they are.
As a woman, and as someone passionate about building community, I dream of a world where everyone—my neighbors, friends, people of all backgrounds—can live, love, and thrive openly, safely, without fear. I have always been about this vision: creating a space where women connect, express themselves, and feel deeply valued. This election feels like it’s putting our values to the test.
We’re often encouraged to stay quiet about politics, to “keep the peace” or avoid difficult conversations. But I find myself questioning who that silence really protects. Is it shielding the people who choose to support hatred, rather than holding them accountable for the real consequences of their actions? When we’re silent, we protect the status quo, but we also risk becoming complicit in it.
For me, this isn’t abstract. When people demean Kamala Harris, it feels personal because I see myself and every woman in her strength and accomplishments. She’s fought hard to stand where she is, and when people tear her down, it’s as though they’re tearing down all women who have dared to stand tall and challenge what’s expected of us. It’s not just an attack on her; it’s a challenge to each of us who share her spirit, her ambition, her resilience.
At the same time, I know that no matter the outcome, we’re going to have to face each other again as neighbors, colleagues, friends. Unity isn’t about sidestepping difficult truths; it’s about finding compassion, even in our differences, and choosing connection over division. We don’t have to agree on every point, but we do need to respect each other’s humanity and hold onto the belief that there is more that unites us than divides us.
So, for my readers, I’ll say this: let’s engage openly and honestly, but let’s also hold space for each other’s pain and perspectives. Our voices, our actions, and our collective presence in this moment matters more than ever. This election isn’t just about policies or party lines—it’s a reflection of our willingness to engage, to call out harm, and to push for a world that honors and respects each person’s humanity. Silence might feel like an easier path, but engaging—openly, honestly—is where real change begins.
Let’s hold each other accountable to be the voices we wish to hear and the change we wish to see. Let’s keep building a world that’s safe, connected, and grounded in compassion. Together, we can refuse to let hatred have the last word.
The Journey Begins Now: Stepping into the Middle of My Story
This isn't a beginning. It's a continuation. A story already in motion, filled with brushstrokes of resilience, melodies of self-discovery, and verses of unwavering hope.
I'm Taschi, an artist, a mother, a woman who has embraced failures as stepping stones and turned setbacks into opportunities for growth. I've navigated the labyrinth of life with a paintbrush in one hand and a fearless heart in the other.
I believe in the power of community, in the profound impact of human connection. I believe in being a neighbor, a friend, a giver. I believe in celebrating imperfections, in embracing the messy, beautiful journey of growth.
Two years ago, I embarked on a new chapter, one marked by radical self-love and a commitment to becoming the best version of myself. I quit drinking, and in that act of surrender, I found liberation. I became a better mother, a more present artist, a more authentic human.
This is my story, unfolding in real-time. It's a story of resilience, of creativity, of embracing the unknown with open arms. And you're invited to join the adventure.
Stay enchanted. Subscribe to my newsletter and witness the next chapter unfold.