A writer driven by heart, that’s me, a big heart bursting with feels! It has taken my whole life, but I have finally figured out how to honor this superpower in my work. Fortunately, getting older has given me the gifts of clarity and confidence. Now, my alarm is the sweet and piercing whistle of the Varied Thrush. I get to contribute to the world everyday by creating and sharing beautiful things, from my heart to yours! It feels appropriate to begin this journey with a story (and I LOVE telling stories). A story about a name, Goosehill Gifts.

Twenty years ago, I was working as a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. At the time, it was my dream job. It was the type and level position I had been working towards since graduating college. I really couldn’t believe that I was getting paid (full time with good benefits) to drive around the gorgeous Willamette Valley of Oregon and look at birds all day! My chief responsibility was to record neck collars and subspecies data for Canada geese flocks. I loved working primarily by myself, and the geese taught me so much about life, beauty, survival, perspective, grace, death, etc. Not to mention all the other amazing things I witnessed, as if I was in an episode of Marty Stouffer’s Wild America!

While working as a biologist, I would often drive through little country towns. I remember thinking and dreaming about how nice it would be to own some land outside a little town someday. One of these places was Turner, OR. I worked as a goose biologist for a few years and will feel forever blessed to have experienced that part of my life. However, I was also a young mother at the time, and my heart ached to be home with my son more. Thus, my dabbling into entrepreneurship began! The next 20 years involved me trying to make different businesses succeed while also working another, “regular” job. My job descriptions included: drive-thru coffee stand owner, house cleaner, natural supplement distributor, nanny, server, sea salt seasonings business owner, writer, recruiter, etc. This past year, I realized that the one thing I have always done (even as a young girl) is write. I even worked part-time last year as a resume writer.

However, technical writing is not where my passions lie. I want to write things that make people feel, think and laugh! The Art of Green Gifting Blog is my latest creation, and I will be sharing home decor ideas, DIY gifts, kid-friendly crafts and design tips while spreading joy and manifesting happiness! Have I mentioned yet that it would really rock my world (and hopefully yours too) if you subscribed to this blog? You can also learn more about my personal journey with writing at www.brigittelynmcbride.com.

Anyway, back to my story. Last year, I made many changes in my life. Probably, the biggest shift was moving away from my home of 25 years to move in with my boyfriend. Well guess where we live? That’s right, Turner, OR. Not much happens here, and I really like it! I believe the slower pace and quiet has really allowed my creative drive to explode. I even created a non-profit last year to help spread the love, www.drivenbyheartscholarships.org. We don’t own much land yet, but we live on top of a hill that my old friends, the geese, fly over. As I witness their daily trips to the pond and hear their familiar voice, my heart is full of gratitude and love. So, just know that everything offered to you from Goosehill Gifts is inspired by nature, made by hand and DRIVEN BY HEART!