Welcome to Not by the Book, the podcast where we listen to people's stories of how they got to where they are today and the often-unexpected journey that got them there. The more I listen to these stories, the more I realize that life is mostly unexpected. And that also makes these stories so powerful. It is not the picture-perfect, Instagram-able moments that make our stories rich. It's the quiet moments that shape who we are. These thoughts have inspired today's episode, just me and my future self. Unfortunately, no time travel was involved, just a letter. Today's episode is festive, reflective, and brought to you by the fact that I process emotions best when I'm talking out loud. I'm writing a Christmas letter. I'm writing a Christmas letter to my future self because nothing says holiday tradition like emotional vulnerability with a microphone.

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with author Gabrielle Meyer, creator of the Timeless series and other wonderful stories. They talk about falling in love with history and all the ins and outs of becoming a writer and being published. But, of course, no conversation with Gabrielle would be complete without a little excursion across time and story.

In this episode, FPEA Chairman Suzanne Nunn speaks with Elsie Iudicello, homesteader, homeschooler, homemaker and influencer at Farmhouse Schoolhouse. They talk about strong family roots and heritage, growing a family of boys and building a homestead - all at the same time. They also talk about the goodness of a life lived with intention.