The last couple of years have been a roller coaster of emotion, change, and reflection. With that, I have realized that I needed to shift the blog to what it truly is, my passion project.

Change is never easy, but I was raised to understand that sometimes it is the most natural step forward. When I started The Little Apple Life, it was during the pandemic. It began as a way to connect, share, and explore life in and around Manhattan, Kansas. But as my life has evolved, so has the blog, and now it feels like the right moment to step into a new chapter.

Purple Iris Everywhere is a rebrand that is deeply personal and meaningful to me. This change is more than just a new name; it’s a reflection of where I am, where I am going, and what matters.

Why Purple Iris Everywhere?

The inspiration for the new name comes from my grandmother, her love for gardening, and especially for purple irises. She always had purple iris growing. When I close my eyes, I see all the shades and varieties she grew in her garden, and since then, they have always been a vibrant reminder of her spirit and love.

Over the years, every time I see a lone purple iris blooming in an unexpected place, it feels like my grandmother’s way of saying hello and reminding me that I am never walking alone. It’s a quiet, beautiful reminder that she’s still with me, watching over me, and reminding me that love endures even after loss.

This belief deepened after the passing of my father. His absence has been profound, but like my grandmother’s irises, there are small signs—moments that reassure me our loved ones never truly leave us. Whether it’s a sudden memory triggered by something familiar or a random gesture, I embrace the idea that our loved ones are always with us, guiding and comforting us in ways we may not always recognize.

A New Perspective on Life and Connection

Purple Iris Everywhere isn’t just about honoring my loved ones, but sharing my personal journey; it’s about creating a space that celebrates the beauty and resilience of life. It’s a nod to the little signs we might overlook in our busy lives, the ones that remind us to pause, reflect, and cherish the connections that transcend time and space.

This rebrand symbolizes my growth, their memory, and all the love. It’s also a reminder to embrace life and all its transitions with grace and honor the people and moments that shape us.

What to Expect from Purple Iris Everywhere

While the name and mission are evolving, the heart of what I do remains the same: sharing stories, inspiration, and moments that make life meaningful. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Personal Experiences: Stories that explore connection, resilience, and the things that make life extraordinary.
• Local Adventures: A continued focus on the places, people, and events that make this place, Kansas, and the surrounding Flint Hills so special.
• Life Well Lived: Recipes, musings, and ideas that bring comfort and joy, whether it’s a cozy meal or a heartfelt tradition.

Join Me on This Journey

This rebrand is more than just a change—it’s an invitation. I hope Purple Iris Everywhere inspires you to see the beauty in the small things, look for the signs that remind you of your loved ones, and celebrate the moments that connect us all.

Thank you for being part of my journey so far, and I can’t wait to see where this new chapter takes us. Follow along as I continue to share stories, ideas, and inspiration that honor life’s enduring beauty and the loved ones who make it so special.

Here’s to the next adventure—one filled with purple irises, warm memories, and the belief that love never truly leaves us.

With gratitude,
Tara

P.S. And don't worry, "The Little Apple Life" isn't going anywhere; it will be back with its new purpose....... eventually!