Katherine Brooks

02/08/2026

“Don’t think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It’s quiet, but the roots down there are riotous. Be melting snow. Wash yourself of yourself during times of deep reflection. Every rose is prey to winter.” -Rumi

02/17/2025

Over the past month, the Trump administration has taken direct aim at the LGBTQ+ community, issuing executive orders to erase gender identity as a legal reality and ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.

I keep asking myself: How did we get here? How did we, as a country, elect leadership that fuels hate, that systematically strips away the rights of human beings simply for existing as their true selves?

I’m still in shock. I’m still angry. And honestly—I don’t know how to process the fact that people I love, people in my own life, voted for this. Knowing that their vote supported policies that actively harm my community, my friends, and so many people I care about—it’s a weight that’s hard to carry.

To my LGBTQ+ family, to my trans and nonbinary friends, to anyone feeling like they’re watching the world turn against them—you are not alone.

Your existence is valid.
Your identity is real.
You deserve love, safety, and the right to live without fear of being erased.

To the people who don’t understand why this matters: Take a moment to imagine what it’s like to have your basic rights debated, threatened, and dismantled by people who will never know what it means to walk in your shoes.

I refuse to be silent about this.
I refuse to let hate win.
And I refuse to pretend that this isn’t a personal attack on human dignity.

We have to do better.

If you’re hurting, if you feel unseen, if you’re exhausted by the fight—I see you. I stand with you. And I will always use my voice to speak out.

💔🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

02/12/2025

Beat the Blues | Seasonal Affective Disorder & My Journey with Winter

I’ve been working on a blend for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—something I never really thought about before because I’ve always lived in places where seasons barely existed. Los Angeles. Louisiana. Places where winter is just a date on the calendar, not something that seeps into your bones.

Now, in the middle of a winter storm, I’m experiencing something completely new. For someone like me—someone who has always used being outside as a refuge from anxiety, stress, or emotional discomfort—having to stay indoors has been an adjustment. I’ve had to go within, literally and mentally. Inside a structure. Inside myself. And it’s made me realize just how much the seasons affect us, even when we don’t think they will.

So I started working on a blend—something to support mood, ease winter blues, and bring a little warmth back to the body and mind. I call it “Beat the Blues”, and I’ll have it at the farmers market this Saturday for anyone who needs a little extra support this season. Some of the Wildcrafted ingredients are:

✅ Blue Vervain – Eases emotional overwhelm and nervous tension.
✅ Ginkgo – Enhances circulation to the brain, helps with seasonal sluggishness.
✅ Hawthorn Berry – Supports the heart, both emotionally and physically.
✅ Reishi – Calms the nervous system, supports emotional resilience.
✅ Turkey Tail – Supports gut health and immunity, key for mood regulation.

Swipe through to see photos of my winter foraging journey, the formulation process, and the label design. If you struggle with SAD, I’d love to hear what’s helped you. Let’s talk about it. You can also check out my website to see some of my blends and Wildcrafted tinctures and tonics. www.bayougirlmushrooms.com

08/11/2023

I do 2 weeks every year in another country. 2023 will be 🇨🇭 Switzerland. Has anyone made this journey? I’m so excited to experience all the good vibes of neutral energy, clean air, healing waters and fresh foods. Please share your favorite finds with me if you have been. 🇨🇭

06/15/2023

06/12/2023

04/08/2023

This day April 8, 2023 I was shooting with in Stillwater, Minnesota. Not a day goes by I don’t think about how much I love and miss this family who have become an extended family for me.

03/31/2023

The Ritz We Ain’t

03/30/2023

Capturing Home. You realize you are a part of something very special when you walk into a small town store and 2 magazines have What a team | What a show ❤️

03/24/2023

Capturing Home Season 2 on has been and continues to be such a blessing. I can’t wait to share all we have been capturing.

03/23/2023

Some days you just gotta get down and dirty.

03/22/2023

Found my new favorite place to each lunch and sit with my computer!