From Maker's Hollow
— ◆ —Don Shorey
dispatches on story, faith, beauty & the joy of life
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Thoughts from the Hollow · September 1, 2026
Story. Thinking.
Generations. Courage.
The Four Threads that Knit into All We Do: Nurturing a Durable & Transferable Faith in Our Age of Distraction & Deconstruction
Here in our Maker's Hollow village, we get up in the morning, we make music, we write, we prepare and eat great food, we think deeply and talk long, we tell stories—we grow families and take photographs and paint pictures and care for the sick, and play games…
Because a durable and transferable faith—one that can survive and even thrive amid the honest and dishonest deconstruction and distraction of our times—will not primarily be sustained by argument, fearful warning, emotional manipulation, or nostalgic familiarity.
Our truest core passion and foundation is God and His baffling grace through the redemption that is in Jesus…
Read on Substack →Headlines from the Hollow
Recent Article
Podcast
"Story" in Our Lives — See below our two-episode Crossover Conversation between No Mere Mortals and Kristen Morris' Grief Needs Beauty podcast—about how life, faith, vision, and courage are shaped by Story
A Book is Coming · Autumn 2026
The Wonder of Is
An Introduction to Everything · A Story-Theology for Those Coming of Age
"A grandfather who thought he was dying. His grandson. The seasons of a year. And the greatest story ever told — heard as if for the first time."
About the Book →No Mere Mortals · Podcast
"Story" in Our Lives · Part 1 — Grief Needs Beauty
"Story" in Our Lives — Part 1
Kristen and Don talk about how story, written and spoken, has shaped Don's life, faith, and vision from childhood to the present.
"Story" in Our Lives · Part 2 — No Mere Mortals
"Story" in Our Lives — Part 2
Don and Kristen talk about how story and the nature of true story making has been a defining part of Kristen's hope throughout their journey through her husband Caleb's cancer and a string of other challenges that have come their way.
Enjoying Grace Story Co. · Art & Commissions
Maker's Hollow Enterprises & Events
Maker's Hollow Happenings
Don Shorey
Happenings
In future issues of the newsletter, this section will share news of events, newsworthy happenings, or special opportunities here at Maker's Hollow or in one of the businesses or ministries of our community.
Rumors from the Hollow — What We're Enjoying…
Those of you who know me well know that trees—yes, trees—have a vital and rich place in my story, my imagination, my life in this world, and my vision of the Lord's extraordinary story. I could try to explain this uncommon connection (and you will find it threaded through my coming book, my general writing, and my conversations) or I can send you to places where I have found this vibrant attention best reflected in others. So I will simply and highly recommend to you reading Andrew Peterson's God of the Garden and listening to the Bible Project podcast series Tree of Life. Both are extraordinary and communicate much of what I would want to share from my personal experience and my long engagement in Scripture and literature.
I have been watching a guy on YouTube named Joseph Ricketts. His content is nearly exclusively the exploration of freshwater springs in Florida. His videos are beautiful. He offers great commentary, good education about conservation, and descriptions of each species he encounters. Ambient music, gentle story-like commentary, and beautiful footage. Highly recommend. Watch here →
Our youngest, Tad, is three, and the Mouse's Wood book series (there are four!) has quickly become a favorite. They're the kind of books that invite you to chat and point and notice and find little things tucked into the illustrations. There's not a huge plot to hurry through…instead, they're full of flap-ups, tiny animals, cozy scenes, and charming details that make a little one want to stop and look. Just happy times sitting with him and taking these in over and over. Tad's favorite is Mouse on the River, and I think these would make such a sweet gift for a little one with the holidays approaching! Find them here.
My recommendation is mayonnaise — This rich, savory, tangy sauce transcends mere "condiment" and achieves a higher level of culinary greatness. I do not think it too bold to declare that mayonnaise is one of the crowning achievements of the human race. The magic of emulsion has no better example. The flexibility of mayonnaise is perhaps its best quality. It agrees with nearly everything. Listing the dishes that rely on mayo would be tedious for me and you and so, dear reader, I'll spare you the pedantry. Go eat it. Mix it with anything. Spread it on bread. You don't need me to spell it out for you.
"The world is rated R, and no one is checking IDs. Do not try to make it G by imagining the shadows away. Do not try to hide your children from the world forever, but do not try to pretend there is no danger. Train them. Give them sharp eyes and bellies full of laughter. Make them dangerous. Make them yeast, and when they've grown, they will pollute the shadows."
— N.D. Wilson
Until next time — chase all that is good, true, or beautiful!
Don Shorey
Maker's Hollow · Tarpon Springs, Florida
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