We’ve reached a critical mass in our household. Last week, I watched my daughter, Maddy, step up to a barbell, take a deep breath, and deadlift my body weight, all while smiling like it was the most natural thing in the world.
It wasn’t just a moment of physical strength.
It was confidence.
It was courage.
It was discipline.
It was character.
And honestly, it was just plain fun to watch.
This wasn’t just random chance that had her stepping up to the barbell. The Hillsborough High School rowing team had a lift-a-thon a few weeks ago to raise money for the club. All told, the team of 30+ rowers lifted a collective 25,000 pounds as they showed off their maximum lifts on deadlifts, power cleans, front squats, and push presses. And Maddy was right there in the mix, lifting a grand total of 475 pounds on her max lifts, with 185 pounds coming from her deadlift.
She’s only 12, but, holy cow, the strength and confidence she’s already built leaves me in awe. Not to mention she can now claim that she can lift her dad! There’s something powerful in watching young people discover what they’re capable of when they’re supported, encouraged, and allowed to grow strong in every sense of the word – body, mind, and heart.
In many ways, it’s what the name of this newsletter, Life Lived Outside, means to us. It’s not just about being outdoors. It’s about building resilience, joy, connection, and a deep-rooted sense of who we are.
And we try to carry that same spirit into everything we do at Kerby’s Nursery. Growing beauty, cultivating community, and creating spaces where people can gather, learn, laugh, and celebrate the seasons together. And with that spirit in mind, we’ve got lots of fun coming your way this weekend (and we promise we won’t make you lift any weights!).
💘 Valentine’s Day is in the air at Kerby’s!
Join us for our first Sip & Shop, this Friday, February 13th from 5-7 pm where you can enjoy a relaxed evening of
• Shopping beautiful garden gifts under a twilight sky
• Sipping something sweet
• Finding the perfect something for someone you love (or yourself — because that counts too)
🌸 And don’t miss our Flower Arrangement Make & Take on Valentine’s Day, this Saturday at 10 am, where you’ll learn how to design a stunning flower display while spending time with friends, surrounded by beauty and creativity.
Strength looks different in every season of life. Sometimes it’s lifting heavy things, sometimes it’s creating something beautiful, and sometimes it’s simply showing up for joy.
We can’t wait to share this season with you.
