A Return to the Redwoods
Today we release our 25th Journal, and it feels like a natural moment to pause and reflect. When the idea of Emerald Era first came to life, I knew I wanted the Journals to exist alongside the collections. Not just as a record, but as a place for storytelling, editorial moments, and the quiet beginnings of inspiration. Over time, each Journal has become an anchor for how Miles and I share the style and intention behind the work.
For this entry, I felt drawn back to the beginning. To where we first photographed The Owl Collection Journal, in the stillness of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Every time I step into the reserve, I am struck by the same sense of awe. The hush of the forest, the towering redwoods, the feeling that time slows the moment you enter. It still amazes me that this place exists just a few miles from our home, woven so closely into the rhythm of life in Guerneville.
We visited Armstrong on a chilly Sunday afternoon, following a week of steady rain. Water still traced its way through the creek, and the paths were cushioned with fallen redwood needles beneath my boots. Walking slowly, I felt the familiar reminder to breathe in deeply and release whatever anxiousness I had been carrying. There is something about being there that brings clarity. A quiet reassurance that everything does not need to be rushed.
With January already in motion, I encourage more nature in my life. Moments to stand still, to look up at trees that seem to touch the sky, and to feel small in the best possible way. I wore a 1950s vintage coat by Tarlow’s of San Jose, a one-of-a-kind gift from my parents, discovered at a consignment shop in Calistoga. I added my Paris charm bracelet into the mix as a nod to our trip back in September.
The coat kept me warm as the sun filtered through trees that have stood for centuries. Cold enough to see my breath, I made a quiet wish and felt grateful to share that feeling with Miles as we step into 2026 together.
There is so much ahead this year! A trunk show with Two Trees Tea House taking shape in March, a new collection on the horizon with Men’s pieces, and connections continuing to grow throughout Sonoma County and beyond. This Journal feels like a return and a beginning all at once.
Thank you for being part of this endeavor, where vintage style is honored and woven into the modern world.
Lovingly,
– Michelle
Photos: "Walking the red carpet " by Benjamin Miles | Camera: FujiFilm X100V