Welcome to Letters from The Whiskey Porch, a warm invitation to those yearning for a smaller, simpler, more beautiful lifestyle rooted in place, nature, and season. Conversations on the art of living well, with home, garden, and artful design inspiration.
Join me and stay awhile.
I’m Miriam, the heart and creative behind ‘The Whiskey Porch’, a boutique design studio based in the high country of Northern Arizona.
In this space, I share insights drawn from my work in architectural and landscape design, my gardens at Juniper Hill Cottage in historic downtown Prescott AZ, and my own journey toward intentional, beautiful living.
What ‘The Whiskey Porch” Means to Me
Porch sittin’ is my favorite way to wind down the day. The front porch at our cottage is our family gathering place.
It’s not glamorous or impressive. But it’s perfect in so many ways.
The porch is surrounded by the gardens that I’ve created over many years (from nothing), and by towering old alligator junipers that feel like a hug.
This is where we chat, wave to neighbors, meet lots of folks who stop to ask if we’d sell our property (no!), and watch birds and bats. And, of course, that sunset and view of Thumb Butte silhouetted against the glowing sky is perfection. It’s where we snuggle our fur-kids, catch-up on the day, and dream up plans. And just breathe.
While we don’t indulge so much in whiskey-on-the-porch these days (for me, it used to be Maker’s Mark Manhattans), that’s how this little cottage porch became “The Whiskey Porch”.
My design business was born out of that magic, and shares that name. It’s all about creating smaller, simpler, and more beautiful spaces to savor life’s simple pleasures. Just like our front porch, our happy place.
It’s peace. It’s contentment.
Why Subscribe?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by cluttered routines, unsustainable habits, or uninspired spaces — and craving a smaller, simpler, more beautiful life — you’re in the right place.
I created Letters from the Porch to inspire and empower you to slow down, live more intentionally, and create rhythms and spaces that feel personal, artful, and deeply connected to place, nature, and season.
This isn’t about extremes (think small, not tiny) or chasing perfection. It’s about finding peace, contentment, and beauty in the everyday.
By subscribing, you’ll get thoughtful content across three evolving sections:
Porch Sittin’
Personal reflections and seasonal notes on the art of living well, from my porch at Juniper Hill Cottage in the Northern Arizona high country.
Inspiration rooted in the rhythms of nature and slow living
Snippets into creative projects and life at the cottage
Curated lists of favorite things that bring lightness and joy
Thoughtful insights to help you reimagine home and garden with intention
Prescott Garden Keeping Journal
A monthly journal for Zone-7 gardeners (including those of you in Prescott Arizona), offering practical tips, timely checklists, and soulful encouragement tailored to our unique seasons and mountain climate.
Design Dispatches
Creative insights, behind-the-scenes project stories, and thoughtful takes on how we shape spaces and how they shape us.
You can subscribe to the full publication or choose only the sections that speak to you most. Each one offers something different—but they all come from the same place of calm, creativity, and connection.
I hope you’ll join me.
How To Join Us on the Porch
Free Subscription
I would be thrilled to have you join me, and a growing community of thoughtful, creative souls.
You can subscribe for free to receive all my posts directly in your inbox. I know sharing your email is a meaningful gesture, and I’ll treat it with care and respect.
Since I’m just beginning to transition my writing to this new space, most content will be free for now. That said, a few posts may be reserved for verified subscribers.
Tip: If you only click “Follow,” you won’t receive posts by email. Be sure to hit “Subscribe” and select the Free option to stay connected.
Paying Member
Soon, I’ll begin offering exclusive content for paid subscribers — including access to private Chats, archived posts, and special live events. More details coming soon.
If you feel inspired and have the means, becoming a paid subscriber now helps support this work and allows me to share even more deeply and intentionally.
Housekeeping:
After you subscribe, please check your inbox and click the confirmation link to make sure it’s really you, and so my letters land safely in your inbox. (And don’t forget to check your spam or junk folders.)
It only takes a moment, and it helps keep this space intentional, cozy, and free of noise.
Thank you for being here. I am truly grateful.
Why I’m Writing Here on Substack
After years of using social media and traditional email tools, I find myself craving something different - something quieter and more intentional.
Most platforms feel noisy, fleeting, or like shouting into a fax machine (remember those?).
What I really want is a place to share this lifestyle and design work in a way that encourages reflection, connection, and community. Substack feels like the front porch version of the internet—a place to pause, listen, and engage in meaningful conversation.
This publication is my way of stepping off the algorithm-driven treadmill and inviting you into a slower, more soulful rhythm of creativity and seasonal living.
I’m shifting away from “the socials” and retiring my Mailchimp newsletter. I’ll also be moving much of my blog content here, where it can live with more depth and presence.
I’m so excited to create this with you.
Let’s do this!
More About Me
Letters from The Whiskey Porch is written and curated by me, Miriam - a designer, gardener, and advocate for seasonal, intentional living that is smaller, simpler, and drenched in beauty.
I’m the founder and designer at The Whiskey Porch, a boutique architectural and landscape design studio based in the historic town of Prescott in Northern Arizona.
After three decades in corporate finance, from Silicon Valley to the NFL, I left behind the stress and strategy decks to "follow my folly". I launched Baldur Studios in 2013, the Arizona Artisans Collective in 2016, and my design business at The Whiskey Porch in 2019.
These days, The Whiskey Porch is a one-woman show: I design, write, photograph, market, bookkeep, and do all the creative work myself. (Is this sustainable? I’m not sure — but it’s real, and it’s mine.)
I live in Northern Arizona with my amazing husband Michael, our yellow lab Ibis, and Nellie the cat in a small-not-tiny 1924 craftsman bungalow called Juniper Hill Cottage. Our four kiddos are grown and off chasing their dreams!
Through both my design work and this Substack, I hope to help others create homes, gardens, and lifestyles that feel rooted, meaningful, and beautifully their own.
Truth be told, I’m usually behind the camera, and cringe at selfies. It turns out I have hardly any photos of myself to share here. Not ideal when I’m trying to open up and connect in this space... but that’s me. I’m working on it!
I am realizing that I’m most comfortable putting what I create into the world, not necessarily myself.
I am not a content creator. Or a blogger. Or a photographer. And I’m not even sure I’m a good writer. I spent decades clinging to the identity of “finance executive” because it gave me a legitimate title and purpose. Letting that go wasn’t easy.
Maybe you can relate?
Now, I am simply a creative soul, learning to believe that creating is enough.
My hope with this new space is to share more of myself - the creative energy, the passions, and yes, the doubts too - and to build a thoughtful, beautiful community to share it all with.
You might enjoy this more personal reflection I shared to kick things off: What happens when you walk away from a “real” career and let beauty lead? A glimpse into leaving the hustle, finding rhythm in creativity, and learning that creating beautiful spaces is enough. Creating Beauty is Enough
Whether you're a local neighbor here in Prescott, a daydreaming gardener, or simply someone longing for a slower, more intentional rhythm — I’m so very glad you’re here.
With contentment & possibility,
A Few Kind Words
Reflections from a few past design clients:
The Whiskey Porch combines a cherished Nordic charm with the knowledge and passion of its owner, Miriam. Her concept of cozy and comfortable living (or “hygge”) encompasses uncluttered spaces with meaningful beauty, making it a space you’ll not only want to live in, but share with others. From interior design to garden design, she has such a good eye for architectural features and placement of all things within these spaces, as is reflected in her own cottage. I’m sure you’ll find her wealth of knowledge a great resource for your endeavor. - Susan R.
Having recently purchased an 80 year old home in Prescott with a very steep and challenging lot, we knew we needed a professional to design a beautiful garden that could be enjoyed year round. We hired Miriam at The Whiskey Porch to tackle the challenge!… We are very happy with the outcome! - Debbie B.
The Alta Vista Garden Club invites you to celebrate the season with our 'Garden of Merit' honoree Miriam and her beautiful Prescott Bungalow Garden. We recognize local gardens for outstanding creativity that beautify our community. - Local Prescott Garden Club since 1951
I've never thought of myself as someone who decorates -- and yet I love functional design and beautiful spaces. Because The Whiskey Porch aesthetic and vibe appealed to me, I felt comfortable reaching out. This is a small bungalow. Smaller spaces are manageable and have so much potential if they're designed thoughtfully. Now, I'm excited! I see a lot more potential in my home than I ever did before. - Chloe W.
Miriam is wonderful. She has fantastic ideas, and has a great eye for how to use and improve space. She was so patient as we worked through the issues with our property! - Emily K.
Miriam exceeded our expectations. She was professional and creative. She developed an entire floor plan, lighting plan, and demolition schedule for us. Her creativity really showed as the ideas she came up with were some that my husband and I had not even considered! - Michelle W.
Miriam has not only an artist’s eye but the very practical set of skills to transform a yard from unknown mounds of buried rubble to a very distinctive space with paths, plantings and seating areas. Sketches became a detailed plan of tree and plant placement, a kitchen patio, paths and lighting. Besides building knowledge, Miriam is an accomplished master gardener and is skilled with color. If you are considering updating your surroundings, do not hesitate to choose Miriam and The Whiskey Porch. She is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with! - Barb B.
I want you to know that I LOVE all of the goodness you are, and the way your BRILLIANT mind ticks!!! I have spent many hours reading over your plans. You are an artistic brainchild, sharp and skilled. I appreciate your straight- forward approach. I am so blessed to be working with you - Yahoo!!! - Corey P.
We had an exceptional experience. The initial plan was wonderful. It incorporated the feeling that we wanted to achieve and took some things to a better place. She is an exceptional master gardener with insight as to how plants will grow, mature and thrive in the area. We couldn’t be more pleased with this extraordinary experience. Kudos to a job well done. - Jeff & Victoria
Miriam has both knack and knowledge of all things home- and garden-related; knack in that she has a natural flair and eye for beauty and balance, and knowledge in that she has taken the time and steps to become educated about everything from plants to photography, hardscape to home remodeling, color to contractors, demo to design. - Beth W.
We now have a beautiful front entrance, courtyard and garden thanks to Miriam and The Whiskey Porch. We could not be happier with the result. Miriam is super creative and thought of things we would not have to make our space more inviting. - Tracy A.
Miriam is a highly experienced and creative talent. She has great listening and communication skills. I highly recommend her for any design project. - Sarah S.
You can read more testimonials and view the project portfolio on my studio website at thewhiskeyporch.com.
