There is a particular enchantment in transforming a weary, outdated kitchen into the vibrant soul of a home. For us, that journey began with the acquisition of our beloved Montana ranch, a sprawling property rich in untamed beauty but marked by the wear and tear of time. When we first stepped inside the old farmhouse, it was as though we had entered a bygone era — one filled with charm, yet desperately in need of renewal.
The kitchen, the cornerstone of any gathering space, was an immediate focal point. It was a curious juxtaposition: a diminutive refrigerator squeezed awkwardly into a corner, dwarfed by a colossal commercial range that dominated the room like an elephant in a closet. Counter space was scarce, storage was practically non-existent, and maneuvering in the cramped quarters felt like a logistical puzzle. It was clear that if we were to truly inhabit this home and entertain the flow of family and friends we envisioned, this kitchen needed more than a facelift — it required a rebirth.
The Genesis of a Dream Kitchen — Reimagining Space at the Ranch
The first step was to envision how this kitchen could serve not merely as a utilitarian room, but as a hub of conviviality and creativity. We wanted a space that echoed the rustic grandeur of Montana’s landscape while providing modern functionality. This meant reconfiguring the layout entirely. The idea of enclosing the outdoor carport emerged as the linchpin of our design. This decision gifted us the square footage needed to open up the kitchen and create a contiguous breakfast area that now offers breathtaking views of the creek and meadow beyond.
Working closely with an architect and designer, we sketched out plans that married practicality with aesthetic delight. We chose to retain the grand range as a nod to the kitchen’s history, but everything else would be reimagined. The expanded floor plan allowed us to integrate two central islands — one dedicated to culinary tasks and the other poised for gathering and feasting. Each detail, from the reclaimed barn wood chosen for the islands to the custom cabinetry, was curated to evoke a sense of place, as if this kitchen had always belonged here.
Envisioning the Soul of the Space
Every great transformation begins with an idea — a whisper of possibility that grows into a vivid tapestry of intention. In our case, that vision was to craft a kitchen that would harmonize with the surrounding wilderness while simultaneously embracing the comforts of contemporary living. We sought to banish the claustrophobia of the former kitchen’s labyrinthine layout, replacing it with openness, light, and fluidity. The kitchen was no longer to be a solitary chamber for culinary chores, but rather the nucleus of our home’s daily rhythm — a place where conversations unfold, recipes are passed down, and laughter echoes into the evening.
Materiality Rooted in the Land
Material choice became our conduit for weaving the external landscape into the interior design. We scoured salvage yards and local mills in search of wood that bore the scars of time, wood that had once been part of Montana’s barns and fences. These planks, weathered by sun, wind, and snow, became the skin of our kitchen islands and shelving. Their rough-hewn textures and variegated grains lend the space a tactile authenticity that mass-produced materials simply cannot replicate.
For the countertops, we opted for soapstone, a choice driven not only by its timeless elegance but also by its resilience. Soapstone’s muted luster and natural veining echo the rocky outcroppings of the surrounding hills, grounding the kitchen in its environment. The patina it will develop over years of use will, we hope, tell the story of countless meals prepared, shared, and savored.
Light, View, and Flow
One of the most profound changes in the kitchen’s reimagining was the introduction of abundant natural light. Where once small, ill-placed windows struggled to illuminate the space, we now have generous expanses of glass that frame panoramic vistas of the ranch’s meadows, creek, and distant pines. Morning light floods the breakfast area, casting a golden glow that makes even the simplest meal feel celebratory. At dusk, the kitchen becomes a lantern, its warm interior radiance inviting from across the pasture.
The flow of the space was meticulously considered. No longer does one feel penned in by awkward corners or dead ends. The dual islands create a choreography of movement, enabling multiple cooks to work side by side without encumbrance. Guests can perch on stools at the gathering island, sipping wine or sampling a simmering sauce, without encroaching on the chef’s domain.
Details That Speak Volumes
In the realm of design, it is often the smallest gestures that resonate most deeply. We took great care in selecting hardware, fixtures, and finishes that would contribute to the kitchen’s narrative. Hand-forged iron handles, sourced from a local blacksmith, provide a subtle nod to the region’s artisanal traditions. The faucet, with its gracefully arched neck and unlacquered brass finish, will age with dignity, acquiring a soft patina that mirrors the impermanence and beauty of the natural world.
Even the lighting was chosen with intention. Oversized glass pendants suspended above the islands offer a delicate counterpoint to the kitchen’s robust materials. Their translucent forms seem to float, casting gentle illumination that enhances the room’s sense of openness.
A Kitchen for All Seasons
Living in Montana means adapting to the rhythms of the seasons, and we wanted a kitchen that would serve us equally well through summer’s exuberance and winter’s stillness. In warmer months, the proximity to the breakfast patio allows us to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, with French doors thrown open to let in the breeze. In winter, when snow blankets the ground and frost etches patterns on the windows, the kitchen becomes a sanctuary — a place of warmth, where the aroma of stews and baked bread fills the air.
Crafting Memory Through Use
More than any material or layout decision, it is the life lived within a kitchen that ultimately defines its success. Already, this space has become the backdrop for cherished rituals: the first cup of coffee savored in the quiet dawn, the bustle of holiday preparations, impromptu gatherings where friends linger long past dinner. The kitchen’s rebirth has not only transformed our house; it has deepened our connection to this land and each other.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
In retrospect, the journey from cramped and outdated to expansive and inviting was as rewarding as the destination. The process of dreaming, planning, and bringing to life our vision taught us the value of patience, of collaboration, and of honoring the history of a place even as we shape its future. Our kitchen stands as a testament to what can be achieved when imagination is wedded to craftsmanship — a space that feels both timeless and utterly our own.
Looking forward, we know this kitchen will continue to evolve, accumulating the layered patina of memory and use. It is, after all, not a static showpiece but a living, breathing part of our home. And in that, we find its greatest beauty.
From Blueprint to Reality — Material Choices and Craftsmanship
With the architectural framework meticulously established, we embarked upon the exhilarating, yet undeniably intricate, odyssey of material selection and artisanal craftsmanship. This was far from a mundane kitchen remodel; rather, it evolved into a symphonic fusion of reverence for tradition with a daring embrace of modern sensibilities. Each decision, each texture, each hue was chosen with profound intentionality — not merely to construct a space, but to conjure an environment that would cradle the heart of our home for generations to come.
The Enduring Allure of Salvaged Wood
At the nucleus of our vision were the twin kitchen islands — commanding yet inviting. These majestic forms were crafted from weathered barn wood native to Montana, timber imbued with the wisdom of time itself. This was wood that had withstood the brutality of blizzards, the ferocity of prairie winds, and the languid embrace of autumn suns. Its tactile surface, marred with knotholes, timeworn striations, and the occasional iron nail-head left embedded as a quiet testament to its origins, lent the space a visceral warmth that no fabricated material could aspire to emulate. The islands stand today as monuments to resilience, each plank whispering of bygone eras, of hands that once shaped them, of animals sheltered beneath their original beams.
Ceiling Beams — The Soulful Counterpoint
Our gaze next turned skyward, where salvaged ceiling beams offered a rugged yet refined counterpoint to the pristine, crisp cabinetry below. These beams, with their sun-bleached edges and shadowed grooves, bestowed a sense of permanence and belonging. They anchored the ethereal palette, grounding it with a raw honesty that celebrated imperfection as beauty. The juxtaposition of these aged timbers with the sleek white Swiss Coffee cabinetry — chosen for its soft, inviting luminescence — created a chiaroscuro that transformed the room throughout the day. Morning light coaxed forth honeyed undertones from the beams, while the glow of dusk rendered them almost sculptural in their quiet dignity.
Walls That Whisper Serenity
The choice of paint was no hasty decision. We landed upon Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore, not for its ubiquity, but for its chameleonic ability to bathe the room in a tranquil, ambient glow. The color adapts — tender in the morning, serene at midday, and sumptuous by candlelight. It reflects the undulating Montana skies and the crystalline snowdrifts beyond our windows, weaving the outside world subtly into the fabric of our interiors. The cabinetry, cloaked in the same hue, invites touch — its silky surface almost velveteen in texture.
A Sink with a View — The Reproduction Farmhouse Basin
Among our most serendipitous discoveries was a reproduction farmhouse sink, a piece that melds function and poetry with effortless grace. This deep basin, generous in its proportions, now resides beneath a magnificent bank of windows. From here, one may steal a moment to admire the meandering creek, its waters silvered beneath the moon, or listen to the sonorous whispers of the aspen leaves in a summer breeze. The polished nickel faucets — a gleaming nod to early industrial design — lend an air of restrained elegance, their delicate arcs catching the light and casting it across the marble counters like liquid stars.
Carerra Marble — A Love Affair with Imperfection
In the realm of countertops, my heart refused to be swayed from Carerra marble, despite its notoriety for acquiring the scars of time with ease. There is, after all, a certain nobility in a material that dares to wear its history so openly. The marble’s gossamer veining, its cool touch beneath the hand, its soft reflection of dawn’s light — these qualities enchanted me. And yes, over the years, it has become a canvas of sorts, bearing faint stains from wine shared on jubilant evenings, scratches from knives hastily set down amid culinary fervor, and soft etchings where lemon juice once lingered too long. Yet in these marks lies the soul of the kitchen, a chronicle of family life etched in stone.
Reimagining the Refrigerator — A Hidden Treasure
In a space so steeped in intentional design, the refrigerator posed a unique challenge. A gleaming, modern monolith of stainless steel would have jarred the eye and ruptured the harmony we had so lovingly cultivated. Our solution: custom barn-style panels in a weathered gray-blue, evocative of stormy skies and distant mountains. Substantial iron hardware gave the illusion of a venerable larder door, one that might conceal sacks of flour or earthenware crocks of preserves. The appliance, transformed from interloper to integral feature, now melds with the cabinetry and millwork, offering functionality cloaked in rustic charm.
Hardware — The Jewelry of the Kitchen
Every drawer pull, every cabinet knob was selected with the deliberation one might give to a treasured heirloom. Forged iron mingles with polished nickel in a delicate interplay of textures, adding subtle moments of tactile and visual intrigue. These small details — often overlooked — are the kitchen’s jewelry, catching the eye unexpectedly, inviting the hand to linger. They speak of craftsmanship, of artisans who understand that beauty resides in the details.
Flooring That Grounds and Guides
Beneath our feet lies wide-plank oak, smoked and oiled to a burnished amber glow. This flooring is more than a surface; it is a guide through the space, its grain patterns subtly directing the eye, its warmth tempering the room’s expanses of stone and wood. The floors have weathered muddy boots, the soft padding of bare feet, the exuberant dance of children and dogs — and in so doing, they have accrued a character all their own.
Lighting — The Art of Illumination
Light, in this kitchen, is more than illumination; it is atmosphere, it is mood, it is theater. We selected a medley of lighting fixtures — from antique-inspired pendants above the islands to discreet under-cabinet LEDs — each contributing its unique note to the room’s symphony. In the golden haze of evening, the glow softens the marble’s coolness, warms the oak floors, and renders the beams almost honeyed. Morning light floods through the windows, refracted through seeded glass pendants, scattering gentle dapples upon the countertops.
Windows as Living Paintings
The windows, expansive and unadorned save for the occasional linen curtain pulled back with a simple tie, act as living paintings. Their ever-changing tableaux — of snow-laden branches, of galloping clouds, of fiery sunsets — tether the kitchen to the world beyond. They invite contemplation and offer a reminder that the true luxury of this space is its dialogue with nature.
A Space That Lives and Breathes
What emerged from this exhaustive process of selection, refinement, and craftsmanship is not merely a kitchen, but a living, breathing entity. A space that tells stories — of the land from which its materials were drawn, of the hands that shaped them, of the family that now gathers within its embrace. It is a place where tradition and innovation dance together, where imperfection is celebrated, where every surface bears witness to a life well-lived. Here, in the heart of the home, we are anchored. Here, the blueprint has truly become reality.
Elevating Functionality — A Kitchen that Works as Hard as We Do
A kitchen can be a visual masterpiece, a veritable jewel in the crown of domestic design, but if it falters in supporting the ebb and flow of daily life, it betrays its essential purpose. At our Montana retreat, where the untamed landscape meets human habitation, functionality was not a mere afterthought; it was the axis upon which the entire remodel revolved. The aspiration was clear — to create a space that marries aesthetic grace with rigorous utility, a kitchen that stands resilient against the demands of ranch life while exuding an understated elegance.
The design journey began with the conception of twin islands — structures that, at first glance, might appear ornamental, but in truth are paragons of purpose-driven architecture. These islands do not merely occupy space; they define it. They dictate the choreography of cooking, gathering, and feasting, all while anchoring the room with their presence.
The Work Island — A Culinary Stage
The first of these islands, the work island, is a sanctum for culinary endeavor. Its expansive surface, carved from honed marble with subtle veining that whispers of nature’s artistry, offers an unbroken terrain for meal preparation. Every inch of this island was plotted with precision, ensuring that no space goes underutilized.
Concealed beneath the polished surface are electrical outlets, hidden yet ever-ready to bring to life stand mixers, blenders, or the occasional pasta machine. This feature alone has transformed the kitchen from a passive environment into an active participant in our gastronomic exploits. Beneath the countertop lies storage of generous proportions — deep drawers that cradle cast iron skillets, cavernous cabinets that swallow stockpots and roasting pans with ease, and bespoke compartments for the myriad tools of the trade.
Each element of the work island reflects a conscious rejection of superfluity. It is a space designed not for fleeting trends but for enduring practicality — a workhorse in marble and timber, upon which countless feasts have been orchestrated, from the simplest flapjacks to elaborate holiday spreads.
The Communal Island — The Hearth of Hospitality
Opposite its industrious sibling stands the second island, whose purpose is no less vital. This island serves as the hearth of hospitality, the nucleus where conversation flows as freely as the morning coffee. Crafted from reclaimed wood, its weathered surface bears the subtle scars of use — knife marks, ink stains, and the faint rings left by coffee mugs — each a testament to the life lived around it.
This is where laughter mingles with the clatter of cutlery during languid breakfasts and where platters laden with ranch-style fare draw in friends and family like moths to a flame. The island’s generous proportions invite gatherings that spill over from meal times into hours of storytelling and shared reflection.
The space between these twin sentinels was calculated with a precision that belies its apparent simplicity. Wide enough to allow multiple cooks and helpers to navigate without collision, yet intimate enough to foster collaboration, this corridor transforms meal preparation from a solitary undertaking into a convivial ritual. It is here that flour-dusted hands pass mixing bowls to eager assistants, and where glasses are refilled amid lively repartee.
Storage as an Art Form
Beyond the islands, the kitchen’s storage solutions were devised with an almost monastic devotion to order and beauty. Custom cabinetry lines the perimeter, their design an ode to the vernacular style of the region. These cabinets do more than conceal utensils and provisions; they integrate seamlessly into the architectural rhythm of the space, ensuring continuity and calm.
Particularly noteworthy is the cabinetry that extends into the breakfast nook. Here, what might first appear to be a freestanding hutch is, in fact, a cunningly designed storage unit. It offers additional capacity for linens, serving platters, and cherished heirlooms, all without interrupting the visual harmony of the room.
Above the refrigerator, chicken wire-fronted cabinets introduce a whimsical yet purposeful detail. They evoke the charm of traditional farmhouses while providing a practical home for seldom-used items — picnic baskets, fondue sets, or the occasional punch bowl that emerges during festive gatherings.
Material Choices — A Testament to Authenticity
Material selection was approached not as an exercise in ostentation but as an opportunity to honor the home’s soul. Where others might have opted for glossy tiles or imported stone, we chose a beadboard backsplash — humble, unpretentious, yet deeply resonant with the home’s character. Its soft texture plays against the sturdier surfaces of wood and marble, lending the kitchen an air of quiet dignity.
This choice, seemingly modest, reflects a philosophy that guided every decision: that true beauty often resides in simplicity. The beadboard requires no elaborate maintenance, and its cost-effectiveness belies the warmth it imparts. It is a material that feels at once timeless and entirely of its place, as though it had always been part of the home’s fabric.
Similarly, the selection of hardware and fixtures eschewed fads. Drawer pulls in aged brass develop a patina with time, their finish evolving alongside the kitchen itself. Faucets of solid construction, simple in form yet elegant in function, promise longevity and reliability. Each choice speaks to a respect for craftsmanship and a reverence for materials that improve, rather than degrade, with age.
Lighting the Heart of the Home
Lighting, too, was curated with care and deliberation. Oversized pendants suspended above the islands cast a warm, diffuse glow, their scale in harmony with the generous proportions of the space. Recessed ceiling lights provide ample illumination for tasks, while under-cabinet lighting ensures that no corner falls into shadow.
These layers of light transform the kitchen’s mood at the flick of a switch. Morning light streaming through the windows is complemented by the gentle radiance of the pendants during dawn’s earliest hours. By evening, the ambient glow fosters a sense of intimacy, perfect for lingering over a glass of wine or a board game spread across the communal island.
The Flow Beyond the Kitchen
A truly functional kitchen must exist not in isolation but as part of a greater whole. At our ranch, the kitchen opens fluidly onto adjacent spaces — the dining room, the great room, and, beyond glass doors, the wide expanse of the deck. This deliberate connectivity allows the kitchen to act as a conduit for the life of the home.
Meals prepared within its walls flow effortlessly to the table indoors or out. Conversation begun at the stove drifts into the living room, uninterrupted. The design fosters not just culinary efficiency but social cohesion, ensuring that the kitchen serves its ultimate purpose — to nourish, not only the body but the bonds between those who gather within it.
A Kitchen That Honors Its Place
In the end, what distinguishes this kitchen is not simply its array of features or its finely tuned functionality. It can honor its place — to exist in harmony with the rugged Montana landscape beyond its windows, to reflect the values of those who dwell within the home, and to serve as the stage upon which countless memories are made.
The choices made throughout this journey were guided by a desire for authenticity and longevity. Nothing here is contrived or superfluous; every element, from the twin islands to the beadboard backsplash, has earned its place through usefulness and integrity.
This kitchen works as hard as we do, standing ready to support the rituals of daily life and the celebrations that punctuate it. It is a space where beauty and utility intertwine, where the marks of use are welcomed as the signatures of a life well-lived.
In an age when so many kitchens are designed to impress rather than to serve, ours remains steadfast in its mission — to be not a showroom, but a sanctuary. A place where hands are busy, hearts are full, and the aroma of something delicious always lingers in the air.
If you'd like, I can help illustrate this with a floor plan sketch, mood board description, or a list of the precise materials and fixtures used — just let me know!
The Soul of the Space — Reflections on a Kitchen that Became a Home
Now, as spring tiptoes onto our ranch, with its tender green shoots and the soft murmur of the thawing creek, I find myself once more drawn into reverie about the kitchen we so lovingly reimagined. What began as a purely functional remodel has transcended the boundaries of utility. It has evolved into the very pulse of our home — a living, breathing sanctuary where laughter mingles with the aroma of simmering stews, and where moments both grand and ephemeral are quietly woven into the fabric of our daily existence.
Where Memories Are Seasoned and Stories Simmer
In the tranquil hush that follows a day of rugged exploration — whether on horseback through the whispering pines or trekking along sun-dappled trails — it is this kitchen that calls us homeward. More than a space for preparing sustenance, it is a hearth for our spirits. Here, we replenish not only our bodies but also our connections to one another. The ample island, expansive and ever-inviting, becomes the gravitational center around which conversations orbit. It cradles impromptu feasts, late-night confidences, and the gentle clatter of coffee cups at dawn.
There is always a place for one more — a friend, a neighbor, or a weary traveler seeking respite. This inclusivity is not accidental; it is an ethos stitched into the very design. The kitchen’s dimensions are generous, yet never ostentatious. It feels at once intimate and boundless, a paradox that speaks to the magic of intentional design.
A Symphony of Texture and Tone
Perhaps what lends this kitchen its ineffable allure is the masterful choreography of materials and textures. The marble countertops, with their cool, velvety patina, offer a counterpoint to the barn wood’s storied grain. The beadboard’s subtle striations lend a quiet rhythm to the walls, inviting the eye to linger and explore. Every surface tells a tale of origins, of craftsmanship, of a reverence for both nature and human ingenuity.
The interplay of the polished and the rustic speaks to a design philosophy that champions harmony over sterile perfection. It is a space unafraid of juxtaposition — where a sleek range hood coexists with hand-hewn beams, and where glossy subway tiles reflect the warmth of vintage copper pots. Each element, distinct yet cohesive, contributes to a layered sensory experience that nourishes as much as it delights.
Beauty Meets Function at Every Turn
Even the most pragmatic features of the kitchen are imbued with quiet artistry. The refrigeration is discreetly hidden behind cabinetry that mirrors the room’s aesthetic, ensuring that utility never intrudes upon serenity. Storage solutions, meticulously planned and executed, transform daily tasks into small acts of pleasure. There is something deeply satisfying about retrieving a well-worn skillet from a custom drawer or sliding open a pantry that reveals its bounty like a treasure chest.
The hardware — unassuming black handles, substantial and tactile — and the polished nickel fixtures evoke a sense of permanence. They whisper of longevity, of choices made with the future in mind. This is a kitchen built not for fleeting trends, but for enduring use, for the slow unfolding of countless meals and memories.
Timelessness Woven Into Every Corner
Visitors to our home often remark upon the kitchen’s atmosphere, its uncanny ability to feel as though it has always belonged to this place. It does not announce itself as “new” or “remodeled” but instead feels as natural as the creek that winds past the property. And therein lies its greatest triumph — that it harmonizes so seamlessly with its surroundings and with the life lived within its walls.
This space has taught us lessons beyond what we could have gleaned from any design book or consultation. It has revealed the virtue of patience, as we waited for the right materials and artisans. It has underscored the importance of craft, of hands that shape and refine with care. And above all, it has demonstrated that the most meaningful environments are those that reflect our deepest values — of hospitality, of simplicity, of joy found in the everyday.
The Kitchen as a Teacher
In truth, this kitchen has been as much a guide as it has been a creation. It has shown us the subtle art of balance between form and function, between restraint and expression. It has taught us that true beauty lies in the considered details: the way sunlight filters through antique glass, the gentle wear that develops on a beloved cutting board, the faint scent of herbs drying on a windowsill.
It is here that we have learned to savor not just the meals, but the making of them. To find delight in the crackle of a fresh loaf emerging from the oven, in the swirl of steam rising from a pot of stew, in the meditative rhythm of chopping and stirring. In these simple, tactile pleasures, the kitchen has become a wellspring of mindfulness, a daily reminder to be present and grateful.
Designing for the Future, Rooted in the Past
As we turn our attention to the next chapter — the guest cabin that will soon nestle among the pines — we carry forward the wisdom gained from this kitchen. We know now the value of meticulous planning, of taking time to listen to the land and to our own aspirations. We embrace serendipity, understanding that the most delightful features often arise from unexpected turns. We are committed to selecting materials that will endure not only the elements but the test of time, that will age gracefully and acquire character.
Every choice we make for the new space will be infused with meaning, just as every corner of our kitchen reflects decisions shaped by love, respect for craft, and a desire to create a home that welcomes all who enter.
A Legacy of Craft and Connection
When I stand at the sink and gaze out at the grove of trees, I am reminded that this kitchen is not merely a backdrop for our lives, but an active participant. It bears witness to our celebrations and our quiet mornings, to our triumphs and our trials. It is where we gather to mark milestones, to find comfort on difficult days, and to share the simple joy of a meal made with care.
The space embodies a legacy — not of grand gestures, but of small, intentional acts. Of choosing the right hinge for a cabinet door, of sanding a countertop until it feels just right beneath the palm, of hanging a pendant light at just the right height to illuminate without overpowering. These decisions, made quietly and without fanfare, are what give the kitchen its soul.
The Enduring Power of Place
Ultimately, what this kitchen has given us is a profound appreciation for the power of place. It has shown us that home is not defined by square footage or fashionable finishes, but by the spirit imbued in its walls. A well-loved kitchen, like ours, becomes a vessel for memory, a repository of tradition, and a canvas for new stories yet to unfold.
As we look ahead to new projects, we do so with a sense of gratitude for the lessons learned, for the hands that helped shape this space, and for the countless moments that have made it truly our own. This kitchen, born of vision and patience, will continue to nourish us in ways both seen and unseen, for years to come.
Conclusion
In the end, what makes this kitchen remarkable is not any single design element or clever feature, but the way it brings people together. It is a space that invites gathering, fosters connection, and quietly celebrates the rhythms of life. It reminds us that the true purpose of a home is to be a haven — a place where we can be ourselves, where we can nourish and be nourished, where beauty and function exist in joyful harmony.
The journey of creating this kitchen has enriched us beyond measure. It has deepened our appreciation for the interplay of material and meaning, of tradition and innovation. And it has affirmed what we always hoped to be true: that the most enduring spaces are those that, in nourishing the body, also feed the soul.