What a Beautiful Mess

Facing my fears and finding my way on the Lost Coast

I always say, “If I knew how hard something was going to be before I did it, I’d never do anything great in my life.”

Aug 2 • 

Shelley Dunning

22

8

July 2025

Party in Washington, Tragedy in Texas

At exactly the time this joyous and jubilant photo was taken, a community in Texas was watching families, their 8-year-old girls, their homes and their…

Jul 8 • 

Shelley Dunning

9

7

June 2025

Not today, Darla

Whether you're being chased by a tiger or you've lost your cat, it's important to know who's boss

Jun 26 • 

Shelley Dunning

13

3

May 2025

Home for the Summer

Remembering with humor and a little bit of longing, our kids' first summer home from college.

May 6 • 

Shelley Dunning

19

7

October 2024

Big Dreams for Mabel's Market

I own a store.

Oct 14, 2024 • 

Shelley Dunning

36

8

The Camera is Always Rolling

Last week I had an encounter that has me thinking about an interview I watched years ago.

Oct 6, 2024 • 

Shelley Dunning

18

6

September 2024

It Ain't Easy Being Green

What a Beautiful Mess is a reader-supported publication.

Sep 30, 2024 • 

Shelley Dunning

15

9

Helpful Hints from a Compulsive Scavenger

What a Beautiful Mess is a reader-supported publication.

Sep 18, 2024 • 

Shelley Dunning

13

14

Almost Like Catching Lightning in a Bottle

In the summer of 1983, when I was 17 years old, I embarked on a two-week journey into Colorado’s Holy Cross Wilderness.

Sep 10, 2024 • 

Shelley Dunning

13

5

Part IV: Defending my Honor

Following is Part IV of a series sharing the story of a time in the Pacific Northwest when I was a paid signature gatherer for a variety of issues.

Sep 1, 2024 • 

Shelley Dunning

8

2

August 2024

Part III: "Save the Salmon" and other fishy stuff

Following is Part III of a series sharing the story of a time in the Pacific Northwest when I was a paid signature gatherer for a variety of issues.

Aug 30, 2024 • 

Shelley Dunning

5

1

Part II: Champagne, Country Gravy and Sweet New Friends

Following is Part II of a series sharing the story of a time in the Pacific Northwest when I was a paid signature gatherer for a variety of issues.

Aug 28, 2024 • 

Shelley Dunning

7

4