Melissa's Musings
First Fridays · September 2026 · Issue No. 1
By Melissa Gilbert
I have been so blessed to spend my life surrounded by remarkable women. We have shared so much together. Whether that has been through work, friendships, or family, we've talked about everything. Our stories are all so rich and full of life experience—celebrations and milestones, heartbreaks and losses, questions, fears, and hard-won wisdom—that even the briefest encounters often become deeply personal conversations.
These stories have helped shape me.
What I’ve come to know is that our stories are never to be taken lightly. In fact, they are a large part of why Modern Prairie exists.
Nicole and I wanted to create a place where women could feel seen and understood, especially during midlife and beyond. I know we have all encountered a pervasive sense that our lives in this season do not seem to carry much meaning anymore, or that our best days are behind us. We know that is simply not true. There is still so much to explore, question, make, learn, and become.
These are big, meaningful conversations that need space. Social media moves quickly, and some thoughts just can’t be squeezed into a caption, sound bite, or post. It feels as if we have all been wanting to slow down and share more openly with each other. For us here at Modern Prairie, it’s not just about what we’re creating, but what we’re thinking, learning, discovering, feeling, struggling with, and where we are finding hope.
That is why we created this newsletter you’re reading: First Fridays.
That is what we hope this newsletter will become: a monthly gathering place that meets you wherever you are.
Here, I’ll share some of my own thoughts in Melissa’s Musings. We’ll explore the questions and ideas sparking our curiosity.
This month, we’re focused on the fact that hunger in America affects one in seven people (really take that in for a moment!), and we’re shining the spotlight on three incredible organizations working to make sure that everyone—kids, families, older neighbors—can gather around a nourishing table. We’re also taking a dive into a health topic that affects so many of us: UTIs. If you’ve ever been told that recurrent urinary tract infections are simply a part of getting older, or you’ve been handed prescription after prescription for antibiotics without a thoughtful discussion with your doctor, this story is for you.
In these First Friday newsletters, we’ll also take you Behind the Seams to meet the people, share stories, and get a glimpse inside the wonderfully imperfect process behind Modern Prairie. Most importantly, we hope this becomes a conversation. We want to hear what you’re thinking about, what you’re experiencing, and what you would like us to explore together.
We won’t pretend to have all the answers. What we can promise is honesty, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning alongside you.
So, on the first Friday of every month, consider this our open door. Come in, stay awhile, and tell us what’s on your mind.
I’m so glad you’re here.
With love,
25 comments
Dear Modern Prairie Team,
I want to express the joy and gratitude I feel for the beautiful dress styles you offer through Modern Prairie. There is something so sweet about the way your designs bring together timeless prairie charm with modern wearability. The flattering silhouettes, thoughtful details in your textiles and accessories and lovely patterns feel both nostalgic and fresh, and they make it fun to dress for work, every day or just being at home. If I had to choose a favorite, I would have to say the Strawberry Prairie Dress and the Caroline Prairie Dress.
I am equally grateful for the materials used in the dresses. The soft, comfortable fabrics and sense of their quality and the love put into the stitches make each piece feel suited to real life—easy to wear, easy to move in, and still beautiful enough to feel truly special. It honors comfort without sacrificing style, and Modern Prairie does that so well.
My connection to the “prairie story” came later in life. I had never watched Little House on the Prairie until I was almost 50 years old. My husband had been a fan since childhood, and he was the one who introduced me to the show. Through him, I discovered its warmth, faith, strength in home, resilience, and sense of spirituality —and I quickly understood why it had meant so much to him for so many years.
That shared experience makes discovering Modern Prairie feel even more meaningful. Your dresses carry that spirit of the qualities I have come to love in the series, while still feeling perfectly suited to life today. Thank you for creating clothing that offers beauty, comfort, confidence, and a heartfelt connection to a story that has now become special to both my husband and me.
Now, just bring back some of the older dresses that sold out so fast.
With heartfelt appreciation,
E. Daniele Britton
Sand Springs, OK
I love this First Friday concept. It’s making me feel inspired to have a gathering of friends with the same concept to share and feel a welcoming sense of support. Something to look forward to each month! Thank you Melissa for inspiring us in so many ways!
This is so wonderful I love “first Fridays”! We have this same type of celebration in the artist building where my studio is. This community reminds me of that space where it’s always so inspiring, refreshing and filled with so many talented women! Thanks for creating this platform for us to share and explore and above all support and love. 🌸🍃💕
Thank you so much for starting the First Fridays Newsletter. This is such a wonderful new Modern Prairie creation. Modern Prairie has been a daily place for me to learn so many new things and to be connected to such a wonderful and diverse community of women since I discovered its existence in February of this year. From Chef Cheryl and her wonderful culinary instruction to all of the many zoom events, to all of the posts from so many that come in daily- Modern Prairie has given me value to my senior years that before was rather isolated and drab. Thank you Melissa, Nicole, Alison, and all at Modern Prairie that have given my senior years a rich new meaning. I am daily and forever grateful.
Melissa:
The strength and power when women gather never ceases to amaze me. No woman escapes difficult times during a lifetime. I am blessed to have strong amazing women in my life to help me through my difficult times and I have had some lately. I pray for you and know you will survive the difficult times you face too. Love your store and products! Keep shining!