from so many theres, to here.

This is about giving back as much as it is following the path.

Everyday Transcendence is my project, and I am Gretchen Von Grossmann. In February, 2022, I left a career in urban design, architecture and construction to embark on a journey of learning. A reevaluation of my place in the world led me to create this venue for sharing personal life stories as a way to contribute to building community in my life’s second half.

This site will be a growing, evolving vessel, carrying the stories of my progress in learning across a wide array of themes linking to transcendence, as well as the the stories of others drawn to participate.

There are three missions in the work represented here:

Magnify the beauty in the everyday.

Noticing the magic all around us, and capturing it in words, visuals, actions.

Support families affected by substance abuse.

I lost my brother to addiction, and a cousin as well. Telling their stories means exposing the darknesses and secrets to healing light.

Build community.

Getting real with each other builds honest ties and strong foundations for true relationship.