Lately

3 things that steadied me this week

Dear readers,

The new year has found me to be a strange combination of wobbly, inspired, and…blah. I launched my shop a couple of weeks ago (woo!) but the midwinter blues have been holding me tightly all month and I’ve been sluggish and sleepless. Not to mention the car I’ve been borrowing is very unexpectedly TOAST! A few well-timed phone calls from my friends combined with an ocean visit at sunset this weekend helped fortify me. I have 2 trips planned in February and keeping my sight on those has been helpful as well. Here are a few things that grounded me this week:

I refreshed my altar while sending voice memos to Grace (featuring a new painting they made and sent me!). I have found that having pictures of my mom all over my room is helping me as I grieve. When I look at them I try to inhabit the happiness captured in each photo for even a few seconds.

Another day, another balaclava. I started knitting this in the fall (based on the pattern by Imogen Rose Denton and knit with yarn gifted to me by Ani) and I set it aside for awhile until picking it up last week. I love finishing projects and this was just the ticket!

The ocean will always be the best medicine for me. The sound of the waves quiet my mind, the rocks and shells distract my hands and eyes, and my feet are propelled by the sight of new finds ahead of me.

Current obsessions:

• reading Matrix by Lauren Groff. I’m enthralled! Prompted a medieval content kick (got any recs?)

• Frances Ha on Netflix. Love the cringe. The last scenes evoke heartfelt tears every time.

• DuoLingo French for the dopamine.

What’s bringing you steadiness/comfort this winter? Feel free to leave a comment or reply to this email!

Take care, and take heart xoxo

m