Hello friend,
I know, I know… I've been very absent lately, but here's the deal: I've been channeling all my creative energy into my ceramic projects. As I've mentioned a miiillion times, I'm trying to make my online store happen, hopefully in time for Christmas, and that dream has been eating up most of my free time ❤️
Anyway, here I am for our monthly round-up! And I must say: September, you rock! This season always gives me a magical surge of energy, making me feel alive, brimming with creativity, and overflowing with optimism. I've been kicking off my days with morning runs (sweating on purpose, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!), scribbling down little poems, playing with acrylics, and hey, I've even been socializing more than my usual hermit-like self.
So yes, life feels good.
May the new season keep the good vibes flowing!🍂
🎧 A song
Isn't that the goal?
To be loved until you're whole?
💭 A Thought
This month, I'd like to change things up a bit and share these great prompts I found on Reset NYC Instagram. I think that engaging in this kind of exercise is an excellent way to wrap up a season and set intentions for what lies ahead. Personally, as I answered these questions, I came to the realization that, despite my constant complaints about hot days, I actually had a fantastic time. I hope this inspires you to embark on your own journaling session!
I've always been that person who can't wait for summer to be over. The heat, the sweat – argh, not my cup of tea. But if I take a moment to really think about it, this summer turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. Beyond my usual complaints about the scorching sun, I have to admit that the past three months were filled with joy.
I had the chance to travel to Portugal and Italy and enjoy quality time with loved ones. It was a time to relax, read, write, and catch up on the movies and TV shows I'd been wanting to watch. I went to a few gastronomic festivals, danced my heart out, took refreshing dips in the river, ate plenty of sardines, and made new friends. I also feel like I improved my ceramic abilities (or at least my confidence) and rediscovered my passion for painting.
It was a gentle, soothing summer that allowed me to refuel, gain clarity about what genuinely matters to me, and, most importantly, remember the obvious: slow down and savor life.I’m a worrier, an anticipator, a let-me-create-every-possible-tragic-scenario-in-my-brain kind of person. But I must say that these past few months have been relatively trouble-free. Thanks to some deep soul-searching and therapy, it seems like my anxiety has decided to take a mindcation. Even with all the traveling, events, get-togethers, and doctor appointments, I've managed this summer quite well. I'm getting surprisingly good at catching worries before they turn into beliefs - and this is a rather empowering feeling.
Somewhat unconsciously, I feel that my mind has been quite focused on the upcoming months. As I mentioned earlier, I've got plans to launch my online ceramic shop before Christmas. I've been knee-deep in clay, and while I've had my fair share of procrastination and self-doubt, there's a glimmer of hope that this time might just be different.
I've also been pondering the idea of diving into a new hobby. It could be patchwork, cooking classes, or even a creative writing course... I don't know, and I'm not entirely convinced I'll have the time for it, but hey, let's keep the dream alive!
Lastly, I'm also on a mission to stick to the exercise routine I kicked off in September, read more, bike more, and master the art of homemade pumpkin spice lattes. These goals might not be 'overly ambitious,' but that's exactly what I want: to find joy and a sense of accomplishment in the simple things.I'm wrapping up this season with a great dose of gratitude. I'm thankful for the moments shared with dear friends and family, the concerts, glasses of wine, delicious meals, inspiring conversations, and all the glorious afternoon naps I've had the chance to enjoy. It's easy to forget the real value of unwinding and embracing a slower pace. I stumbled upon this quote the other day that totally hit the mark: "Sometimes, slowing down is the best way to speed up." 100%.
(I'm on the verge of listing out a bunch of clichés, but please bear with me.) I'm eagerly anticipating all things autumn-related: Sweaters, boots, scarves, Halloween, pumpkins, persimmons, roasted chestnuts, cider, rainy days, windy days, colorful fall leaves… e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. Furthermore, I'm excited about traveling, visiting my family, working on my projects, relishing the crisp weather, and embracing all the tranquility it brings... And I'm curious to see where this hopeful feeling will lead me. I’m noticing that a lot of time, there's nothing standing in the way of what we desire; it's just our own hesitation, our own reluctance to claim it. This season, I'm determined to rewrite my story and move toward what I want.
🪄Bits of inspiration
Vuong’s reflection
The more I think about art making and what it means to be a successful artist, the more I understand and love this quote.
Heidi’s quilts
I've been giving a lot of thought to quilting and patchwork lately, and I must say, I'm absolutely in love with Heidi Parkes' work.
“All the things I wish I didn't give a shit about”
This is an excellent prompt. Sasha's list has truly inspired me, and I'm eager to tackle this exercise next. Who's in?
Thrift Store Ghosts
I've seen this online trend of painting ghosts onto old thrift store paintings, and I'm SO into it. I’ll probably give it a shot… 👻
ASMR for the win
I'm a huge ASMR fan, especially during work hours. Lately, I've been captivated by this video featuring some of my favorite sounds: crackling wood fire, rain, the gentle turn of pages, and the occasional purr of a cat. Strange? Perhaps, but it helps me ignore the fact that it's still 32ºC outside.