August goings-on
From wolves, to abstract artists. Things from my month, that you might like too.
Heya - I thought I’d mix things up a bit and write a newsletter with a different format than usual. I love seeing what content other creative people are engrossed in. So I thought maybe you’d like a few recommendations from my corner of the internet. Let me know what you think of this format. I’m evolving. Always.
General goings-on
I’m hesitant to share the big thing that’s happening in our life right now because I feel better about writing about things retrospectively, once the dust has settled. But for now, something big is happening… this post I wrote earlier in the year lays out some thoughts around an emerging need to edit our life - is this everyone’s mid-life experience?
So it’s happening. Lots of regular life stuff is on hold while we leap feet-first into our next adventure. I’ll definitely update you once I catch my breath.
Because of the aforementioned big thing and probably lots of other reasons, I’m taking a little break from Instagram. Perhaps I’ll get my thoughts in order on that, and stick them into a newsletter one of these days. Right now it’s liberating to not give so much of my brain space to that platform. Hmmm.. anyway, I’d love you’re thoughts on that too. Does it not feel as fun for you too? Or am I just too preoccupied with other things? Maybe I’ll find energy for it again soon.
I recently had a birthday, which was fab and full of friends, family, Asteroid City, and a big gluten-free chocolate cake.
Okay, here are some recent things I’ve been spending my attention on + a quote about attention that I love:
“To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”
— Mary Oliver
Reading
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, by Bessel Van Der Kolk - an incredible read to understand yourself and fellow humans a bit better.
Listening
This is Love, Episode 72: The Wolves - an incredible tale of the wolf packs in Yellowstone National Park.
A recent rabbit-hole
My latest distraction is researching post-war women abstract artists. I’ve been learning about the likes of Agnes Martin, Yayoi Kusama, and Lee Krasner. Much YouTubing has ensued on this topic, I’m not even going to try to link everything here. These women are/were trailblazers, and often living in the shadows of men like Jackon Pollock. They deserve our attention.
Watching
We’re late to the party, but we’ve just started watching Peaky Blinders. Obsessed.
Writing
I wrote about Processing grief with busy hands and community collaboration earlier in the month. It’s about a memory quilt I made.
August in photos
Notebook doodles.
A birthday hike and picnic with Jane (
)We’re looking after a greyhound, Vonny, who needs a forever home, perhaps when life is more stable she’ll come to live with us permanently.
I volunteered at our local repair cafe. It’s always a highlight.