Note: This will be the last weekend blog before I turn on paid subscriptions. I’ve gone back and forth about whether or not to utilize that option, but I think it’s important - particularly as a female creative- to open myself up to receiving monetary feedback for the time and intellect that goes into my work. I believe money is a powerful energy source and that the way we choose to exchange it sends a message to ourselves, those around us and the Universe about what we find valuable in this world. So to me, turning on paid subscriptions is less about the potential to make money and more about what I’m saying to myself about the value I see in my own work. It will also serve as an extra measure of accountability. I want you all to see the value in what I curate here and will be working hard to make sure those who choose to sign on feel like it’s worth it.
For $6/month or $60/year, subscribers will have exclusive access to the weekend letters, Wednesday Wisdom posts, playlists, books, podcasts, TV suggestions and occasional fashion favorites, as well as access to our community chats and comments. I’m excited to expand the paid subscription space into a conversation platform where we can more easily engage with one another.
And fear not, there will still be a free option which will include the Wednesday Wisdom “sub-snack” along with links I’m sharing for that week.
I intentionally filled this week’s newsletter up so you can get an accurate idea of what’s ahead, but moving forward affiliate links will likely be found on Wednesday’s post so as not to overwhelm my weekend readers. Read on and hit me up with any feedback!
SHELLING FOR WISDOM
“Nature is not lacking in abundance. There’s more than one pink flower! Creativity is an overflowing force, not a rationed resource.”- Julia Cameron, The Artists Way
Our trip to the beach this week reminded me of an excerpt I read over Spring Break from The Artists Way. In Chapter six, Cameron points out the innumerable examples of abundance in nature as evidence of our potential to tap into a limitless creative force.
The author suggested stepping outside to collect five variations of flowers, then five unique rocks, and so on. I just so happened to be on a beach famous for shelling so when I set out on my nature walk, I had to laugh to myself. It was such an “I see you, God” moment as if the Universe heard I’d be out searching for proof of abundance and wanted to make it comically clear. Countless shells covered the shore in an array of colors, shapes and sizes- no two the same-like a Summertime snowstorm. Piles accumulated at the edges of the tide and digging beneath the smooth, sandy stretches revealed layers of shells so deep I imagined them continuing on, eventually melting into marbly magma at the Earth’s core.
The exercise in observation seems simple. Of course when we stop to think of it, there are endless examples of abundance in nature. From grains of sand to the waters of the seas, from species of plants and animals to the individuality of human beings. I suppose the challenge is in stopping to think of it. Like the shells blanketing the beach, evidence of creative abundance is often right at our feet; yet, we doubt our capabilities and allow ourselves to become blocked by imposters syndrome, rather than trusting that the same loving God who delights in the vastness of the natural world is eternally available to guide us in the creation of our own boundless dreams.
Back on the beach this week, the most glaring example of abundance came in the form of our family. I could sense the calm gratitude that washed over my parents having all of their children, our spouses and our children under one roof for a brief moment in time. There was no shortage of noise, laughter, chaos, clutter and most of all, love. I imagined how gratifying it must be to grow older and witness the ripple effect of one couple’s love multiplying exponentially over the course of a lifetime and beyond.
We ended most evenings on the porch held between a starfilled sky and the energy of the sea. Evidence of a divine source was impossible to miss. It’s always hard to leave on a high note, but I know the memories of this trip will forever serve as reminders of the magic available to us so long as we remember to stop, step outside- of our walls…of ourselves- and acknowledge it.
LISTEN:
My girl is on a roll and I swear just keeps getting better. Patsy Cline unhinged by way of Cyrena Wages…
READ:
There wasn’t much time for reading on this trip, but Chelsea Handler’s latest was easy to reach for during the rare quiet moment- hilarious and enlightening.
WATCH:
One episode left of Siren’s on Netflix and we’re locked in. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the ending, but that doesn’t deter me much anymore. If a show or movie keeps me engaged long enough to make it to the end, I still consider it worth the watch. The set and wardrobe alone make this one a super fun Summer show. Anyone else loving this one?
WEAR:
I got lots of questions on Instagram about a few Summer staples I whipped out ahead of the beach last week so here are links to some of my favorites!
go-to sandals (chocolate) go-to sandals cropped sweater show me your mu mu dress beach pants eyelet cut-out pants blue strapless dress mom of the year sweatshirt shell earrings gauzy beach pants
GIFT:
This Kubb Ball set was a huge hit for the entire family and Field says the Shibumi Shade could save a marriage. I suppose that means it’s easy to set up? Unclear, but he agrees both would be great Father’s Day gift ideas.
I hope Summer is off to a great start for all of you. Thank you so much for being here and sharing with others you think would enjoy!