And a creative reset.
Look! I’ve redecorated!
Well, to be fair my friend did all the hard work of creating these custom illustrations, but I’m so excited to show them off.
There are lot of details hidden in the compost heap above. What do you spy?
While I would never call this a rebrand (because I’m not a brand I’m a human) sometimes a reframe is helpful. Over the last year I’ve been having a bit of an identity crisis around my blog / newsletter / the place I share my online writing. I was feeling stuck until I landed on the metaphor of a compost heap.
The idea being I share whatever bits and bobs I find inspiring during the week. Sometimes the compost heap might sprout something a bit more substantial (like last week’s post about rediscovering the gift economy.) But the pressure to consistently write long form content is off. Most weeks you’ll be getting something more eclectic.
Gracie’s illustrations frame this project in a way that I find really inspiring with a visual nod to some of my passions (including my penchant for tumbling down rabbit holes.)
In case you missed it…
This week I published the second issue of : a virtual zine and exhibition space for neurodivergent artists & writers.
If you haven’t already pour yourself a cup of something cozy and enjoy. I’m delighted to be able to spotlight the artists & writers who submitted work for this.
In the garden…
If flowers were emoji. This would obviously be 💖.
Inspired by my friend who writes and is launching a book right now!
Speaking of flowers… Remember when I had a creative pilgrimage to Charleston, South Carolina?
I took this photo standing in Harriet’s garden. I ordered a packet of seeds when I noticed how much the butterflies loved these tithonia.
Mine bloomed while I was at WoT Con.
In the studio…
Between curating and laying track to crowdfund Entwined I’ve done an incredible amount of admin over the last two weeks.
Once I “caught up” I spent an afternoon cutting magazine clippings for a hobbit hole / creative ecosystem collage.
As my friend Richelle says… “Make something. You’ll feel better.”
Experimenting with embedding a time lapse. Nothing fancy. Just me cutting and arranging flowers and pathways from magazines. I’ll probably make a reel on Instagram later this week. I wish those would embed.
I shouldn’t have waited until I was caught up to make something. I continue to struggle to prioritize creative work above admin and when the balance is off my mental health always suffers. This was a really great sensory reset.
I almost forgot…
This week I sent out my first round of snail mail letters to my paid supporters!
I typed it out on my vintage typewriter and then attempted a doodle of my tithonia and added some marginalia. I made a few extra photocopies so if you sign up during July you’ll also get this letter!
This publication is free to all. Thanks for exchanging your time and energy. If you’re feeling generous here are other ways you can lend your support.
Leave a comment (it’s free!)
Pledge $3+ on Patreon (or upgrade to paid) for a real life handcrafted letter from me each month.1
Restack or recommend on Substack.
Buy my book.
Forward this email to a friend.
The Internet is like a tin can telephone. It’s magic when someone talks back. I’d love to hear from you.
What’s in your creative compost heap this week?
I appreciate you.
P.S. Do you love the new illustrations as much as I do?! What references can you spot?
Yes, even across the pond! I chose $3 for the lowest tier because it just covers costs of printing and a global stamp. This project is more about connection than making money. You’re welcome to tip in more if you’d like, but it’s not expected.
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