Permission To Pause
Wanna join me for a creative planning workshop?
Hey you.
Fall snuck up on me again, and maybe it did for you too. One day I was laying on my belly painting in the park, the next I was suiting up in rain gear. No matter how many times I experience seasonal change, I think I will always feel unsettled for a little bit. The transition requires recalibration—a redirection of my energy, refocusing of my body, and re-centering of my attention. As the fog and mist blankets the city (except it’s sunny this weekend, so by this, I mean the rest of fall and winter), I’m returning to sewing projects and journaling and board games and fire building and more nesting nights inside. It’s been a busy year—it’s time for a pause.
In September, I joined the boot brand Danner on a press trip into British Columbia’s backcountry. The group was small: three other journalists, a photographer, a brand rep, and PR. We were helicoptered in to the Icefall Lodge, a remote hut that’s part of a network of shelters in the area. The helicopter flew us over two mountain passes, where small turquoise lakes pooled in the rocky crevices and dense clouds brushed us as we went by. Oh how I longed to immerse myself in that captivating blue water, as frigid as it probably was. We spent the next two days hiking and testing Danner’s new boots—first we climbed to a glacier and then wandered into a canyon dripping with waterfalls. Without service, we were happily forced to connect with one another and our surroundings. We played cards and talked and shared meals. At the second hut, I snuck away for a moment to sit alone by the stream and listen to the rushing chorus and watch the water foam white as it tumbled over the rocks. If only I could’ve bottled up that tranquility for another time, like right now.
Life has just been too fast lately, ya know? I’m on a conveyor belt that doesn’t have an off button. But, like, actually, I was. The other day, I hopped on a step machine for the first time in years. My legs didn’t know wtf to do. I almost tripped and fell on my face. Even the lowest setting was too fast. It was the strangest feeling yet the perfect illustration for my current state. I needed to walk reallllllly slow before walking faster. That’s the kind of progression I want to invite into my days, and I’m still figuring out how to return to slowness. Slow and steady. I think it starts with logging off, shutting down my phone, getting fresh air, not keeping track of the time, having no obligations, letting go of expectations. Just being. Like when I was out there with the waterfalls and wind.
With love,
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Monthly Curiosities
Reading: No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood. A hilarious and heartbreaking tale of seeking connection on the internet. And goodness, my list of prospective reads is too long that I’m not sure what to pick up next…
Listening: It’s October, which means Dead Man’s Bones is on repeat in our house. Yet another reason to simply adore Ryan Gosling (he’s the singer!!!!!)
Watching: TONS of DIY videos, including this one on how to make a playful light out of old sail cloth and this one about a decade-long renovation project
Making: Another Ilford Jacket for Steve, this TYTKA Studios bag, my second pair of Bisque Trousers, and a Pipit Vest as a dupe of a $130 one from a fashion brand
Repeating: “I’m sorry if someone made you feel like loving you is a hard thing to do.”
Eyeing: This Portland event is on my calendar for next month
Planning: I’m trying to finish this year strong and not get ahead of myself, but I’m bursting with ideas for 2024 projects. Would anybody want to have a mindful creative planning/brainstorming call sometime this winter? Comment below if so!
I love a brainstorming call!
I'd love to! Miss you Amelia!! <3