On Wednesdays, I share a list of things I’m seeing, liking, thinking about, etc. This is my weekly bulletin board!
YOU JUST HAVE TO GET STARTED: I am in Northern Michigan — trying to block my calendar and finish my book proposal. I started outlining my thoughts at the beginning of the year after signing with a literary agent last November. I’ve spent a few Saturdays forcing myself to get something on the page. But a lot of this process requires percolation — letting the thoughts drip around your brain until they can flow through your fingers. Good things do take time. But also, you just have to get started. I was alarmed at how ALIVE I felt after thirty minutes of typing yesterday. I was throwing my hands in the air with unrestrained joy after moving two words around in a sentence, which made me ask, why have I not been doing this? Oh, how easy it is to procrastinate the things we’re called to do. Oh, how we must just begin regardless. Favorable conditions never come.
THE STORY ONLY BUILDS: Every single summer that I can remember, I would sit in deep relief of school work being out of my way and eagerly open my computer upon June’s arrival. We spent summers in Northern Michigan, and here, something creative in me would come alive. I would spend all my time working on a blog, studying affiliate influencer channels, and making logos on Canva. In this spot, on this couch, I would be glued to some entrepreneurial project I was dreaming up on my Chrome browser. My summer project of choice has always been what I’m doing now.
My dad sent me this photo of a familiar scene — me with my laptop, my family surrounding me. I now sit on this same couch and write about my mom, and I feel her almost eerily peering over my shoulder, making great suggestions. Nothing is lost; the story only builds. Life today is built on all the life that came before us. We get to live, create, share, and keep going. What a gift.
IDEAL SUMMER VIBES: I stopped in J.Crew the other day and left with a bag full of things. Have you seen Camp Crew? Genius marketing activation. A real camp with real creators and epic visuals. The copywriting!!! The way they are sharing on socials. I’m drooling over it!!!! Anyways — wearing these items at the lake on repeat.
I will be buying these pants in more colors. I have been wearing the light lilac, which I am surprised to find is acting like a summer neutral.
Caved for this lobster rollneck. I love the brown and cream combo. Also, this button-up version …
I bought two of these tees — one striped and one with a green collar. I love the pop of green under a sweater, and they feel very campy. Cute! Also love the cap sleeve.
This drawstring cotton skirt!! Extra 30% off. Also love this paracord one.
GIRL’S TRIP: It took a few years, but my high school friend group finally reunited this past weekend. I know it’s fun to see your friends, but I cannot explain the sustained, constant joy of our time together. Truly medicine for the soul. There is nothing more special than female friendship — the deep knowing, support, shared love, laughter, and connection. It transcends time! And then Taylor Swift released this song, and I decided it was for us. I am deep in nostalgia and gratitude. But if you need a great place to come with your girls, I highly recommend Northern Michigan (Glen Arbor, Leland, Suttons Bay) — crystal-clear lakes, cute shops, endless nature bliss, and great food. There is serious magic hidden all the way up in Michigan.
STAYING IN TOUCH: I know friendships take different shapes throughout life, and I am not good at answering text messages. At any given time, I have about 100 to respond to. (I am sorry if you haven’t heard from me — I am thinking about you.) How do you stay in touch with your friends? My high school girls try to send a video on their assigned day with a quick update. I’ve tried standing call times with others. In my opinion, voice memos are the most trusty tool. It feels like we have so many ways to stay in touch with people that I can’t keep up with anyone at all. How do you do it? Sound off in the comments.
INSTANT SPACE REFRESH: Nothing changes a room like a rug. New ones I’ve had my eye on — lily of the valley inspired, green patchwork-ish, still love this multicolor one! Or this confetti check runner!!!
SUMMER IN THE CITY OUTFIT INSPO: Thinking about my summer city personality (two weeks from now I’ll be in the West Village!!!) — I love a summer skirt, and a monochrome look. Saving this inspo for my capsule wardrobe creation.
TRUSTING YOURSELF / YOUR BODY: In most things, I can sound off with clarity. But when it comes to dating, I find it difficult to trust myself. What do I want? What do I like? What do I need? I loved this article from my friend Anna on listening to your body with others. In the past, I’ve been in relationships where I would literally shake, and I didn’t know why (those ended). It gives me a lot of peace to remember that my body knows, and it will tell me.
Sending love!
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Marco Polo has been my favorite tried & true method of staying in contact with long-distance friends. slightly harder in a large group, but great for 2/3 people!
i’ve summered in northern michigan my whole life too. the best!! good luck with the book! xx