The Good Stuff
THE GOOD STUFF
Welcome back to The Good Stuff. I’m having a lot of fun pulling these together for you every few weeks! Keep sending me what’s lighting you up, let me know by hitting reply to this email. What's your winter pleasure?
Here’s what I’m into this month…
You’ve probably caught on by now that I love a good crime drama. February has been full in this respect, as I’ve been enjoying Jodie Foster in True Detective every Sunday. But what about the rest of the week?! If you love crime dramas and haven't taken a deep dive into the world of PBS Masterpiece, it’s time to get on board!
Set in Scotland, Annika weaves the tale of Norwegian Marine Homicide DI Annika Strandhed. The beautiful scenery stars as a main character, along with a terribly adorable Jaime Sives as DS, Michael McAndrews. The cases are interesting and are solved alongside the very ordinary life dramas of family, secrets, and change. The gentleness and care that characters take around big life changes is really beautiful. Bend not break if definitely a theme. Each case is considered through the lens of a classic narrative, spanning from Norse folk tales, to Greek mythology and classic literature.
Also, a quick note about the wardrobe. Lots of great fits throughout the show. My favorites would have to be DC Blair Ferguson’s effortless jumpsuit collection and pretty much everything DS Michael McAndrews wears. My new goal might be a complete recreation of his entire wardrobe. So damn good.
As you know, I like to test out a lot of different clean skincare. I’d say that my skin has never changed more than it has in the last few years. It went from oily, which it had never been to very, very dry - especially in the winter months. I have found that a rotation of products seems to work best focusing on very emollient and deeply penetrating oils and balms during the colder season and lighter gel based moisturizers during the summer.
When I first tried this oil a few months ago, I had been inconvenienced by a fraudulent charge on my credit card around the same time. As I went through each individual charge with the agent over the phone I found myself laughing hysterically as I confirmed that yes, I had charged a purchase from Naked and Thriving. Sounds like a middle aged porn site, right?!
Anyway, this oil is definitely for those in need of a deep moisture boost. Great as a last step in your nightly skin care routine and also great in the morning to seal in all the serums. It has a bright citrus scent that doesn’t overpower, but stays fresh as a nice bright spark of loveliness throughout the day. I have found it to be particularly helpful with the delicate skin around the neck and chest. Currently on the lookout for a neck cream - if you’ve got one for me to try, let me know.
Working from home is great and also can be super tedious when it comes to lunch. Most days I grab lunch at home with the kiddo or in between teen taxi and clients. I’m not much into the ritual of food, so simple, nutritious and fast options for lunch are what I’m going for. While not organic, but Non-gmo, Afia Falafel are quick and easy to make in an air fryer and taste great with pretty much everything. Often I eat them on their own with a hummus or lentil dip, other times I toss them in a coconut wrap with some chicken and fresh veggies. Either way, they are consistently delicious and provide a comforting and warm treat that keeps me full for hours.
Cult + King Creampop Conditioning Cleanser
The kiddo just cut her waist length long hair to a super short undercut punk style. We were kind of hair twinsies for a while and it was just a matter of time before she needed to break free from the echoes of “you two look so much alike.” Because we all know teens love to hear that.
Her stylist Maya recommended she try a cream cleanser to keep her undercut soft rather than stiff and itchy and this product has worked really well for her. I’ve tried cream cleansers in the past with little success, but I was game to try again and I’m so glad I did! This cleanser acts very differently than ones I have tried and it even works beautifully as a conditioner on the days you might feel like using a more traditional shampoo. It comes with a handy scalp messenger which feels great. I recommend putting this product in first, then going through your shower routine, being sure to rinse really, really well. I’ve heard the magic with these cream cleansers is in the rinse. It should be noted that these cream cleansers are not for everyday use. I wash my hair on average only twice a week. As a company, Cult + King is about as clean and sustainable as you can find in the haircare industry and refills are available for this product in a pouch or travel friendly aluminum tube.
Also, Maya was amazing and created the most gorgeous transformation for the kiddo. Seriously what a cut.
Surprisingly, I go through a tremendous amount of socks during the week. It’s definitely a result of all the skating combined with hiking and gardening. I sound like such a Californian :) I have been searching for a sock that stays put in both my skate shoes and my Blundstones and Vans came to the rescue. Their Classic Kick Sock has been a favorite among skaters for years, especially those who favor a slip on skating shoe. They stay put, are absorbent, thick enough to protect your feet from blisters, yet light enough to wear all day. They do not boast any bells and whistles like arch support, or grip to hold the sock in place at the back of the foot and they seem to perform just fine without them. They wash well, do not shrink and are fairly priced - everything we’ve come to expect from Vans.
What are you loving this month? I'd love to give it a try!
xxx
LAS
SOLAR TRANSIT
2/19/24
Gate 55
The Gate of Spirit
On February 19, the sun gracefully traverses Gate 55, known as the Gate of Spirit. During this celestial transit, you're invited to embark on a deeply introspective voyage of self-discovery. This celestial transit encourages a deep exploration of your inner realm, focusing particularly on harnessing your energy to cultivate your genius, trust in abundance, and bring your creativity to life.
Gate 55 tasks you with the opportunity to contemplate the strength of your vision for creation and the trust you have or lack in the ability for your creative endeavors to come to fruition. This transit is really about TRUST and a calm knowingness that you have the power and clarity to bring your creativity to life. To believe in abundance and the limitless capacity of your creativity.
Gate 55 encourages exploration into the spiritual realm of faith and belief via trust. Do you trust the collective to support your vision? Do you trust yourself to make your vision a reality? Do you value yourself deeply enough to allow your creativity to manifest? Do you trust god/spirit/universe to support you in the manifestation of your creativity?
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. What does trust mean to me in the context of my creative journey?
2. Reflect on a past creative endeavor where trust played a pivotal role—how did it influence the outcome?
3. How do I envision the strength of my creative vision, and what steps can I take to fortify it during this transit?
4. Explore any limiting beliefs or doubts that may hinder your trust in the abundance of your creativity.
Gate 55 urges contemplation on the strength of our creative vision and the profound trust needed to bring it to life. This cosmic passage encourages a deep exploration of faith, prompting reflection on our trust in ourselves, the collective, and the divine forces that shape the manifestation of our creative endeavors.NEW PROMPT!!
Do you know about Tapping? It can be an effective addition to energy work and nervous system regulation. Many of my Mentorship clients include Tapping as part of their daily ritual. You can learn more about Tapping and how to do it by hitting the button bellow.
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though I struggle with faith and trusting the abundance of my creativity, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
Have a great week exploring these transits! Ready to learn more about your Human Design? Hit the buttons below to schedule a reading with me and download the free Human Design information sheets to learn more!
FULL MOON
2/24/24
Gate 59
The Gate of Sexuality
Virgo
The potent energy of the Full Moon beckons us to delve into self-discovery, urging us to identify and release aspects of our lives that no longer align with our intentions. This Full Moon in Virgo, the mutable Earth sign sits in the 6th House illuminating our routines and rituals around physical health and service. Paired with Gate 59, the Gate of Sexuality, this Full Moon is an opportune time to reflect upon how you can shift your routines and rituals to support a mindset of incredible creativity and ingenuity.
Gate 59, the Gate of Sexuality emerges as a captivating force, intricately interwoven with the realms of intimacy, seduction, and creativity. It goes beyond conventional boundaries, merging the energies of reproduction and the birth of innovative projects, broadening the traditional concept of fertility to encompass both the creation of children and the emergence of imaginative pursuits.
Those guided by the influence of this gate are inherently propelled by a primal desire for procreation and creative expression, extending far beyond the conventional notion of starting a family to encompass the birthing of novel ideas and ventures.
In essence, Gate 59 unfolds as a dynamic and original force, seamlessly blending the threads of reproduction and creativity into a vibrant tapestry of life. Its influence stretches beyond the confines of sexual reproduction, encompassing a diverse spectrum of relationships and imaginative expressions. Thus, this gate offers individuals a distinctive lens through which to perceive and engage with the world, enriching their experiences in the realms of intimacy, seduction, and creative expression.
Journal Prompts for this Full Moon:
1. How can I align my daily routines and rituals with the energy of the Full Moon in Virgo to enhance my physical health and sense of service?
2. Reflect on instances where your current routines support or hinder your creativity. What adjustments can be made to foster a mindset of ingenuity?
3. In what ways do I express the energies of Gate 59 in my life, both in terms of intimacy and creative endeavors?
4. Consider unconventional aspects of fertility in your life—beyond the conventional notion of having children. What imaginative projects or ventures are you birthing?
During this Full Moon, through reflection on rituals, and health we can release what no longer serves us and align with a profound sense of direction. These journal prompts provide a guiding light for delving into the depths within, allowing the transformative energy of the Full Moon to illuminate our path towards physical well-being and the powerful essence of our creativity.
THE CREATIVE
Welcome to a new little Newsletter feature. Twice a month I will be sharing quotes from the books, Art is the Highest Form of Hope and The Creative Act. I find perspectives on the creative process to be so meta when it comes to life. We are a creative process and everything we do is subject to the same rules. Creation is non-linear. It's messy. It moves forward and backward. And also gets stuck. Often times we do not realize the purpose of a singular creative process until years later. Creativity likes to surprise us.
“Sometimes you may not know the essence when you’re engaged in a work.”
- Rick Rubin
When working with Mentorship clients certain themes seem to emerge. Ideas that carry in the ether and are contemplated as part of the artist's role of being the great reflector of society. Currently with the professionals I support, there has been a great deal of musing about essence. Rick Rubin uses that word and I think it is right on. Often though essence comes through as the word meaning, subject matter, point of view, perspective, what the thing we are creating is about. And often this essence changes during the creative process, which can be both liberating and completely terrifying. I argue that the essence should change during the process and that shift is a sign that you are doing it right. And yeah, I am a believer in the science and mathematical aspects of the creative process. I am not one to say there are no mistakes in art. If you are a creative professional you know this perspective can feel laughable when you add up all the skill building training, and simply the hours you have completed to refine your craft, view it with a critical eye and measure its impact. There are indeed mistakes in art. A lot of them. A shift in perspective or subject matter is not one of them.
A shift in essence is a result of being in the process. Letting go, allowing the materials to take over, moving energy, being in flow. Where our art can get lost is when we hold fast to an idea that becomes opposed to where the process wants to take us. Yes, have design guidelines and objectives, but do not become indentured to them. If all goes right, the process shifts both the work and the expected results.
When concerned about the essence of your work, what it means, what is interpreted, I argue that it might not be your job alone to determine. Intention matters and of course, yes, create with intention. Yet, isn’t the final act of our work a collaboration? When it leaves our hands, whether three dimensional or digital, in song, or on screen, your creation will be met by many. I believe that in this collision between the work and the world the true essence is found. This perspective may be important to consider when you encounter the part of your process that is ripe for distraction. It is during these times where we often ask, “what the fuck does this even mean?”
That’s your sign to just keep going.
