The Good Stuff: November Inspiration & Winter Essentials
Warming recipes, cozy finds, and soul-soothing recommendations to kick off the winter season and get you inspired.
THE GOOD STUFF
Welcome back to The Good Stuff! Always a fun time pulling these links together for you every few weeks. Keep sending me what’s lighting you up, let me know by commenting below. As we enter November, what's your winter pleasure?
Here’s what I’m into this month…
NOURISH
This time of year, my body craves warmth, even here in California. When the temperature dips below 60, I instinctively reach for my wool sweaters (laugh all you want, this once New Yorker lose her winter edge long ago). And tea - it’s a ritual I especially love in the cooler months. Years ago, while finishing my yoga teacher training, a member of my Sangha shared a simple yet delightful recipe for a ginger and turmeric tonic. I haven’t made it in ages, but reached for the ingredients last week when the days got just a little bit shorter. The best thing about this recipe is that you can adjust it however you like. The key is to use equal parts ginger and turmeric and adjust the amount to the size of your pot. You can use the tonic as a concentrate and add it to cold or hot water drinks, or sip it on its own. Talk to your doctor to be sure that ginger and turmeric are good for your system. Not everything is for everyone.
Here’s my basic recipe:
4 cups water
1 ½ inch fresh peeled and chopped ginger root (leave it in large pieces, the bigger the better)
1 ½ inch fresh peeled and chopped turmeric root (leave it in large pieces, the bigger the better)
Bring water, ginger, and turmeric to a boil, then boil uncovered for about 5 minutes. Leave all ingredients to cool in the pot. Once cool, pour liquid through a strainer to remove chopped ginger and turmeric. Enjoy as a concentrate or add to warm or cool water to drink. I like to add a little squeeze of lemon to mine. Feel free to adjust the concentration to your liking by using less water and/or more ginger and turmeric. Store in the refrigerator for 2 days maximum.
COZY
I’ll let you in on a little secret, my winter shoes are a full size larger than my summer shoes because I’m obsessed with thick, cozy, socks. Lately, I’ve been loving these color-blocked beauties from Alex Mill. The color combinations are vibrant, and with contrasting colors on the heel and toe, they pair perfectly with clogs, Birkenstocks, and yes, even sandals. My favorite combo is Chestnut/Gold/Light Blue, but with nine different options, there’s something for everyone.
INSIGHT
I’m obsessed with crows and for good reason. Crows are considered nearly as intelligent as chimpanzees, known to hold grudges and even perform funerals for their dead. They travel in groups known as a murder - say no more. I do find them incredibly beautiful and was recently turned on to this gorgeous crow themed tarot deck from artist MJ Cullinane. The illustrations are truly captivating, and the set includes a beautifully crafted 88-page guidebook that brings the symbolism to life. Who doesn’t love to get a little extra witchy in the winter?
WATCH
Shrinking is back on Apple Tv! There is so much to say about this show. I might be biased because I can think of few things more appealing than Harrison Ford as a seasoned psychotherapist. Swoon! Shrinking will have you laughing out loud, crying even harder, and leave you with restored faith in the imperfect beauty of human nature. We are all trying and showing up and isn’t that amazing? One standout continues to be Derek, brilliantly portrayed by Ted McGinley. His character embodies the kind of wise, tender humor that comes only with life experience. Derek’s seen it all and rolls with the punches. He is somehow able to see things from the top of the mountain. If you are new to the show, start with Season 1. Season 2 is out now with new episodes released every Wednesday.
SOOTHE
When the weather turns crisp, I find myself craving richer, more complex scents. I’m drawn to warm, spicy notes like ginger and citrus that feel grounding in the colder months. One of my favorites for winter is the solid body lotion from Kate McLeod, which doubles as a subtle, all-day fragrance. Infused with the soothing and invigorating scents of bergamot and vetiver, this nourishing lotion not only keeps my skin soft and hydrated but also leaves behind a delicate, comforting aroma. It’s the perfect balance, elegant and earthy without being overpowering, making it ideal for layering or wearing on its own as a light, everyday scent.
What are you loving this month? Fill me in on your favorite finds in the comments.
xxx
LAS
THE CREATIVE
Welcome to The Creative. Twice a month I share 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.
“The artist casts a line into the universe. We don’t get to choose when a noticing or inspiration comes. We can only be there to receive it.”- Rick Rubin
There’s something both frustrating and freeing about this quote. As creative professionals, we often feel an intense pressure to control the flow of inspiration. We set up routines, develop rituals, and create the perfect environment to summon our muse. Only to find that inspiration arrives on its own terms. And yet, the fact that we don’t have control over when inspiration strikes isn’t something to be fought against. It’s something to embrace.
This notion hits deeply because it reminds us of the role of receptivity in our creative work. Often, my clients wrestle with the tension of being “on” all the time, ready to create at a moment’s notice. But creativity doesn’t operate on a timeline we dictate. Like Rubin says, it’s about being available, about staying open and ready, even when inspiration seems elusive. This speaks to the heart of so much creative burnout. The attempt to force or control something inherently wild.
The real work is in preparing ourselves to be ready when inspiration arrives. That’s where viewing creativity as energy becomes so important. Just like maintaining any other energetic flow, creativity requires us to be clear, present, and receptive. This is why engaging in daily meditation and energy work is so critical to the creative process. Through very specific mindfulness practices, we create the space for inspiration to find us. By clearing away mental clutter and grounding ourselves in the moment, we open up the channels for creativity to flow.
I’ve found that meditation allows us to pause and reconnect with our creative energy in a way that exercises and prompts cannot. It’s in these moments of stillness that we become more attuned to the subtle signals of inspiration. The noticing happens when we stop chasing, and start allowing. Instead of forcing creativity, we become aware of it. And that awareness makes all the difference.
Being open to receiving inspiration means cultivating this stillness and awareness, making room for pauses and reflection in our busy lives. Often, our best ideas come from moments of quiet rather than from pushing ourselves to produce. By embracing meditation and energy work, we are not only recharging but also building the muscle of noticing. So that when inspiration decides to arrive, we are ready to welcome it.
While we don’t get to choose when inspiration comes, we can absolutely prepare ourselves to receive it. As Madam Vice President would say, “this is not a time to throw up our hands. Let us roll up our sleeves.” The more we learn to view creativity as energy, something that flows, rather than something we control, the more we can trust that the inspiration we seek is already looking for us. We can engage in the act of maintenance to create a rich environment for inspiration and integration to occur. It’s our job to be present, to be open, and to recognize it when it arrives.
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Office Hours: Break Through Creative Blocks
Is your creative process at a standstill? Are you super excited with a million ideas and direction but don’t know where to start? Whether you need insightful feedback, an honest critique (seriously ask me to do this - I love providing crits and feedback), a motivational boost, or some clarity, my Office Hours are designed to help you regain momentum. In this 60-minute, $250 private one off session, we’ll work together to address your creative challenges, refine your ideas, and unlock your next steps.
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SOLAR TRANSIT
In Human Design, a solar transit shifts our energy as the Sun moves through Gates; use it to tap into fresh creative inspiration.
10-31-24
Gate 44
The Gate of Alertness
On October 31, the sun gracefully moves through Gate 44, known as the Gate of Alertness. This transit invites you to embark on a journey of introspection and self-discovery. Within the realm of Gate 44 lies a unique opportunity to contemplate whether past fears continue to shackle your progress. It's an invitation to nurture your courage and embrace fearlessness, allowing growth without the haunting specter of recurring patterns from your history.
Gate 44 inspires you to alchemize the pain of your past into a wellspring of personal power, granting you the capacity to manifest your authentic self even in the face of fear. It encourages you to embrace the mantra "be scared and do it anyway."
Moreover, Gate 44 serves as a guiding light, empowering you to have faith in your ability to facilitate the growth of others through the lessons you've gleaned from your own past. It invites you to share your stories and insights, serving as a beacon to help others break free from their own painful patterns and discover the boundless potential to do so.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
1. What steps can you take to foster the courage to move beyond past patterns and grow without fear of repeating that pattern?
2. What lessons can you share with others who may be struggling with similar fears or patterns in their lives?
3. What barriers or fears are preventing you from expressing your authentic self more often? What steps can you take to be scared and do it anyway?
4. What do I know about my value and power?
The passage through Gate 44 is a call to introspection and courage, an opportunity to break free from past fears and patterns. It encourages you to harness the power of the past and bravely manifest your authentic self. Beyond personal growth, Gate 44 guides you to help others on their transformative journeys, creating a lasting impact in your life and theirs, illuminating the path to fearlessness and empowerment.
TAPPING 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 below.
And of course comment below with your questions!
EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping Prompt for this transit.
“Even though I am afraid to repeat the past, I now move forward trusting that I have learned what I needed to learn. I create the future I desire, and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
NEW MOON
In Human Design and astrology, the lunar cycles shift our energy as the moon moves through Gates and zodiac signs; use it to tap into fresh creative inspiration.
New Moon
11-1-24
Scorpio
Gate 44: The Gate of Alertness
The upcoming New Moon on November 1, 2024, in Scorpio heralds a period of profound introspection, transformation, and heightened awareness. Scorpio, the intense and transformative Water sign, governs this lunar phase, emphasizing themes of depth, regeneration, and personal empowerment. This celestial event occurs in the 8th House, highlighting our inner transformation, shared resources, and psychological insights.
Scorpio, ruled by Pluto, invites us to delve deep into the mysteries of our psyche and uncover hidden truths. It encourages us to embrace our personal power, release what no longer serves us, and regenerate aspects of our lives that require transformation. This New Moon prompts us to initiate inner healing, explore our shadow selves, and embrace authenticity in our emotional connections.
Paired with Gate 44, The Gate of Alertness in Human Design, this New Moon amplifies our capacity for heightened awareness and sensitivity. Gate 44 encourages us to stay alert and attentive to our surroundings, thoughts, and inner guidance. It challenges us to be discerning in our perceptions and to cultivate clarity in our decision-making processes.
This New Moon in Scorpio and Gate 44 invites us to embrace deep introspection and transformational growth. It encourages us to confront our fears, release emotional baggage, and harness our inner strength to navigate challenges and seize opportunities for renewal.
Journal Prompts to Deepen Your New Moon Experience
1. Reflect on your inner transformation: What aspects of your life are ready for regeneration and renewal? How can you initiate inner healing and release emotional burdens during this transformative lunar phase?
2. Explore your shadow self: Are there hidden aspects of yourself that require acknowledgment and integration? How can you embrace your shadow self as a source of strength and authenticity?
3. Evaluate your awareness and perception: How attuned are you to your intuition and inner guidance? What practices can you adopt to enhance your alertness and clarity in decision-making?
4. Contemplate personal empowerment: In what areas of your life do you seek greater empowerment and control? How can you harness the energy of this New Moon to assert your personal power and pursue your passions?
Embrace the energy of this New Moon in Scorpio and Gate 44 as an opportunity for deep healing, transformation, and heightened awareness. Allow yourself to delve into the depths of your psyche, release what no longer serves you, and emerge stronger and more aligned with your true self.
Ready to explore more about your unique cosmic influences and Human Design? Schedule a reading with me to uncover deeper insights into your personal journey and potential.
THESE THREE THINGS
Back in 2016, I embarked on a daily writing practice that eventually blossomed into a published book titled These Three Things. Over the course of six years, I chronicled three things I learned each day, using it as a unique experiment to nurture my curiosity and foster my creativity. I paired these writings with original photography of cherished family heirlooms and found objects near and around my wild mountain home. These Three Things as a project continues daily with enthusiastic participants across the globe and can now be practiced in the form of a guided journal with the help of the print edition from Running Press/Hachette.
I loved writing this book and sharing the drops of wisdom that arrived from participating in a daily practice. Always the studio artist, I never imagined that writing would become such a large part of my creative life. I am so glad it did! In preparation of bringing the project back in 2025, right here to MUSE, I’m sharing some of my favorite lessons from my book.
Make friends with people who share your trade or work.
There is intense joy in discussing the way a particular tool feels in the hand, the quality of a certain supply and the often unseen details of how you do what you do. It is wonderful to revel in the passion of your process.
