The Good Stuff: Winter Pleasures & Creative Finds
From indulgent cookies to captivating books, the perfect green sweatshirt, and a tribute to the Golden Gate Bridge in pencil form, here's what I'm loving this December.
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 into deep December, what's your winter pleasure?
Here’s what I’m into this month…
Sometimes I like to be completely spoiled and other times I’m like, nah, just gift me a $3 box of cookies. Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s are back for the season and I am enjoying every minute of their return. The sandwich cookie is an art form. The surrounding chocolate cookies must be crunchy, of a certain width and not too sweet. The creme must be flavorful, but not feel like biting into it is an instant cavity. Add peppermint to the mix and the combination really hits a note for me. While the candy cane pieces are a fun addition for color and crunch, they’re really just a small detail. The real magic is in the chocolate and mint combo. Gah, it’s so good! Honestly, this might just be the perfect cookie.
I finally got my hands on this book after waiting for what felt like forever, as it’s been a popular title at my local library. It’s hard to truly put into words what the museums of New York mean to me. They’ve been a part of my life since childhood. As a teenager, they were a sanctuary, a place to get lost and find peace, all alone and away from the world I knew. These buildings are where I discovered myself, where I came face to face with parts of me that still resonate today. The Met, in particular, was the place my friend Tree and I often joked we would run away to, inspired by The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. And in many ways, we did. I spent years exploring art with Tree in New York, and I truly believe it’s how we got to know each other on a level that few others did.
One of the most rewarding and challenging parts of working on my novel has been bringing these moments to life, capturing what it means to understand someone through the lens of another’s art. When I came to love Winslow Homer because Tree did, I wasn’t just loving his art; I was connecting with a deep, hidden part of him. And I’ll always be grateful for being invited into that part of his life—and for making it a part of mine.
I’m only a few chapters into All the Beauty of the World by Patrick Bringley, and I’m already captivated. I may have been predisposed to love it, but there’s something uniquely beautiful about experiencing the museum through the eyes of those who guard its treasures. If you truly want to understand a museum or a piece of art, ask a security guard. I remember the last time we visited the Met, when my daughter was still small enough to be carried. As she fell asleep in my arms, a security guard quietly tapped me and the Dude on the shoulder. He leaned in and whispered, “I have a plan for you.” He marked a few rooms on our map for us to visit while she napped. “This is what you want to see as people. This is what you want to see as parents.” And he was right.
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect green. Something dark, rich, like a breaking wave, and almost velvety. Kotn makes a great sweatshirt and I was so excited to find a shade of green that delighted me. The sweatshirt is the perfect weight. Great for the weekend and pretty damn sharp with a button up shirt underneath. Basically just add some gold necklaces and head out the door. Also if you are lucky enough to have a loving friend who really knows how to ice dye, Kotn sweatshirts hold the color like a champ. Haven’t asked about dying this green one yet, but their black sweatshirts turn out like a cosmic wonderland.
Blackwing pencils are my all-time favorite, and I was thrilled to discover their tribute to International Orange. The vibrant hue that spans the Golden Gate Bridge, connecting San Francisco to Marin County, is officially known as International Orange, a perfect blend of red, orange, and brown. If there ever was a perfect shade of red? Orange? Brown? All three? This is it. It’s a color that’s as iconic as the bridge itself, and now, thanks to Blackwing, you can hold this remarkable shade in your hand.
Stickers are pure joy, and honestly, I’m not sure why we ever stop loving them as adults. Maybe I never did? The Forests, Fairies & Fungi Sticker Anthology feels like the grown-up answer to our childhood sticker obsession. Packed with stunning vintage-style flora and fauna illustrations transformed into stickers, it offers something special for everyone. I’ve been carrying my copy around, inviting friends to pick their favorite sticker. It’s like sharing a little piece of magic with each person.
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. Oftentimes we do not realize the purpose of a singular creative process until years later. Creativity likes to surprise us.
"Art is far more powerful than our plans for it." —Rick Rubin
I recently watched an interview with Billie Eilish on CBS Sunday Morning, where she suggested that writer’s block doesn’t exist. And YES. ALL CAPS YES. Her words serve as a reminder of the creative process itself. The ups and downs we experience are not obstacles but a natural part of the journey. Sometimes, there’s nothing to create in the moment, and that’s okay. It’s a time to be receptive, to let the ideas come and go, and sometimes even to create shit work. Those imperfect moments are necessary for expansion and growth. If we think slowing down or yielding nothing means we’re blocked, then perhaps we’re misunderstanding the process itself.
This idea aligns well with Rubin’s quote, which reminds us how essential it is to listen. Not just to our own instincts but also to our work and the space around us. Whether we’re listening to ourselves or to the feedback we receive, it’s a crucial part of the creative act. Creators who rigidly follow their original plans may miss something essential along the way. Holding onto a tight grip may prevent a piece from unfolding into its full power. Rubin’s words highlight that art isn’t bound by our expectations; it has the potential to be powerful at many points in the process. During its creation, in its reception by others, and in its impact on the artist themselves.
Creativity is not about controlling every step. It’s about letting go and trusting that, at its core, the work has its own force.
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.
12-25-24
Gate 58
The Gate of Vitality
On December 25, the sun gracefully transits Gate 58, known as the Gate of Vitality. During this celestial transit, you're invited to embark on a deeply introspective voyage of self-discovery. Gate 58 offers a profound opportunity to delve into your inner realm, particularly focusing on how you inspire others to take joyful action.
Venturing into the uplifting realm of Human Design Gate 58, we encounter the vibrant energy of Joy that beckons us to explore the very source of our happiness. This transit serves as a guide, reminding us that to truly bask in the radiance of joy, we must courageously confront the origins of our unhappiness. In doing so, a profound transformation occurs, gifting us with the strength to not only navigate life's challenges but also to extract joy from the sheer essence of being alive.
Gate 58 provides a beacon, illuminating the path towards internal exploration and self-awareness. By delving into the depths of our emotions and understanding the core of our discontent, we unlock a reservoir of empowerment that allows joy to naturally flow through our existence. It becomes a celebration of life, an artistry of living that transcends external circumstances, reminding us that joy is not merely a destination but an inherent aspect of our journey.
On the contrasting end Human Design Gate 58 takes on a different hue. Here, the energy of seeking joy undergoes a transformation into an external quest, a pursuit reliant on outside factors rather than internal cultivation. In this scenario, the delicate balance tips, and stress and pressure loom large, casting shadows on the potential for joy. The emphasis on external sources dims the brilliance of our internal well-being, allowing the chaos of external influences to overpower our serene sense of joy.
Gate 58 unfolds as a dynamic interplay between internal exploration and external influences, weaving a narrative of self-discovery and resilience. It serves as a reminder that joy is not only an outcome but a conscious choice, urging us to navigate the intricate tapestry of our emotions and experiences to uncover the authentic joy that resides within the core of our being.
Here are some journaling prompts to deepen your understanding and engagement with this transit:
Explore the origins of your current joy by reflecting on specific moments or experiences that bring you happiness. What patterns or themes emerge?
Identify a recent instance where external pressures or stressors overshadowed your potential for joy. What steps can you take to shift the balance in favor of joy?
Consider the people in your life who bring you joy. Reflect on the qualities or dynamics within those relationships that contribute positively to your well-being.
Explore any resistance you may have to facing the source of your unhappiness. What fears or hesitations arise?
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 it is hard to let go of the past, I now choose to release it and embrace all the joy that is available to me right now, and I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
CAPRICORN SEASON
December 22 – January 19
Capricorn Season ushers in the grounded and ambitious energy of this sign to make strides in career and goal achievement. Ruled by Saturn, Capricorn emphasizes success, ambition, and hard work, urging the pursuit of aspirations with diligence and determination. This is a time to focus on building structure, establishing boundaries, and taking on responsibilities in both personal and professional life. Capricorn Season highlights the importance of discipline, patience, and endurance, encouraging individuals to overcome challenges and rise to positions of authority. The practicality and wisdom of Capricorn energy is illuminated to make steady progress toward long-term success and recognition in a chosen field. By harnessing the power of Saturn, a solid foundation for ambitions and leadership can be established during this success centered Season.
The focused and disciplined energy of Capricorn Season provides energy to excel at work, business endeavors, and creative projects. This is a time to set clear goals, prioritize tasks, and establish a structured plan for success. Embrace the determination and perseverance of Capricorn to overcome obstacles and achieve long-term objectives. Utilize this period to take on leadership roles, demonstrate reliability and accountability, and make strategic decisions that advance your professional aspirations. Incorporate Saturn's influence by cultivating patience, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic, allowing you to build a solid reputation and make meaningful progress in your career and creative pursuits.
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.
I’ve always loved how the year starts with Capricorn putting our heads down and digging into the projects that will be our rest of year ‘thing’ if we remain diligent. I always feel if we miss this first gateway, the rest of the year sort of meanders. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of focus right now.