may's little joys: carbs, pinterest, the perfect pens
the little things inspiring and amazing me this month
If the past few weeks had a word, it would be drive.
This time of year, everyone’s engine gets a little restart from the universe. We are encouraged to rediscover our drive. We are, to quote the wise Lindsay Hubbard, activated.
We remember that we can want things and make things and do things. To wake up out of our stubborn burrows of sorrow or boredom or a keyboard coated in corn chips (just me?) and try and see the world with fresh eyes and a bit more zest.
I love trying to ebb and flow with the seasons, but let’s face it: this restart can also be jarring. Suddenly, it’s 85 degrees outside, and you’re supposed to find shorts that fit (HOW!) and get a nice tan without collecting sweat in odd places. It’s a time I have to remind myself to rest. To chill the fuck out.
Here are a few things helping me do just that:
This swatches of chakra deck by Kaleidoscope. I’m a huge tarot / oracle deck collector, but there’s something about the simplicity of these cards that cuts through the bullshit of day-to-day complaints. Pull a card and let the color + simple message (love, forgiveness) wash over you the rest of the day.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. I gobble up everything this beautiful writer creates. I get lost in her worlds so completely, which often include a woman with a secret past navigating an unfriendly environment. Her work is rich with metaphor without beating you over the head with it.
Carbs. Lest we forget, a carb can work magic! Are you tired? Hungry? A little vengeful? Please eat a plate of pasta or a slice of toast and call me in the morning.
Good old fashioned playlists. I swap monthly ones with one of my besties, Emma.
The Prism by Laura Day. Trust me on this one. It’s a self-help book like no other.
This substack from my amazing acupuncturist. Seriously, go see Meaghan. She is a beautiful person who also shares beautiful words of wisdom on seasonal changes and TCM.
Paying attention to the light. It’s an amazing thing this time of year, and makes me think of this song.
My renewed love affair with Pinterest. I think Pinterest, Substack, and Reddit are the only social media I need these days. A place to look at pretty things, a place to read other people’s musings, and somewhere to gather intel from real people about whether or not Will & Emmy from Southern Hospitality are still together. (They’re engaged. Help us all.)
These pens. They make for a smoother-than-ever journaling experience and come in so many fun colors.
Happy May, happy writing, happy resting. x