Lived In Lately

This summer I took a mini hiatus from posting on the blog in July. It wasn’t planned but it was needed. 8 years ago I wrote the first of a few reflections on the necessity of breaks and upon re-reading it I was surprised at how well my thoughts held up.

This break was a needed respite to survive a particularly busy period in my work life. As a result, I’ve come out the other end craving my creative life. I missed writing and creating which has filled me with a vigor I didn’t have at the start of the summer.

When I look at the natural cadence to my creativity I typically have a creative burst at the end of summer, just before my birthday, that lasts though the holidays. Then I hibernate for a couple of months at the start of the year in a reflective mode until just before spring, when my creative juices peak again (around March until peak summer). This is a pattern I noticed a few years ago and only am just beginning to embrace. After all, how beautiful it is that my personal rhythms have synced up with the seasons so beautifully. And how in tune my brain and body must be to know when it is time to rest, reflect, and building a storehouse of inspiration for my creativity to take flight once again when ready.

With all that said. Here is my August edition of Lived In, Lately. A little catch up of sorts...

Doing

I picked my creative writing project back up last month and it feels amazing to be back in my made up world again. I started creative writing to help with my storytelling skills at work, and it’s blossomed into a new passion.

Reading

I picked up Joie: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life a little while back and I am only just getting around to reading it. It’s a beautiful and aspirational tale on living with a healthy does of escapism from US culture that I need right now.

Wearing

These sunglasses are my new holy grail pair (and only $50!). I love the tortoise, but am considering them in the black for winter.

Watching

Black Doves sucked me in immediately and it’s been living rent free in my head ever since. I am not a big Keira Knightly fan, but this show has me sold on her acting chops.

Eating

Prosciutto and peach sandwiches with bruschetta and hot honey drizzle (preferably eaten on the beach). This sandwich has me in a chokehold, but I have to admit I have several summer sandwiches that unexpectedly include fruit and none disappoint.

Growing

I’ve been growing my nails out and it’s entirely thanks to HeyHae sun cured-gel nail stickers. They are so cute, durable, and easy to apply. And they don’t damage your nails like typical gel. Growing my nails is less about the literal growth and more about my personal growth in taking time the to care for myself even in the more frivolous ways.