moving through the world: mexico

four delightfully human moments from sayulita

my life doesn’t normally look like this, but last week it did

As I slowly come out of the haze that has been the past three years, traveling has been an impetus to remember of how teeny and grand the world is, all at once. I snuck away for a long weekend in Mexico with some dear friends and cannot soft-pedal the healing power of spending time with empowered women in a magical place.
After we parted ways, I sat down to sit with my gratitude and write write write about all that came up for me. Four moments filled with beauty of deep humanity emerged that I’d like to share here, with you:

Along the bumpy jungle road leading into the little town, we would pass through a stunning graveyard nestled into a beach and bursting with colorful flags, florals, hand painted murals of dancing skeletons dressed to the nines. The deep grief and immense joy and pure celebration of life swirling in the air was palpable. A sacred tribute and vibrant party, all at once; much like life itself. What a beautiful honor to witness a space built for basking in the beauty of lives being lived and lives past, while holding space for the grief that comes with it all.

Diving beneath a wave washing in from the sea is the purest cleanse I’ve found for my body and spirit. The salt seeping into my skin and tousling in my hair, the light freedom my body feels when fully immersed in something so much bigger than me. A reminder to let go of control, to trust the current to take me back to the shore.

I had just settled into a couch at a sweet little bar in town when the most darling mutt sauntered through the door, eyes on me. She plopped up in the open place next to me and snuggled her head into my lap just like my pup does in the evenings after dinner. Somehow she knew I missed my own guy and needed some doggy loving. The sweetest natured beings, we don’t deserve dogs (I share a photo of our sweet, sweet meeting below!)

The only plans we had all weekend were to be present together, to do what we felt like doing at any given moment. Some would amble to the beach to dive into the salty waves; some would lay in the sun, reading in companionable silence; some would dip in the pool, chatting about what’s been on our mind, where our lives are heading, our favorite tacos in town. Then I saw Sheila Liming’s new book Hanging Out: The Radicle Power of Killing Time, and immediately added it to my list. After a weekend spent feeling the energy and joy I gained from killing time with friends, I plan to spend a lot more time doing nothing among people I love (and give a few ideas on my ever-growing list below!)

• Is this your sign to begin The Artist’s Way? We begin our practice alongside one another in March - respond to this email if you’re interested in joining :)

• I just added more sweet reminder prints to my webshop!

• If you’re in Brooklyn, stop by Jill Lindsey in Fort Greene to see and touch some of my one-of-a-kind pieces! I just dropped off a wiggly platter that would be the most unique wedding gift.

• My messy studio photo this week is from a moment of rest by the kilns in my studio, looking tired before I left for my invigorating, sunny trip.

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This week I share a photo of me meeting my cuddly Mexican bar pup. Plus, a sweet little poem I illustrated, digging deeper on the case for chilling with friends, and how I’m planning to practice creative reminiscing. 

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