Studio Sunday (no. 15)

This week I’m knee deep in a revision for my novel (R&R). It’s been such a learning experience and I’m grateful for both the daily work (keeping me busy) and the ticking clock (completing it before my children get out of school for the Summer).

My sister always says “life is long” and it’s so true. Life is also short, but that’s a cliché we all already know. I love thinking about how long life is and in the past few years I’ve spent countless hours planning the second half of my life.

Recently my grandmother completed this Grandmother’s Story Journal that I got her for Christmas two years ago. It is now BY FAR the most incredible thing I own. When she gave it to me and I opened it for the first time I was so moved. I will treasure it for the rest of my life.

2. Yesteryear

If you haven’t heard of Yesteryear we aren’t in the same algorithm. I love the premise and after reading some reviews I think I want to drop everything and read this so I can form my own opinion before the internet gets too loud. I can tell it’s going to be one of those books that everyone wants to talk about. I love polarizing books and evoke strong reactions!

Here’s the premise: A traditional American woman, a “tradwife” influencer, suddenly awakens in the brutal reality of 1855.

I’m fascinated by a lot of the discourse around Ai, but as someone who lives in a bubble (we all all do and mine is the online writers community) most of what I see about Ai is bad or frightening.

Obviously I’m not going to use it for art/writing but I’ve been trying to figure out what it IS good for. What are its strengths and talents right now?

I’ve found it useful for creating charts, graphs and financial plans. I tried using it for astrology, but it wasn’t as charming as my real-life astrologer (no one is). So far, my experiments have produced meh results.

Is there anything you use Ai for that’s been helpful or surprising? Also have you heard any podcasts that were useful? I want to get outside my bubble for a moment. What is Ai good for? TELL ME!

I’ve been working on my plate wall (obsessed) and I found a bunch of Etsy sellers who make custom plates with your home on them. This is my favorite. Would make a great gift for someone loves their historic home.

Related, I’m going to try making a few plates for my plate wall because I can’t find exactly what’s in my mind. More soon!

We watched this last night and it was nostalgic and sweet. If you haven’t watched it in a long time save it for the fall. It should be an autumn movie, paired with Mona Lisa Smile. When it’s almost September I’ll make a movie playlist.

My copper Whirley Pop is one of my prized possesions. I make homemade popcorn about once a week and it’s the best for family movie night paired with nostalgic candy (Reese’s pieces forever).

I got a lot of emails last week from people who LOVE the Emma M. Lion series. I’m super curious about it, but haven’t jumped in yet. Many people say you have to give it at least two books to know if it’s for you. I think that because of the format (epistolary, short) this could be the perfect summer pool read. We go to the pool several days a week and I love to have a designated book.

It made me realize I don’t often read series. It’s been a few years. I’d love to hear what series you binged the fastest (or if you rationed it from a place of love).

When we finished our kitchen remodel I got some Aesop hand soaps, but they’re expensive so I’ve been using this refill solution. I also tried this one and it smells SO good!

One of my favorite custom name rings was lost a few years ago in our move. Replacing it now. It’s a great mother’s day gift or gift for a new mom.

Looking back, what is the risk you are most glad you took?

In twenty years, what will that version of you wish they had done with your current season of life?