Atiliay noun, a play off the French word “atelier”; a workshop/studio, esp of an artist or designer; my creative space

Notes plural noun, a brief record of facts, topics, thoughts written down as an aid to memory; a short informal letter

 

Throughout each month, I collect things that I think you might like--articles, ideas, quotes, songs, etc. Then I choose some to share with you! I also include updates on things I'm working on. I hope you find something that resonates, is helpful, inspires you, or interests you!

Social Media Summer Break For 3 weeks starting July 13th, join me for a digital detox! You can set the parameters and I'll provide ideas and inspiration. Thank you to those of you who have signed up and shared why you'd like to do this! (The next prep email will include a tutorial on how to tape up your paper for the 21 Every Days Project!)

 

21 Every Days Project I'm hosting this as part of the Social Media Summer Break. If you'd like to join JUST the art project and not the break, you can sign up for only that portion using this link. Also starts July 13th!

 

Creative Spark Challenge For July, I will be sharing a shorter version of the usual prompts since it coincides with the art project! But there should still be enough to help spark ideas :)

 

 

FOR YOU TO READ: I haven't read a book in YEARS! I just hadn't found anything that really got my attention and I listen to a lot of podcasts these days. One of my Social Media Summer Break goals is to read an actual book and to get a head start, I went to the library recently. They showcased this novel and I've been looking forward to reading it during breakfast or before bed! It's called Marigold Mind Laundry by Jungeun Yun. The first page says: What if…What if it's possible to wash away your regrets, the pain crusted into stubborn stains? If only you could scrub away the hurt, would that make you feel better? If that most painful memory could be forever gone, would you finally be happy? I'm on chapter 4 and am hoping it gets adapted to a movie or mini series!

 

FOR YOU TO WATCH: Stream Worth The Wait on Tubi for free. Lana Condor and Ross Butler are just some of the stars in this ensemble cast following the lives of multiple Asian-American strangers as they navigate budding love, confront profound loss, encounter old flames, and fatefully cross paths. Although nothing will ever come close to To All The Boys :), I really enjoyed this and was touched by several scenes.

FOR YOUR TUMMY: I got this recipe at a potluck at a yoga studio yearssss ago and still make it, especially in the summer! It's perfect on slices of toasted sourdough. Mix together cooked lentils (I use Trader Joe's steamed lentils), tomatoes (chopped), garlic (minced), basil (chopped) and olive oil, red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper. Everything is to taste so use as much of the ingredients as you like. Here's a picture.

 

FOR YOUR EARS: I heard this on the radio for the first time the other day and loved it immediately! Alex Warren and Rose, On My Mind. These lyrics from it: Maybe It’s the way the clouds are painted A perfect shade of yellow, all across the sky

 

Another collab on repeat is from two of my favorite artists: Myles Smith and Shaboozey, Blink Twice

 

FOR THESE WILD TIMES: I really loved this sentiment in several posts I saw--a reminder we are all unique in the ways we can help and try to initiate change: Some folks will hit the streets. Some folks will contact elected officials. Some folks will raise money. Some folks will boycott. Some folks will represent pro bono. Some folks will shop local/small/marginalized owned businesses. Some folks will donate. Some folks will volunteer. We need everyone in their own lane--it all matters.

 

I've also been seeing iterations of this on the internets and couldn't agree more: It's a crazy time we are living in right now. There are people who want us to be sad, afraid, confused, addicted to doom scrolling. They want to us to consume and profit off of it. Don't let them. Community, joy, and living well are all radical acts of rebellion. 

 

I know artists and creatives may sometimes feel weird sharing their beautiful art during these times but I think it's so important to continue to do that! We need to see it--keep on inspiring us ❤️

I hope you're having a good start to your summer and staying cool during these longer days.

 

Take care and talk to you soon,

PS: Idea for anyone traveling to National Parks this summer: get a postcard, stamp it (they have them at the visitor's centers!), then jot down a few memories. It's a fun, small, affordable souvenir to collect and you can put them in an album or on a binder ring. I recently did a solo trip to Crater Lake National Park (SO gorgeous!) where I decided to start doing this. I'm bummed I hadn't thought of this before but going to start now! I picked the postcard with the fox since foxes remind me of Valentine 🧡 How many have you been to and which one was your favorite? Next on my list is Mt Rainier and I would LOVE to go to Yellowstone!

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