Happy new moon First name / sweet human, There are many new faces here today, and so I want to begin with a very warm welcome and a whole lot of gratitude. It was wonderful to meet you at Wild Arts Fest and/or Crafty Wonderland's Winter Market. Thank you for taking the time to join the New Moon Letters. I really appreciate you and everyone here. It’s no small thing to be welcomed into someone’s personal space like this. I’m deeply grateful, and as a small thank-you, I’ve included a discount code for everyone at the end of this letter. |
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Our last new moon of the year has arrived - just hours before the Winter Solstice and days from the new year. This season can be full of hustle and momentum for so many of us, but I keep thinking about what nature is doing right now: settling into deep, quiet rest - and how important it is that we allow ourselves the same, whenever we can. For me, this time of year feels like an ongoing invitation to slow down, look back on the days, months and year behind us, and let that reflection guide and support us as we step into the new year. If this resonates with you, here are a few questions for us: - What brought joy and deepened connection?
- What nourished us and helped us to stay grounded and present?
- What kept our hearts soft and open, even in the face of challenges?
- What do we want to carry forward, to nurture and grow?
- What feels ready to be released, and how can we support that process?
These are just a few prompts that come to mind. If you have reflective questions of your own, please feel welcome to share them if it feels comfortable. |
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I'm also thinking about the importance of welcoming in some light during this dark season. There are so many practices that can help us feel connected to joy through the natural world and each other… One simple ritual I’ve enjoyed these past few winters is making orange garlands. This year, some friends and I gathered to make them together - many of you noticed them at the holiday markets and asked about them. They’re home with me now, draped across windows, the mantle, and our little tree. They’re very cheerful and they smell wonderful as they dry. Several of you asked how I made them, so I wanted to share that here. If you make your own, please let me know…I’d love to hear how it goes! (I made mine over 48 hours using a dehydrator, but you can also do this easily in your oven.) And for uneven slices and ends (and a home that smells like a wintery dream): (I sometimes add Douglas fir tips or cedar.) |
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As we wind down this year and prepare to step into the next - and as someone who continues to gently check perfectionism at the door - I want to offer a reminder: it's okay to release the pressure we so often place on ourselves at the start of a new year. New beginnings aren’t reserved for January 1st - they’re available whenever we feel ready. You might already know that I look to the moon as a touchstone for reflection and intention-setting. Each new moon offers a chance to rest and recalibrate, much like the winter itself. That’s one of the reasons I love a lunar calendar, and why I created one for the year ahead. Lunar calendars aren’t for everyone, but if they resonate with you - or spark your curiosity - I’d love to offer you a special discount on the Small Joys calendars before I close them down in the new year. Small Joys really do sustain us. So does the moon! |
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Finally, thank you for an truly incredible year here at Wild Valentine. It has felt exciting, expansive, and full of possibility. Each time you shared enthusiasm for my work - or took my art home with you - my heart soared. I've cried happy tears many times over. Your support and encouragement are helping bring one of my deepest and dearest dreams to life. Endless gratitude to you - and also a little cherry on top: 10% off the shop with the code THANKYOU10. ☾ With love and gratitude from me and mine to you and yours this holiday season. Until the next new moon, |
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Our mailing address is: Wild Valentine LLC |
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PO Box 11666
Portland, OR 97211, United States |
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