Coming back to this series has been a great exercise. It’s given me the space to reflect on this year and to get back into writing. Thanks for being here.
DAY 22: A place you feel at home
My husband’s family owns some property with a cabin. For the longest time, I didn’t quite know what to do with myself when I went there. I felt like a guest and like I couldn’t just rummage around in the cupboards for a treat or wander around on my own. Those were all my own limitations (my husband was very open it about this place being shared from the very beginning).
Over the years, though, I’ve really embraced this as a second home. Reading on the back deck is one of my greatest joys. Lighting a new candle at night feels special. Inviting friends to join us for a fire is such a treat. I’m so lucky to share this place, and to have a family that welcomed me there from the very start.
Day 28: Love given or received
Holding my son for the very first time was the most intense and instant feeling of love. I’m so grateful that he’s here.
Day 24: Art that inspires you
I want to give a major thanks and shout out to Bobbie of Forage Art House. She photographed our son twice this year, and her work is stunning. She took the most wonderful photos of our little ham and all his expressions. Looking at some of the photos, I thought to myself I’ve never looked this happy before. Her work captured exactly how I feel as a mom. Thank you, Bobbie.
Day 25: A film you enjoy watching
Somewhere on the internet, someone pitched the idea that you can tell a lot about a person by their favorite Kirsten Dunst movie. Instantly, I felt that. Whoever that was, thank you for that framing!
For me, I waffle between Marie Antoinette and Drop Dead Gorgeous. Dick is also a favorite, but I think Michelle Williams really owns that one.
Day 26: The best kind of weather
I love the chill of a fall morning or even a snowy day that keeps me inside.
But every time I walk outside on a cool morning in late summer, I’m filled with joy. That sweatshirt-in-the-morning, shorts-in-the-afternoon weather makes me think of all my Augusts in northern Wisconsin and time spent with my family.
Day 27: Your favorite food to eat
It’s got to be frozen custard in a cake cone. That’s it. That’s the answer. Thankful to live in Wisconsin, the (I assume) frozen custard capital of the world.
Day 28: Wisdom that resonates
Over and over, I keep coming back to done is better than perfect. This maxim grounds me so often, especially when I devise lofty plans for everything from cleaning schedules to birthday decorations to holiday to-do lists. Not everything needs the be the most immaculate or unique. It can be good.
These words have helped me as a creative person, as a friend, as a mom.
DAy 29: A goal you’re working on
Since this is a busy season, I feel like I can’t commit to any major goals (or think critically about them). But right now, I’d like to make a few holiday crafts. That’s it. They bring me outsized joy, and they do a lot for my well-being. Maybe in a few weeks I’ll be sharing a Christmas quilt or some handmade ornaments.
Day 30: Reasons you love yourself
I love myself because I have not been broken. The past few years have been extremely challenging: I lost my mother-in-law, our two cats, my mom, and my great-aunt. I also gave birth to a little boy who is the greatest joy of my life!
If you had asked me a decade ago, I would have thought all of those events (the latter three all took place in 2024) would have destroyed me. They did not. I’m grateful for my resilience and strength.
Thanks for keeping up with this series this month! Share what you’re grateful for below!
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