February | Life Lately
Happy February Full Moon! Aptly named the Snow Moon. This full moon is in Leo which I always enjoy a little extra. February’s full moon poem is from Mary Oliver’s book of poems Twelve Moons. As if there wasn’t enough reason to love Mary Oliver, I only just discovered this book of hers after I found her poem in her fuller book of poems Devotions. She wrote a poem for 12 moons, and phases in between, in tune with the Algonquin peoples naming for moons. The very same symbolism that inspired me 3 years ago.
Papa’s 70th Birthday | We surprised my Papa at his favorite Mexican restaurant recently. It was such a nice afternoon with a lot of family I haven’t seen in a while. My coworkers were surprised that my grandpa is so young. My grandma was only 39 years old when she became my grandma. I forget how young my family is in the context of others but it made me extra grateful as I looked around at all of us. It might also explain why my Papa loved his Doobie Brothers tickets we got him!
Soul Sister Studio visit | My mom purchased studio space in my hometown. This dream of hers has been 10 years in the making (maybe her entire life in the making?). I finally got to spend a weekend at her studio where she’s getting it all ready. She is TOTALLY in her element. My childhood was crafting & making projects with her & my brother. To see her bring the same teaching & safe space to others in her community brings me tears of joy & pride. Joel and my dad built her custom workbenches for her workshop students & I finally got the tater tot waffles I’ve been pining for since Christmas. It was such a wonderful weekend.
Designer at Chaco | It’s a boring time of the year for us so other than the few family trips our days have been slow & uneventful. The Winter season is my favorite time to work because it keeps my mind focused on progress instead of being ornery about the weather. I’ve been on the Chaco team for about a month & the work is keeping me busy! I’ve been putting on my new headphones (thanks Mom & Dad!), rocking out, & making all the things that come my way. This is the first time I’ve had 2 huge display screens to create with so I’m in designer heaven! Oh, & my shoe selection has increased ten-fold already.
Currently
Reading | The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Listening | Coloring Book by Chance the Rapper (never gets old!)
Thinking | About Miss Americana, the Netflix documentary about Taylor Swift. I relate to her need for approval & how she’s had to dismantle that belief system for her well-being. Being the nice girl & never speaking up didn’t stop people from hating her or trying to diminish her hard work. There will always be people who want to copy, belittle, or demean you. Those aren’t your people & you can’t let them silence you.
February is my least favorite month, March is a close second. Cabin fever sets in hard & I start to crave the warmth of Summer. Michigan friends make up most of my readership — you all can probably relate to this cabin fever?! — so it’s odd that Texas readership has increased so much on my blog more than any other location (even Michigan!) over the last few months. The analytics show views 10-20 times/day from the same IP address which I’ve never seen here before. I definitely don’t post enough for anyone to be here reading every day but I appreciate the loyalty! You can see all full moon posts here.
Happy Full Moon, friends! xo, Em
