Simple Things #6

Here are 5 magically mundane things I've noticed this week.

Hi there! This week has sped by for me. And sorry for not having a Tuesday letter, I’m considering dropping down to two posts a week instead of three with how busy the next few months are panning out to be.

As I’ve entered the busy season with my photography work ramping up, it leaves me running around chaotically on days when I have a shoot or need to deliver the final edits. This is the first year I’ve been offering my photography to those outside of my immediate circle, so I’m feeling proud that it’s starting to gain momentum. But I also want to make sure I keep the balance in my life that I’ve come to covet so much. The slow mornings, the simple tasks, the time for presence.

I noticed today that as I was deep in an edit for a beach photoshoot my little one came up and pulled on my shirt, wanting me to go play. I was so entranced that I didn’t realize what had happened until she had given up on me and wandered back to her spot on the rug in the living room. I immediately felt this pang of guilt for not being responsive to her in the moment and realized that as much as work is important, my connection with her is a thousand times more important. So off we went for a long walk and time spent at the park.

I think when we’re doing meaningful work, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget about the world around us. But having a child constantly reminds me of my priorities in life, which are much more than work until my fingers bleed. Of course, there is a time for heavy work and a time for play, but as a parent, I have to find the balance not only in seasons but in each moment of the day.

Today was a day filled with too much screen time and time logged at my desk, but tomorrow is a chance to choose again. Ah, life, and the busy roads we weave.

In the midst of a crazy week, I still managed to carve out some simple moments that I’m excited to share with you.

1. While editing, I listened to this podcast with Alex Smith from Love, Daphne Mae. She talks about infusing slow motherhood into her business and how she navigates it all, and it was so inspiring to me.

2. I’ve hopped on the bandwagon of yet another new app, Lemon8. Have you heard of it? It’s essentially a combination of Pinterest, blogging, and Instagram all wrapped into one (and is owned by TikTok’s parent company, of course). So far, though, I’m really enjoying creating and connecting over there. A lot of people are joining daily and it’s fun to see engagement happening naturally again and an opportunity for quick growth. I’m excited to see where it leads to.

3. I photographed a childhood friend’s engagement last weekend, and it was such a special time. Her now fiancé proposed in the home she lived in as a kid (back when I knew them) and I hid in her old bedroom waiting for the right moment to document their proposal. It felt so surreal and so special, and I’m just really honored I got to be a part of it.

4. We’ve had these random cool mornings which aren’t typically common in April at the beach. I’ve worn a sweater and leggings while out for our morning walks, and it feels absolutely incredible to have the cool air dancing against my skin. By midday, I’ve changed into shorts and am back to sweating, but the mornings and evenings have been absolute bliss all week. I loved it.

5. I loved this post by Kate Eskuri (the holistic wellness QUEEN) on a quick mindfulness hack that she uses. It’s called the S.T.O.P. method, and it is super effective for getting out of a rut and moving forward with intention. Definitely subscribe to her Substack if you haven’t already, it’s great!

And there you have it! I’d love to know what magically mundane thing you’ve experienced this week that has brought you joy.