Our first morning. A skiff of snow and ice fog rolling in. Beautiful morning.

The necessities of life are less of a chore when you enjoy your tools.

I just got some Swedish dishcloths, and it makes it a little more fun to wash the dishes. It also helps to have some nice dish soap (I add lemongrass essential oil to my unscented Down East).

I drink more water out of my favourite cup, and when I have a crush on my water bottle, I’m more likely to keep it filled, drink out of it, and remember to take it with.

I don’t want to suggest that anyone ought to buy more stuff in order to get shit done, but there’s a time when dishcloths and water bottles need to be replaced.

Maybe it’s about being mindful of the intention for the items we buy: considering where they come from, how they’re made and where they will end up when we are finished with them. If I feel good about these things, there’s some joy that comes from using the object.

When there’s something I want to incorporate more of in my life, it really helps to make it a bit more appealing and enjoyable; to have a positive attitude toward it. It might be because I find it beautiful, or it feels good, or I am pleased to know what it’s made of and where it came from.

We made it home before the snowstorm

10 years ago today I was in Paris and got to visit the Shakespeare and Company bookstore ❤️

“Be Not Inhospitable to Strangers Lest They Be Angels in Disguise”

From Indigenous Voices Inspiring & Empowering Quotes From Global Thought Leaders by Taté Walker

Fired

I’m delighted by how this turned out.

Made a medicine pouch at craft n chat this evening!

If you have any interest in thinking about and/or making art and/or ai: maybe give this article by Robin Sloan a gander:

https://www.robinsloan.com/winter-garden/magic-circle/

I find his takes (here and elsewhere) expand my thinking in a way that makes me feel extra curious and optimistic. Hopeful for possible futures and skeptical of present assumptions and predictions.

Synapses firing. It feels good.

Arcane Fibre Works made my day! I heard about this Canadian indie dyer on a subreddit and decided to check them. They’re a wee bit pricier than my go-to (Lichen and Lace – also awesome), but great looking colours, so I ordered two skeins. I picked it up at the post office today and was absolutely delighted to find a free gift skein included! Yarn love 🥰

I’m really pleased with how these are turning out

After a short walk and a shower, I’m spending the rest of the day in my Saturday Suit (flannel pjs).

I habitually start my day with NYT Games

Glazed

Today is Imbolc, about halfway between the winter solstice and spring equinox, and the full moon (snow moon) ❄️

Inspired by a newsletter I’ve recently subscribed to, I am trying out a new ritual this month: light a candle each evening at sunset.