I’ve been writing since 2008 when I started my blog (thanks, Sayer!), and it’s a creative outlet that I’m embracing to support the graphics, illustrations, and products I create. The room essays came about as I thought more and more about how we used the home during the pandemic, as everything was centered here. These are going to be compiled in a larger project I’m looking forward to making (or getting published) later this year!
Since my 20s, I’ve had a vision of my older self, a wise woman living in a quiet simple home in Northern California, a white bun, writing in nature. I might be a yoga instructor in this scenario, but the outside seems to be the star in this future daydream: french doors open to the vine-covered patio, an outdoor fireplace, cozy seating in which to write, and gravel pathways that crunch under my feet.
In the last few months as I’ve started to think about how we currently use our yard, and a tree had to be removed, drastically changing the space, I realized I could have my dream scenario now. We have the space, and the imagination, so why not create a true oasis out here, something that inspires my creative practice, now, not when I have (all) white hair. Here’s my inspiration for the yard. But sadly, not the current state of it. It’s a work in process, and one I’ll share as it takes shape over on Instagram. Maybe you saw my story last weekend as I hauled those pavers to the car? I’m super inspired to get the hardscape completed by May 15th, as that is the last possible frost date in Zone 5, and will be safe to plant then.
The inspiration for the outside as a space of imagination stems from my childhood with my brother, spent outside. The Imagination/Outside essay and a big thank you/giveaway to my founding subscribers to follow!
I decided to make the home essays for our paid subscribers only. Free subscribers will continue to receive 3 emails a month for now. Next week - At Home With a Canadian writer!