Hello friend,
The holidays are upon us, and they’re looking very different this year. We’ve been through so much these past 9 months, been witness to struggle and heartbreak and injustice. We’ve seen the hope of resilience and regeneration that the natural world shows us in every season, as the outdoors have been one of our safe havens. Yet we’re also learning more deeply about just how precious our relationship to nature is—how by practicing respect and reciprocity with the natural world, we lay the proper foundation for justice.
Michael McCarthy writes:
“Joy has a component, if not of morality, then at least of seriousness. It signifies a happiness which is a serious business. And it seems to me the wholly appropriate name for the sudden passionate happiness which the natural world can occasionally trigger in us, which may well be the most serious business of all.”
This is a serious time. But I love this reminder, that our joy is also serious. Where we put our attention matters. Where we find light in the darkness has an impact on what we move towards.
This is my hope for us as we move into a dark winter. Let’s take our joy seriously, and spread it like it means something.
HOLIDAY SHOP UPDATE
I just updated my online shop with a lot of work that is ready for gifting or for keeping you grounded in the months ahead. These pieces are a synthesis of the materials I’ve been spending the most time with this year, plus some gorgeous bright tamarisk jewelry and Christmas ornaments made out of old Christmas trees (so meta, right?) I hope you find something that speaks to you or someone you love.
Please order by December 16th for Christmas delivery.
Thank you, more than ever, for being a part of my community and for supporting small businesses and local artists this season. I will be a part of a few virtual fairs next month, and will send you more information on those and the wonderful makers I’ll be in company with.
Until then, get outside for some fresh air and spread that joy around.
Kelsi