Permission to create a newsletter about whatever you want
Here's your hallpass
Welcome to my newsletter. Newsletter? Blog? As a former Utah Blogger™ I feel like this is the grown-up version of the website I maintained a few years ago, which was the grown-up version of the Blogspot I started a few years before that. Which means I’m still a few years away from being embarrassed about doing this, but I digress.
My life has fallen apart and come together several times over the past few months. It isn’t the first time I’ve been through this cycle, but it is the most dramatic time. More than ever before, I’ve felt the beauty and tragedy of life intertwine in me. The gratitude and grief. The way I can feel the brightest thing and the darkest thing, all at the same time.
A year ago, I never would have imagined I would be where I am today. That after the careful planning of my future and my family, the years of therapy, the struggle to become pregnant—that after all of that, I would bring my son into the world and lose my brother within weeks of each other. That my partner and I would both visit the hospital within months of each other (me, to give birth and him, for a back surgery). That I would be pushed to the absolute edge of my physical and mental limits and would come out on the other side feeling stronger and softer and empty and full.
I have given myself permission to feel it all. To do it all. To be it all. A grieving new mother, a lost older sister, a sensitive and sure wife. Vulnerably and wholly myself. And I want to do the same for you—whatever you need permission to feel, do, and be. So here’s your hallpass. We’ll figure this out together.
This month’s recs
Book: The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green (affiliate link) | I know everyone has been raving about this for years now and I’m late to the game, but it really is incredible.
TV: Fleishman is in Trouble (Hulu) | Full transparency, I still haven’t finished this at the time of this writing but it’s so damn good I just know I can recommend it now. It’s so good. Watch at your own risk because emotions run high.
Article: The Wondrous World of Escape Room Design | I randomly read this one afternoon while nap-trapped, and not gonna lie, I got into it. Who wants to plan a trip to Houston to check these rooms out?
In my cart: S’mores Chai | Every day I think about ordering this, and every day I think it’s an unnecessary purchase when I have other things I need to buy. Permission to buy the tea, am I right?
Trader Joe’s: Mini French Baguettes | These are not amazing or anything, but the satisfaction of having a small warm baguette anytime you want? My freezer contains at least three packages at all times.
Yay. I’m excited for these posts :)