Things I Enjoyed in July
As a bit of insight into my life, July was a mixed bag of high highs and low lows. At work, we had a staff reduction of about 30%, and we lost some dear co-workers and have been a bit left in the lurch, figuring out how to get things done without them. My step-grandpa went on hospice and my grandmother isn’t far behind.
And, there were high highs. I co-taught an art journaling class, and submitted my final pieces of homework for my spiritual direction certificate. After 2 years of working toward being able to take 1-on-1 spiritual direction clients, this feels a bit surreal, like…wait, now? This is real, now? August is our graduation ceremony, and I feel a bit misty even writing about it, as I’ve treasured what I’ve learned, who I’ve become, and the people I’ve spent so much time learning with.
Art Journaling Unleashed. So fun. So grateful for everyone who let me ramble on about how to make art journaling work for you, your neurotype, your life rhythms, etc. I had so much fun, and I’m so grateful the technology worked. And thankful to Jenni and Beth for letting me teach with them and taking a chance on me!
We had an Owl for the day, which allowed us to use Zoom and focus on participants in the room and on the TV. We had people from Minnesota, Florida and Kentucky! 
Sneaky sneaky, Beth, taking this shot. Also the one day my hair has cooperated this summer. Ha. All things iridescent. Honestly, I’ve just been enjoying things that are iridescent this summer. Why? I am not sure entirely, but I feel drawn to them like a magnet. They keep showing up in my art, in accessories and carrying cases, and more.
My health. I finally got on a migraine injectable that seems to work 3-out-of-4-weeks of the month, which has taken migraine days from 3-4 days per week to an average of 4-5 days per month, which if you’ve ever had a migraine has been a massive improvement. This has been the single largest improvement to my health since beginning treatment for MCAS in 2025, and I’m extremely grateful.
Naps. Summer for me is one part, “Oh such a great time to get things done!” and one part, “Oh, it’s so hot, maybe I can just sleep a little bit.” Naps, it turns out, are great. I didn’t really take naps until my 30s, and I feel like I’m in a place now where I’ve fully adopted a good nap, especially on hot, muggy, rainy days.
Pomodoro Timers from Gusnia on YouTube. Y’all. She hand draws the illustrations. And they’re so freaking cute. I’ve found pomodoro timers to be really helpful for me lately. Maybe give ‘em a try. See how it goes!
Contemplative Practice (soon to be re-named “Poetic, Quiet Hour”). Offering these has been life giving for me and allowed me to read poetry, slow down, and carve out time. We all need this. I need this. I know you need this. More of these to come. August, September and October dates posted.
Learn More about Poetic Quiet HourLearning more about my energy type. I’m a little woo, tbh, and I started digging into human design this month on a lark and realized that I’m a 5/1 emotional manifestor energy type and holy crap y’all knowing this about myself has made such a massive difference in understanding why sometimes I feel lethargic and gross, and sometimes I could work on a project non-stop for weeks straight. Take it or leave it. I’m not 100% sold on its background, but something that might be helpful for you.
I hope you had a good month in July.
What’s something you’re looking forward to in August? Please reply and let me know. I’d love to hear from you!
