I’ve almost always felt connected to my dead family and friends and understood that our relationships don’t stop at death. There have been hard moments when I believed they sank into a black hole of nothingness, but mostly I’ve known our relationships keep going. Over the years, I only feel closer to my beloved dead.

November 18th is the 10th anniversary of the sudden death of my mom, Suzann. In 2022 I self-published a book called So Many Ways to Draw a Ghost, inspired by her death as well as my dear friend Ruth, who had died less than a year earlier.

If you appreciate my art, you are very much appreciating my mom. Not only did she raise me in a way that was fully supportive of my art, she would tell me to follow my heart, and do what I love. In the past few years, the more I listen to her voice the more inspired and aligned I am. I feel clear that this inspiration is her heart in collaboration with mine. I feel grateful beyond words. 

In honor of my mom, I’m putting my book on sale this week. I’m also updating the death/grief resource page on my website, feel free to send any recommendations that you think others might appreciate (you can reply directly to this email).

In other news… This is the 7th year of making a Menstrual/Mood Tracker! It’s now available in paper or digital download

I’LL BE AT SOME MARKETS IN WMASS THIS DECEMBER! It’s been a joy to start doing markets and meet people who have long appreciated my work. If you’ve said hi at any of them please know that these connections have been very meaningful. Thank you for your sweetness and support over the years.

*DECEMBER 14th, 12-4 Greenfield Makers Market

*December 21,12-5 Holiday Pop-Up at Looky Here in Greenfield

NEW THIS YEAR! I’ve always wanted to make a planner and I finally got the chance. This one is RISO printed at Looky Here in Greenfield, Mass, there’s a longer write-up about it in the listing on my shop. We only printed 150 and I just have a few left, if you’re interested, grab it now. We plan to make them every year so if you miss out, we will be back in 2027 :)

Lastly, someone close to my heart encouraged me to share this photo of the cannabis I grew this summer. I’ve never grown this plant before and I was absolutely obsessed. And since I dedicated this month’s writing to my mom, I can weave her spirit in by saying- she and I are kindred in our love of smoking weed :)

Cheers, mom.

To warm our hearts during these extremely trying times, I leave you with her button collection.

Sending lots of love and care.

xo, Chelsea