Catching Up:
What to say when there's nothing to say!
I’ve been feeling the pull to write while simultaneously wrestling with the age-old question: what is there to say that hasn’t already been said? I often feel pressed to make my words count in a way they probably just don’t. Everything I put out into the world doesn’t have to be revolutionary or grand — in fact, my complete and utter normalcy in stature may be considered revolutionary in its own right.
In true Hali fashion, I haven’t digitally touched base since June. I had a very quiet, yet somehow frivolous, summer spent mostly by the side of my family and friends. I’ll admit, I haven’t yet grown out of the adolescent longing for the way the last day of school opens up into a short eight weeks of freedom. I try to make the most of the season.
Even though I made a conscious effort to savor every sweet afternoon lakeside and every meal shared outdoors, I still feel like the summer passed me by a little too quickly. I’ve found myself clinging to the hem of her dress, like an unsettled child, unable to unclench my fists.
Since the weather started turning, I’ve felt an unexpected burst of creativity. I’m a hobbyist at heart, and I can’t help but lean into that light when I start to hear the faint whispers of seasonal depression. Just this week, I’ve devoured two books, attended an adult ballet class, and started pulling together Christmas gifts for my loved ones. I still haven’t been able to shoulder through the urge to go to sleep at 8 PM sharp, but that will just have to come with time.
And, on the note of what I’ve been doing with my free time, you can find some of the media picks as of late below:
My holiday mood board:
You can tell I’m of the extravagant sort (I get it honest from my mother.) I’ll be full force into tinsel, gaudy attire, etc. Cheers!
On Repeat:
Parachute — Haley Williams
Dirt on My Shoes — Leon Thomas, Kehlani
A Couple of Minutes — Olivia Dean
A Woman Oversees — Brandi Carlile
Wild Geese — Liv Greene
What I’m Reading:
Normal People — Sally Rooney (this book put me down like everyone seemed to think it would. Interested to watch the show!)
The Happiness Project — Gretchen Rubin
Atmosphere — Taylor Jenkins Reid (now THIS!!!!! This got me.)
What’s Inspiring Me:
My local library
Seasonal produce
MB’s devotion to her students
Fresh sheets
A communal sense of hope
Reagan’s attentive care
Vintage stamps
Embroidery
All of this to say — well, nothing!
Thank you for listening. Thank you for caring. Thank you for loving me.
I love you too,
HM
love you forever