I’m writing this late on a brutally cold Sunday night, wrapped in layers, staring at the gentle chaos of a week well spent. My desk is a collage of evidence: instant film camera experiments stacked in one corner, props from my Bugs Rock product shoot mid-stage, and tiny curls of wax waiting to become something new. It’s messy in that very specific “I made a lot” way. It also confirms a long-held truth: if I’m not juggling at least three projects at once, nothing gets finished.
After taking a full month away from wax to focus on other creative work, I finally dove back in. A few days of solid experimentation led me to a new product release structure—one that feels lighter, more playful, and far more sustainable than the system I’ve been wrestling with during the shop’s first six months. I also filed my taxes for the first time as a solo business owner. It was equal parts powerful and humbling—a small ego death wrapped in spreadsheets.
And then there’s the weather. the kind of cold that feels personal. One morning it “felt like” -17°F, and the wind shrieked through the cracks like it had something to prove. I spent extra time clinging to my living, breathing, heated blanket, Pumagreg, who remains the MVP of winter survival.
Still, not even arctic conditions could keep me from the final stretch of aerial yoga at Urban Sadhu, which is closing for good. I’ve got maybe six to eight classes left, and I’m determined to savor them. Monday’s substitute instructor was deeply committed to conditioning—which means I was deeply committed to being sore for several days. I even went to the gym just to walk it off. Have I mentioned it’s been extremely cold?
Thankfully, the ceramics studio is consistently warm—a small miracle. This week we learned how to throw bowls, and I sent three pieces off for bisque firing. Thursday I’ll trim them and glaze whatever survives the kiln’s mood swings. I’ve intentionally avoided watching ceramics content online because I didn’t want the magic diluted. But I finally started exploring some videos—and honestly, I love sculpting so much. It feels like meeting an old version of myself.
Photographing my candles continues to stretch me in the best way. it’s harder than it looks, and I am very much still learning. Styling each shoot feels like dress-up for grown-ups—another outlet for expression beyond the wax itself. this week i’m announcing new candles… But if you made it this far, you’re getting the preview.
Things that made this icy week warmer
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For years, every therapy day in the city meant walking past Trader Joe’s in Chelsea and never going in. This week, I finally did. no epic line. no chaos. just snacks and joy. It was a revelation, especially compared to my underwhelming local grocery options.
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I used to follow Franziska Trautmann on TikTok—founder of Glass Half Full. Seeing her featured in a recent video about the company’s growth was genuinely uplifting. It’s beautiful watching someone build something that matters.
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Angine de poitrine performed on KEXP, and Andy introduced me to them. instant fan.
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Miguel did an NPR Tiny Desk concert, and now I would also like his entire wardrobe, thanks.
I was distracted approximately twelve times while trying to finish this, so let’s land the plane.
This coming week holds two birthdays:
Monday marks one full year of weekly retros.
Wednesday marks 41 years of me.
If you’d like to celebrate, you can shop my art or buy me a coffee. or simply stay warm—preferably somewhere above zero.
