The amount of time I have spent trying to wrangle this story out of my body is massive. I've spent the summer with these characters, and I feel connected to them even though the writing is slow going and I am doubting myself a bit. I just feel blocked, and it is ridiculous because I tell people there is no such thing as writer's block. I am a hype girl, but for myself I am not so cheery.
I have also been dealing with some anxiety this summer, and it sucks. I blame the blockage on the anxiety. And it is that anxiety that does not have a particular origin. Like, I am ok. Everyone is ok. I will find another job, and we will be fine. It may be the news too. JFC, is there a bottom? And I know I am in a time of transition, lots happening. I try and remind myself that I got laid off, and then Blaise graduated high school, and then Finn left for college, and then Blaise moved into his dorm on Thursday to start college, and now officially it is just me and Keith and Scout. And Scout turned 15 years old today. It has been a whirlwind. AND perimenopause. AND, well, I know you get it.
The thing is the blockage just comes and goes. Sometimes I can write 3,000 words easily, and other times I am struggling to get 300 on the page. I have taken to dictation while lying on my bed. Anything to just find flow. Today I am going to write 500 words. That feels doable. I have been writing in my writing journal a task for each day. Maybe, finish this chapter, find out what happens to this character, write this scene, work on this dialogue. Maybe my mind can start to handle smaller chunks. I will let you know. I know I’m serious because I cracked open a heavy and large new journal that has been sitting here for over a year to write this in. It feels good. Speaking of journaling, I have several. I found there is a whole journaltok situation, and I fell promptly in. What are some of your favorite journals? I love how people talk of their journal ecosystem, and I am shaking my head like yeah, I have this too. My favorites are Hobonichi, Paper Republic and Leuchtturm1917.
I hope you and your creative endeavors are going great this summer. I am still heavily into being a summer goddess. I got a spray tan, and I feel like a million bucks. It was wild as I had never had someone spray my whole body while I'm just standing there buck naked. But I can see why people like it. I will wear shorts with reckless abandon until it fades.
Prompts for you when you feel blocked:
Dreams leak out
You wake up without memories of the year 2000
Make a list of everything that makes you rage
All the shiny things
I've been better than ever at controlling my spending since I got laid off. I had started a logbook of all of my purchases in the new year as I wanted to work on TikTok and other brand work, so I compiled everything I have loved on my ShopMy for you. I do get a small % of each sale, so it is so sweet of you to use my links if you are feeling shoppy. It is wild to see my consumption and the way it markedly changed since April. I am still buying things I like and desire, but only if I really need them and only if I make room for them in my life. I'm curating beauty, home, and fashion, and maybe some things as a mom of three sons. I plan on adding to my boards weekly.
Today I will share some fall fashion and some beauty for mature skinz.
Fall 2025
I have some thoughts on 2025 fall trends. Brown is definitely having a moment, and lace is ace. Sporty pants forever, and I'm completely obsessed with scarves. Ever since my dad gave me a Hermès scarf after my mom passed away, I've been way into them. I know bag charms are everywhere but I love a scarf tied on things more. Even though I'm not back in an office yet, I love the idea of dressing up a bit for fall. There's something real good about stepping out on a crispy morning wearing a really great outfit, you know? Here is the board I’m collecting my thoughts on. Feel free to shop or dream.
Top 4 fave purchases of 2025 so far:
A pair of these black Pettipants. I found via
! I wore these black ones with tees and boots all summer and will wear into the fall!
These Bermudas have taken me from April to now, and I assume I will wear them into the winter with socks and boots. I love them!
This cheap striped dress. I get compliments every time I wear it. Hat tip to the ever fashionable
.
This cashmere crew! Get the blue one. Gorgeous. Thin. Love.
I’ll share the over 50 beauty board here, but plan on a deep dive into skincare and beauty this week.
I will be launching a new thing next weekend. The Sunday Scaries are a thing and I’m learning to lean into them. I have something for you next Sunday, bbs. Xo
Ilysm
Xo
Amy