The universe sings

New work, 30x30cm, 2026

Spread thin like water, stretched and open - elemental. 

Colours dance and move back and forth

It can be that simple. 

_______________________________

In other news, Leith is the best. 

Whether it's having chai and a long blether with a friend in a local cafe on Leith Walk, going to see the opening of a brilliant group exhibition at MOTE 102, or walking down the road to Coburg House to visit all the lovely artists in their studios, Leith is the place to be. 

I thank my lucky stars for the community I live in. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such passionate, talented, kind, and solid people. Thank you for sharing your gifts. 

Go support these hard-working artists and inspiring venues.

Until next week, the project continues. 

Keep fighting.

Nestled within

detail

I have just returned from another brilliant visit to Cyan Clayworks in the heart of Leith. Fiona and Chris have both been busy developing new bodies of work in preparation for their Edinburgh Fringe exhibition. It was a delight to see some of their new work, fresh from the kiln. 

As I have probably said before, I love having Cyan Clayworks in my neighbourhood. Fiona and Chris have created such a warm and welcoming space. It is a place where we usually talk about everything and nothing while sharing the wide variety of weirdness between us. 

Often, other artists drop by as well, adding to the atmosphere of camaraderie and connection. Today, artist Emma Sutherland popped by to say hello and to bring some promo materials for her upcoming group exhibition. "I have been here before" which will be held at MOTE 102, and opens Friday 31 July from 6-8pm and then continues on from 1-9 August, and is open from 11am - 5pm. It was good to be reintroduced to Emma who I met years ago. I am looking forward to the exhibition. MOTE 102 is a great space that shows exciting and versatile work and is another gem in the neighbourhood. So if you are in Leith/Edinburgh or coming through town put both these shows on your calendar. 

I always feel uplifted and more connected to the bigger picture after a visit with Chris and Fiona in their beautiful space. They are genuine connectors - a vital part to any art space, scene, or movement. Thank you both for all you share and everything that you bring to the community. You make it look easy, but I know it is hard work. 

Tomorrow, I have plans to meet my good friend and fellow artist, Julia, for a wander around the city and we will see where we end up. There is usually art and tea involved. I am looking forward to it. I enjoy our art rambles tremendously. 

In other news, my project continues, I have just completed day 42. I am starting to overthink it, and I feel like bowing out at times, but the information gleaned from my time on "the project" can't be understated. It's powerful and leading me somewhere so I will continue to do it whether I am in the flow or not.

This week was also full of nostalgia. I am noticing time in a very concrete way that has stopped me in my tracks more than a few times. I think the project and all that goes with it has primed the pump for this sort of reckoning.

Slow, fast, slow, fast, gone. I think I am in the early days of the second fast.

I am learning a lot, remaining open, and staying curious which may help slow it down a bit or perhaps it just makes me more acutely aware of the fast, and how fleeting everything is. 

Time continues to fold in on itself and I am nestled within.
You are there too. 

X.

detail

Your community is waiting

Cup of sun in the studio

The sun is shining through the window and onto my face. Daffodils smile at me from the jar on the table and I have a dreamy Hermanos Gutiérrez song on repeat on my big headphones. I sway to the music like a reed in water. 

Yesterday, I walked out the door and into the sun. I surveyed the pots in my garden - Daffodils, Muscari, Tulips, and Hyacinth all greeted me. The Lilac is preparing to leaf. I left my wee haven and walked on through the neighbourhood past the art school where two women were working on a large piece outside. I saw the shopkeeper who sells plants chatting with passersby. I walked on to the library where the friendly librarians answered my questions and cheerfully assisted me in my research. I left with two books, new information, and a spring in my step. I walked down the road past the glass artist working in her studio window and then on to the wee grocery, where we talked about celebrating the sun, enjoying our days, and the pleasures of good food. And then after being out in my neighbourhood for a couple of hours I walked back home. On my way, I shared a laugh with a young man enjoying a drink outside, and I found some street treasure. 

Street treasure: A box of 100 Flower Postcards from the Royal Horticultural Society

Later in the day I hit the neighbourhood streets again to visit my friends at their open studio event and met their friends too. We all had spirited conversations peppered with shared laughs and commiserations about art, life, and the way of things. I think alliances were forged or at least a recognition of kindred spirits. It was a good afternoon that turned into night. I left with art, new information, and again with a spring in my step.

It was a wonderful day full of everything I value and believe in. It was the type of day I dreamed about as a child when I played with my Fisher Price Village, read a Richard Scarry book, or watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood on PBS. We can never underestimate the power of community connection and interdependence.

Written on my studio wall: 

Protect your peace. Say No.
Say Yes to Art, Movement, Nature, and Community.
Create your world now, not later. 

So go outside and be weird, be awkward, be ridiculous, laugh loudly, say the wrong thing. Disappoint people. Find the people who won't be disappointed. Ask for help. Be vulnerable. Your one wild and precious life and your community is waiting.

Thank you for being part of mine

Squarely in the now

work in progress 2026

Happy New Year!

I am sitting at my work table in the studio to write this. I am looking out of the windows to the sky. The sun is casting shadows on the buildings around me. I see planes flying into the city over the Forth, I telepathically welcome them. Seagulls gather on roof tops. I am surrounded by my paint, pencils, charcoal, pastels and brushes. All of my available art from the last 11 years is in one place and under the same roof as me and that feels good. 

I worked yesterday and today in my studio - filled with the "begin the year as you mean to go on" spirit. Filling the pages of an old photo album with mark making and collage. Collage has always been foundational to my work, even though I don't like getting glue on my fingers. It's a good starting point.

We've made it through the holidays, the first without my dad. There are many people missing - loss seems to cling to the years but we carry on.

I don't really want to write a year end review blog for 2025. Maybe this is why. The thought of it seems heavy and complicated.

So, I make another cup of tea, plug in my sunshine lamp, eat some dark chocolate and play music on my big headphones instead.

I will get around to the year end review post eventually (because I am a creature of habit and superstition) but not today. I will write it when I am ready -  that's how I work, I move slow and then I move fast. 

I have been thinking about what I want my art to say and mean in 2026. I don't usually think like that as it seems a bit prescriptive but I thought it could be a good exercise. I usually make art as a necessary exorcism or as a reaction to outside forces.

A pal sends a message: the sun is out and it would be good to get out and away from the screen. I leave my blog and make a mad dash out the door.

It was very cold but bright out. We had mediocre coffee in a dark and divey cafe but we had some top notch laughs. I also noticed bunches of somewhat sad daffodils for sale in the shops - it's too soon, but it is good to remember spring is around the corner. I took photos of the shadows. 

Sunshine on number 55

Once back home, I noticed that there was still a good amount of light left at 4pm. 

Now, I can hear the wild wind outside playing my bamboo chimes, and this is where I am going to leave you on this first Friday of January 2026 - squarely in the now. 

With peace and gratitude from my wintering heart to yours. 

Leith must be the place

From the window of Custom House Leith

Hello Dear Readers, 

I hope December finds you well and cosy. This post practically wrote itself last Saturday. When I left you last week, I mentioned I was going to meet Julia to explore the Leith Creative Trail and that is what we did. 

Julia and I met in front of the Leith Library at 11am and we wandered the streets all day in search of everything the artists and makers of Leith had on offer. It was a full day of adventure, beauty, and community. Leith is definitely the place. 

We visited the following fantastic Leith venues:

Art Glass Studio 34 / SilverHub Studios / Mote 102 / Ground Floor EHFM / Coburg House / Cyan Clayworks / Custom House / Brown’s of Leith / Away Industries / Populus Cafe / Bethany Shop / Leith Makers Open Studios & MULCH:Collective Exhibition / Sebs Urban Jungle Winter Makers Market The excitement continues this weekend so do check the trail guide for all the details.

Happiness is a blue wall

While we were out walking the Creative Trail, Julia spied this blue wall and thought it would make an ideal backdrop. I was proudly wearing my new brooch designed by Julia and happy to pose for a few photographs.

I am lucky to have a friend that I feel so comfortable around and who has a great sense of colour. I really don't like having my picture taken so it says a lot about the photographer when I look this relaxed. Her brooch made me feel like a million bucks. I do hope you will check them out. As I have said many times, colour is medicine and good friends are the best. Find your new brooch and view Julia's art here: https://julialaingstudio.com

I need to get ready to meet a pal for a Friday morning walk. There are other things going on behind the scenes of course, but more on that later. 

Wherever you are, don't let the bastards get you down. Keep fighting and shining. 
We need you and the gifts you bring. X.

Paying the light bill for your soul

Flock expansion

Hello Dear Readers, 

When I left you last Friday, I needed to go see a man about some chickens, and that is what I did. I went back to Cyan Clayworks where I picked up my new yellow birds and purchased a beautiful ramen bowl for a friend's birthday. It's a joy to support our local and independent artists and makers. It's always a win in my book.

paintings, brushes, and books 

On Sunday, my pal Julia Laing came over on a super dreich day and helped me move some things. She gets the friendship of the year award. And speaking of Julia, I also purchased some of her new work this week as well.

Check out Julia's latest offerings on her site. Colour is a powerful medicine and Julia brings the colour! I chose "citrus sprinkles" from her new statement brooch collection. Pictured below. There are currently just 5 left...

Get one for yourself 

Julia and I are meeting up tomorrow for the Leith Creative Trail and so I can collect my new brooch! I am also looking forward to seeing what local beauties we will discover as we wander about.

In other news this week - I worked and I charity shopped, therefore I am...(you will notice what is missing again, making my own A R T but don't worry - I am thinking about it in big ways).

Speaking of charity shopping, look at this treasure! I almost passed it by, but I am so glad I didn't, it's my new power ring. It's massive - it's vintage, I love it! 

chonky bling

However, I bought nothing today, except a necessary local bus ticket. I am a frugal person by necessity and design. I will also spend money on things I believe in. I believe in artists and makers. I believe in local businesses. I sure hope you do too. Money exchanged fairly and in alignment with my values gives me a good honest feeling. 

I can be an overthinker and worrier, and I have to research everything. I also deal with decision fatigue, but I have noticed that this rarely happens when it comes to art or second hand goods.

So this is my spiel this week. If you are able to at all (and I know it is hard out there - believe me I know) to carve out a budget for handmade/local/secondhand goods, please do try. It's like paying the light bill for your soul. And the artists/locals/charities can keep working for good and bringing more light.

I will leave you on that bright note and this reminder to take care, keep fighting, and keep lighting the way. I am thankful for you. 

Collection and colour: "Teddy" Sculpture by Christine Pike

And if you are still here and feel like dancing... I am still listening to this on repeat. 

Algorithms be damned

dark interiors

Dear Readers,

It's another cold but bright start to the day. The coffee is hot, and the fake fire hums. This past week was fairly quiet, but the theme of connection buzzed throughout.

After I posted my blog last Friday, I walked over to see my talented pals Fiona Thompson and Chris Donnelly of Cyan Clayworks. Their studio is warm, bright, and inviting - just like them. Their pal, Craig Peebles, was also visiting. Craig is the founder of Welby & Wright, an encaustic tile maker, master tiler, and artist. It was lovely to be welcomed into the fold with mince pies, tea, laughs, and art chat on a Friday afternoon. I even left with a flock of Chris' wee chickens and plan to go back later today for one or two more in yellow!

If you are local to Leith/Edinburgh or passing through, make plans to visit Fiona and Chris, as well as the many other talented artists and creative businesses taking part in the upcoming Leith Creative Trail.

After chatting with all of them, I stopped by Malt & Hops (est. 1747) to enjoy their coal fire and have a non-alcoholic beer. I've always loved this pub; the warm, dark interior feels like an embrace.

The weekend consisted of a bit of charity shopping, painting, and reconnecting with my fellow artists and patrons online. I managed to share two posts on Instagram and Facebook; somehow, I hadn’t posted to my Instagram grid since 23 June.

In case you missed it, here's what I wrote and posted.

Photo from a dear patron showing one of my paintings in their home in Holland.

"Hello, my dear and wild friends - I hope this finds you. I’ve been thinking about this space and how I use it. I miss how we used to connect, but I also loathe the platform - and the algorithm can fuck off. I haven’t been making “content” lately, and I’m trying to find a way back to you, grounded in our shared care. Maybe this is a start: if you see this, could you drop a comment or an emoji? Thank you for your years of support for my painting." 

It was wonderful to hear from so many folks - with a total of 153 emojis and approximately 67 comments between the platforms. I really needed that sense of connection to remind me of the importance of community building in my art practice.

I posted this as a follow-up. 

Photo from a lovely patron showing one of my paintings in their home in England

"Thank you for your kind, encouraging comments on my recent post. It was wonderful to reconnect with so many of you, from early supporters to more recent friends. It truly means the world. Your support keeps me painting through storms and opportunities alike.

These days, I'm taking a slower, more intentional approach - algorithms be damned. I'm still here, making work in fits and starts, and I can't wait to share it with you."

And again, I was met with a sense of community. 89 emojis and 7 comments across the two platforms. If you commented or reacted to the posts this week, thanks again. It's not about numbers; it's about connection, and it gave me a needed boost and a reminder to reach out.

Due to my postings, I was also contacted by and learned about a new community arts space in Glasgow called MoMo. According to the organiser, they are a small space in an area of Glasgow not normally associated with art, and they are attempting to find a community of folks who not only love art but also want to participate. I can appreciate that ethos and understand that it can be more difficult to start something like this off the beaten path. So if this sounds up your street, give MoMo a follow on social media, and if you are in Glasgow, pop by for a coffee and some art to support their mission.

Also, thanks to my post, I had a lovely Zoom catch-up with my friend and fellow artist Muriel Prince. Muriel lives and works in the Scottish Borders. It was great to talk "artist to artist" about life, work, and cats. Muriel's "draw walk" technique is fascinating, and her works are richly layered with meaning and feeling. It was great to reconnect.

Otherwise, it was a normal week: working, watching films and shows, keeping in touch with loved ones, and watching more Stewart Copeland interviews.

As I mentioned above, I painted, but I wasn't thrilled with the results. Dark and brooding - but not fully realised, so I won't share it just yet. Painting something is better than painting nothing, and reconnecting with my fellow artists, patrons, and the wider community is an important step in the right direction.

I am not sure what this weekend holds. I will probably attempt another social media post. There will be a painting session on Sunday, and big thoughts and ideas rattling around my brain. Some will be actualised, and most won't, and that is all just part of the process.

I will wrap up warm in my new charity shop jumper, get outside and see what the big city has to offer and go get my chickens!

Thanks for being part of my community. We really are in this together. I hope you have a warm and relaxed weekend. Keep fighting.

Messages on the wind

to the weir

Dear Reader,

I hope you are okay. Before I sat down to write to you, I opened the window to let in the crisp morning air and I said good morning to the moon.

Earlier this week, I walked by the water of Leith on slick yellow leaves, mud, and cobbles, and found myself at the foot of my favourite tree, seeking refuge. I breathed in the damp earth and sent messages on the wind.

process

Last weekend, I managed to paint, but I couldn't focus. I washed my brushes, looked at my previous work, and pushed some paint around. It's all part of the process and practice. I am reminded of this repeatedly.

On a rare Wednesday off work, I met my friend Julia for a day of art in the city. We saw the following exhibitions: * = personal highlights

RSA Academicians Gallery: Toby Paterson RSA

Scottish Gallery: *Modern Masters XIX, *Rachel Larkins - Raising Ghosts, Lachlan Goudie - From the Forest to the Forge

Open Eye Gallery: Adrian Wiszniewski RSA, Jonathan Gibbs, Alex Malcolmson and select artists from the gallery (*David Schofield RGI)

Graystone Gallery: Boundless Motion: Land & Form - Astrid Leeson & Sophia Pauley and select artists from the gallery

Rachel Larkins' jewellery exhibition at the Scottish Gallery was magical and enchanting, with plenty of favourite pieces. The Modern Masters XIX exhibition has some wonderful Joan Eardley pieces among other standouts.

At the Open Eye Gallery, David Schofield's piece, This Mortal City, appeared illuminated from within and was captivating with its dreamlike narrative.

down stockbridge way

Thursday was mostly a blur, but that brings us to today's exhibition, or rather, experience.

Leith School of Art: *Jessica Wolfson - Rain, I don't mind

On my way home this afternoon, I popped into Leith School of Art. And by popped in, I mean I interrupted a group of women chatting in front of the school, and asked if I could go inside to see the exhibition advertised on the fence. They buzzed me in and then left me to it.

Once I entered the space, the familiar art school smell overwhelmed me in the best way. The natural light, white walls, and spareness of it all felt like home. I continued through the space following Wolfson's paintings through an entryway to the school's small library as the exhibition continued. I turned to look at the wall of art books and felt a catch in my throat as a beautiful stained glass window caught my eye. I took a postcard with course offerings and then let myself out. I waved my thanks to the group as I made my way off the small campus.

Back on the road, my soul absolutely ached - it had recognised itself within those walls. The old Norwegian Seaman's church turned art school was calling after me, "come back... you've lost your way - please, come back..."

As tears welled up in my eyes, I heard the old building loud and clear.
____________________

Until next week, keep listening.

With love and gratitude.

X.

Strangers tell me things

Sunday works in progress: a different ground

 On the way to carboot sale

Brutal Monday evening 

On Friday Leith provides

Anarchy in the everyday

Hello Dear Readers,

With one song on repeat I settle in to write to you. It was also one hell of a week and I am glad it is over. It's Halloween. Tomorrow is November. How is that even possible? Are you sensing a theme? I feel like each week, I write: things are hard, time is moving fast, what the hell... here's some art, here's some photos - cheery bye.

I write a lot in other places, I talk a lot in other places too, and now I am tired and worn out. I feel like The Giving Tree.

But back to the song, the bass vibrates in my ears in a way that I can see it - I shake my head back and forth to the beat. This song has that wonderful industrial metal scraping clang that my brain loves. The bass and guitars are perfection. I don't think there is much better than listening to a song on really good headphones. This one is ticking all the boxes tonight - it is reviving my tired heart.

However, I still can't focus enough right now to talk about art in any meaningful or moving way. Perhaps if I had written this in the morning I could have, but I needed to go out and meet a pal. I sat with the locals on the community benches at the foot of the walk and I purposely breathed in their smoke. I comforted them as they shared their fresh grief with me and was hugged by a stranger.

I love community spaces and I love talking to people. I love making people laugh and I love laughing. I love hearing music from pub speakers and I love knowing that cosy places for folks to meet still exist.

Just another beautiful day in Leith, just another day in my life.

Until next week, try to talk to someone you don't know and try not to worry so much.
We need you and the gifts you bring. Keep fighting.

Conversations and quandaries

Broughton St Mary’s church turret in autumn

Hello Dear Reader, 

Here we are again, another Friday. I hope you are okay. I am not great but at least I am not ill and I haven't had any migraines lately so that is a positive. This week was frustrating and difficult for a multitude of reasons. Even with the beauty of autumn as a backdrop - I am weary. Are we all weary now? Is this just how it is going to be? I sure hope not. 

So let's focus on the beauty and the good parts, that seems to be all I know how to do. I can be struggling and still recognise the wonders of life. 

I went for a walk with my friend Jen on Saturday and introduced her to my favourite local tree. I had been hesitant to go by and visit my scottish friend tree as I was worried it might not be there due to some recent council heavy pruning. Jen kindly accompanied me as I faced that concern and we were both delighted to see its far reaching majesty, albeit very lopsided.  

On Sunday, I met my friend Julia, for a ramble through the city centre and down into Stockbridge. We enjoyed warm drinks and chips while sitting in the window of a crowded cafe. Afterwards we went to a charity shop where I scored a wonderful scarf. We then continued down the road to see the current exhibition, Beneath the Veil at The House of Smalls. This is only the second exhibition I have seen at The House of Smalls and I have been equally impressed and deeply moved each time. If you are in Edinburgh or passing through, I would highly recommend putting this gallery on your list to visit. Amy is a friendly and helpful gallerist and has created a space with an important and commendable ethos.

chai latte with Julia before the exhibition

After meeting up with Julia, there was of course my Sunday session of painting and talking about art with my mom. I worked on the two canvases below. Just adding different washes of paint. Roughing in and wiping away the colours in layers while listening to Brian Eno and drinking tea. Not a bad way to spend some time. I like them pretty well as they are, but may continue to work on them this week. 

work in progress

work in progress

On Monday, the haar rolled in, and it seemed like the perfect time to take a walk and make some photos. I feel fortunate to have this wilderness so close. I know these trees and this patch of land so well and in return I feel known by them. I find so much support and solace in these nearby woods and the paths by the water of Leith. 

As usual, there was work and all the other bits and pieces that make a life - exercise, meditation, meals, conversations and quandaries. I am now sitting on the sofa, listening to one song on repeat and feeling grateful to have shared this Friday ritual once more with you.

May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness. 

May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering. 

May all beings rejoice in the wellbeing of others. 

May all beings live in peace, free from greed and hatred. 

Thank you for being here. Until next week, take care. 

Art, Culture, and Community

dark foundations

 

Good morning, foot soldiers of culture,

It is just after seven in the morning as I take a deep breath and sit down to write. The light is warm as the yellow window shade moves back and forth in the breeze. Nils Frahm's song, Talisman will be the soundtrack for my post today - over and over again, feeling new each time, like a warm dark wave. 

As I mentioned last week, the Spanish band, Los Retumbes were in Edinburgh on tour. I went to see them again on Saturday at Elvis Shakespeare. These shows are Leith's version of a Tiny Desk Concert, held in a combined book and record shop. I was really glad I got to see them again in my community. 

When I am enjoying live music, my mind often puts together a whole new story while the bands are playing. A narrative that includes how beautiful the community of like minded souls are as they watch the band and how lucky I am to be part of it. Everything feels more connected and special, like a dream come true. I am exactly where I am meant to be in that moment.

Los Retumbes at Elvis Shakespeare on Leith Walk

After the musical excitement, it was a mellow weekend of chores, and the sixth week of art chat with my mother (you can see my progress above). I will try to finish those canvases off this Sunday. 

I watched the ITV interview with Nicola Sturgeon on Monday and plan to start listening to her memoir this weekend. I am glad I got to experience her tenure as First Minister of Scotland. I took comfort that a woman just under two years older than me, from a working class background was in charge. 

a photo I took of Nicola Sturgeon in 2019

In other news, besides work, I took a few walks, took some photos, saw a gorgeous moon, and attended three webinars on a variety of educational and training topics, along with two other video events. 

It felt like a busy and well rounded week. All the while the bigger art concepts are rolling around in my head. I still need to process those and bring them to the light of day. All in good time. 

I am about to meet a pal for a morning walk and will meet another friend on Sunday for some more culture - just another week in this artist's life. 

Until next week, please take care and keep fighting. 

Tear it up

under the earth (there is a stone heart)

I am sitting in my favourite chair on a Friday so this can only mean one thing, we are here again. We are spending time together on the Studio Blog. 

The first thing I tend to do these days, is review my photos to remind me of the past week. Then I will flick through my brain waves and see if there were any major themes that I am willing to share. 

Last week's post proved strangely popular according to the numbers - perhaps everyone loves a bit of small furniture or perhaps it was the photos of the dark paintings on the easel. 

On Sunday, I went to the local car boot sale with a pal, and purchased mundane things that I needed - in other words, no vintage spoons, art books, or anything cool. There was matcha (of course) and many laughs were had. Sunday also brought the fifth week of my art discussion sessions with my mother. My mom continued to work on her bird sculpture and I worked to rectify the two darkest canvases. They became slightly surreal - other worlds. See above and below. 

separation state

This week, I also received a concept to explore further in my art. The conditions were right, so the idea felt comfortable enough to let itself be known. A bigger than usual concept, of the sort I haven't had in a long time. I am not quite ready to present it here. But there is something afoot, it's happening now, and it's showing up in my daily life. I hope to be able to explore it a bit more this weekend and roll around with it. Stay tuned.

In other news, I cut my hair even shorter than usual and that was a relief. It always is - the shorter my hair, the more I feel like myself. My street finding energy was strong this week - let's just say, I have a new cool shoe wardrobe and that brings me joy. 

Los Retumbes

Last night, I went to a Fringe gig featuring the Spanish band, Los Retumbes. It was a joy to be able to walk 3 minutes to see 3 bands (The Screamin Kick and The Bad Moods opened) along with my friends and neighbours and all for a good cause, benefiting the community. I had a smile on my face the whole time they played their high energy set. I bought a t-shirt to support the band. They are playing again at Elvis Shakespeare tomorrow (Saturday 9 Aug) at 2:30 (free show) for any locals reading this.

Speaking of other cool Leith Fringe happenings for the locals: Go check out Cyan Clayworks during their Fringe exhibition and open studio. Chris and Fiona are good people, and you need their work and their vision in your lives. They have prints and photos along with their stellar ceramic works for you to enjoy in their gorgeous studio. 

And that's all the news I have for you this week. The world seems impossibly tragic and difficult right now and if you are struggling, you are not alone. What gives me comfort are the various communities I am part of and giving myself permission to find and hold on to joy. Your joy and my joy may not look the same and the jerks of the world hate that - so have more of it. Silence their voices with your kindness, your sparkle, and your open heart. 

Keep fighting and I will too.