May: getting better at being
Plus summer travel plans, what I’m reading, dreaming about, and learning this month.
Starting this month, I’m beginning a new series—a kind of living moodboard. Think: things I’m reading, dreaming about, making, listening to, planning, and learning in real time. This is very much a work in progress, so if there’s anything you’d like to see more of, let me know.
Here’s a little glimpse into what I’ve been up to lately.
For now, I’m back in LA before summer takes me elsewhere. I’ve been waking earlier, writing more, and walking regularly—even if it’s the same route over and over.
I treated myself to a used film camera (!) and can’t wait to start dabbling in analog photography. Last weekend, I went to a writer’s workshop with a good friend (thank you to Sian for hosting!). I left feeling inspired, very vulnerable, and grateful to have met so many beautiful souls. Truly.
I’m also having so much fun mapping out what 6+ weeks in Europe could look like this summer (pinch me). I have a one-way ticket to Lisbon booked for late June.
From there, I’ll be writing, wandering, and seeing where life takes me—Portugal, Spain, and wherever else I’m meant to land.
I couldn’t be more excited, or more grateful, to have the time and space to follow this dream. I’ll bring you along for whatever unfolds—but of course!
There’s a part of me still adjusting to this new reality, this new routine…and another part already dreaming ahead. I’m craving softness, space, slow mornings, and the courage to want what I want. I’m learning not to rush to have all the answers.
What about you—what are you craving lately?
Dreaming about
Reading in the sun, reading in a bathtub, reading in bed, reading by the sea.
One-way flights, foreign menus, and time to get bored.
The quiet thrill of doing less, but better.
Here but also there
Reading: So many wonderful new-to-me Subtacks. Such as:
It’s Not Just You — her journey from Paris to Brooklyn and back is giving me LIFE.
Anna Mack’s Stack — for all my fellow multihyphenate creatives in the making.
BY GABRIELA ROSE — Italian-American writer and fashion consultant based in Rome & Naples. Need I say more?
Watching: Overcompensating, Tucci in Italy, and Sirens — anyone else? I’d love (love) to discuss any or all of the above.
Listening to: my buen dia playlist — the perfect cooking companion (morning or night).
Making:
Weekend frittatas + whatever’s green and in my fridge
Dates stuffed with almond butter + sea salt
White beans with wilted greens, garlic, and lemon
Roasted Japanese sweet potatoes with tahini and crispy chickpeas
Alison Roman's buttermilk pancakes with market berries
Obsessing over: Maison Louis Marie no. 04 and no. 13 — clean, warm, luxurious (shoutout to my girl Kimberly for putting these gorgeous candles on my radar).
Forever a student
Lately, I’ve been in a deeply reflective season, and writing more consistently has been helping, without pressure to polish. Just 30-minute free writes, simple prompts, and weekly check-ins that help me notice what’s really going on.
Sundays are my favorite time to pause and reset. I’ve been enjoying these prompts:
What felt good this week?
What did I learn?
What do I want more of next week?
Underlined this month
“You are allowed to have a beautiful life, even if others are in a different place.
You’re not taking anything away by embracing your own joy.”
(I <3 my therapist)
P.S. Come say hi on Instagram, or buy me a coffee if you’d like to support my work.
More soon,
Jess
Let me know if you plan a stop in Paris ☺️☺️
It sounds like you are up for some big adventures in Europe. Btw, I'm listening to your Buen Dia playlist. Very fun!