The January Love List

I made a deal with myself that other than household expenses, I wouldn’t buy anything during the month of January.

My focus is clearing, getting rid of things, so it made sense to stop the unconscious dance of acquiring things.

I saw someone suggest keeping three lists on your phone: A gratitude list, an abundance list, and a self-love list. I thought that sounded like a good idea, and let me tell you, not buying really shone a light on my abundance list.
I was reminded everyday that my material needs are met.

Clearing *clutter and not buying removed a sort of buffer from my thinking. It caused me to be present with my thoughts and emotions. I had to get super real with myself - and that’s a good thing, even though sometimes, a hard thing.

*I don’t love this word because a great deal of the stuff I’m clearing out of here has value. It’s good stuff. It just can’t live here anymore!

The List

I finished and shipped my first commission of 2023 and started the second. I feel so nervous every single time I put a painting in the mail.

I received the most lovely New Year package from my friend Michelle containing a beautiful candle and the most perfect mug (that reminds me of one of my big intentions for 2023.)
I received a surprise New Year candle that smells like cinnamon and abundance from my friend Sally.
I received the most luscious hand poured candle in vintage glass and Winter Solstice bundle from my friend Dana.
I moved my body nearly every day with Lucy Wyndham Read.
Tracy and I listened to the Bowie Takeover (for his birthday) on Radio Woodstock and it was incredibly moving. It transported me to another time and space, the way all good art does.
We had a backyard fire pit on the night of the New Moon in Aquarius. It was cold out, but the sun was warm.
One night, Rocky had to go out at 3:30 am. Standing in the backyard darkness in my pajamas, a gentle snow fell around me and landed on my skin. It was magical. Also, I think I saw a fairy in the grass.
On another night when Rocky and I were outside, we saw the small possum who lives in our backyard. She’s so sweet and I love the way her feet sound when she’s walking around on the fallen leaves.
I donated a lot of clothing and books this month. Yes, books. That was a hard one. I’m dedicated to this downsize!

I watched

I thought this advice from Rachel Pedersen about dealing with hate comments on social media was valuable.

Other people’s windows.

Tracy and I watched Sharp Objects. He had seen it before, but I hadn’t. It has gotten entirely beneath my skin. I’m just blown away by it. (Trigger warning… everything.)

I would love to stay here.

I have a major thing for Rick Rubin 🔥 and I’m loving all these interviews he’s been doing. I’m going to get his book as soon as my buying freeze is over.

The Lost Kitchen

I listened

This episode of Maintenance Phase was illuminating.

This episode of Celebrity Book Club was also really good.

Conspirituality is an excellent podcast and I listened to a really good mini episode, which I can’t find a link for, but it was good.

I was telling my friend Michelle how I felt about the collective consciousness right now and how people are pretending like we’re not still in a pandemic, and the damage I think that’s doing to us and she said, I should listen to this, and oh was she ever right. (In related news, that ominous feeling you have like you’re waiting for another shoe to drop? That’s a trauma response.)

I loved this Karen Carpenter episode of You’re Wrong About.

I read

It’s the hands, man. It can’t do hands. But in all fairness, hands are super hard.

It’s difficult for me to explain how much I love Nan Goldin’s work or how important it is to me but I have immense respect for her. And this.

Spare.

Listen. Next year, I want to go to this. Okay?

I created

I decided to make some digital ‘zines. The first one is here.

I also posted the first Creative Living Diary of the year.

I wrote this for LBI Backstage Pass.

I put my the paintings I have for sale on sale. Is this one yours?

Final thoughts of the month

I have spent untold hours of my life listening to Crosby, Stills and Nash (and Young) and have been deeply moved by that music.

I felt David Crosby’s death in a tender place.

Last night when we heard that Cindy Williams had died, I had a conversation with friends about Laverne and Shirley. I watched that show religiously when I was growing up and still remember moments and pieces of dialogue that were significant to me.

And I was reminded of the Conversation, one of my favorite films of all time. If you’ve never seen it, maybe find a way to watch it in honor of Cindy Williams, because she’s so so good in it.

January was not a particularly easy month.

I thank it for its service and welcome the doorway to February.

And I thank you for being here.

All my love.

LL