Journal

It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it.

A recurring theme in my life - especially considering how this year has been one of going absolutely nowhere. I haven’t traveled, explored or left my house much (except for the occasional photo shoot) and as we head into the colder months, I don’t anticipate for that to change.

I’ve been thinking about seasons, cycles, and the passing of time quite a bit recently. In this year of slowing down, a new relationship with time has blossomed. I notice and cherish it more. I sense it passing in moments of silence and recuperation. I’ve learned to bask myself more in it and to give it space when things are simply not meant to be.

I walk down the hill. There’s a warm breeze on a dewy summer morning. Stopping to grab a pastry at the french patisserie, La Gourmandine, and listening to the new Taylor Swift album, I can’t help but feel that I have everything within reach. I’m exactly where I need to be.

Collaboration, a word that holds so much power. A word that holds, in my personal experience as a creative, the possibility for pure magic or complete chaos.

I talk about collaboration because it’s a word that I absolutely thrive on.

Slow has become my life, my world — and hopefully my future.

I’ve processed quite a bit over the span of the last few months (as i’m sure we all have) and my biggest takeaway is that I want to keep moving forward SLOW. Not only do I find more meaning living this way, but I find that i’m a kinder, sturdier and more devoted person when I don’t try and do all. the. things.

Structure and balance are ongoing themes in my life. Managing my time, finding the right balance of fun and work, intimacy and boundary. I’m almost always on the go and in the mornings I don’t take more than 30 minutes to dress myself before I head out the door.

It’s always a thrill to discover hidden gems within Pittsburgh and to meet designers who are simply out there going for it… living the dream, doing what they are MOST passionate about. That takes courage and honestly, as I contemplate doing that myself with Style412 at some point, I couldn’t feel more inclined to just bow down in respect for lion-hearted designers like Jenny Butterfield.