A Sunny Disposition

A Sunny Disposition, Summer 2026

 

I’ve heard some version of this statement, you are too hard on yourself, many times in my life. And though it’s sad to acknowledge, it is true. I am hard on myself. The reasons that lie beneath this self-criticism are complicated, and it’s taken me years to make my way free.

This post, how to stop being hard on yourself, from milk and cookies by ayushi thakkar is incredibly helpful. Her suggestions are beautiful shifts in perspective. I’ve bookmarked this post to return to, especially on those days when I become my own worst enemy.

“the deepest change may be learning to measure growth by recovery rather than perfection. a good life is not one where you never disappoint yourself. that life does not exist, and anyone pretending otherwise is either selling something or filtering aggressively. the real question is how quickly you can return after the stumble. can you apologize without spiraling. can you rest without earning it through collapse. can you start again without needing a full personality rebrand. can you admit the truth without using it as a weapon against yourself.”
— ayushi thakkar

Morning Art Walk

I have done a pretty good job of setting up my Inbox with really good things like newsletters from creative folks I admire, while also limiting junk and more influence to consume and buy carelessly. I recently discovered the work of photographer Lee Anne White. Lee Anne lives in Gainsville, Georgia and I really love her work. Her recent post on substack, Art in the Garden, featured an eastern redbud leaf that had been chewed by leaf cutter bees. I don’t think I would even have noticed these same leaves on my morning walk if Lee Anne had not introduced me to this way of seeing. She is right. The shape is sculptural. And the walk was more joyful for the noticing.

Connecting to the Landscape

The messy way I often place flowers into a vase could not possibly be called flower arranging. I’ve checked out gorgeous books on flower arranging from the library, studied the pages, and searched for inspiration, but so far, I still prefer to let things fall as they may. Gathered from the garden. Simple things elevated. I would say this is my style.

The Importance of Background

The fancy bar of soap I bought in the little shop in Bowling Green, the same Saturday that we visited Mount Olympus Farm, came wrapped in this tissue paper. It was so pretty, I smoothed it out and saved it. The poppy pods are almost lost against the patterned paper, but somehow they still stand out.

The vintage tray and green pot seemed made for each other. I do not know the name of this green foliage that came in my weekly bouquet. It smells divine. Maybe it’s a type of mint? The flower frog, tucked in the pot, holds the stems upright for the picture. The background is a black foam tri-fold designed for a student science fair project or presentation. It’s easy to set up and works beautifully.