A Collection of May Desires
Things I want but don't need, books I'm kinda sorta reading, and watercolor paintings
Desire is the theme of May, I’ve decided!
I find myself starting a lot of conversations with “I want” lately. I just want or I would really like if and I could really use. That last one usually ends in “a vacation” but I’m months away from having the time to stick my toes in the sand of any beaches — unless it’s a suburban dirt pile.
So like a jar of frosted sea glass, I’ve collected five things I don’t necessarily need but want this month:
A collection of May desires
A self cleaning car because between the pollen and birds, I’m spending a small fortune on car washes. There’s also the pollen and bits of trees that find their way into the carpets, though I wouldn’t mind these spring reminders if they didn’t make me sneeze so much.
The classic wooden easel of my dreams is out there, though the prices are more like a nightmare. I’ve been watching Valerie Lin’s vlogs who has several lovely easels she paints with. I’m currently watching her vlog about letting go and evolving as an artist. You know what, I’ll start over so we can watch it together.
Every artist wants more storage, even if what we really need is less art supplies. My current storage solution is thanks to years of playing Tetris on the bus home in high school but I could always use more space. Maybe there’s a studio in my future?
A daily meditation practice, which doubles as both a want and need. I’ve been extra anxious lately and needing to feel more grounded. I’ve been unfocused and doubtful when I want to be present in the moment and the tasks I’m doing. I’m a creature of habit — just not good habits, ha! — so I’m working on adding it to my routine.
Lactose free ice cream that tastes as good as the real thing. I could take Lactaid but I never remember to buy it when I’m at the grocery store so what is a chocolate loving gal to do?!
Inspiration and rumination
Reading in bed: The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee, which I’ve been “reading” for four years. I’m on page 33. 🫣 I could just listen to the audiobook like I do the rest of my books but I would like to get into the habit of reading before bed, to spend less time on my phone.
Current binge watch: I’m eight episodes into American Horror Story’s Delicate. It’s no Coven but it’s been a fun watch so far. I’m also not a Kardashian fan but them poking fun at Kendall’s cucumber chopping was hilarious. (Was Kim also meant to be chopping it wrong? Hi-larious!)
Something I’m trying again: Watercolor, my arch nemesis. We were tentative friends in high school but its unpredictable nature was too frustrating for me. I quickly moved onto oil paints, then acrylics, and now gouache. I bought a Daniel Smith watercolor set last year though and have been slowly getting more confident with them.
That’s all for this newsletter installment. I also hope you like the new format. It’s been way more relaxing to write and hopefully just as fun to read. Let me know what you think!
Have you read any good books lately? What’s something you’ve been wanting to try?
Until next time,
Jade
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