Hey there!
Another year is (too) quickly coming to an end, and to be honest I’m feeling pretty proud of myself (despite not ordering my holiday cards in time). Am I allowed to say that? Ever content to be a loner, I was intentional about investing in friendships and building my community in Birmingham this year, which has been so fulfilling. In doing so, I also tried new things that stretched me in ways that have felt so good.
Let’s kick things off with a random one: I started indoor rock climbing! I tried it out in April and loved it so much that I got certified to belay in June. The gym I go to has yoga classes, so I’ve dipped back into that as well. The rumors are true: moving your body regularly really does make life better. Tragic.
After attending some local improv shows with my friend Jessie, I decided to take the leap and sign up for classes. If you’ve known me long, you might think that pursuing any kind of performance art is so completely out of character! You’re not wrong, but gosh I have been loving it. My teacher and classmates are fantastic. The whole premise of improv is to get out of your own head, accept what’s thrown your way, and play. Literally what else could be better for an overthinker?
In May, my sister and I met up with my parents in the UK for a trip through the Cotswolds and London with a quick stop in Dublin on my way home. Highlights included a quaint inn in the countryside, a day at Silverstone and Red Bull Racing HQ, and a (very cold, very quick) dip in the Irish Sea. Back to building up my savings for my next trip across the pond!
Like last year, I’ve kept up my tradition of spending two weeks in Onset, Massachusetts in August. Most of the time I was reading by the water, but I also visited Salem to see my good friends Jill and Sean and took in a van Gogh exhibit at the MFA in Boston. It’ll forever be my favorite way to end the summer.
Rory is 2 years old now, and I finally feel like we are getting on the same wavelength. I subjected her to one of those DNA tests, and she is 50% Shiba Inu, 25% Golden Retriever, and 25% Poodle (so if you’re following the math, that’s 50% Goldendoodle). Ultimately, she is just a goofy girl who is either running as fast as she can or passed out in a contorted position. I petsit for my sister while she is traveling as a nurse, so we also spend a lot of time with cousin Jack (the black dog in the photo)!
On the work front, I’m still Deputy Art Director at Country Living. I’m coming up on four years in this role – by far the longest I’ve stayed in one job! I adore my coworkers and feel lucky to still be working in a creative industry I love so much. On the other hand, the Hearst Magazines division is unionized through the Writers Guild of America East, and I have been active in organizing for our next contract. Of course it has been a challenge, but I’ve gotten some incredible feedback and have found meaning and purpose in the effort.
Other good things:
I saw more live music: Oliver Hazard, Mon Rovîa, Marc Scibilia, Mat Kearney, Mumford & Sons, and The Band CAMINO
I finished painting and decorating my living room, which brings me to two finished spaces in this house. 😅
We’ve all faced challenges this year, and I hope you feel some pride in your own ability to persist. Wishing you a bit of respite in simple joys as we welcome 2026.
All my love,
Emma