Happy Friday Reader

Welcome back to The 5 Things Friday Coffee Break! This is my weekly roundup of fun, creative, and personal growth-inspired finds that I think you’ll love.

In Each Issue:

☕ The Weekly Brew: A more personal note from me each week
​📝 Journaling prompts inspired by my weekly brew
🎨 Five creative, thought-provoking, or just fun things I’m loving
📅 Upcoming events and offerings
✨ And who knows—maybe some surprises!

Art and Sole welcome vibes!

Art and Sole day of!

Happy Friday Reader

Last Saturday was Westerwood Art and Sole, the annual walking tour of artist home studios in my neighborhood. This was my first year chairing the event which felt like pushing a boulder up a hill by yourself in the rain added complexity to an event that is already a lot of work.

Despite the work and a misty, rainy forecast, it was an incredible day! Over seven of my originals found their forever homes, and countless prints, cards, and all of my scarf samples sold!

It’s no secret that I’m an introvert who chooses to put herself out there in the world when I’d rather be cloistered off in my home making art alone. It's not that I don't love my folks, I DO! It's that peopling drains my energy battery as quickly as cell phone exposed to direct sunlight on a hot North Carolina day.

So this year when Art and Sole ended and the last person departed, I walked down to pick up my car from Firestone in the mist (it actually wasn’t yet ready) and then walked back home, also in the mist. Then I took a hot shower and got in bed by 6:30PM—early by even my standards.

Art and Sole is something I look forward to and simultaneously dread. Getting to open up my home, talk about my art and my process, and SELL my work is the most delicious feeling in the world. And yet it is an intense experience for a highly sensitive person. So I’m breathing a bit easier with this year in the rearview mirror.

AND I’m feeling a tremendous amount of gratitude for EVERYONE who came out and stopped in to support me, and especially for those who took home work! THANK YOU!

Being an artist is not an easy career path, and the only way it works is when people who love your work show up and support it. SO VERY VERY MANY OF YOU DID just that! THANK YOU!​
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​Together We Float,

• What is something you simultaneously look forward to and dread? ​
  What makes it worth the energy, effort, or discomfort it requires of you?
• Where in your life are you choosing to put yourself out into the world when you'd rather stay safely tucked away? ​
  What becomes possible when you allow yourself and your work to be seen?
• Who in your life could use a little more of your support right now? ​
  What would it look like to show up for them in a meaningful way, whether through your presence, encouragement, or investment?

1) This week I started listing to the book Piranesi by Susanna Clark, it's super interesting and I'm engaged with it but I'm not yet sure what to make of it. I'll keep you posted. I'm in a bit of a book drought at the moment and not sure what to read next.
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​I keep a running list of every book I read, — You can access it here, not everything can make it to this newsletter. ​
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2) One of the hottest items of Westerwood Art and Sole for me were my Silk Scarves. I had my sample scarves out and they all sold! I release 4 unique scarves a year and they are only available for that year. They are printed and shipped when you order them. You'll only be able to grab these special 4 through December of this year. They take about 3 weeks to get to you once they are ordered but they make GREAT gifts, accessories to your outfit and even altar cloths!
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3) The other Art and Sole hit were these sweet mini's! They all make great pieces for your desk, a shelf, or a gift!

4) I'm thinking of making this cannellini bean soup recipe this weekend!
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5) This oil is one of my all time favorite smells on earth. I do not let myself purchase this one often, but I'm out and I feel like it is the perfect little gift to myself after a successful art and sole.

Together We Float,
-Alisha