JOY IS NOW

There are creative projects that ask us to tell the truth. All of it.

Memoir is one of them.

Writing a book from lived experience requires incredible bravery. It asks us to stay in a heightened state of reveal for the duration of the entire project. Sorting through memories, insight, and change, often while handling our own invalidation about the experience we are writing about. Did it really happen that way? Are these facts or feelings? It is challenging work and requires a lot of the writer.

Last week on Substack Live I had the pleasure of speaking with New York Times Bestselling author Julie Barton about her creative process and what it means to write a book drawn from personal experience.

Julie is the author of Dog Medicine, a memoir that explores her experience with depression and the unexpected path toward healing through her deep connection and relationship with her dog Bunker.

Writing a book that honors the depth and tenderness of Julie’s experience has its own unique creative process. Long stretches of solitude. Returning again and again to moments that are not always easy to revisit. Julie’s work is a testament to her devotion to her craft of writing and her commitment to creating the conditions for her creative process to endure such long-form projects.

What struck me most in our conversation was the level of inner steadiness this work requires. Writing memoir is not just about remembering. The writer must stay present as the work unfolds. Trusting their perspective. Allowing the meaning of the story to emerge over time.

It’s creative work that asks for both emotional depth and disciplined action. And a ton of endurance.

If you’ve ever found yourself working on a project that draws from your own life, or if you’re in the middle of a body of work that feels personally significant, this conversation will resonate.

Julie and I touch on vulnerability, structure, the responsibility of telling personal stories, and what it takes to stay in relationship with a long-form writing project.

The recording is above.

Thank you Margaret Williams, MS, ACC, Lisa Riddiough, and many others for tuning in live!

And…I’ll be Live with food photographer extraordinaire Eva Kolenko on March 24 at 9am pst, discussing her thoughts on the creative process of working on cookbooks as a food photographer.

You can join us here.

STUDY HALL begins April 1

Just a quick reminder…we’re about to get to work.

In it to win it. You, ideally, in your metaphorical acid wash jeans and bigger than ever hair, showing up, clocking in, and creating the conditions for your creative process to be totally rad.

Because that’s the thing.In STUDY HALL we don’t wait for inspiration.We provide the conditions for the work to flow.

Study Hall came directly from my private mentorship clients asking for more time like this.More space to drop in, regulate, and actually work.

So I built it.

A live, structured container where we meditate, enter the work, and stay with it. Past blocks, through resistance. Getting it done. Brainstorming, drafting, making, playing, thinking, finishing.

There are prompts for when you’re stuck (they’re so good).A DJ-curated playlist to set the vibe (also very good).And a method I usually only teach in private work, approaching creativity as energy, and learning how to work with it instead of against it.

The container is Study Hall.The benefits are rad.

Details:Monday — 9:00–10:00am PTWednesday — 9:00–10:00am PTThursday — 4:00–5:00pm PT

Three times a week.12 sessions a month.$150/month

Come for all 12 or drop in for 3. You decide.

And because you’re here:

You can try it free for 7 days.Join us for up to three sessions and see what you think.

If you’ve been wanting a place to actually be in your work, this is it.

We start April 1.

On April 5, the sun moves through Gate 51 — the Gate of Shock.

This is the energy of disruption, not as chaos, but as awakening. A jolt toward truth. A sacred invitation to evolve.

Gate 51 reminds us that life’s unpredictability is not something to fear. It is something to trust. Shock can fracture, yes. But it can also open. To clarity. To love. To deep creative expansion.

The key is staying with the feeling. Not bypassing the discomfort. Not numbing the edge. But letting every sensation move through you, fully. Because that is where the breakthrough lives.

Head over to Muse for the full Gate 51 report, which includes: • EFT tapping prompts • Journal questions • Reflections to support your nervous system through this energy

This is your reminder: the disruption might just be your next creative portal.

Solar Transit

8-11-24Gate 4Gate of Formulization

On August 11, the sun gracefully transits Gate 4, the Gate of Formulization. During this celestial transit, you are invited to embark on a journey of problem-solving and structured thinking.Gate 4 encourages a deep exploration of your ability to develop solutions and create systems that bring clarity and order to complex situations.

For more Solar Transit insights and journal prompts, join us at the MUSE newsletter, delivered weekly to your inbox.

8-5-24 - 8-28-24

Gate 59: The Gate of Sexuality

Gate 29: The Gate of Perseverance 

Gate 4: The Gate of Formulization

Mercury retrograde cycles prompt us to turn inward and explore the creative themes presented by the planets. As Mercury, the planet of communication, goes retrograde, it offers a chance to realign ourselves for greater creative influence and impact. This period encourages mindfulness with words and taking time with major decisions, contracts, or significant purchases. Delays are common, so patience with ourselves and others is essential.

For my full report, subscribe.

Oh this album y’all! There are few things I love more than early 70’s soul. The Delfonics, Bobby Womack, The Crusaders, Marvin Gaye. Sooooo much good music! Jalen Ngonda has really leaned into the early 70’s sound with his 2023 album Come Around with Me. The title track is gorgeous and the perfect thing to listen to on a summer evening that turns into morning.

Once a month, I eagerly share a song that resonates deeply with me. Music has been an unwavering companion in my life, consistently infusing immense joy into my days.My musical taste knows no boundaries; I effortlessly traverse genres like punk, folk, pop, hip hop, and grunge. These songs, whether they carry a touch of melancholy or exude the sweetness of candy, play a vital role in my creative journey. They set the rhythm and tone, whether I’m dreaming big, taking a bird’s eye view, or diving into the intricate details.Subscribers to the newsletter receive an exclusive treat—a thoughtfully curated playlist that captures my musical selections throughout the year. If you’re a fellow wild creative soul yearning to explore life’s deeper facets, I invite you to join our vibrant MUSE community by signing up through the link in my bio. We have an incredible time together, navigating the weird and wonderful wilderness of the human condition, all while savoring the beauty of great music along the way.

Solar Transit

7-30-24Gate 33Gate of Privacy

On July 30, the sun gracefully transits Gate 33, the Gate of Privacy. During this celestial transit, you are invited to embark on a journey of reflection and introspection.Gate 33 encourages a deep exploration of your past experiences and the wisdom gained from them, allowing you to process and integrate these lessons into your life.

Creativity is energy. The deeper our understanding of how our own energy functions, the more we can harness and direct our creativity. Human Design provides a natural entry point to understanding how to be in alignment with your own energy and cultivate your creative genius. I share these weekly Solar Transits featuring the Gates of Human Design with clients as a way to explore the connection of creativity and energy. I hope you enjoy this one. Feel free to share your questions below.

For more Solar Transit insights and journal prompts, join us at the MUSE newsletter, delivered weekly to your inbox.

Solar Transit

7-24-24

Gate 31

Gate of Leading

On July 24, the sun gracefully transits Gate 31, the Gate of Influence. During this celestial transit, you are invited to embark on a journey of leadership and communication.Gate 31 encourages a deep exploration of your ability to influence others through your words and actions, emphasizing the importance of responsible leadership and integrity.

Creativity is energy. The deeper our understanding of how our own energy functions, the more we can harness and direct our creativity. Human Design provides a natural entry point to understanding how to be in alignment with your own energy and cultivate your creative genius. I share these weekly Solar Transits featuring the Gates of Human Design with clients as a way to explore the connection of creativity and energy. I hope you enjoy this one. Feel free to share your questions below.

For more Solar Transit insights and journal prompts, join us at the MUSE newsletter, delivered weekly to your inbox.

Full Moon

7-21-24

CapricornGate 60Gate of Acceptance

The potent energy of the Full Moon beckons us to delve into self-discovery, urging us to identify and release aspects of our lives that no longer align with our intentions. This Full Moon in Capricorn, the Cardinal Earth sign, resides in the 10th House, illuminating themes of career, soul's purpose, recognition, and ambition. During this celestial event, we are called to explore and reassess our professional paths and the legacy we aspire to leave.

For more Full Moon insights and journal prompts,join us at the MUSE newsletter, delivered weekly to your inbox. 

Creativity is energy. The deeper our understanding of how our own energy functions, the more we can harness and direct our creativity. Human Design provides a natural entry point to understanding how to be in alignment with your own energy and cultivate your creative genius. I share Lunar Cycles featuring the Gates of Human Design with clients as a way to explore the connection of creativity and energy. I hope you enjoy this one. Feel free to share your questions below.

Solar Transit

7-19-24

Gate 56

Gate of Stimulation

On July 19, the sun gracefully transits Gate 56, the Gate of Stimulation. During this celestial transit, you are invited to embark on a journey of curiosity and storytelling.Gate 56 encourages a deep exploration of your ability to seek out new experiences and share them with others, allowing you to channel your energies into creating a rich tapestry of knowledge and excitement.

Creativity is energy. The deeper our understanding of how our own energy functions, the more we can harness and direct our creativity. Human Design provides a natural entry point to understanding how to be in alignment with your own energy and cultivate your creative genius. I share these weekly Solar Transits featuring the Gates of Human Design with clients as a way to explore the connection of creativity and energy. I hope you enjoy this one. Feel free to share your questions below.

Welcome to my exciting monthly feature: Q + A! I'm absolutely thrilled to be diving into your thought-provoking inquiries about Human Design, Astrology, creativity, and Energy Work. Your curiosity fuels my passion for sharing knowledge, and the process of answering your questions continually enriches my own understanding. Consider this space a welcoming sanctuary for curiosity, self-discovery, and expanding your horizons. Here, you can explore the intricate world of Human Design, Astrology, and Energy Work, and discover how they can profoundly influence your creativity and success as a creative professional. It's a journey of enlightenment and empowerment, and I can't wait to embark on it with you.

This month I'm answering:

"What is Profile in Human Design?"