We look to the past to inform our futures, but as we continue writing the chapters of our stories, we often forget to bask in the events unfolding in real time. Creative people have a unique ability to capture the nuances of these particular experiences. Poet and tastemaker Orion Carloto is one of these individuals. 

As she's grown in her creative practice, Orion learned how to look for—and celebrate—the magic in the otherwise mundane moments. For Orion, this appreciation for the little things stems from lived experiences and the growth that's shaped her perspective since writing her first book, Flux. 

Today, Orion is celebrating the release of her highly-anticipated sophomore, Film for Her, which in her words, “is a reflection of all of the instances in my life where I found beauty and poetry in the most ordinary places.” This introspection has allowed Orion to write from a place of acceptance.

As she's grown into her personal, professional, and creative identity, Orion is slowly changing the narrative around what it means to tell stories with meaning and grace. In this conversation, Orion shared more about the inspiration behind Film for Her, her thoughts on language as a tool for beauty beyond aesthetics, and what she's learned about growing up—and slowing down. This episode also opens with a story contributed by Nikki Barnhart.