Something I have been dwelling on this morning: invitation. 

The act of inviting. Every day, in so many sometimes almost imperceptibly small ways, we are inviting things into our lives: both tangible and intangible. Whether we are conscious of this or not, it is happening all the time on conscious and subconscious planes of reality. We are choosing what kind of energy we are releasing into the universe and toward others, we are also choosing what kind of energy we allow into our sacred temples and spaces. We are choosing whether to carefully curate our lives with intention and mindfulness, or whether to bring physical objects into our lives without much thought. 

The thing is, no matter what you have been doing up until this point in time, there is no need to judge or condemn yourself. There is no need to hold onto guilt over the past. Consciousness itself is an invitation to let go... to allow yourself to greet the path ahead without condemnation. 

As I continue in my own mindfulness journey, it has become clearer to me that guilt and self-criticism is never what moves us forward in meaningful ways. I think simply becoming aware of this concept of invitation - this idea that we can consciously invite things, whether they are physical or energetic, into our lives with love and meaning and intention... I think that is enough to free us. I think this concept is enough. There is no need for judgement, for guilt, or for looking back. I think this truth, in and of itself, is an invitation to look to the present moment with peace and gratitude in our hearts. It is a reminder that, no matter what, we can begin here... right now... in this moment. This moment is a beginning. 

I wish you joy in your journey today and always, my friend.

Kate

Hello from a gloomy afternoon in the Vermont mountains. 

I'm sitting here beneath my window looking out at the thick, dark woods, drinking my kale smoothie wondering whether to edit a little more or move onto the next task. The last few writing days have been tremendous, refreshing, revitalizing. I mentioned in my last video that it's been a bit of a struggle to get back into the creative writing mindset when I've been working on the final stages of a new book that will be coming out shortly. It's just such a different frame of mind to be in: editing, formatting, editing some more, figuring out all the little technical aspects that are so important to get right. 

And then there's creative writing... my home. I like to live here, in my mind. This is my dwelling place. It aches when I've spent too long away from it; I'm homesick. 

But now I feel that I am fully back in that sweet spot of writing and being able to balance that with everything else I need to be working on. Not always an easy task.

In other news, summer is in full swing here in the Vermont mountains and delicious fruits, berries, and veggies abound at the farmers market and the co-op. I am easing back into my 80/20 raw vegan lifestyle that I often adapt to for the warm season, and I am loving it. I deeply believe that taking care of ourselves, nourishing ourselves, taking the time to give ourselves what we need mind, body, and spirit is vitally important, not only so that we can live healthy, happy lives, but so that we can allow our own nourishment to spill over into the beautiful process of creation. We must create from a full cup. I feel immensely blessed that I am able to partake of this plant-based lifestyle, which has helped to guide me so much on my own journey.

That said, I'll share the (very) simple recipe for the delicious kale smoothie I'm drinking right now.✨🌱

1-2 cups of fresh curly kale (I like to use organic if it's available, and you can feel free to increase or decrease this amount.)

1 cup of plant milk 

1 banana

2 scoops of orgain protein powder

1/2 teaspoon of organic spirulina powder 

Blend it up and enjoy. If it's too thick, just add a little more plant milk or water.

Eat well, live well, be well, create beautiful things! What are some nourishing ways you have been looking after yourself lately? What does your self care practice consist of? What are your thoughts on plant-based living? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.✨

All the love and light!🌞

Kate

Hello from rainy, cold Vermont. (Yes, it's 4th of July weekend!) 

I can't remember the last time we've had such a cold, damp July 4th. The sky is choked with clouds, and it's drizzling off and on. I'm sitting beside the window, just finishing off an espresso, watching the wind stir the maples in the front yard. 

I'm days away from announcing a new book series, and best of all I've been actively writing a lot, which has felt very needed and therapeutic; a balm to the soul. I never push myself with writing, I write when I want to and when I don't I do other things. Not always thrilled about days when I don't feel like it, but I think that's part of the process - learning how to flow, remaining flexible: a bamboo reed, imagery that has always spoken deeply to me. Creativity was never meant to be something forced or pressured, and I feel like any concepts I've been carrying of what 'creativity should be' are coming down on a continual basis. Growth! It's all good! Let it flow.

In the area of minimalism, I've been given such joy in the unfolding of my ongoing journey in this practice. I feel more centered and focused than I have in the long time, and I honestly believe this is a large part of why I've been able to sink deeper into my writing lately. The less I am giving attention and energy to, the more I am able to really give my attention to the things I really want to invest myself into, heart and soul. I'm planning on filming a few videos about this to share more about my journey and what has helped guide me.

And lastly, my new Etsy shop, Vermont Boho...! What a joy that's been to share, I've been so touched by all the good energy and support. So thank you to everyone who has visited, commented, favorited my shop, and invited my work into their lives. Much love! If you haven't had a chance to check out my shop, feel free to here.

That's it for now. Off to forage for more coffee and perhaps get a little writing in. How's your weekend going? What's been inspiring your creativity lately? I would love to hear about your journey in the comments below, friend.

All the love & light,

Kate

 

Hey friend, greetings from sunny Vermont.

It's finally summer here in the mountains, and I am very stoked about it. This might seem surprising if you follow my YouTube channel, where I share about my writing journey, and my holistic lifestyle here in Vermont, because I make a lot of videos chronicling and celebrating the cold, snowy season here (aka, half the year), but I enjoy summer every bit as much, and probably a little more. Summer means gardening, spending a lot of time outside hiking, kayaking, going to the farmers market, and planning surf excursions. This summer is also extra special, because I am working on releasing a new book (!!! yes!!) and also co-writing a brand new SERIES with my sister, Abbie Emmons of Writer's Life Wednesdays. 

Between all of this highly computer intensive work, I've been giving myself (and my eyeballs) a break by doing something completely different - making something with my hands. I love making art, and that's certainly not limited to writing only. Raised by two creative, free thinking parents, my sister and I learned from a very early age to create boundlessly. I love weaving/macrameing. It's something I learned when I was very young, something that's really fun and relaxing to do outside on a sunny morning with a cup of coffee. I've made myself tie-on bracelets and anklets for years, and this summer I've been getting back into it. Which leads me to my announcement: I opened an Etsy shoppe. 

I have made so many bracelets/anklets, I thought I would start sharing them. The rich, earthy tones are deeply inspired by the colors and vibes of the Vermont mountains, and are 100% organic, low-impact dyed, fairtrade cotton. Woven with love by your local storyteller. :) It's also a great way to support my channel, if you enjoy what I make over there.