Arriving & Departing
On craving a soft landing.
I have spent approximately 75 hours in the car and driven over 5200 miles so far this year. All of these road trips were technically unplanned, and while there has been a deep sense of gratitude, peace and awe, there has been an equally deep sense of loss, confusion and uncertainty. The truth is, I am tired but buzzing.
Shortly after I last wrote, we evacuated our home in Los Angeles in the wee hours of the night, sans electricity in pure darkness — me rustling through my dirty clothes hamper to grab underwear to pack in my overnight bag, silently cursing myself for not doing laundry like I told myself I would do earlier in the day. I’ll never forget the low clouds of black smoke, the smell of an old chimney, Otto anxiously panting in my lap in the backseat of the car, the N95 mask slowly suffocating my breath. We headed east towards Joshua Tree as the San Gabriel Mountains burned wildly from across the highway. Disbelief. Panic. This can’t be real. It felt like some cruel sci-fi movie and what I imagine the end of the world might feel like.
I mentioned that my word for the year was spaciousness, but little did I know how quickly this theme would plow itself into my life. This initially undesired “space” has ultimately provided a much-needed new vantage point. My nervous system has had time to reset, my mind has been able to focus, my lens has widened, my body has slowed down. Ultimately, I feel as though I’ve been living much of the past few years in an eternal state of survival, and it was hindering my perspective and decision-making.
My cup is full, we have been surrounded by community in this season. We are so fortunate that our home was safe from the Eaton Fire. So many friends and colleagues lost everything. So many memories destroyed, lives upended, livelihoods vanished.
For now, we are grateful for a few work projects in my hometown of Nashville — adjusting to some remote days and embracing new and more intentional rhythms. Google Maps tells me that I’m currently 2000 miles from home, and yet, in many ways I am feeling more at home than I have in a long, long time. Distance has a way of lasering into focus that which is most important to us. I would have never thought that I’d be here right now, and I don’t yet know what the future holds, but I’m taking it day by day and eager to see what’s in store.
I’m looking for symbolism everywhere. I keep having recurring dreams of doors — long hallways with various locked and unlocked doors, frantically searching for something I can’t quite grasp. Sometimes doors appear in dreams when we feel stuck, lost or indecisive to remind us that there are options and infinite pathways.
I’m hoping to show up here more often going forward. I’m feeling really aligned creatively at the moment — working on some meaningful projects across interior design, writing and photography. One of the most exciting bits of news to share is that I’m starting a podcast! Never in my life did I think I would be saying/typing that (hearing my own voice makes me cringe), but my dear friend Claggie and I are launching Plain View next week. We have a trailer for the show out today, and I’d be so thrilled for you to have a listen, give us a follow, spread the word, and let me know what you think (on Spotify and Apple). We’ll be having honest conversations around topics like loneliness, imposter syndrome, stress, aging, self-worth and more.
We definitely don’t claim to be gurus or thought leaders, but we find meaning in connecting, relating, and sharing what we’ve learned experientially and from Kristine’s science-backed research (she’s a certified educator and facilitator of compassion and mindfulness through Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism, Research, and Education). We are imperfect, awkward, evolving humans and aim to create a safe space for all of us to explore personal growth and create positive change.
I hope you’ll join us and let curiosity lead the way.
Take care,
Elise
NOTEWORTHY
15 Lessons Scientists Learned When The World Stood Still.
My new podcast Plain View with
launches Monday! Subscribe to our Substack, listen to the trailer episode, and follow us on IG.David Whyte, one of my favorite poets, leads a live virtual Three Sundays Series combining poetry, storytelling and philosophy. I participate in these regularly and could not recommend them more.
PLEASURE
I’ve been drinking lots of homemade shrubs lately, have you tried them? Peach cider vinegar is my primo ingredient.
My favorite band always has the best music videos.
The Touching Items Angelenos Saved From The Fires.
CONTEMPLATING
Five Women Who Changed Kitchen Design. In honor of Women’s History Month, Isla Porter rounded up a handful of influential women.
Why Voice Notes Are a Small Act of Love. I’m a firm believer that we should all send more voice notes.
The Movies That Fashion Designers Watch Again and Again. I just added several to my viewing list!
It's so wonderful to begin reading and hearing all the stories about those of you literally emerging from the ashes. As an east-coaster watching all of the horrific events unravel, I am finding it so inspiring to not only see the resilience but the beautiful things that have come from such a catastrophe. Kudos to you and everyone else who have not just gotten through this scary event but grown from it. Just so awesome to see.