It's The Climb
Thoughts on identity, transformation and finding pleasure.
If you’ve followed me online over the years, you know that I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing brands, opening (and closing) my own shop and consulting for independent artists and designers. What started as a personal blog back in 2009 turned into some high highs and low lows — I jumped into the throes of social media in those early days, and was fortunate to build a great following and community.
In more recent years, I’ve been on such an inward journey. What once felt like inspiration, creativity and connection turned into resistance, isolation and transition. The pandemic coincided with these existential feelings, and caused me to really redefine my personal values, boundaries, dreams and priorities. I’ve been asking a lot of questions, untangling things from my past, figuring out what I want to do next in my career, and trying to start a family.
It’s been a hugely transformational season, and not just because we sold our home and moved across the country. I’m evolving, growing and learning to surrender to the joys and sorrows of life, to confront my own bullshit and to be softer with myself and others. It’s not always forward motion, but the peaks and valleys come with their own beauty and meaning.
In this personal clearing out of sorts, I’ve been digging deep to the roots of my desire, passion and purpose. I’m learning to take up space in new ways and to push myself out of my comfort zone. This newsletter is a manifestation of just that — there’s no real agenda other than to share, (hopefully) inspire and connect. I’m so grateful you are here, and hope you’ll reach out and say hi anytime.
Love,
Elise
NOTEWORTHY
—The idea of “scruffy hospitality.”
—An artist’s perfectly imperfect Yucca Valley family home.
—David Whyte on Hiding. His brilliant words always provide me with such nourishment.
PLEASURE
A new mixtape! It’s a joy to put these together with my husband (he’s the real mastermind behind them) — enjoy Desert Moon on Spotify.
A delightful novel that I couldn’t put down.
I was late to the party, but Hacks is such a fun show and I absolutely adore Jean Smart. Some other honorable mentions: Somebody Somewhere, The Bear, Severance and Indian Matchmaking.
Truckspills.com — a website of odd and unbelievable things spilled on the road by trucks (see: alfredo sauce, tomatoes, molasses), discovered thanks to Ann Friedman.
CONTEMPLATING
What Comes After Ambition? A really great piece by Ann Friedman, one of my favorite writers.
Do You Have A Safe Space? Nick Cave’s Red Hand Files are always a wonderful read, but his response to this question in particular was so moving and poetic.
The World Is Not Our Backdrop. ‘How to be a Woman on the Internet’ is a highlight of my inbox — I definitely recommend signing up for Jordan & Ford’s newsletter.
Photo Credit: Italian sculptor, painter and poet Fausto Melotti via Hauser & Wirth.