Nine Lives
2+0+2+5=9 et al.
Everything is beautiful, and I am so sad. This line from a Mark Nepo poem made my fingers go numb. Do you ever feel like you are in the process of living out nine lives? An astrologer told me that I’m a late bloomer, and somehow these two statements feel connected. 2024 was one of the darkest years spent pressing my limbs into dry dirt, scattering remnants of various distinct lives, letting the wind do its thing and crossing my fingers that it would turn out okay. Just maybe there’d be some flowering at the end of it all.
Nine seems to be a very poignant number for me. I was born on the 9th day of the month, I met my husband when I was 19, we married 9 years later, and now it’s been 9 years since that day, and we celebrated our wedding anniversary in December. The clock currently reads 3:33, and if you read the subtitle above, this new year has a fancy little equation of 2+0+2+5 which, you guessed it, totals 9. September (month 9) seems to be a turning point for me each year, and this rotation was no exception.
The whole nine yards. On cloud nine. Dressed to the nines. Nine times out of ten.
My word for this year is spaciousness. It feels like a daunting thing to desire, but my hope is to find a teeny tiny bit of room for blank space each day. This season looks much different since I wrote last — I’ve pivoted into interiors and production design, and am working on some really special projects in LA with my friend Lisette for Soñadora Studio.
Much more to come on this soon, but I leave you with a few things I’ve been mulling over:
joy as resistance
feeling into the future
ice in orange juice
one of none
method actors of society
puffy muffin
non-negotiables
Lots o’ love,
Elise
NOTEWORTHY
The poem I referenced is called “Adrift” by Mark Nepo, and the full piece is very much worth the read, which I discovered through this Tara Brach talk.
My dear friend Kristine has published a guided journal on Moving Through Imposter Syndrome. Her tools, resources and practices have made such a difference in my daily life.
PLEASURE
The photo I used above showcases the work of set designer and prop stylist Marine Armandin — her portfolio is a true visual delight.
I finally bit the bullet and got a Kindle and it’s been a game-changer. Looking forward to reading Rejection next.
I have a new crush.
CONTEMPLATING
Why Having A Purpose In Life Is Bullshit. A powerful view on purpose and alignment.
Doing Nothing With Your Favorite People Is Really, Really Good for You. I haven’t read this yet, but the title says it all.
They Got Everything They Wanted Professionally By 30. Then What? I enjoyed this thought in particular: “There’s no such thing as reaching the top, only a long, winding path forward.”
Photo Credit: Editorial for Tools Magazine, photographed by Anaïck Lejart with stylist Marine Armandin.
Ice in my OJ 👀
“Joy as resistance” gave me chills. I love all of the symbolism you’re leaning into.