Holding Space: June
Summer energy coming in hot.
Holding space for another month spent creating, outside in the sun, and in community with those I love, admire, and cherish.
What I’m Reading
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang - I accidentally stumbled into reading two books with the most unlikable main character back to back, first Yesteryear, and then this one. Even though the MC is an unreliable narrator, a completely insufferable person, and frankly delusional about her place in the world… this book is a very engaging, unique read that I definitely recommend. It tells the story of a struggling white writer who witnesses the untimely death of her much more successful, Chinese-American author friend, and then steals said friend’s unshared works. I loved the author’s writing and perspective on AAPI stories, and will absolutely be picking up more of her books. If you love hating the main character and want a book that says the quiet parts outloud (good and bad), you’ll love this book. Rating: 4/5
The Compound by Aisling Rawle - I need to preface this by saying I don’t want reality t.v. so I probably missed a lot of the nods to Love Island, Big Brother, Survivor, etc. And we might be landing on a theme this month which can only be described as “chasing the thrill of reading Yesteryear”. This book feels almost dystopian, but centers exclusively on the experience of 19 strangers competing on a reality t.v. show, so it’s unclear exactly what’s fallen apart in the outside world. This was one of those books that kept me up past my bedtime because I just could not put it down. It’s a quick read with a unique premise that will keep you turning the page. I truly believe this book deserves more hype. If you’ve ever binge watched all 372 episodes in a season of Love Island, you’ll enjoy this book. Rating: 4/5
What I’m Listening To
No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz – this is actually an audiobook re-listen for me. I first listened to this book when I was still a Therapist Trainee seeing clients for the first time while I was in grad school. Although I have a massive dislike of Richard Schwartz (a white man creating more barriers to accessibility in the world of mental health by taking teachings from BIPOC cultures and rebranding them for mass marketing appeal)... I do love the intuitive nature of parts work, aka Internal Family Systems, the therapy theory founded by Richard. At The Process Wellness Collective, the group therapy practice I work at, one of our clinicians hosts a monthly consultation group focused on IFS. I’ve also completed additional training in IFS, but felt like I wanted a refresher back to the basics, and this book is the perfect introduction to parts work. I’m also considering recommending it to a few clients, and wanted to re-listen before doing so. I particularly like this book in the audio format because there are guided exercises, essentially guided meditation style exercises, that are far easier to participate in via audiobook format vs. reading them in print.
What I’m Knitting
My first gift knit! My lovely friend, and subscriber here to the Nest, recently had her first baby. A couple years ago she also was exploring painting as a creative hobby, and painted then gifted us the most beautiful set of three pieces on canvas that we hang in our living room. For years I’ve been searching for a gift of equal sentiment to give her… welcome the Good Ole Raglan by Twisted Knitwear.
A free pattern for a basic raglan sweater in baby/toddler/children sizes! I also took this opportunity to practice knitting a sweater in a way that would knit up muchhhh quicker than another sweater for myself, and play around with some very beginner colorwork. Linden reluctantly modeled the sweater for me so I could get some nice pictures, and hopefully in about 12-18 months my friend’s little guy will be rocking this sweater!! My plan is to knit another 6 of these for Linden and his cousins on both sides of the family. I’m currently working on a little striped version for my newest niece. Figers crossed I can get one side of the family complete by Christmas!n
I knit this in Drops Merino Extra Fine in the colors mustard 30 (collars), spray blue 23 (sleeves), and north sea 28 (body), in a size 1-2 years.
I also finished my shawl/scarf adapted from the Sophie Scarf and The Simple Thing patterns. I love the way it came out, and will likely be gifting this to a friend as well (that was the original intention, but I did wear it to the office once when I first finished it, sorry Kathryn!) I think in the future if I truly want a shawl then I’d need maybe twice the yarn. This was made with 2 skeins of Drops Air in the color 04 medium gray, I increased until I was almost out of the first skein then connected the second one and began decreasing.
What’s Nourishing Me
Time in the sun. I’m not sure if it’s because Linden is a little older, but I’m really looking forward to beach days this summer in a way I didn’t last summer. Something about the idea of slathering a baby in sunscreen and hauling so much stuff to the beach just doesn’t appeal to me the way slathering a toddler in sunscreen and taking minimal things because I know we won’t be sitting down… does appeal to me. That being said, I’m on the hunt for non-greasy sunscreen for myself and the perfect “cool-mom” one piece bathing suit. I will report back. One game changing thing for summer sun that I can share now, is this sunscreen applicator for kids. You fill it with your sunscreen of choice and it has made it sooo much easier to roll sunscreen on Linden as he’s wiggling around.
What I’m Holding Close
Taking a moment at the Mom Needs a Moment book event in support of The Process Wellness Foundation! A lovely morning curated with all of author Dr. Cassidy’s favorite things – matcha, puppies, crafts, and conversations about motherhood. I’ve been a long time fan of Dr. Cassidy’s work and had the pleasure of meeting her a couple of times now. I’m so excited to dive into her book. She shares so much on her podcast and Substack about motherhood, identity, and managing to find moments for yourself though all of it. I highly highly recommend checking out the wisdom she shares as a therapist, mom of three, and author.
Small Joys in Motherhood
Father’s day. If you will, allow me a quick moment to gush over my husband and what a great dad he is. I love watching him and Linden together, and although sometimes I’m jealous of it, Sebastian is definitely the “fun parent”. For Father’s day we got lucky with low tide being at 8:30am so we hit up Crystal Cove State Beach and wandered the beach for a bit before grabbing an early lunch at Shake Shack Crystal Cove (no connection to the chain Shake Shack, but good food, great milkshakes, and an unbeatable view!) I love celebrating Sebastian and having these moments as a family. In classic dad fashion, we gifted him some new tools, a jig saw and sander, so perhaps we’ll see some more woodworking projects around here in the future!
Energy Check In
A little message and guidance for the month ahead ✨
What message do I need to hear right now?
Ace of Cups
Lead with your heart. In the month to come give yourself permission to play, to start new creative projects, to allow things to not “be so deep”. The Ace of Cups brings a message of new beginnings, particularly creative, loving, fulfilling fresh starts. You’re being nudged towards connecting (or reconnecting) with your sense of inherent self-worth through play and intuition. Set up a sprinkler and run through it in the yard, pack up for a long beach a day building sand castles, or do whatever it is your heart desires to soak in the summer season. If needed, show this to your boss as a way to advocate for “summer friday” hours and cutting out early when the weather is extra nice!
Thank you for sharing this space with me — I hope you move through the upcoming month feeling held, seen, and energetically aligned.
With warmth,
Emily
Your take on Richard Schwartz is the kind of nuance I wish more people held space for — being able to say "the framework is genuinely useful" and "the extraction from BIPOC lineage is a real problem" in the same breath, without needing to resolve it into a clean verdict. That tension is usually more honest than picking a side. Also, the raglan sweater for your friend's baby is exactly the kind of gift that outlasts anything store-bought. Twelve to eighteen months from now, that's the sweater someone keeps.