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Hello, you.
I’ve been feeling an overwhelming sense of both gratitude and inspiration lately. I know that these feelings, these states of being, tend to wax and wane, so when they come, it is very very important for me to recognize them and let them wash over and through me, holding on to them as long as I possibly can.
So, that is what I am doing. And these little weekly rhythms letters are just one of the tools I use to slow down, reflect over the week that has been, and deepen my practice of living mindfully as the seasons slowly unfold week by week.
I think it is the abundance of June that is allowing me to find even more magic than usual in my everyday life. You know, that energy of lush, green gardens and deep, green forests. Of sunshine warming the earth and summer rains soaking deep into her. Of long, bright nights and never-ending days. The energy of the earth, including all of nature and the cosmos, is powerful, bright, and alive. And apparently, I am feeling it.
This week, however, hasn’t really been that ordinary, though. On Thursday, Sweden celebrated its national day, so that means I’ve been enjoying a blissfully calm and cozy four day weekend.
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I had some colleagues over on Wednesday night to kick off the long weekend with drinks, snacks, and conversations into the twilight of midnight. My love and I have watched movies and series at home, snuggled with the cat, cozied up in bed and listened to the rain patter down on the balcony furniture, and enjoyed hours of being together while working on our own creative projects.
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We also spent Saturday afternoon wandering around a cute, historical neighborhood that organizes its own funky, artsy block party each year. Homes open up their backyards for coffee and baked goods, art, music, and local handmade crafts. We had a friend who was performing with her band this year, so we settled into one of the coziest backyards and sang along. It was such a lovely afternoon.
After a long walk home, we decided to drop in a local brewery for some beer and snacks. Then, we settled in at home for a super cozy, rainy night together.
The weather has turned to typical“Swedish summer”, y’all. That = chilly, showery, windy, and sometimes sunny. Perhaps the hot, sunny, blue skies weather will return, but perhaps not. There is a song called “Sommaren är kort” (Summer is short) and Swedes often joke that “last weekend we had summer”. Because, that’s the truth. It very well could be that are summer days are already behind us and a chilly, rainy summer lies ahead. Or, it could be that the sun and warmth will return by the end of the month. No one ever really knows. And that’s why, when the sun shines and the skies are blue and the nights are long, there is a feeling of aliveness everywhere - the forests, the cities, the seas. Everyone is out and about, soaking it up. Because summer is short; and the cold, dark Nordic winter is just a few months away.
But, now, the sun sets well after 10pm now and no matter what time I go to bed, it is never truly dark. So, right now, no matter the weather, there is still plenty of summer magic in the air.
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Today, is another cozy summer day. I’m writing and editing and sipping on coffee - all while the wind whips around outside and I’m snuggly under my covers in bed. Though, after a cup of coffee and a bit of writing, my love and I did pull on some clothes and head out to our local polling place to vote in the EU elections. ✊🏼 Now, however, I’m back at it. Writing, sipping, and creating. It feels idyllic and amazing.
But, soon this week will come to an end and a new week will begin in the morning. Still, I feel no rush. I am completely satisfied and grateful and inspired right where I am. Reflecting on the week that has been, hoping for an election outcome that puts human rights, the environment, and solidarity at the forefront of EU decisions, and wondering about all the ways that my little life can make a positive difference in this beautiful, hurting, magical world.
How has your week been, my friend? What are you pondering and feeling today? Do you feel that you are in a waxing or waning phase? Is this a time of fullness or release for you? How are you spending your Sunday?
Share with me what you want. I’m listening.
xoxo. liz.
A little info: I have tons of letters that I want to write to you, my friend. But, I don’t want to overwhelm you. So, I have created different newsletters. As a default, if you are subscribed to WSC, then you will receive all of the newsletters. But, you can also go to your settings and toggle off the ones you don’t want to receive.
What about my Italy series?
First, thank you so much for voting for how you wanted me to share my Italy letters. As for the series, I want to share my Postcards with you as soon as possible, because I have more travel upcoming this year - and it is my intention to take you along with me on each journey by documenting my trips and then sharing them as postcard letters when I return home.
So, I’ll be writing 5 “Postcards” (letters) about Italy, each with a different theme - art/history, street vibes, food and wine, the magical B&B where we stayed, and classic landmarks. My plan is to send them before my vacation begins in one month. So, be on the lookout!
Then, this summer I will be spending time in the funky Södermalm neighborhood in Stockholm, in the wild nature of Sweden’s archipelago by the sea, and in gritty, gorgeous Copenhagen. Then, in the autumn I will be traveling to old, moody, magical Edinburgh for my 50th birthday. (Squeeeee!).
In other words, there will be lots more Postcards letters to come! Hope you’re as excited as I am! 🤗
What a beautiful essay. What a beautiful life. 🫶🏻
I look forward to reading your musings. It will be 10 years since you performed our wedding ceremony. We think of you often.