“The art of losing isn’t hard to master; so many things seem filled with the intent to be lost that their loss is no disaster.

Lose something every day. Accept the fluster of lost door keys and hours badly spent.

The art of losing isn’t hard to master.”

- One Art by poet Elizabeth Bishop.

Lost inspiration, sleep, blog posts, money. I’m sure there are more things that I’ve lost recently that I’ve already forgotten. I like this idea of practicing loss. Of taking life’s failures and dead ends as gracefully and as efficiently as possible, only to turn back to the table for more. It’s a true skill indeed.

What have you lost lately?

You’ve felt like this, right? Sometimes you’re skipping right along easily imagining whatever it is you can’t do into submission. And sometimes it’s not so breezy and with every forward step there pressure continues to loom. For the last two weeks I’ve been like a kid with my fingers in my ears and constant mantra of “I can’t hear you! I can’t hear you!” because if I stopped to think about it then the pressure might get the best of me. I just wish I could say the same for my Macbook Pro. Without warning I found myself on Saturday night anxiously thrusting it at the Apple store Geniuses, wincing obviously as they lay down the diagnosis. Logic board failure, 5-7 days to replace it, and a bill of $300-$500. (My 3 years of Apple Care expired in September, and extended care only covers partial cost.) And just like that, during the busiest month of the year my business is on hold, flattened like a popped inflatable lawn santa. Ouch. Them’s the breaks, kid.

So how am I typing this you ask? I’m using Rod Hunting’s spare laptop to stay on top of email, but I don’t have current design work seeing as my most recent back up was three weeks ago (shameful, I know!). I’ll be able to get by and it’s only a week, but it feels like I’m wearing mismatched shoes. Not to mention the added stress from the surprise expense. I know lots of folks are spread thin during the holidays, but man, if you can offer some relief via my tip jar now is definitely a good time.

Thankfully my clients have been kind about this mishap, which is a huge relief. So grateful for that! I’m also taking this as a sign that the universe wants me to slowwww it down and work on non-computer projects (Like Re-Classified!) until I get my machine back. Frankly, the 14+ hour days I’ve been pulling recently aren’t sustainable anyway, so even if the computer didn’t crap out, I was due eventually myself. I’m sure there are more of those long days in my future before we all jump into our celebratory hibernation mode, but for now this’ll do.

I’ll be back when I can, I already miss you all terribly so I hope it’s not too long! Maybe I will even see you at the Re-Classified opening on Thursday…If nothing else send hugs, I accept those with equal measure too.

{Image credit: hand-lettered series called Points of Interest by one of my longtime faves, Nicole Lavelle.
 

This is just one of the project I’m currently incubating. It’s for all you post-it note hoarders, marker sniffers and obsessive filers (you know who you are). It’s for all those times when you have so much work you can’t see straight and you need a little extra oomphf to get motivated. Re-Classified is a show about work, the office, and the multitude of tools that go into stuff-making. Get organized (or die trying) surrounded by beautiful, inspiring things, we offer all the promise of a fresh sketchbook or a box full of brand-spanking new school supplies. Including office furniture by Post 27, office-themed Neche Collection test prints by Winterbureau, and keep going kits of curated vintage & up-cycled office supplies by yours truly.

Ch-ch-check it out.
Opens next Thursday December 8th at Post 27. Free!
1819 W. Grand Ave
Chicago, IL
60622

How funny is this poster? An icon for every Bill Murray movie, I especially like the Ghostbusters ones! By DKNG Studios, it bears strong likeness to Always With Honor’s work. Via Hipstreet.

No Black Friday shopping for me! Instead I’m cooking and eating like it’s still a holiday while catching up on the interwebs and my heaping pile of work. Here’s this week’s dispatch of linky goodness.

+ My friend Brandon from FRANK emailed me their latest & greatest: a video of Little Scream’s newest single, The Lamb. What’s interesting is how low-fi the production is, it’s all lit with flashlights which is the perfect accompaniment to Laura’s delicate and expansive sound. Fans of Bat for Lashes, First Aid Kit and/or St. Vincent will dig this as well.

+ New to me Favorite blog: Plenty of Colour.

+ Officey goodness at Muhs Home. I’ll take one of everything please!

+ Holly Wales on keeping your employees happy.

+ I’m excited that my friend Jana’s quirky happy illustrations have a new internet home! Congrats on the new site, lady!
 

There’s nothing like morning’s fleeting stillness for committing thoughts to words. I barely ever get to enjoy that space, but there’s no more perfect time that right now to reflect and appreciate, even for one moment, how much there is to appreciate. The basic act of thanks is what makes this my favorite holiday hands down. Today, there’s no need for gifts, tacky holiday tunes, or Black Friday drama. Let’s just be grateful and share a beautifully, lovingly crafted meal together. That sentiment is simple, profound and universal.

I’m sure if you celebrate Thanksgiving you’ve already got your menu planned and well on its way, but here’s a few of my favorite recipes I will be making either today or throughout the holiday season. Top to bottom: Poppy Seed Crusted Butternut Squash with Kale & Pomegranate from My New Roots, Apple Cheddar Quickbread from Everybody Likes Sandwiches, Spicy Roasted Broccoli from My New Roots, Smitten Kitchen’s Spicy Sweet Candied Nuts, and Pancetta Sage Stuffing Muffins from A Cozy Kitchen. Guess I better get cracking, huh?