• The sun is setting on 2020. A year of learning and unlearning. of becoming and unbecoming. of the both/and. ⠀ both grief and joy. ⠀ both strength and surrender. ⠀ both isolation and inclusivity. We’ve spent much of the year apart from one another, yet shared in one collective experience. For that, I am grateful. Grateful for this spirit of togetherness I feel despite living in a world that is still very much divided. To be able to relate to, and empathize with someone I walk past on the sidewalk; a complete stranger, in ways I’m not sure I would have otherwise. This past year has held so much, it’s hard to put into words. Despite the emotional weight and the challenges beyond belief, we are still here on December 31st, ready and willing to brave another day, another year. We are innately capable, courageous, wildly resilient —that’s what it means to be human. If 2020 has shown you anything, I hope it has shown you this to be true. So take that knowing with you. Raise a glass to it tonight. Carry it across the threshold into the new year. 2020 did not break us. Nah, we’re stronger than ever. *A special thank you to those of you who walked alongside me, remained in my corner, and supported me through my first year of motherhood. Because of you, I never felt alone in what has arguably been one of the most transformative years of my life. 🙏🏼✨🥂
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    The sun is setting on 2020. A year of learning and unlearning. of becoming and unbecoming. of the both/and. ⠀ both grief and joy. ⠀ both strength and surrender. ⠀ both isolation and inclusivity. We’ve spent much of the year apart from one another, yet shared in one collective experience. For that, I am grateful. Grateful for this spirit of togetherness I feel despite living in a world that is still very much divided. To be able to relate to, and empathize with someone I walk past on the sidewalk; a complete stranger, in ways I’m not sure I would have otherwise. This past year has held so much, it’s hard to put into words. Despite the emotional weight and the challenges beyond belief, we are still here on December 31st, ready and willing to brave another day, another year. We are innately capable, courageous, wildly resilient —that’s what it means to be human. If 2020 has shown you anything, I hope it has shown you this to be true. So take that knowing with you. Raise a glass to it tonight. Carry it across the threshold into the new year. 2020 did not break us. Nah, we’re stronger than ever. *A special thank you to those of you who walked alongside me, remained in my corner, and supported me through my first year of motherhood. Because of you, I never felt alone in what has arguably been one of the most transformative years of my life. 🙏🏼✨🥂
  • On doing the holidays differently— Not that I’m some kind of expert or anything, but after a good number of holiday seasons now spent on the opposite coast, across the ocean, or without family, I’ve learned a thing or two about embracing change. This year, if you’re feeling that tinge of resentment or sadness, know this: things can be different and still be beautiful. Do your best to hold onto the traditions you still can, while making some new ones, too. If you’re used to (or even love) the hustle and bustle of bouncing from one holiday party to the next, try to relish in the pause, the slowness, the time for yourself —there is still magic here. Spend less time on your phone, and more time in the present moment —get outside, take a walk, breathe in some fresh air. A little nature goes a long way. Invest in the simple, yet significant gestures towards loved ones near and far, whether that be a voice note, video call, or handwritten holiday card (even if sent late). And especially this year, while clinking glasses (whether in person or through a screen), be sure to toast to yourself —to all of the ways you’ve shifted, adapted and changed. What a resilient bunch we are!🥂✨
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    On doing the holidays differently— Not that I’m some kind of expert or anything, but after a good number of holiday seasons now spent on the opposite coast, across the ocean, or without family, I’ve learned a thing or two about embracing change. This year, if you’re feeling that tinge of resentment or sadness, know this: things can be different and still be beautiful. Do your best to hold onto the traditions you still can, while making some new ones, too. If you’re used to (or even love) the hustle and bustle of bouncing from one holiday party to the next, try to relish in the pause, the slowness, the time for yourself —there is still magic here. Spend less time on your phone, and more time in the present moment —get outside, take a walk, breathe in some fresh air. A little nature goes a long way. Invest in the simple, yet significant gestures towards loved ones near and far, whether that be a voice note, video call, or handwritten holiday card (even if sent late). And especially this year, while clinking glasses (whether in person or through a screen), be sure to toast to yourself —to all of the ways you’ve shifted, adapted and changed. What a resilient bunch we are!🥂✨
  • Where in the world are you?! —everyone’s question lately. I don’t blame them, I can’t keep up either. Call me Carmen Sandiego? My friend Kendall calls herself a human tumbleweed. After the last 4 weeks we’ve had, heck 4 years, I’m thinking about borrowing the title for myself 😂. Hi. We live here again! —we’ve drifted across the pacific back to island life! Never expected to return so soon but grateful for the familiarity, the forever friendships, and for a place that feels like home. 2020, you crazy.
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    Where in the world are you?! —everyone’s question lately. I don’t blame them, I can’t keep up either. Call me Carmen Sandiego? My friend Kendall calls herself a human tumbleweed. After the last 4 weeks we’ve had, heck 4 years, I’m thinking about borrowing the title for myself 😂. Hi. We live here again! —we’ve drifted across the pacific back to island life! Never expected to return so soon but grateful for the familiarity, the forever friendships, and for a place that feels like home. 2020, you crazy.
  • On my mom’s side of the family it’s custom to sing an extra verse of ‘happy birthday’: ... May you have many more, May you have many more, Happy birthday, happy birthday Happy birthday to you! 🎶 Four years ago, we sang to my Dad on his birthday, two weeks before he passed. It was the first time this extra verse brought me tears of sadness, knowing in my heart that it would be the last birthday we’d get to celebrate together. A week ago today, my sweet Isla girl turned ONE. She shares a birthday with my Dad —a synchronicity that will forever feel special. As we sang that extra verse of happy birthday to her, this time bringing about tears of joy watching as her face lit up in a way I’d never seen before. I could tell that she knew we were all there for her, celebrating her life, wishing for many more birthdays. Dad never liked the attention, he’d say his birthday was ‘just another day, no big deal’ but I believe birthdays are a blessing and absolutely worth celebrating. I’ll be the first to give you permission to celebrate all week or month long! I cannot wait to tell you all about your first year of life, baby girl. The high highs and low lows and how you were our sunshine throughout it all. Happy 1st birthday! You are everything I love and more. 💗 #islaisabel #firstbirthday
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    On my mom’s side of the family it’s custom to sing an extra verse of ‘happy birthday’: ... May you have many more, May you have many more, Happy birthday, happy birthday Happy birthday to you! 🎶 Four years ago, we sang to my Dad on his birthday, two weeks before he passed. It was the first time this extra verse brought me tears of sadness, knowing in my heart that it would be the last birthday we’d get to celebrate together. A week ago today, my sweet Isla girl turned ONE. She shares a birthday with my Dad —a synchronicity that will forever feel special. As we sang that extra verse of happy birthday to her, this time bringing about tears of joy watching as her face lit up in a way I’d never seen before. I could tell that she knew we were all there for her, celebrating her life, wishing for many more birthdays. Dad never liked the attention, he’d say his birthday was ‘just another day, no big deal’ but I believe birthdays are a blessing and absolutely worth celebrating. I’ll be the first to give you permission to celebrate all week or month long! I cannot wait to tell you all about your first year of life, baby girl. The high highs and low lows and how you were our sunshine throughout it all. Happy 1st birthday! You are everything I love and more. 💗 #islaisabel #firstbirthday
  • Undoubtedly, this year has served up a lot of heavy moments, a lot of challenges, a lot of unforeseen circumstances —for everyone. We as a family are certainly no exception. Last week, after a few trying months, we packed up our life in LA and headed home to stay temporarily —a safe and supportive place to land and reimagine our next right step. I’m currently untangling the slew of emotions that come with that, learning that both grief and joy can be experienced side by side, if not simultaneously. But if there’s one thing I’m sure of during this time in transition it’s that the physical things don’t matter —home is wherever I am with these two. To anyone else feeling uprooted, unsure or unsteady right now, know that you’re not alone and that we will adapt and persevere like we always do, together. Sending love from our quarantine bubble in Canada! 🇨🇦 And ps. to my American friends, because I’m not eligible to vote, can you please?
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    Undoubtedly, this year has served up a lot of heavy moments, a lot of challenges, a lot of unforeseen circumstances —for everyone. We as a family are certainly no exception. Last week, after a few trying months, we packed up our life in LA and headed home to stay temporarily —a safe and supportive place to land and reimagine our next right step. I’m currently untangling the slew of emotions that come with that, learning that both grief and joy can be experienced side by side, if not simultaneously. But if there’s one thing I’m sure of during this time in transition it’s that the physical things don’t matter —home is wherever I am with these two. To anyone else feeling uprooted, unsure or unsteady right now, know that you’re not alone and that we will adapt and persevere like we always do, together. Sending love from our quarantine bubble in Canada! 🇨🇦 And ps. to my American friends, because I’m not eligible to vote, can you please?