The year is almost halfway over, and I have already decided that some of my “depth year” stuff isn’t working for me. Some things that I thought I wanted to stop doing, turns out I’m fine with continuing, for one reason or another. I think I need a goal refresh for the 2nd half of 2023.
Some no-buy categories I definitely want to continue, some not so much.
Books – I’m going to continue my new book embargo until I’ve had the time and energy to go through my current library and a) reorganize b) cull out anything I don’t want. But there are a few books coming out later this year that I really want to get, so, saying NO BOOKS ALL YEAR seems a bit extreme. Being mindful and deliberate in my purchasing I think is a better way to go (with, like, everything).
Washi Tape – I’m totally fine with keeping this ban in place. I definitely don’t need any more washi. I’m kind of curious by the end of the year how much of what I have I’ll have actually used; I’ve been super focused on the dollhouse so I haven’t done much that required pretty tape, but that project will be done with pretty soon.
Miniatures – Nope. Gotta abandon this one. Like I said, the dollhouse is almost done, and there are small bits I need to consider it finished; there is structural work and exteriors that need attention but the rest is all decorative. I did really enjoy making all the little toiletries and stuff for the bathroom (pics below) but there are some things I just can’t make without losing my mind in the process. Not to mention, I’m already planning my next project (something much smaller) that I’ll need to restock for, so, I think it’s best to just yeet this whole no-buy category.
Delivery food – Sweet lord. I have GOT to lay off ordering out. It’s so stupidly expensive and unhealthy – I want to put a little more focus on my health this summer, and one thing I can definitely do is cook more of my own meals (or at least put together meals at home). I want to talk about that in its own post soon. I’d really like to go the whole month without ordering out more than maybe once.
Dollhouse Progress in May:
I basically did the whole bathroom, and made almost everything myself except the toilet. I’m really happy with the room overall. I did finish that second wardrobe for the bedroom, and I did some work on the windows (I still haven’t decided if I’m going to put “glass” in them, but they needed better framing for sure) and a window box for the kitchen. In June: Finish the outside of the house. Get the roof cut and glued and prepped for shingling or whatever I end up doing. Make doors. If at all possible, finish the whole project and create a video tour.
Writing Progress:
If you missed it, I announced that the 8th Shadow World book will be out on my birthday this year. I might have been utterly bonkerdoodles doing that, but I work well under deadlines. June will be devoted to establishing a schedule for work on the book and hopefully getting a few chapters done and building momentum. Meanwhile I plan to keep blogging at least once a week.
Favorite Things in May:
1. I finished reading one of the books I mentioned last month! It was my very first book on process theology, and it took so long to read because I was furiously highlighting and making notes and sitting with the ideas as I read them. It’s called She Who Changes: Re-Imagining the Divine in the World by noted goddess scholar Carol P. Christ. I’m planning to find more sources, including some of the foundation texts of the movement. But was a soul-thundering book, and has already had a profound effect on how I look at things, changing a lot of the scenery on my spiritual path.
2. This adorable tea bag/spoon rest I found on Etsy. There are lots of things in this shop I’d love to have but this little guy makes me smile whenever I see it on my table. The seller makes a lot of inexpensive gifts with multiple color options. If you’re as much of a sucker for little plates and bowls as I am, you should definitely check out ShoeHouseStudio.
Things to Do in June:
1. See paragraphs on dollhouse and writing. Those will be the big things to occupy my time and energy.
2. I do also want to steer my diet back in a more healthful direction; I might have another go at meal planning. I’ve never been able to make it work for me, but the right method might be just around the corner.
3. Finish reading Where the Crawdads Sing.
Happy June-ing!
