My boyfriend and I watched King Richard last night.

Following the formative years of Venus and Serena Williams, this movie tells the story of their father Richard, and how he helped nurture them into the powerhouses we all know and love. Among the many things that moved me about this movie (hah) was Richard's fierce dedication to the well-roundedness of his daughter's lives. Before his daughters were even born he had a plan - a plan for how he would raise them, and raise them into the talents that they are. Not only did he take them to the courts day in and day out to hone their tennis skills - he was also adamant that they got good grades in school and spent quality time with family and friends. That they were kids. To this tune, he pulled them out of juniors - the tennis match circuit where you go to compete before going pro - and put them in practice, kept them in school, and trusted they would go pro when they were ready. And, as we all know, they did.

While I certainly cannot compare my eventual success to that of Venus and Serena Williams, I find comfort in their father's approach to developing it - as simply one part of their multifaceted, fragile lives. Though less part of a plan and more product of personal necessity, I have pulled myself out of my own version of juniors. This self-titled artist/entrepreneur, who was once posting on Instagram daily, sending weekly newsletters and constantly researching how to optimize and expand and grow, has not played the game in months. Has not posted on social media, sent a newsletter, has considered dropping the whole gig altogether in remembrance of my other interests. Has been taking dance classes, going to therapy, getting through a rough quarter at work, writing and performing again, and planning girls nights with her friends.

While I may never go pro (read - putting the pressure of my financial stability on this venture) with my creative talents, I will continue to go slow - like Richard emphasizes with Venus and Serena - nurturing these talents as one part of my multifaceted, fragile life. I will continue to go slow, and I just wanted to know that while you may not have heard from me in a while, I'm still here.

I've got a few holiday cards up for some last minute shopping, and have slowly centered on my own sea-inspired aesthetic (which magically happened when I stopped trying to force it). I've also had the honor of selling said cards at a local pop-up (so fun!) and performing in a storytelling event - all of which you can check out here on my site.

Here's to 2022. I hope you take the steps towards your dreams, but I also hope you take that class you've been thinking about, take time to spend with family, and take a long walk where you to-do list is the last thing on your mind.

Until next time,
Sage