July 2025
On fun, more pastels, and other good things.
Happy July ya’ll! HAGS
↓
↓
Some Little Pictures:
(from top left to bottom right)
↓
July Playlist: a future music platform
I’ve been continuing my hunt for a great Spotify alternative and while I still haven’t found that, I did recently discover Subvert.fm, a collective project that aims to create a community built and run Bandcamp alternative. As you may know, Bandcamp went through a couple different acquisitions recently and as often happens with for-profit tech companies, they now seem to be venturing down the same path that many other services have taken in an effort to be more profitable (ie more focus on profits, less focus on supporting independent artists). These changes led the Subvert team to begin imagining a platform outside of the restrictions of the typical startup structure. The platform isn’t live yet but you can see from the changelog that great things are in the works— I’m excited to see where they take things!
↓
Image above: two works in progress, in which I’m trying to figure out the right balance between oils and pastels. it’s a journey!
Recent Work: Mixed Media
I’ve been working on a few things for a “Yo Gabba Gabba” inspired art show and am determined to have as much fun with the process of making these pieces as they seem to have on the show. As you may know, I’ve been obsessed with pastels as of late, but have also been wanting to get back into oil painting, so I wondered: can I combine these two things? Will this work for me? The answer is: I’m still figuring it out but it really has been a fun journey! I’m using water soluble oil paints, so combining these with traditional oil pastels can be a bit challenging but I think it’s working out for the most part. As I explore, I’m trying to be less precious with materials and to treat each piece as an experiment, which has been super fun. I’ve been really bad about sharing my process but I swear I am still trying to get better!
↓
Some Other Good Things
My therapy private practice is officially up and running! I was so nervous to get this going and honestly resisted every step of the way but am feeling so good about it now that I’m seeing clients. Here’s my psychology today profile— I’m open for referrals!
Image above: a screenshot from the Alta app which I’m loving but also worried is destroying the planet. Who knows! Controversial: I am really into this closet organization/outfit planning app called Alta but it does rely heavily on AI for many of it’s features. Are my efforts to buy less clothing and get more out of what I already own actually destroying the planet?? I’m torn but listen it has been so fun to see what combinations this app comes up with using the clothes I already own!
Ok I have been reading North Woods for SO long now (I blame all the psychology books I have to read for trainings but really it’s just my own lack of motivation) and for a while I thought I just didn’t like the book and should stop reading it but now I’m over halfway done and can officially say it’s good and I am loving it. Does this happen to you? Do you give up or keep going? I’m still unsure what side of the fence I’m on (I’ve heard a theory that you will read more if you let a book go as soon as you feel like you’re not into it) but glad I stuck with this one!
image above: a screenshot of the new lightphone III, the cutest lil brick I’m very heavily considering pre-ordering the new Light Phone III in an effort to further untether from technology. It’s got maps AND a camera which are two of the things that kept me from using the original light phone more frequently. I’ll keep you posted if I make the switch (it is pricey but I think will be an investment in my health?? let me know your thoughts! my friend rod just puts his phone in black and white— I think I’m going to try this in the meantime)
This NYT recipe using the Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles. Love an easy delicious noodle dinner!
↓
Thanks for reading – see you next month!
I like the photo collage a lot!
Very refreshing and appropriate message- Love the Have Fun Theme!
For fun went to the Orange County Fair with my kids and grandkids! Keeping the summer fun!!