Reading · Midlife Musings

After nearly a month in Paris, I returned to Washington late June carrying a suitcase full of books, ballet shoes, skincare, and a few thrifted finds.

A week later, I celebrated my fifty-third birthday. Unlike birthdays in years past, I didn’t feel the urge to make sweeping declarations about the year ahead. Instead, I found myself paying attention to what lingered.

Paris certainly gave me beautiful memories. But what stayed with me most wasn't a place. It was remembering the parts of myself that feel most alive. The woman who can’t resist stopping for “just one swing” at a playground. Or hopping on a carousel. Who happily gets lost in bookstores and museums. Who lingers over tea, signs up for ballet and French classes despite never feeling quite “good enough,” and believes an ordinary afternoon can still hold delight.

Returning home has been its own kind of gift. Familiar routines. Clients. Love. Friends. Summer walks. Looking around my own neighborhood with fresh eyes. It turns out the magic wasn’t waiting for me in another country. It’s always waiting for me to just notice it.

Life Lately remains my place to pause and share a few snapshots from the past month. As always, these aren’t the whole story, just a handful of moments along the way.

Pour something soothing. Reach for your journal. Settle in. I’m so glad you’re here!

P.S. The public essays are where I share snapshots. The Private Collection is where we linger a little longer. If you'd like access to this month's joy-themed resources, including journal prompts, a private podcast, guided meditation, playlist, and more, I'd love for you to join us.

P.P.S. In case you missed it, here’s this month’s Midlife Musings post on What Stays With You and the replay from A Tranquil Mid-Year.

Shaping Coterie gatherings around joy, welcoming new members, and continuing to slowly chip away at a memoir
Tying a bow around the Artist’s Way Salon and preparing for September’s La Rentrée Salon gathering
Keeping my French alive one lesson, one conversation, and one Duolingo streak at a time

🫖 Prompt: What's asking for your attention these days?

Summer berries, Rainer cheeries, donut peaches, cotton candy grapes, endless cups of iced jasmine tea, matcha variations (why do I always spill?!), and the occasional celebratory glass of Sancerre
Prince’s Under the Cherry Moon, Backrooms, Tori Amos, Rare Essence, Jazz in the garden concerts, White Ford Bronco and an 80s alternative DJ
More conversations than scrolling

🫖 Prompt: What has been nourishing you lately?

Celebrating my 53 birthday with thoughtful surprises, including a red carpet and a handmade swing wrapped in pink flowers that now hangs in his living room
Slipping back into favorite cafés, the Dupont farmers' market, and evenings filled with live music or neighborhood strolls
Looking back through photos from the past month and seeing joy show up in places I wasn't expecting

🫖 Prompt: What ordinary moments have stayed with you?

Lace-trimmed layers, capri pants à la Audrey, flip-flop kitten heels, the occasional neck scarf, and a swipe of red lipstick
Thrifted Paris treasures mixed with longtime favorites
Big sunglasses, a collapsible sun hat, sunscreen, a crossbody bag

🫖 Prompt: What do you reach for when you want to feel most like yourself?

Things which delight me at 53 aren't so different from what delighted me at eight
That curiosity and openness keeps life feeling expansive
The joy a home filled with flowers, candlelight, books, and beauty brings

🫖 Prompt: What have you been noticing about yourself lately?

Making room for love, creativity, and rituals to coexist with the demands of everyday life
Deciding what deserves a "yes" during the second half of the year (and beyond)
Trusting that a meaningful life is built through daily decisions rather than dramatic reinventions

🫖 Prompt: What are you hoping to carry with you into the second half of the year?

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