Summer Sabbatical

Hello! Zoe Fishman here; Editorial Strategist at The Subtext. How’s your summer going? Here in Atlanta, it’s cute for three weeks and then descends into an inferno that somehow has a wet edge, like a frozen pizza left on the counter overnight. It’s hotter than it used to be and I’m older than I used to be.

I find it harder to write in the summer too, and not just because my kids are home, although that’s certainly a big part of it. Did you know that they need to be fed seventy-two times a day?

How’s your writing going? In the event that you’ve become a little stuck as well, I’ve culled our archives for some pearls of wisdom you might want to scribble on post-its and stick all along the path to your fridge, bed or tweezers. Wherever you find yourself when you want to be writing but won’t.

And what goes better with quotes than totes? I’ve listed a few to tempt you. Sometimes changing locations is the solution to getting out of your own way; you might as well look cute while you’re doing it.

I’ll close out with our new “Passing Notes” game, the one where we show you who we really are by divulging our first three “Notes” entries. I’m nervous.

Let’s get into it.

“I show up, put the time in, and trust that, somewhere along the way, something will unexpectedly light up and get interesting — even slightly dangerous.” - Karin Fyhrie, Founder of Sovereign Objects, on describing her creative process.

“Listen. Inspiration is everywhere if you tune in. By paying attention to what’s going on around you, you’ll have a better grasp on what people are thinking, doing and feeling.” Emily Ash Powell, Writer & Brand Consultant, on what skills make the biggest difference in the work.

“Don’t wait for permission.” - Jasmine Bina, Cultural Futurist + Founder of Concept Bureau & Exposure Therapy, on not waiting for outside validation or an invitation to create.

“It’s always a rabbit hole that leads to a staircase that leads to another hole, to a trampoline — all related.” - Elizabeth Goodspeed, Designer & Writer, on how she approaches collecting and archiving.

“Just let the pile grow. This gestation period is crucial. People think you begin by knowing what you want to say. But for me, I build the collection first. I don’t know what I want to say and how I want to say it until I can see what I’m drawn to. “ - Sari Azout, Founder of Sublime, on how she gets her creative process started.

“Name it to tame it.” - Tasha Young, Founder of Oevra, uses this mantra when she starts to mentally spiral.

“Creativity needs to be rested, nudged, and fed.” - Nana T. Baffour-Awuah, Brand Writer & Strategist, on finding a balance.

“Ignore all the advice you see out there. Be an artist who understands business and marketing, not the reverse. Look to culture, history, art, and literature as your inspiration, not other brands. Stop trying to impress other people; impress yourself.” - Margaret Kerr-Jarrett, Co-Founder of Nihilo, on the advice she gives other creatives.

Zadie Smith is a brilliant author and fashion icon. Nobody does a red lip better. On Bella Freud’s Fashion Neurosis, she chatted about her bag(s) of choice, which I like to imagine draped around her as she goes about her rainy day in London. Here are a few more recommendations:

Cuyana’s Classic Easy Zipper Tote: I can attest to this one. Both chic and efficient.

Baggu Nylon Reversible Tote: Gingham feels just right for Summer schlepping, Black works year round. A no-brainer for your tote rotation.

L.L. Bean Boat and Tote: Good for all ages, genders, and occasions on land or sea. Comes in various sizes and can be customized to your heart’s desire.

Loewe Puzzle Bag: Did you know you can pay for things in installments? Like a car, but you know, a bag. This is the one.

There’s an old English proverb you may have heard already, but just in case you haven’t, it goes like this:

Give someone a phone and you feed them for a day. Teach them how to use their Notes App and you feed them for a lifetime.

Lost Lambs
I’m an author (shameless plug) and avid reader; always curious about the books that everyone is talking about. This is one of them (Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash). It was just okay but scored points for interesting characterization.

Emilia had a secret.
I’m writing a new book. This was an idea for the first sentence. I didn’t use it.

Mon night white dress fisherman sandals
Once, Air Canada lost my luggage both going to and coming from Lisbon. Now, I refuse to check a bag and thus create a very specific packing list accounting for every outfit and every inch of space in my carry-on. This was what I wore on a Monday night in The Dominican Republic. Cute, right? Photo credit goes to my sister-in-law (I’m the taller one).

“Can you tell I’m in the throws of an existential crisis or what?! I swear I’m still fun.” - Carissa

*Book rec from Zoe! This was the perfect companion for my slow afternoons on this glorious porch in Maine.

Until soon!