Moons, sweaters, + big batch of links

Also in here: I think I decided what tattoo I want

Hiii my wonderful Handpicked readers! How are you? Lately I’ve been repeating the mantra, “And it came to pass,” whenever I need a reminder that nothing lasts forever.

This is officially my first season not shooting family photos in twelve years, can you believe that? I’m feeling at peace about it and wondering what will come next for me. Certainly lots more newsletters! Did you know you can “leave a tip” if you love Handpicked? It’s easy.

Oh, and one more thing:

I’m looking for Handpicked readers who would like to be guest curators for upcoming newsletters. If that’s you, please reply to this email or leave a comment. I love y’all!

Alrighty it’s time for some sparkly little links.

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today’s bouquet

• When you stop and think about it, the moon is truly bananas. (I’m thinking about getting five little moons tattooed inside my left arm in honor of my five miscarriages.)

• I finally found a Halloween thing I like! Actually two!

• Big fat pumpkin.

• Gilded portraits of the unsung heroes of the produce section.

• Highly recommend this 32-minute podcast with the surgeon general about loneliness, connection, and relationships.

• Helen Keller’s letter to the New York Symphony Orchestra after “hearing” them on the radio — just wow.

• Wish I could give every poll worker one of these!

• Cool mom goals.

• Two terrific painters: one makes tangly flowers and one makes quiet neutrals. Keep sending me links to painters you follow/ love!

• Popping some popcorn and sitting down to watch Grain after the kids are in bed. (via Adri L.)

• Received the Fatty moisturizer as gift from Hanni, and my big takeaway is that it’s the perfect travel product. It’s lotion, but it goes on like a gigantic chapstick.

• What a fun sweater.

• I wouldn’t *not* elope in this… (via Cynthia O.)

• This leafy toile dress would be really pretty for family photos.

• I’m obsessed with everything I own from Buck Mason — thank you to my sister Bethie who convinced me to try their perfect t-shirts — and their easy gray pullover is now at the top of my Christmas list.

• Ready to throw out all our ancient Costco fleece blankets and stock the ottoman with this and this. (via Jen S.)

• Will a tea towel ever last more than a month in my house without encountering mud/ berry juice/ Nutella? We’ll see.

  

  (via)

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“I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb... and I also know that I’m not blonde.”

— Dolly Parton

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happy holiday

Skip this section if you must!

• No brainer: found my 2024 ornament! In honor of Kacey Musgraves’ spectacular album Deeper Well, which was the soundtrack to my year.

• When I see this, all I can think is “future heirloom.”

• Vintage holiday postage.

• If you live in Utah: go see Joshua Meyer’s artwork “Eight Approaches,” a reflection on the sacredness of Hanukkah.

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I set down my Tinge Floral painting because I can’t figure out the background. I’ll come back to it after I finish painting this enormous rose from my neighbor’s yard. Promise I won’t give up on it until it’s done. Maybe.

y’all this flower was the size of a volleyball. should i give the painting to my neighbor?! // portra 160 film; inkjet print on cotton rag, acrylic

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last thing

• Most popular link from last week: the John Derian x Target apple pan

• Readers today: 1,775

• Grateful for you.