My thoughts on the Gay Men's Chorus of LA as a lifelong Mormon (Latter-day Saint)
Also in here: Anthro try-on's and a painting of bb Eleanor
Hello my dears how are we! To start, a quote that stirred my heart this morning:
“Because children grow up, we think a child’s purpose is to grow up. But a child’s purpose is to be a child.”
— Alexander Herzen, Russian philosopher
Doesn’t that give you a shiver?! First appeared here.
Some fun stuff in here today, including a fast painting, cool new Band-Aids, and a word I think we need in the world. But first, a quick Mom Talk (it’s been a minute!)
mom talk
Over the weekend, we saw our friend Hawken perform with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, and something happened that I was not expecting (though Nate claims he was not surprised)…
Congrats to GMCLA on a magnificent show (here’s a clip!)
painting: eleanor in one sitting
Yesterday I challenged myself to paint this photo of two-year-old Eleanor in one sitting AND to show it in today’s newsletter, no matter how it turned out, gulp. This took about two hours (blissfully uninterrupted, thanks to dozens of caring women looking after my children in their respective classrooms). I’m looking forward to painting many more portraits of my kids, hopefully with A LOT of improvements!!
today’s bouquet
It’s Easter around here! Our bunnies are out on the shelf and Easter nativity scene (similar here) is up on the mantle. I need to start blowing eggs so we can decorate them with paintings and tattoos! I hung this dried flower wreath and just might leave it up for good (perhaps I’ll get myself this one for my birthday?) And we just added this adorable pillow to the couch. Coral & Tusk is offering Handpicked readers 20% off most items on their site with the code CTXALEX, hooray!
Oh my gosh, The Met x Band-Aid, are you serious! Cannot wait to stock our first aid kit with these.
Mother always spotlights such interesting moms, like this one from Ojai (aka the chillest place on earth).
When I was pregnant with Charlie, my OB prescribed a daily baby aspirin to help me stay pregnant; I had had three early term miscarriages while trying to have him (I would later have two more and get diagnosed with recurrent pregnancy loss in 2021). Baby aspirin still reminds me of that tense time of my life. I would have loved this fun little vintage case on my bathroom counter to ease my nerves.
Awestruck by this mother bird.
These nude portrait paintings are truly breathtaking.
My dream vacation would be a flower shop world tour.
I just discovered Katerina Shukshina on Pinterest and cannot. get. enough.
It’s taken me a few tries to get through this cosmic worldview quiz — intense self reflection required! — but I’m super into it.
Do you follow any artists on social platforms, especially on Substack? I’m looking for some new ones to follow and feature in Buy Art. Painters, water colorists, sculptors, sewists, anything! Please recommend!
in my basket
Next week I’ll have to show you the shirt I bought (it’s not Anthro’s site yet, what?!) For now: a practically perfect summer top I’m calling a “t-shlouse,” because it’s like a t-shirt and a blouse had a baby. Beautiful lace details and embroidery, but wears like a tee. My friend Adrienne always wears the prettiest colorful clothes, which inspired me to try on the bright red version.
I tried this on too. Audibly gasped and immediately texted my sisters.
Behold: the perfect wedding guest dress.
This set (top, bottoms) looks like the type of thing someone would say, “oh, thanks, I got it in Europe last summer” when you ask where it’s from.
If you’re looking for the perfect mid-thigh jean shorts, look no further.
last thing
Most popular link last week: that incredible serving tray
Readers today: 2,026
Grateful for you.
Happy birthday tomorrow to my bb sister Mary!
If you made it this far, here’s a double exposure of a rainbow and a pink ranunculus that I’m going to attempt to paint eeek
how have i never seen an easter nativity scene before?! it's so sweet! and i loved your mom talk. your voice is beautiful, and your thoughts even more so. you have such a tender, empathetic heart, and i love what you said about a strong sense of community being the point of life. i couldn't agree more! xo
Hearing your voice was such a treat! More please!! Is it weird you sound exactly how I thought you would!?
That Eleanor portraittttt...I'm just going to keep telling you how talented you are until you believe it. And thank you for reminding me of blowing eggs! We did that some years growing up and I had completely forgotten. Such a great creative project for the season.