A gratitude exercise (disguised as a writing exercise) for this beautiful Monday in October:
Collect ten pearls from the last 24 hours.
The pearls could be moments, vignettes, phrases, lines from books, images, happy coincidences, smells. Anything that called out to you as luminous in its own way.
Here are mine:
+Wind in the arbor vitae.
+Neighborhood boys knocking on our front door asking if my children “can come out and play.” I didn’t have this experience as a child — we lived at the top of an isolated hill — so this feels like the stuff of storybook.
+Two sisters getting their nails done alongside one another, their conversation so charming and intimate I copied part of it down, beginning with: sister 1: “I never get my nails done, I’m too cheap”; sister 2: “who cuts your toenails?!”; sister 1: “I do, and I make my own coffee, too, thank you very much.” (Slightly defensive, but comedic. This was followed up by a tender conversation about a home project one was undertaking, then: “Can I borrow a five for tip?” Ah, sisterhood!)
+A freshly made bed with freshly laundered sheets on a Friday evening that portended rain. Falling asleep with the rain coming down is one of life’s truest pleasures.
+My son putting his hand on my forearm while I put him to bed. Not to alert me to anything, just a touch of affection. He’s never done that before? That I can remember? I could tell it was conscious, too; he appeared to be trying it on for size.
+Pumpkins on the front porch, all different colors. One of nature’s ways of confetti-ing.
+”I could talk to you all day” from a friend! Quel compliment!
+A Friday calendar full of white space.
+Two lovely emails from new acquaintances I made in my last couple of book events arriving on the same day.
+Morning light in my top floor writing garret. A prodigious feeling of possibility. I am made of and for quiet attics and uninterrupted mornings.
Post-Scripts.
+What did you notice as you were crafting your list? Was it harder to get started or to finish? Did you find that certain “pearls” reminded you of others? Did this change how you went through your day?
+More creativity prompts.
+What’s your favorite corner of your neighborhood?
Shopping Break.
+Back in stock at Buck Mason: their bestselling felted wrap jacket! I’m also swooning over this absolutely perfect shrunken-fit collared cardigan.
+These brand-new utility cords are so cool! I’m obsessed with the silhouette. Use code JS15.
+THE polo sweatshirt, now available in a gorgeous “cherry bark” color for fall. (Use code SHOOP20). They also JUST restocked their bestselling color line, espresso, including this perfect strappy sports bra and the matching leggings.
+If you are an OG Magpie, you will remember the Gap Kick Fits from years past — a perfect kick flare jean. They still make something similar, but Magpies in the field have reported it fits differently than in years past. Anyway, I believe I’ve found her elegant older sister in the form of these AMs, which come in a variety of washes, colors, and materials (including cord). I ordered the olive green moleskine to test!
+Parker Thatch’s new “fawn” pattern is SO GOOD. I’m swooning over this tote and this mini satchel.
+New cozy half-zip sweater from Faherty. This is the kind of thing I like to mix in with athletic wear.
+A gorgeous pleated polo dress. Obsessed with the blue.
+WOW this Moncler vest. Pair with some classic sweats for a very chic dressed down look. BTW, I love the silhouette/shape of these sweats – ordered to try.
+While you’re there, $50 off Madewell jeans with code UPGRADE. This includes their perfect barrel jeans (come in petite and tall inseams).
+JA released a new velvet shell-style top that is the perfect counterpart to festive holiday trousers and skirts.
+A gorgeous, polished head-to-toe look: these slip skirts with these knit tees.
+FUN $55 earrings to wear now through the holidays.
+Ruggable just launched an easy-care wool collection of rugs ideal for bedrooms and living rooms. These have gorgeous texture / depth and are designed to minimize shedding. They probably aren’t ideal for the higher-traffic areas (not machine washable). This tassel-edged cream is so luxe-looking relative to price. Major swoon. While you’re there: the rug currently in our primary bedroom is on sale at the moment! I love the pattern and foot-feel — nice and plush. The sale also includes other perfect-for-the-season rugs like this in case you want to zhush the front hall or side door area before you have holiday guests. Try code JEN. Not sure if it stacks on discounted items!
+This jacket was a topseller over the weekend!
+New colors in our favorite Colby cropped pants — I have the chocolate satin ones (!!!) in my cart. Use code MAGPIE10.
+Monthly reminder that these are the best bras on earth. Like wearing nothing at all, but provide support. Use code JENSHOOP15 for 15% off. I also really love these beautiful (and sexy) lace bralettes for beneath button-downs and other loose-fit tops. Absolutely gorgeous!
+Great gift for a boy: one of these hoodies, which you can have his lucky number / jersey number / a nickname / etc heat-transferred onto the back! I had Hill’s done up with his number, 17, and he basically won’t take it off. The matching sweats are also really a great fit. I am picky on sweats for him – a lot of them end up looking grubby / having weird proportions. These are it. Try code EXTRACRISPY.
+Two Etsy fall favorites among Magpies: these custom kids wool hats (adorable) and these baseball caps for a new grandma / mama! All my recent Etsy finds and faves here.
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