Lopsided pottery, turgid prose, loose stitches, uneven ends.
A pillowcase that appears shorter on one side; a poem that goes on too long.
Bad art, some say. Charming, homespun! say others.
But the artist understands that everything good is a gradual-rise process, born of blotchy drafts and bouillon, laminated by revision and “maybe I’ll try it another way.”
Listen, it takes courage to coax the imagination out of the coppice.
It takes strength to train the hand, and vision to chart the spires.
But mainly, it takes time and trying.
Post-Scripts.
+This is excerpted from my book, Small Wonders. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately because I have been trying to learn more about photography, and the width of the chasm between what how my photography looks and how I want my photography to look is despairingly wide. I had to remind myself that there are no shortcuts. I just need time and trying.
+Reminder that you can ordered a signed copy of Small Wonders (comes with a bookmark and print right now!) here.
+Some advice for disillusioned writers.
+Bad drafts are just part of the process!!!
Shopping Break.
+Ann Mashburn’s twice-yearly sale is on! Standouts include this beautiful patterned blouse, this belted poplin dress, and of course any of their shirtdresses (the best in the business). These are pieces you’ll wear for decades.
+A perfect everyday jean for petites. And if you like a barrel leg, these are it. I own in three washes! Both pairs run TTS.
+Ordered this CHIC luggage rack for our guest room.
+The Parisian brand Kujten makes my favorite cashmere bandana scarf you’ve seen me wear a bunch. Just noticed they launched some gorgeous, vibrant new patterns in their bigger sized cashmere scarves as well as two-tone bandanas in the bigger size. These are such special pieces. They’re beautifully made in Paris! They also have a sale section full of cool finds like this sleeveless cashmere wrap cardigan situation (extra 15% off with SUMMER15) — a great alt to my short sleeved Alice Walk rec.
+Ordered two Magpie reader top sellers (these have been on the bestseller list for weeks and weeks) and now I really understand why. This dress is a total dream. The movement of the skirt is magical! It feels so feminine and dreamy on — plus, insanely comfortable and has pockets. Love love! I got in the navy pattern. Running low on stock! I also snagged this incredibly popular shorelite shorts. They are also a dream! Comfortable, cute, and walk that line between athletic wear and daywear.
+Loving two new arrivals at Frank+Eileen: this linen striped utility dress and this pulled-together cotton jersey travel set. I love the cardigan that comes with it — makes it look a little dressier. Pair with a chic sneaker like this (vibe for less with these — I own and adore them) for the plane.
+The Neiman’s sale section is insane right now. INSANE. 50% off chic Celine sunnies, Chloe sneakers marked down to $309 (from $825), the dreamiest dress for a summer wedding (50% off)!!! Even those trendy Alaia woven Mary Janes are discounted!
+I know a lot of you are fellow devotees of the button-down — I pair with everything! Just discovered this cool female-founded business that makes gorgeous shirting, including one-of-a-kind custom drops. I have my eye on this!
+Swooning over this striped dress.
+Got my hands on one of these and LOVE. Sexy, pretty but still comfortable — the mesh is really soft. And BREATHABLE, which is a dream in this heat. I’ve been wearing beneath loose fit caftans and dresses. Use JENSHOOP15 for a discount.
+New butter yellow color in our favorite tee. (Use code jenshoop for 15% off.)
+Reminder that Bombas has offered us 21% off for first-time buyers with code SHOOP21! I learned about these from Magpie readers, who consistently reported these are a “regrettably worth it” buy – the best fit, the softest and plushest material, the cutest patterns. Magpies were 100% correct; both my children and I live in them (which is why I was ecstatic to team up with them). I loved the unexpected spark of joy of these floral half calf modern rib socks with my mom life athleisure outfit below. Fun way to introduce whimsy to your daily uniform. This mention is sponsored by Bombas.
+My brother told us to come prepared for cool rain while in Norway and suggested waterproof sneakers for the kids for our outdoor adventures. I got these for my son and the big kid version for my daughter — and these for myself! The kids will be wearing these windbreakers. I am set with a rain jacket but Landon upgraded his to this one from Arcteryx!
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