A heron flew over our heads in a small strip of wetland in Pennsylvania last week. We later saw it in the marsh, looking for food, or preening, or whatever herons do in their spare time. I learned afterward that these wetlands were recently created as a part of a project to address flooding and erosion in the area. Without them, the heron would no doubt nest elsewhere in the region, as they are wading birds, and need water to hunt.
Later that day, my husband surprised me with a copper-roofed birdhouse (seen above) and bird feeder for my birthday. I was ecstatic; I’d been talking about buying these for ages but never followed through. We’ve hung the house by a window in our front room so we can monitor it easily, and I’m waiting for some wren or chickadee to nest inside — maybe even a handsome Northern Flicker, whose call I heard just now on the back patio. It’s a small way to invite the wild in, to offer the passing world a comfortable landing. Here, make yourself at home. The least we can do as you improvise around our heavy footfall.
Of course, neither the Northern Flicker nor the Blue Heron need us. They’d do just as well without. They are masters of re-centering the universe: they create a new home whenever they need to, and without fanfare. I aspire to that agility of spirit, to the fleet-winged and easily-pleased. The bird needs only slight sustenance and a song, and the rest solves itself.
The bird house now in our yard reminds me that the center of the universe is not on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is not in Tokyo, or New York, or Abu Dhabi. Or it is in all of those places, but it is also in the modest and makeshift. It is wherever the pioneering spirit take us, so long as we are ample-hearted and open-minded enough to see a welcome and warm to it.
Post-Scripts.
+Related: my entire world can fit on a sofa. (It’s so small and simple, what matters most.)
+Simple things I hope you experience.
+The whole sky is yours. (My favorite Monday morning energy!)
Shopping Break.
+Wearing this to the pool on the fourth of July (my son will twin with this), and this to the party later!
+Heads up that if you are an SMS subscriber for Hotel Lobby, you get access to their 20% off sitewide sale starting today at 11 am. You can sign up here. I predict Hamptons will sell out!
+I ordered this tipped knit vest — will look so chic with statement pants!
+This striped shirtdress is right up my alley.
+How CUTE is this skirt?! Love the way it’s styled on site, with this ric rac edge tank.
+Bummed I missed out on the lemon and tomato motifs, but I snagged these cherry socks for myself. Little pick me up! I also ordered these ruffle athletic socks. A little fun in my workout!
+Left on Friday just launched a very cool collab with Loeffler Randall. Almost sold out, but I love these jelly sandals!
+The chicest striped dress. Wow.
+Have been wearing the short version of my favorite “relax” lounge set in the perfect hydrangea blue the past week. The Relax Lounge sets are what I put on whenever I’m feeling stressed or sick: the softest way to take care of myself. I have also been living in these terrycloth slippers and this beautifully patterned robe during these summer months.
+Super fancy headband. Vibe for less here.
+The embroidery on this dress!
+Love this pearl necklace – under $100.
+A recent beauty favorite I’m fanatic about: these highlighting sticks! I especially love in the aura (like a champagne color) and sunny (bronzing). The consistency is perfect and they have more staying power than the sticks from Merit, which I also like. I find all of Goop’s products have better staying power though. I think my code SHOOP15 still works on all Goop products. (More of my Goop favorites here.)
+Seriously chic cutlery. Also love this colorful (and affordable) set.
+I wore this dress on my birthday — it’s an investment but currently 30% off with code SUMMER30.
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Welcome back! And happy belated birthday! That birthday dress is *chef’s kiss.*