Soft Cuts: A June Newsletter
Welcome to Soft Cuts
Welcome to Soft Cuts. This is where I share little things that have stuck with me lately. Things I’ve seen, heard, or felt that brought me some inspiration. I hope something here sparks some creativity for you too.
My June Mood Boards…
1. Creating…
My favorite creation this month was a tablescape for a special event with Forza Pilates and Pastis, which is opening a Nashville location next week. They hosted a preview gathering with Forza. It has been raining nonstop in Nashville and these arrangements felt like a response to that. It reminded me of the bold green grass that covers Tennessee this time of year. I love the sunflower heads with the explosion grass. It felt sculptural and fun with the light blue hydrangeas. The chocolate cosmos added just enough height and brought in a touch of something classic. Cloud-like arrangements, tall silver tapers, and draped cloth made the whole setting feel cozy and elegant. A fun design for a rainy summer day in June.
Listening…
For June, I pulled together a collection of songs that reflect the way the month has felt. Some songs lean into summer (more bright and warm) and others are more mellow. It has been a busy few weeks and I have needed something chill.
James Blake is one of my favorite artists so I thought I would highlight a couple of his tracks on my playlist. I love the experience his music creates. It is unique and not always structured, which I like sometimes. He moves through many different genres and that works for me because my music taste is pretty broad. I have always been extra drawn to anything with an interesting chord progression.
A playlist for June:
Pondering…
I really fell in love with the book The Artist Way so much that I’ve started reading it again over the past couple of months. I’m not a big reader… I wish I was. I usually pick up a book when I’m feeling chaotic? lol I’m not sure if that is good or bad. I might force myself to become more of a reader, I don’t know. Either way I really need something that keeps me off my phone and gives me a reason to learn something that’s not on a screen.
I felt this book to be pretty spiritual but it doesn’t have to be. It talks a lot about your “God or your higher power” as the foundation of creativity. While reading it, I felt closer to God in a different way. For years, I had this belief that focusing on my own creativity was selfish or self-centered. This didn’t come from my parents. I don’t know if I ever really connected creativity with God. Strange considering I believe God created all of the beauty around me, but I guess I didn’t think I believed that God cared that much about me wanting to create or that I could access a deeper level of creativity in that kind of way. Focusing too hard on living a more selfless life made me feel guilty about my dreams and desires for so long.
This book opened my mind and heart up a lot. It challenged me in ways I won’t forget. It gave me permission, helped me to face things in my childhood, helped me acknowledge my own insecurities and understand the truth vs. the lies of things I tell myself daily. It slowly helped me unblock myself. It’s been very meaningful to me in a personal way. I finally feel like I am really stepping into focusing on my dreams a bit more and it is encouraging to have foundation, confidence and space to do that.
Wearing…
It’s officially summer and kind of gross outside so I wasn't sure what to wear to an event the other night, but black is my ride or die and it never fails. Wore this linen top from DISSH and these fun sleeves made the outfit. Paired it with some longer jean shorts from H&M. I’ve been accessorizing a lot lately and usually do more in the summer because it is too hot for me to not rotate through my basic and more casual items right now. Jenny Bird, DNGL by HK and The Label V are my favorite jewelry stops right now. These thrifted Stuart Weitzman kitten heels are my all time favorite. I never want them to be worn out. I’ll wear them until I’m 90, even if the soles are coming off and my grandchildren have to help me walk in them.
Link to my Shop My for more…
Keeping…
When Troy and I were in London, we passed by a cafe that turns into a market on Saturdays. There was a booth with vases, mugs, and plates that really caught my attention. If I had the ability to bring it all home and endless money I would have purchased an entires kitchen worth of items. I was most drawn to the mugs with birds on them. What’s really cool is that when you turn the mug around, there’s a flower on the opposite side and I’m not sure if you’ve heard but I am a florist!!!
We ended up having a long conversation with the designer. He shared stories about his trips to Nashville and why he got into pottery. It was a nice morning walking around with Troy just drinking coffee and eating pastries.
Every time I look at these mugs I remember that trip and the time we spent together. Birds have become extra meaningful to me lately. They make me feel safe when life has felt darker. I love having these mugs in our kitchen.
Okay now that’s all for this month’s Soft Cuts. Thanks for reading and being here. I’m excited to keep creating and collecting for the next one. Sometimes it’s the little things. Until then, I hope something in here spoke to you in a small and meaningful way.
Love,
Abby Jane
Beautiful, Abby. I love your thoughts on creativity. I also love that you're discovering that God loves a creative! Why wouldn't he –your creativity is his legacy. What better way is there to honor and appreciate who he is, than to live out your life fulfilling all he put in you, to create. The beauty you inspire must bring him much joy. I think God would feel a deep sadness if you were not creating –the essence of who he created you to be would be lost and none of us would get to see his image stamped in the overflow of your gifts...for you have been fearfully and wonderfully made. 🤎
May you have many more mornings walking around and drinking coffee and eating pastries !