...and looks like July has done so too! 😅

I had this whole idea of June wrap-up post but the time flies when you're having so much fun! While a part of me feels a little discontent with having such a long gap between this and the previous post, a part of me, funnily, feels very happy about it - for more than one reason!

First and foremost, it's what the time has been filled with instead. I do enjoy writing, more than one would think given it's not (or rather, doesn't have to be) a major part of any of the main things I do and am passionate about, but can you truly write anything substantial without having the lived experience? (Not that I'd consider any of my writings here particularly substantial!) Yes, you surely can conjure up thought-provoking works with your mind alone (indeed, some of the most gorgeous literary works were created in modest rooms with just a pen and paper!) and, in a sense, create life. At the same time, those thought-provoking works are that way because you've thought about life, you've lived - and actually lived, not just went through the motions. And I feel so lucky to say that the past two months have been filled with gorgeous, sensual, wholesome, creative, insightful experiences - and so yes, I am very happy to not have posted in that time :)

Secondly, and perhaps this might seem like the same point to an undiscerning eye (not in a  passing-a-judgment kind of way but rather 'shall I still include it?' kind of way), it's prioritising being in the present over capturing it. I do think there is a beauty to some documenting of life (there is a reason why many artists do, from Toulouse-Lautrec to Nan Goldin, and we find their creations particularly poignant) but not in the self-obsessed way that seems to be prevalent nowadays. I can be fairly vocal about prioritising "irl" experiences, away from the digital - not erasing the latter entirely, just being mindful and intentional about it - but it wouldn't feel right to me if I were but wasn't walking the walk.

Finally, it's all the creating, ideating and all the behind-the-scenes work - some of which you will see the fruits of, some are for my other ventures! One of the former is a shoot I've done with the amazing Bonjour Boudoir recently that I truly can't wait to show you the results of! (So far I've managed to go from selection of 451 shots to 286 in my "considering" folder 😂) While I'd done a lot of work prior in terms of creative direction, the shoot itself was so flowy, creative and collaborative. It has further invigorated this energy I've been finding myself in that I came home and couldn't work on my projects fast enough because there is just so much inspiration and life!

Truly such a prolific, rich, gorgeous time that has filled me with so much excitement and verve! (In case you couldn't tell already... 😂) Made so much more special by a few wonderful souls who treated me to some beautiful experiences for my birthday (...my wishlist is here if you've missed it! 😁😇)

And speaking of birthdays, Leanne has officially turned 1! 🥹 Still a lot of puppy energy but my baby is growing up! Baked her a (dog) cake - truly a testament to my love for her, cranking up the oven during a heatwave (and! I hate baking 😂 love cooking, baking not so much)
She deserves it all though 🥰

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Often when I share about my art journey with my lovers, I get asked to show them a little something. While I'm not ready to link my actual portfolio just yet, I happened to have some rescued canvases that could be painted over (but which are not quite "worthy" for my regular painting) and a seemingly endless array of nudes on my phone - and I do love painting women... So, voilà! 😁

It's actually been really nice to have something completely on the side where I don't need to think and just flow ☺️ Not that it doesn't happen with my "proper" pieces, too, but I think you can relate: there is a difference in doing something that you love when you aren't (and don't need to be) particularly attached to the outcome and/or the stakes are very low. So, thank you! Even though you've never actually asked me or expected me to share any painting on here 😂, I got this little outlet thanks to you being an audience!

If you are one of a few special souls, you know my life has been a rollercoaster the past few months thanks to this little angel! (She is a rescue and very much a teenager now so the rollercoaster bit is justified 😂)

I wouldn't have it any other way though! I've always wanted dogs (many of them - and a couple of cats! I think it is wise to start with just the one though... 😄) but for the longest time, it was, well, just not the time yet. It's such a responsibility and I wanted to make sure I get her only when I can honestly say I can give her the time, energy and stability she deserves for the whole of her life.
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It still is a bit surreal to be honest. In some sense, it feels like she has always been mine (as I am hers) but then there are moments I can't stop pinching myself. I'm sure any dog person who remembers the first few months can relate and I'm not saying anything all that unique!

But that's the thing isn't it, often when we experience things in life, especially for the first time, it can feel like that burst of emotion must be incomprehensible to anyone else (how naïve!).

It's a beautiful thing though and I cherish it - sometimes it can feel like those moments are reserved for when you are young(er) and life becomes more ordinary (though I find the most beautiful parts of life can be found in the ordinary, not the extraordinary...)  and we can somewhat long, or even chase, that feeling. So who cares if it's perhaps a bit juvenile - after all, everyone should keep the child inside them alive (within reason)! :)

...a hallmark of every London-based companion is pictures from the butt plug restaurant 🤣 ?

Maybe - but just because I can polemicize how Hermeticism and Daoism are just the other in a different font or light up when talking you through my favourite theorem doesn't mean I have to take myself so seriously, don't you think?
After all, you want some spice (when appropriate) - no? 😁

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Thank you for the wonderful night (and the book)! No matter how much time has passed, it's always wonderful to reconnect, hear what's new and share what each other is living for at the moment ☺️

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...and so have boozy lunches on sunny London rooftops ☀️

If you've met me (and so we've dined together ☺️), you likely know I like to go on months-long sober stints (my body just feels better that way and, while I enjoy a well-crafted cocktail, I don't need one to have - or be - fun!). There are some carefully chosen moments when I happily indulge though - the ones that feel right (and, of course, not like I'm compromising any of my values!). And sharing a meal with a wine expert that puts even the resident sommelier to shame is certainly one of them! :)

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Thank you for such a wonderful introduction date 🥰 Was way too immersed in fascinating conversations about cultures, dining and each other's pursuits to leave with a decent picture where my hand doesn't look to be clawingly clutching the fork 😂 (Isn't that a sign of a great date though?)