Moonlit Musings XVII: Community, Connection & Creativity
Market Collective will always have a special place in my heart. It feels like summer camp to me—yes, it’s work, but it’s also three days of hanging out with my friends and making new ones. I’ve met some of my closest friends here, and there are others I only get to see when we’re doing MC. We’ve woven together such a beautiful community, and it’s a balm for the soul to gather and celebrate each other.
It takes a special kind of strength to be a maker. It’s vulnerable to put pieces of yourself out into the world, sharing your dreams and creations. To be an artist means holding hope that the world can be a better place, caring deeply about helping folks feel good, but our methods are often considered frivolous.
Beautiful things are like talismans of joy in a world that’s so heavy right now. They are tangible reminders to slow down, be present and see the magic in the little moments. They can shift routine into ritual, giving meaning to our everyday habits.
The folks making these treasures have such sweet hearts, and it’s a pleasure to connect IRL, meeting the human behind the handle. Market Collective is a chance to experience what you can’t behind a screen: feel the textures, see the colours, try on the garments, smell the teas and skin potions, hold a mug in your hands to find the most comfortable fit for your morning coffee ritual.
It’s also a chance to get creative and make something yourself! I’ll be hosting my short & sweet botanical dye workshop again. Working with flowers and herbs from my garden and Tender Living Farm, you can choose whichever ones call to you for your own bundle dyed heirloom. I wear mine as a bandana, but folks have also used theirs for quilting squares, pillowcases, pouches, neckties, placemats and altar cloths.
I’ve done all the work prepping fabric with tannins and mordants, so you can simply play. I’ll take it home to finish the dyeing process for you & once it’s ready, you can pick it up from Wild Rabbit Vintage.
It’s great for all ages, takes 10-15 minutes, and makes a beautiful, unique gift for you or a loved one (I’ll make sure they’re ready for Mother’s Day). It’s $38+gst and drop-in style, so swing by the booth I’m sharing with Wild Ways Vintage and make some magic!
The Spring Market Collective runs April 10-12 at Contemporary Calgary. You get access to the market all weekend (Megan & I will have new things every day!), as well as the art galleries. I’m so looking forward to seeing you there!
TAROT READING :: TEN OF CUPS & THE HIEROPHANT
We need community. Whether we’re learning, growing, celebrating, or grieving, we are not meant to do it alone. There are times we must go inward, though, as the most important relationship we will ever have is with ourselves; it’s the foundation of how we move in the world and relate to others. In this moment, the flow between our inner and outer worlds is strong. This is a time of lightness and learning, connection and celebration, of sharing our resources and lessons in a way that fills up all of our cups.
REFLECTIONS
Who are your people?
How do you nurture your relationships with others? Yourself?
What are you celebrating this season? How can you honour and integrate it?
What is your heart yearning to learn?
What beliefs shape how you perceive and move through the world?
What practices & rituals connect you to what you consider sacred?
For those looking for new music, here’s what’s ringing in my ears these days. I’m curious—what are you listening to?