Friends, Hikes, and Pearls
October 29 - November 11:
It’s been an intense past couple of weeks. There has been so much going on in our world and personal lives that it’s hard to keep up with everything.
I’ve been thinking about how I’ve wanted to share my experience living in through these past couple of weeks, but have been hesitant. I was going to avoid the politics of everything altogether, but I don’t think it’s fair to neglect those feelings because I’m scared of offending someone. So I’m just going to share my thoughts and feelings, asking for respect and understanding in return. The political state of our world has been scary. It’s crazy to think about how I have less rights as a women today in 2024 than our mothers did when they were my age. Seeing group of people being attacked for thing they can’t control is incredibly hurtful. I’m disappointed in the steps our country has taken over that past few weeks, but trying to be hopeful for the impact my generation can have on future generations. I’m grateful for the community I’ve had around me through these past couple of weeks. I’ll share some words that have been comforting to me during this time:
“We have our values, our beliefs, our community and we are creative. It is in our power to create our own reality and live life to the fullest.”
I’ve had lots of work that I’m super passionate about and have been having a lot of fun working on, but have also been trying to balance work and down time so I don’t get burnt out.
Halloween was super fun! I dressed up as my puppet Sophia for the day and took her around everywhere with me. I had class all day, but my friends and I tried to make the most of it and dressed up for class. Afterwards we attended a Halloween trivia night and we won! It was so much fun!
November 2 was Livia’s 21st birthday, so Millie, Livia, and I went out to dinner to celebrate! I made reservations at a Peruvian restaurant that Livia has been wanting to try, and it was delicious.
I also met up with Sophia to catch up on everything that has been going on in each other’s lives and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. We met half way between Boston and Providence and went for a hike. The weather was so perfect and it was such a nice break between working. I’m so happy that Sophia and I live closer now and are able to meet up for a quick hang out instead of flying across the world to spend some time together.
I’ve also been having a lot of fun working in the studio with my classmates. I’m so grateful for the group of people I’m able to surround myself with each day and continue to feel more and more inspired each day. The big project I’ve been spending all my time on has been my 11-cast ring assignment. I’ve been doing a lot of experimenting with different materials to cast with like leaves, seeds, yarn, and hair. I’ve been super happy with how my rings have been turning out and having a lot of fun with them!
We also went on a field trip as a class this week that I really enjoyed. We went to Stachura Gemstone Wholesale for a pearl workshop. We learned traditional pearl stringing techniques with silk and knot tying. I have been working with pearls a lot recently, so I really enjoyed the workshop!
This past weekend my friend Abby came to visit! It was so lovely to have to around for a few days. We hung out in the studio and I showed her how to make was models and then how to cast them into charms. We went to all of our favorite places in Providence that we usually like to go to together. Sunday evening Livia, Abby, and I went to one of my new favorite places to reconnect with nature, Beavertail Lighthouse. It was a windy evening, but I also feel so refreshed after a hike and spending time outside. To warm up after a chilly hike, we decided to make chicken noodle soup and watch the movie Amelie.
We also discovered a new antique mall and spent hours discovering all the nook and crannies of the place! Abby and I love going antiquing together and always try to find new places whenever we are together.
It was so nice to spend time with Abby and have a break from working for a little bit before I get sucked into all the stress of finals.
I spent the rest of my weekend finishing up my casted ring assignment and making sure all of my rings were filed, sanded, polished, and documented. I think the documentation is my favorite part of the pieces I make. I think it transforms the pieces and gives them a home and portal to my thinking.
It’s been a stressful and long past couple of weeks, but I’m looking forward to having a bit a break soon. I keep reminding myself to be gentle and understanding of others and myself. I can only control my actions and mindset. Be gentle with yourself.
Love, Sophia
