#5: I've been down but I have favourites
You’re reading Try Stuff Energy, a weekly-ish newsletter on how it feels like to put yourself out into the word and well, try stuff, like publishing this newsletter. Written by Caitlin Sowers.
Hello! Well this is the third newsletter I’ve written since you last heard from me, but the only one I’ve been able to hit send on. The others? Either way too optimistic (I was faking it), or a touch too depressing (better left as a journal entry). As Haim would say “You say there's no stupid questions / Only stupid people / Well, I've been feeling pretty foolish / Tryin' to get myself through this.” So, I’ve been down and trying to get through it. What I’m not doing is numbing myself by over-exercising, over-eating, or over-achieving (my usual bevy of choices). But instead, just letting the waves hit. Guess what? They’ve all ended up breaking onto the shore, feeling the bottom until they tire themselves out. It takes a hell of a lot less effort. And there’s the metaphor of life, you’ve gotta have the wisdom to go down to the bottom and only then you’ll can you come back up. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given is the appropriate response to sadness is to cry.
In the mean time, I wanted to share some creatives that inspire me. When I feel like this I imagine myself like a wrung out towel, unable to offer much, but I can soak up what others have to give. I’m so thankful for the creatives sharing work right now.
“You're not required to save the world with your creativity. Your art not only doesn't have to be original, in other words, it also doesn't have to be important. For example, whenever anyone tells me that they want to write a book in order to help other people I always think 'Oh, please don't. Please don't try to help me.' I mean it's very kind of you to help people, but please don't make it your sole creative motive because we will feel the weight of your heavy intention, and it will put a strain upon our souls.”
Liz Gilbert
A bonus point is that the accounts below have “micro audiences” (bleh, I hated typing that word), but keeping things small and intimate is what we love to do around here. Let’s get into it…
Sparks of Try Stuff Energy ✨
Ella Holme’s oil paintings, particularly her dog commissions. Her colour stories and strokes are so brilliant I want to hang OTHER PEOPLE’S dogs on my wall which is weird, but a testament to her work.
Anne-Marie Egan is an interior designer in Toronto I’ve been following for quite some time. Her styling is completely my taste. I love her mix of vintage and modern that creates a warm yet classic space. I want to live in all the rooms she creates which is the highest interior compliment I can think of.
Sharleen and her husband Andy’s relationship podcast, Dear Shandy, is a must listen. I happen to watch the episodes over on Youtube. They offer no nonsense advice in their Q&A episodes like any true New Yorkers should. I nodded along in agreement to the entire 78 minutes of Episode 63 with Tracy McMillan. If you are single, WATCH, if you are in a relationship, WATCH. Pure emotional brilliance and sage life advice.
I started following Amalie Reedtz-Thott after spotting her at an H2O_fagerholt launch in Copenhagen wearing sports leggings, a sweater tied around her waist, baby on the hip, and the The Row’s half moon shoulder bag. She looked like a girl who didn’t know how not to be cool. One of my girlfriends moved to Copenhagen last month and it’s the only street style I’m interested in. Amalie’s account isn’t fashion by any means, but glimpses of her fantastic style and pieces give me major inspo.
Verona from secondhandhuns is a second hand fashion blogger with a cracking sense of Irish humour. She is currently living in Copenhagen and periodically does a street style series on locals (!!) on her stories. Since following her I’ve made a deep dive into Depop and am now obsessed. I recently purchased a black wrap top identical to Reformation’s Petalo top for a steal of $15.
I’ve become addicted to Alex’s spoken word reels. She is a yogi, a teacher, and a speaker. I am in awe of the energy she shares with the world every day. This reel in particular realllllly hit me.
Okay, now mind sending me the creatives you love?
Take care of yourself. ❤️
Hi 👋, I’m Caitlin Sowers. I started sharing my life online via youtube videos in 2017. I love the art of story telling and am deeply curious about what I can learn by listening to others’ stories as well as sharing my own. As a proud multi-hyphenate I have more interests than I know what to do with.
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