Letter from the Editor
Changing of seasons, ritual, and other Tomatokind things!
Dear reader,
I’ve been writing this letter for the past 2 weeks.
…
Starting and stopping…
bookmarking anecdotes to expand on…
then clipping them off mid-sentence
…
Slowly, it’s evolved from a reflection on October to an “in-between” ode to the transition between months, seasons, and states of being.
Maybe…you have also found yourself existing in a kind of in-between space?
So, as I finagle this letter’s final version — on my phone, sitting cross-legged on one of those burgundy-colored high-backed chairs you’ll find at most Chinese restaurants (having just slurped down a scalding hot helping of porridge at the mom-and-pop shop my family has ordered takeout from for the past 25 years) — know that pressing “publish” on this vignette will feel somewhat like I’m concluding a weeks-long conversation with you.
…Perhpas, we have been sitting on my living room couch…
sipping on warm milk and cookies…
and bundled up with the “blankie” my maternal grandmother sewed for me (for which I felt unexpectedly compelled to bring home with me the last time I visited my parents’ house)…
On Ritual
From what I’ve gathered, many of you are feeling tender and in need of extra support lately.
And, to be honest, me too.
Whether it’s the changing of seasons, the waning of the moon, or a mix of personal and global conditions, it’s not hard to imagine why some of us may be feeling less than ready to “take on the world” (or, frankly, just the day ahead of us).
So, instead of my usual summary and photo collage of the past month’s creative and personal ventures, I offer you my companionship in the form of ritual-sharing.
✨ If you are feeling your best self right now, we are so happy for you and hope you are able to relish and bathe in this beautiful feeling for a long time. We were recently on a very high vibration as well (so in the flow!), and it was epic.
Stay epic, my friends ;)
With that, here are 3 reflections that have shaped me recently:
My Morning Routine: Immediately after getting up (before I look at any screens — big or small), I flip open my journal and write a few paragraphs describing whatever is on my mind (a practice borrowed from The Artist’s Way). Then, I schedule my top 5 priorities for the day in my beloved Productivity Planner, read a chapter from “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin, and brew myself a hot cup of ginger tea. I treat this routine like a meeting with a very important person. I don’t keep them waiting, and I never cancel. And, it has changed everything for me — from my business to my mental health.
My Active, Creative Flow: Moving my body is very important to my creativity. This makes sense (of course): physical activity is as good for the mind and soul as it is for our muscles and joints — especially in times of lower inspiration and mental momentum. In fact, it was fascinating to experience what movement could do for my creative cogs; gardening, walking the dog, sweeping the floor, tidying the house, doing laundry, and driving all became sources of inspiration for me. Whereas I used to label these activities as procrastination, I now know better: I see them as a vehicles to sync with the frequency of new ideas.
My Vitality: This year, after a long journey, I finally learned to tune into my intuition, true desires, and creative abilities. What this meant was that — even as an extrovert-leaning ambivert who LOVED people — I learned to derive most of my energy from within myself (without frequent social gatherings or external engagements). Community became something I sought out for pure pleasure rather than for a mix of pleasure and support. And, that was beautiful…until my recent “funk.” In this funk, I learned that it is okay to waver between being “self-sufficient” and needing to borrow and channel liveliness (of spirit) from others. I learned that living a life of vitality (one that is full of energy and life) is to accept (and not judge) the different sources of that energy.
And…that’s it: those are my top 3 reflections of the season so far.
If any of it surfaces something for you, I’d love to hear about it!
Tomato-Kind-of-Things
Finally, I want to celebrate the wonders of this community (and the delight and wonders it has brought to my life).
This past month, I have had the honor of meeting many of you in the wild (often serendipitously!), and the little girl inside of me has felt especially proud and seen.
It’s also delightful to hear how you all connect with Tomatokind in so many interesting and special ways!
From messages about our (and your!) favorite spotlights…
To a shared loved for the cute veggie/pseudo-fruit in our name and logo (designed by the talented Jackie Sarah Brown)…
To our writing style…
To other curious connections…
…Your life anecdotes — even the random ones — are so appreciated.
Each message we get from you all is truly beautiful and deeply received. Truly.
It is a tremendous gift. It helps us shape how this publication looks and feels like.
So, if you ever find yourself resonating with our content in any way (whether it brings up a childhood memory or simply connects to your life in a mundane way), please let us know.
So, with that, here are more ways to connect with us:
Join us TOMORROW in Marin Headlands from 9:30-11:30am for “Nurturing Our Creative Vitality: Field Trip to Marin Headlands with Magali Mathieu”. RSVP here (use code SUNDAYCLUB for a late-bird discount!)
You can also do us a huge favor by sharing your favorite story from the publication with a friend!
Later this month, join us as we embark on our Youtube journey! Subscribe here.
Last but not least, if you’re not already following our daily updates on Instagram, connect with us here!
Ok, that’s it for now - we will see you on the next page!
With zeal and gratitude for this creative life,
Vanessa
