May is a month that inspires a lot of reflection for me. 14 years ago, I was fired from my corporate job and it changed the trajectory of pretty much everything: my career, my relationships, my health. It wouldn’t be farfetched to say that it was the catalyst I needed to become a totally different person.
Okay, that all sounds needlessly dramatic but it’s true. As I hoisted dumb bells above my head for my daily strength training regimen after a quick yoga session yesterday, I marveled at this unexpected transformation. 14 years ago, you couldn’t bribe me with enough money or art supplies to exercise regularly. Especially yoga!
Around the same time, I started painting with watercolors and sewing all of my daughter’s clothes. I stopped purchasing ready-to-wear in general and eventually my sewing shifted to building my own wardrobe. Almost 15 years in, I still don’t purchase clothes for myself. Well, for the most part. I have shelled out cash for underpinnings and roughly 10 apparel items, most of which have been puffer jackets every few years. I truly dislike sewing winter coats and puffer jackets (the ones I made for K were some of the most frustrating projects ever).
May is a month I celebrate in many ways, because all things considered, life is so much better compared to 2012. It hasn’t been tragedy- or problem-free, of course, but it’s decidedly more grounded and meaningful.
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In other news, this month Creativebug released the leggings class that I taught a while ago. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love wearing me-made leggings. They’re a sartorial staple for me from October to late May (or whenever the weather is finally balmy enough to switch to linen wide-legged pants). Perhaps you’d like to check out the class? Click here. Creativebug always has great deals if you’re not already a member. One of these days soon I’m going to create a section on this website with all of my Creativebug classes!
It’s Mother’s Day this weekend, and I’m going to create a little digital card with the flowers from the sketch you see above to send to my Mama and mother-in-law. Motherhood has been very different for me now that I’m an empty-nester, and it will be several weeks yet until my college kid returns home for the summer. Her sophomore year zipped by and foreshadows how quickly the rest of her time at college will pass. If you celebrate Mother’s Day, I hope it’s a good one.
And hey, it might be a touch late for this Sunday, but my latest book SHIBUI seems to be crowd-pleaser — if the crowd was made up of entirely moms and grandmas — and very giftable! Thank you so so much to all the lovely folks who have contacted me with kind words about the book. What a delight.
Alright, that’s more than enough lollygagging on my part. I’ve got projects in the works as always, and I’ll share more next time!
Your book inspired me to try Radio taiso ( I found yes2next on YouTube) which led to some strength training with them too! As a woman of a certain age I must thank you for the inspiration and introduction to “embracing growing older”!
Wonderful!! I love that you’ve incorporated radio taiso and strength training into your days, Tania!
I found your book at the Tokyo airport before departing to return home to Atlanta. It was my first ever trip to Japan. I am in my early 50s and the topic of your book caught my attention. I just finished reading. Thank you for creating this lovely book! I love your paintings. I also appreciate the messages in your book.
Thank you, Bella! I’m amazed that Shibui was in the Tokyo airport! Thank you for brightening my day :).