Endings & New Beginnings

My dear friends,

The cool morning air and early approaching dark nights remind me of what I've known for some time now... Summer is at its' end. Soon Fall will arrive with crisp air and I will remember how good it can feel to be warm, chunky knit sweaters and handmade socks (thanks mom!). Though I'm always a little sad when the seasons change, the end of summer is the hardest ending. Summer with her playful song and sweat-drenched brow. She knows hard work and sweet release like no other. I'll miss the refreshing feeling of iced tea against the deep heat. I'll miss staying out late because the sun said we could. I'll miss weekend beach days with no goals or ambition; how good it felt to be lazy and warm. I'm sure there will be a few breakthrough humid days (like last week in Columbus) since Summer is still packing up and saying her goodbyes, but change is brewing, I can feel that for sure.

On Tuesday, I flew back to Columbus, and next week I start classes. It was a bit melancholy saying goodbye to New York, and now that I'm in Columbus, I only seem to miss it more. I miss the easy way people came and went. How you could join a game of basketball in the park, or find a nice place to sit down and read. How good food and friends came easily. I miss how it felt to be so at home in a strange place.

Collection Progress:

To be completely and perfectly honest... I have been struggling to get my ideas out on paper. It hasn't helped that I've been going through the transition of ending a job, flying across country, and moving. This is all to say, I have yet again procrastinated on the most important step... Beginning. However, to those who are now concerned: It is all under control! This week is "Kick your ass in gear" week. And I have devoted 100% energy and time towards my sketchbook and planning for my collection. Look forward to some beautiful designs in the near future.

So in lieu of progress pictures, I would love to share some moments I captured during my last few days in NYC.

MONDAY, August 1ST
Throughout the Summer, my friends and I made time to relax after work by watching bad reality television. This picture is of the last time we were all together. I'll miss our Bachelorette nights.

THURSDAY, August 5TH
Thursday was my last day of work at my internship, and so my boss took us out for lunch at his favorite neighborhood cafe. The owner, Anna (pictured above) remembered his order despite this being his first visit back since the start of the Pandemic. She also surprised us with the most delicious tiramisu on the house.

SATURDAY, August 7TH
On Saturday, I went to the Beach with Jim & Dalienne. Their friend Lennie came with and gave us a ride there. Here you can see a picture of Jim being Jim, the beautiful clock tower, and Dalienne relaxing on the beach.​

Unknown date
​While rushing to catch my train, I saw this man repainting the traffic stop. The yellow was so saturated that I had to take a picture.

In other News:
* A while back I baked this granola and haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. The recipe I use is adapted from this blog. I think I'll make some today.

Homemade Granola:
INGREDIENTS-

• 4 c rolled oats
• 1/2 c sweetener (I use 1/4 c honey, and 1/4 c maple syrup. Don't use sugar here it will burn and not incorporate properly)
• 1/2 c neutral oil (any kind works. I like coconut or olive oil)
• 1 c nuts, seeds, etc. (I use walnuts, flax, and chia)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt

METHOD-

1. Mix together all ingredients, and place on a cookie tray; Pressing down firmly
2. Bake at 350, for 20 minutes
3. Once cool, break apart into clumps and devour.

NOTES-
*You can mix in dried fruit after baking. Sometimes I'll add craisins or sultanas to mine. 
*I like to have my granola on top of plain whole milk yogurt, and a big dollop of raspberry jam.
*I would 100% recommend doubling. This recipe is great for sharing and gets eaten very quickly.
*To save money, buy oats, and nuts in bulk!

* To help motivate myself for the school year, I've been dreaming about turning our living room into my design studio. A while back, I made this inspiration board, and yesterday I finally started the process of organizing/digging out. More photos to come soon :)
The Necessities:
- A large table to do my work at
- A quirky 1960s desk lamp
- A cozy Turkish rug
- The color orange
- Art lined walls
- Useful boxes to put things in

*Inspired by Reading My Tea Leaves, "Make Believe" series. 
I'M CURRENTLY:


DRINKING: Gin & Tonic for as long as I can hold on to Summer for. 

EATING: Salad with rice vinegar. Yes, that's it. Life-changing. Thanks, Dalienne!

EMBRACING: Myself!

FEELING: A lot, but taking it one day at a time.

LEARNING: How to use a digital camera. I found one at my favorite thrift store in NYC before I left. I'm really enjoying the chance to learn a new skill. Any tips or tricks are highly appreciated.

I hope to be on a more regular schedule now that I've moved back home and settled in a bit. Next letter, I'll be sharing more sketchbook inspiration, and specific thoughts on my collection, but until then, much love from me to you.

Your Nosy Neighbor,
Nat