Hi friends,
Greetings from NYC!
First of all, you’ll notice that the newsletter looks a little different this week…I have decided to move Homer + Trudy’s newsletter to Substack. I am hoping to continue to expand the readership and more easily recommend great content from other writers through this platform.
Secondly, I had a wonderful newsletter about Depression glass planned out, but I’m not going to be able to make my writing deadline for this week. I’m currently at a music workshop, and we are producing a abridged opera this week. As you can guess, it’s a massive undertaking, and the project has ballooned in scope and complexity since our arrival on Sunday. With only two more rehearsal days before curtain, I need to devote all my time and energy to this project, in order to give the best performance possible. After this workshop concludes, I will be headed to another workshop for two more weeks “nerd camp”—instruction, masterclasses, rehearsals, etc. That being said, I will not be able to reasonably resume writing until I return at the beginning of July, though I will try to send out a short update in the interim.
In the meantime, here are a few things I’m learning or being reminded of:
You’re probably not the only one (with a question, struggling with X, who feels this way etc)
Replicating as much of your regular environment and routines as possible in a new place/situation is very grounding, even if it’s just your pillow, a few snacks you normally eat or the order you get ready in the morning.
Reduce and batch decisions whenever possible (particularly during high intensity/stressful times) so you have more capacity other places.
Sleep is critical. If you can’t get enough sleep, you can make up some of the balance with extra food and hydration.
With that being said, tomorrow is going to be a late night, so it’s time to hit the pillow!
Xo,
Kaitlyn
I’m reading….
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop | This is such a comfort read. The writing is beautifully crafted, thoughtful and warm without feeling saccharine. Every character is going through a hard time, and yet, supporting and being supported by those around them. Throughout this book, I felt like I had plopped to an overstuffed leather chair in my favorite imaginary bookshop with a glass of good port or tea in my hand with the best book. I’ll be coming back to this again.
I’m drinking…
I’m a tea all-year-round kinda girl and I haven’t been sleeping well lately. So when I saw Yogi’s Cinnamon Horchata Stress + Sleep tea, I gave it a shot. Sweet, creamy (df) and infused with Ashwagandha and Passionflower, it's a great way to wind down after a long day.
Business Spotlight
If you’ve been in Instagram lately, you I was on a clothing kick while I prepared to leave for some singing workshops. Local tailor, Tatyana’s Custom Tailoring and local shoe repair, LB’s Shoe Repair, helped get my closet in shape so I can look my best on the road. If you don’t have a tailor or shoe repair shop in your life, you’re missing out! Find out why on my IG.
As always, I really enjoyed your writing. It’s nice to hear where you are, what you’re doing and the challenges. I admire how you continue to cultivate your musical arts!
I appreciate what I’ll call the homey touches, too. I took a screenshot of the book you’re reading to check it out for myself. It’s always better to have personal recommendations!
Finally, it’s good to know about the shoe repair business in Woodstock because ever since the Harrisonburg burg store closed, I haven’t known where to go. I’m also glad you mentioned the alteration business. I had forgotten that they altered a high school choir dress for my youngest daughter 15 years ago!
Keep up the good work, Kaitlyn!
Marsha FitzGerald