Sunday Edition: Back in Balance and a Q&A with My Website Designer

"Dress for the job you want."

The Sunday Edition is Tuesday’s little sister—off-the-cuff updates I’d bring up over a coffee catch-up with a friend.

Trader Joe’s daffodils make my year, every year

Any illusion of balance went fully out the window this week as I scrambled to keep up with to-dos, spending far longer stretches at my desk than usual. Even when I’m stressed, I’m still able to maintain a regular workout routine and cook nourishing meals for myself, but the first thing to go are the practices that put me back in touch with myself (which, really, should be the last thing!). As a result, I spent most of the week stressed and harried. This used to be my norm, but I’m much more sensitive to how uncomfortable it makes me feel these days.

I often work Saturdays, but after a super-productive Friday, I closed my computer early to do the things that feed me: I started my day reading, then went on a hike, picked up my CSA, and spent the entire afternoon preparing my garden for vegetables before heading to a friend’s for a casual backyard dinner. It realigned and recentered me, though the goal is to never get quite so far off… anyways!

Issue #128: How to Build a Creative Career with Joanna Goddard

I’m thrilled to share that at least one major project is finished—and I couldn’t love it more! Some of you have already noticed that I recently redid my personal website with the help of designer Gillian Fink (who I found after falling in love with Morning Person guest

Tembe Denton-Hurst

’s gorgeous site). This Sunday Edition, I’m doing something a little different and sharing an interview with Gillian including her process, creative inspiration, and recent obsessions…

I reached out to Gillian at the end of last year with a challenge: To create a website that’s a cohesive landing page for my three career interests as a counselor-to-be, a Substack writer, and novelist. I worked closely with Gillian to add in playful elements that pushed me past my own comfort zone of what a professional website “should” be, reflecting my actual personality with moveable stickers on the homescreen (viewable in the desktop version!), a nod to library cards, and bookmarks I’ve collected from my favorite independent bookstores, linked on my book’s page (with recent reviews below!). She clearly nailed it and generously agreed to share some insights with you here: