Hello March 🍀,
I’m easing into this month feeling a little stretched, not overwhelmed, just aware of how full the next few months are going to be.
February gave me a gift, though. My annual trip to New York with my friend Stacey was exactly what I needed. Shopping. Great meals. A Broadway show ("Operation Mincement" 5 ⭐'s!). Walking in Central Park. No agenda beyond being there. I came home rested in a way that only happens when you truly step out of your routine for a few days.
And now…real life again.
The calendar is filling quickly. Show season is around the corner. There’s printing, packaging, planning — all the things I know well after 25 years in this business. And still, each season requires a fresh rhythm.
So March, for me, is about finding steady ground before the pace picks up.
💁♀️ Not changing everything.
🐝 Not doing more.
⚓ Just staying anchored.
One small thing that helped last week? I sat down and wrote seven notes in one afternoon. No big reason — just because. And it felt grounding in the best way. Slowing down long enough to put pen to paper reminded me that connection doesn’t have to be complicated.
3 Things I’m Loving This Month 💚:
🛍️ Remembering My Visit to the Frank & Eileen store on Madison Avenue
On our NYC trip, I visited one of my favorite brand's very first brick-and-mortar shop — and it was such a treat. The space is two stories and somehow feels more like an Irish cottage than a retail store. Warm wood, thoughtful details, and it even has a tiny kitchen and living room space...and a secret candy shop 🤫. The whole experience felt intentional and inviting. I did come home with a piece I’ll wear for years, but honestly, what I loved most was seeing how beautifully they brought their brand to life in a physical space.
👂📗 Listening to Strangers: A Wedding Memoir by Belle Burden
I cannot stop listening. I’m on Audible, and it’s narrated by the author, which makes it even more captivating. It’s reflective, observant, and quietly powerful, one of those stories that lingers with you long after you pause it and from what I hear it will likely get a movie deal. Audio books provide great listening material for me while I'm in my office folding and packaging!
🍃 Preparing for a Full Season...Without the Rush
I know the next few months will be busy with shows, printing, and packaging. Instead of bracing for it, I’m trying to move toward it steadily. One list at a time. One project at a time. Calm preparation feels very different from reactive scrambling which is challenging for me but I will try!
Happy March, and cheers to more snail mail 🐌 💌.
With love (and ink),
Jill
Social Butterfly Designs ✍🏼🦋