Writer’s Notes, 04.05
“Maybe the desire to make something beautiful is the piece of God that is inside each of us.”
The first of May marks the full arrival of spring in Greece. Protomagia, which is the literal meaning of the 1st of May, is celebrated with countryside picnics and the gathering of wildflowers shaped into wreaths and doors are adorned in blooms. The whole region comes to life this time of the year with its colourful flowers and lush surroundings. The scent of jasmine and orange blossoms fills the air, making it impossible not to notice.
Springtime brings a whole new routine to life. There is more tending to gardens and flowers. Balconies become the prime place for gatherings. The narrow streets and the town square natural become meeting points for coffee and afternoon chatter. As the day stretches into evening, they shift effortlessly into lively spaces for dinner and drinks. There is a collective sentiment of enjoying the outdoors.
Lately
More than ever, I’ve needed to step away from social media—to clear the mental clutter, realign with my values and be fully present for my teenager during a time that asks for my undivided attention. Since creating that space, my days have taken a different rhythm. I’ve been able to tune into my home, my family and my own thoughts. It’s not always easy; the pull to stay connected is strong. But I’m glad I did it. I rediscovered my relationship with my teenager—more grounded, more open. I was reminded that even though he’s on the edge of adulthood, our presence is still a powerful tool—to listen, to guide, to simply be there.
This shift has allowed me to plan ahead more thoughtfully and notice the little things again. My time offline has reminded me that clarity often comes not from doing more but from doing less with deeper purpose. It’s given me so much clarity that even my online presence feels differently. I’ve let go of the pressure to ‘perform’ and instead share what speaks to me. It feels good to connect in this way.
There’s a quiet freedom in showing up as I am—to create not from pressure but from the gentle pull of the things that stir my curiosity. I’m leaning more into creative living—not as a checklist but as a way of being.
As Rick Rubin says, “The artist is the one who recaptures that child-like fascination with the world.” That’s the posture I’m choosing to carry with me—curious, open and willing to wonder.
On the agenda
May feels like a month for clearing spaces—both physically and mentally. I’ve already started on spring cleaning, slowly making my way through closets and letting go of what no longer serves me. Part of that has included a much-needed wardrobe refresh! I’m leaning into spring/summer shopping with fresh eyes—ready to rebuild with pieces that feel good and carry me through the warmer days ahead. I always feel lighter after a good deep clean—like I’ve made space not just in our home but in my mind and overall well-being.
Digital spaces are getting the same treatment—unsubscribing, archiving and cleaning up the mental clutter that tends to build up in the background. A refresh and update on my digital home—adding new finds and staples to my LTK, ShopMy and blog.
I will be tending more to The Sunday Notes, my Substack newsletter. I renamed so it feels more aligned with this space—an easy extension of the blog. It’s an intimate place where I share what I’m currently drawn to, working on or simply inspired by. Less structure, more heart. Whether it’s reflections, seasonal thoughts, behind-the-scenes updates or creative musings, I want it to feel like chatting with a friend on a quiet Sunday morning. It’s all a part of making these spaces more reflective of how I’m living now and how I hope to share going forward. You’re warmly invited to join me there!
We’re also hoping to finally paint our home—a long overdue project! I’m leaning toward soft, calming tones—creams and whites that feel airy and timeless. This image by Rose Uniacke has been a long-time source of inspiration, especially for our bedroom. There’s something about the way she layers textures that speak to the kind of peace and quiet I want our spaces to hold—with just a little Nancy Meyers charm mixed in, to make it all the more cosy and inviting!
On another note, al fresco evenings have become the highlight of the month. Dinner on the balcony is an absolute delight this time of the year. We welcome the warmer weather with more spontaneous meet-ups for drinks with friends at the platia. We’re also hoping to take a few days trips to nearby coastal towns—breathe in the sea air and break up the rhythm of the week. And near the end of the month, we’ve booked a room in a coastal village I’ve been wanting to visit for some time. There will be a jazz festival happening at the same time—I’m so excited about it! A little music, a change of scenery—these small things shift everything.
Things I’m loving
Butter Yellow for spring/summer | Soap Nails | Your Friends & Neighbours on AppleTV | Baked by Melissa Greek Yoghurt Dessert | Limoncello Spritz
From the Inbox
I shared a question box in Stories and loved hearing from you! Thank you for showing up so thoughtfully and inviting these kinds of conversations. It’s one of my favourite parts of sharing online!
Here are a few questions that came in.
Q: How do you weave moments of slowness & beauty for yourself into your life as a mother?
I’ve learnt that slowness isn’t always about having more time but about how I move through it. When my son was little, I learnt to shift my days around his needs so that I could be more present—not just for him but for myself too. I wasn’t easy but I found that craving out a small time slot just for me—ten quiet minutes with a cup of coffee, a moment to breathe, curling up with a book once he was asleep—was well worth it.
As I embraced my role as a mother, I also began to embrace the rhythms of my child. Life naturally slowed down and in that slowing, the beauty of the world felt more prominent. And let me tell you—life from a child’s perspective is so interesting! I got to explore the world again through my son’s eyes—with awe and curiosity. The small things suddenly felt big again.
Motherhood has taught me to lean into slowness and savour beauty in the everyday. Creating moments of stillness have changed me as a person—I’m more grounded, more present and more attuned with the world around me. That in itself, is a gift I can offer my son too.
Q: What are you currently reading or listening to?
Right now, I’m reading ‘Tell Me Everything‘ by Elizabeth Strout. I’m somehow captivated by the mundane goings of a few people in Maine. I’m curious to see where the story takes us! I’m listening to the audio version of ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck’ on my morning walks, but also, I’m revisiting some podcast faves.
Q: How do you find your rhythm when life feels overwhelming?
I return to my small anchors—moments of stillness before the start of my day, going for a walk, meeting friends for a coffee. These aren’t fixes but they keep things at bay when everything around me feels out of balance. It’s the little things that I hold onto.
Q: What are your go-to staples for spring/summer?
Lightweight linen, dressy shorts, a good pair of sandals and one or two versatile pieces that make me feel put together without overthinking it. I love whites and creams but I’m also leaning into butter yellow this year. I like to keep things simple, timeless and classy.
Really enjoyed putting this post together!
Chat soon!
Demi