Writer’s Notes, 02.06
“Art is not about art. Art is about life, and that sums it up.“
Hi! Happy June! I’m currently sitting outside as I write this—pjs, coffee in hand and the warm morning sun creeping through the towering boxwood tree beside me. I love mornings when the day hasn’t fully woken up yet—everything feels unhurried and the cool morning air makes sitting outside feel like a quiet luxury. Even the swallows seem happier this morning swooping through the sky.
The season ahead brings a shift in the rhythm of life. Windows are left open most of the day letting the coolness of the morning breeze and the hum of cicadas in. Heavy blankets are tucked away, replaced by airy linens and bowls of cherries and apricots are gathered from the market. Beach days and weekend getaways are planned on a whim. Meals are lighter. Siestas become the norm and evenings are spent on balconies or in town squares savouring the gentle evening breeze. There’s something about summer in Greece that teaches you to live lightly. To rise early, eat simply and let the day unfold as it will.
Lately
Life lately has been full of the behind-the-scenes kind of work—rounding up spring cleaning, sending out carpets (as we do every year here in Greece) and finishing the little corners of our home that needed tending. There’s something deeply satisfying about clearing a space, wiping things down and letting the house feel fresh again. There’s nothing quite like the coolness feel of marble under bare feet in summer. I’m still very much in the keep, toss, purge phase—it seems like there’s always something to sort through. Is there every really a time when we’re not reorganising something in our home?
In the midst of all this, something special found its way into our home—a collection of books from a man who had recently passed away. It’s an eclectic and remarkable assortment of books on Picasso, jazz music, the Beatles…volumes worn at the edges, clearly loved and well-read. Georgios has had his hands full of history books on WWI and WWI and others about Native Americans—he was thrilled! As I was making space for these books in our home, I found myself wondering: Who was this man? How did he live? What do our collections say about us?
It made me pause and reflect on the ‘legacy’ we leave behind. How we’re shaped, not just by the things we do, but by how we live. By how we make others feel. By the way we understand, support and love one another. It served as a reminder that we leave traces of ourselves in what we choose and in the words that shape us.
What’s shaped me the most recently is our son. After a difficult start to his first year of senior high school—not so much academically, but more on navigating people and situations—he finishing focused, grounded and thriving! Watching him rise through it all has brought a great sense of pride. It’s something I won’t soon forget. One more week and he’s home free!
It’s hard to see the growth that often happens in the middle of hard things—the inner work, the effort to keep going. The way we hold each other and offer support shapes us more than we often realise—it’s in those small moments that strength is built. Life always has something to teach us and I’ve learnt that as our kids grow older and more independent, they never stop needing us. The support just changes shape. It’s less about fixing and more about walking beside them. That they know they are seen, supported and loved.
We’ve stepped into a whole new chapter of our bond and now, we can exhale a little.
On the agenda
June brings the beginning of all summer things! The season naturally reshapes our rhythm. Weeks get broken up with mini getaways, impromptu swims and more slow evenings with friends on balconies and in town squares. Meals get lighter, clothes get simpler and time begins to move in a more fluid way.
We’re going to have a mini heatwave this week so, the first swim of the season may be in the works! The sight and sound of the sea resets everything! We’re also counting down to our annual getaway with friends and their kids (read more about it here)—a tradition that’s held steady for over a decade now. It’s the highlight of our summer—even with our teens!
I’m ready to jump into content, new rhythms and finding inspiration in fresh ways. I’m carving out time for writing and creating. I’m feeling drawn to a wardrobe refresh so, I’m dreaming up new style edits as we speak! On the search for new summer meals and a good read. I’m craving a new book and I’ll get consumed by! Message me your favourite reads please!
My main focus is on being present this season. Savouring all the delights of summer and letting it shape us in its own way!
Things I’m loving
Shop Doen Collection| Darphin skincare | Crate & Barrel Bistro Set | H&M Jute Doormat (it’s so good!) | Ikea glass candle holder + candle | red summer nails | oversized summer knits
From the Inbox
Q: How do you reset when you’re feeling off?
I’ve learnt that when I’m feeling off, I need stillness and quiet. I pull away from the noise—mentally, emotionally and sometimes digitally. I make more time for prayer and look for the small joys that spark something in me again. It usually consists of returning to my favourites—afternoons in the garden, a good book, a cup of coffee outside. Those small rituals help bring me back.
Q: What’s something people would never guess about you?
When I first moved to Greece, I wasn’t able to grasp the concept of just being—it actually made me uncomfortable. Motherhood changed me—it softened me, grounded me and pulled me toward slower rhythms I never thought I’d crave. I’m also quite the party person—good music, good company, a crowded dance floor, a drink in hand—I love the energy of a full room! I’m more sensitive now than I ever was before but I’m also quite assertive when something matters. And people get surprised every time I tell them that I’m fluent in French!
Q: What does slow living look like for you day to day?
For me slow living isn’t necessary about doing less—it’s more about being present. It’s enjoying a warm cup of coffee (even for a few minutes) before the family awakes, letting the laundry wait, cooking a meal without a sense of urgency—it’s giving myself permission not to rush.
Thank you for sending in your questions. It means so much to connect in this way!
Chat soon!
Demi