Documenting creative stuff, brain dumps, and life
It’s only day two, but I’m already rediscovering how fulfilling slower, quieter solo time can be. I originally imagined this break between roles would be filled with travel or bigger plans, but there’s something really nice about staying local and moving through my days more intentionally. I’m doing the same things I normally enjoy, just without the pressure to rush through them. Sitting in coffee shops instead of taking everything to-go. Walking along the beach and actually pausing to people-watch with no time crunch. I’m I'm also realizing that a lot of that urgency was self-created in the first place — more just habit than anything real.
Also buying this camera might genuinely be one of the best gifts I’ve given myself. It’s been so fun to document everyday moments while learning a new skill. Today I spent a while practicing motion shots like trying to capture a focused subject against a blurred background. The beach was the perfect place for it with a constant stream of bikers passing by. And I think I ended up with a few shots I’m really excited about.
Today's lineup:
Continued reading Subtract at Hooked
Walked down the beach + took photos
A bit of thrift shopping
And a megaformer class
Re Hooked: It was the sweetest coffee shop near Venice Beach. No laptops, no wifi allowed; just people flowing in and out, who somehow all seemed to know each other (including, I think, the famous barista and owner?). The whole place felt more like a neighborhood living room than a coffee shop. Definitely adding this one to our regular rotation.
Yesterday was my last day at Lattice, which still feels strange to say out loud. The last two years changed me in ways I probably couldn’t have predicted when I joined. On paper, a lot happened outside of work too: got married and moved from NY to LA. But professionally, the growth feels just as significant. Before Lattice, I’d never worked on a design team larger than two people, had only been managed by Product people, and couldn't quite shake off a case of imposter syndrome.
I’m leaving with a completely different level of confidence — not just in my craft, but in my ability to lead, collaborate, and navigate ambiguity. I was lucky to work with managers who trusted me early and a design team that constantly pushed me to get better. Somewhere along the way, I stopped feeling like I had to prove I belonged in the room.
I’m excited to bring all of that with me where I'm going next but in the meantime, I have 10 days in between things. No grand plans, but I do want some structure while I have this rare pocket of time so the goal is simple: try a new coffee or food spot, read, move, and make something every day. Mostly as an excuse to stay curious and not let the days blur together.
Today’s lineup:
FLO Coffee Bar
Started reading Subtract by Leidy Klotz
Went on a long photo walk
Checked out an infrared sauna spot
Re photo walk: I'm becoming increasingly obsessed with my Fujifilm. I like how photography forces me to slow down and notice details I’d normally walk past.
Re my favorite learning from Subtract so far: "…What I am interested in is not simplicity, or elegance, or any other form of "less is more." Subtracting is an action. Less is an end state. Sometimes less results from subtraction; other times, less results from not doing anything. There is a world of difference between the two types of less…"
