MARVEL at the...

…mistakes and MIRACLES within your daily life. For often, these two go hand in hand. It is common to fixate on getting things ‘right’ the first time. However, we forget how utterly unremarkable that often is. What is truly learned or gained from constant uninterrupted ease? The facade of perfection? Not much. Screwing up attunes us more to our strengths and weaknesses. And raw vulnerability cracks us open enough to be actually be seen, accepted and valued by others. Thereby creating, perhaps, the biggest miracle of all— that despite all the ways we manage to misunderstand, disappoint and/or betray ourselves and others (and God, if you believe in one), life not only goes on…but we somehow turn out BETTER for the tribulations we maneuver through.

I am currently in a season of life when the effort I have put in to really know myself is now allowing me to blossom in unexpected ways. I signed a deal two weeks ago to write a comic (= Do I actually know how to craft a narrative in this format? NOPE. Yet, like with most of the creative professions I continue to earn a steady income from, I am figuring it out.) Expanding my 'repertoire’ as a teaching artist is also happening this summer thanks to planning online classes like a Nonfiction Book Proposal Writing Intensive and Creative Nonfiction Sampler for The Loft Literary Center.

“Cleansing” was also not on my Spring 2025 Bingo card, although I ended up being pleasantly surprised by how EASY Pressed’s Detox Half-Day Juice Fast was to do. I wasn’t hungry in the slightest. Truly, the most challenging part was slamming back the 3 ‘wellness shots’ I needed to consume every other hour. Now I am hooked on the brand’s High Protein Smoothies because they are DELISH, plus are loaded with fiber and iron. The other bevy currently taking up a significant amount of real estate in my fridge is an assortment of Little Saints non-alcoholic spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails. Each can contains functional mushrooms (*no psychedelic effects — think Lion’s mane, Reishi, etc). I also appreciate that there is almost NO added sugar (= a rare attribute in the world of mocktails).

So don’t be surprised if you see me “on the road” with these in an Instagram post. Next month is already looking like it will be a whirlwind with having to drive my kiddo to/from summer camp out of state, as well as preparing for my first long-distance race of the year (= the Afton 25k) in early July. I need more audiobook recommendations ASAP to help make the many hours I will be spending on the highway less excruciating. I just finished listening to “Grown Women” by Sarai Johnson (I BINGED IT!). Since my listening cue — aside from this SPRING 2025 playlist — is now on the lighter side, feel free to send me any suggestions. (*Also it will be a ‘swap’ if you decide to try any of the travel fitness hacks I share in this radio interview.*)

Whatever journeys lie ahead (literally or figuratively), may it bring each of us more fully back to ourselves …over and over again. ~Rachel

PS: Please enjoy this sneak peak of Edition #9 of The Little Book Project WI too! Our team was honored that Arts for All Wisconsin wanted to partner with us again. And I am grateful the org chose to highlight our artistic collaboration during a major public event this month.