February was my first full month back at the studio since the last lockdown. Despite intentions to not over-book myself and burn-out, that’s exactly what happened.... I felt a lot of anxiety, exhaustion and frustration at allowing myself to fall back into old habits. I felt annoyed that I allowed my tattooing schedule to become so crazy when I was already aware that this was a recurring issue for me : ( This month just confirmed the need to slow down and to be more mindful and intentional with how I structure my life.

Which brings me to mention the fact that I am utterly delighted to now have an assistant who is helping me with my emails and scheduling 🥲 It wasn’t easy for me to ‘let-go’ of an aspect of my work, but I realized that for my own growth and development, I needed help and the extra time this would free up for me.

I’m thinking more and more about how my most precious resources are my time and energy, and also about how I have the freedom to structure my life in anyway I choose. It’s all down to me and my decisions. The break from my routine that the pandemic brought made me realize how much I was exploiting my own creativity and how my desire to please clients meant I was abandoning myself. Navigating returning to work and a huge influx of booking requests, I’m not surprised that this month felt overwhelming, but I vow to not let myself work a schedule as full as this again!! I truly love that I do for a living, but it needs to be in moderation so I can be the best version of myself and my work doesn’t suffer. Quality over quantity, as they say.

New music I’ve enjoyed this month is bdrmm’s record Bedroom - I’m obsessed with the single ‘Push / Pull’ - they remind me a lot of my favorites DIIV. I’ve also really enjoyed listening to Sarah Faith Gottesdiener’s podcast called Moonbeaming. And I discovered this New York based radio station, kpiss.fm.

Happiness is: tattooing a Pegasus alongside my dear friend @mikeybrannon. Sang Bleu, Los Angeles.

Happiness also is: sunset walks with Phoebe. Mount Washington, Los Angeles.

This street lamp made a buzzing sound that I really liked. Mount Washington, Los Angeles.

Gorgeous and thoughtful gift from my client, Miah

Very grateful for my friends, Mount Washington, Los Angeles.

Mug by my friend Hannah, @stendahl_ceramics. Moon phase plate by @smallspells. Vegan biscuit ( or scone...) by @littlebarncoffeehouse.

DTLA in the distance. Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, Los Angeles.

FEBRUARY 2021