v.1 Welcome to Life, Created. (And Why I’m Starting an Old School Blog in 2024.)
Unedited photo taken by Ira, my cute husband— in our garage. Generally, you’d see the background fully dropped out but hell…this is what it really looks like.
Welcome to Life, Created—a new [old school] blog for modern times. This twice-a-week(ish) dispatch is a space for us to dig deeper, recognize microjoys and build community beyond the mindless scroll. Because though life can sometimes be shit—we don’t always need to live there. [And wisdom, humor and community can help.]
And of course, I’ve gone back and forth on whether today—in the face of the 2024 election results—is the right day to launch this space. And the answer is YES. FUCK YES. Today is exactly the right time. The ONLY right time.
This project has been simmering in the back of my mind for years, waiting for the right moment to create a place where conversations run deeper, and connections are genuine. In a world as divided and divisive as ours, now feels like a good time to share thoughts and ideas that might unify us. As I approach 47— a grown-ass woman with a lifetime of insights and a hard-won perspective—I invite you into a space rooted in shared experience and meaningful exchange that is neither too heavy or overly flowery, either. Life, as it is.
So, why now after over a decade of sharing online? It’s simple: I’m a writer, and writers write. I’ve poured my heart into two books, A Year of Positive Thinking and Microjoys: Finding Hope (Especially) When Life Is Not Okay, which readers have called “life-changing” and “the perfect antidote for these uncertain times.” Sure, there’s the occasional scathing review (“Worst book I ever… well, tried to read.” Mia, you made your feelings quite clear or “Did not finish! Cotton candy has more substance.” Sorry to upset you, Jennifer), but I didn’t get here by trying to please everyone. I got here by showing up and writing about what matters. And for all its quirks, blogging offers an open invitation to keep doing just that.
Part wisdom, part life’s absurdities, all honesty—this blog is like coffee with a friend who gives it to you straight, with humor and a wink. No fluff, just real stories that might spark something in you, too. Let this be a place to stretch out and expand, where we aren’t limited by character counts or algorithms. Social media has its charm, sure, but it’s also a bit like a crowded party: loud, fleeting, and often shallow. Here, we can slow down and dig deeper.
Community has always been at the core of my work. Whether it’s on a stage, in the communities I’ve founded, in books I’ve written, or now on Life, Created, my goal remains the same: to share the authentic experiences that shape us—the wins, the setbacks, and life in between. I want this to be a space where we can explore the things that matter to us. I’ll be writing from my own perspective on all manner of topics around life; like womanhood, middle-age, authenticity, home, wisdom, thrifting(!) and those everyday moments of joy and solace that I call microjoys. All of it, imperfect and without pretense.
When you read essays in Life, Created, I hope you’ll find a clear-eyed approach to forging a life that feels undeniably your own. This blog isn’t abstract advice—but instead about deliberate choices, meaningful actions, sharp(ish) insights, and creative ideas that move us forward with a semblance of grace and delight. Expect my signature writing style that cuts right to the heart of what matters—offering reflections and actionable wisdom for crafting a life on your terms. I hope you’ll feel empowered, more clear, and inspired—better for having spent time reading these words.
So let’s make this that kind of space—a place to connect in a way that’s grounded, where we’re actual people, not just profiles. If you’re open to it, say hello in the comments section and tell me where you’re from. I love hearing from you and I so appreciate when you say “hello.”
This blog has been a long time coming, and now that it’s here, I hope you’ll stick around. Join the conversation. Share your thoughts. Tell me what speaks to you, and even where you disagree (I’m here for all of it).
Every essay will feature a section called “One Fine Microjoy” – an experience, place, or thing that brings me joy, grace, and hope amidst life’s ups and downs. I hope it invites you to recognize and appreciate the delights that ground, inspire, and enrich our journey.
TREES, friends, trees. (Did you expect something more...serious?) Look at these, flaunting every shade from fire-red to blazing orange to punchy yellow—bold, unapologetic, and seriously stunning. All summer long, they’ve been a steady green, but with time, they reveal colors that were there all along, just waiting for the right moment to blaze through. Like them, we reach a season where we shed what no longer serves us and show up richer, more vibrant, and full of life.
Because true beauty—and wisdom—isn’t about holding on; it’s about knowing exactly when to let go.
Welcome to Life, Created.
With love, wisdom [and small mercies] from Montclair. xx
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