Musings + Essays
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Self-Assessments and the Sonoran Desert.

By: Jen Shoop

My neighbor emailed me this article from the New York Times, in which Melissa Kirsch writes: “This year, I propose July 2 for a sunnier moment at which to take stock of the year so far and, if it feels right, to make some achievable resolutions for the second half of the year.” Kirsch notes that today, July 2nd, is “the precise midpoint of 2025, with 182 days on either side,” and dubs it “the high noon” of the year.

So how are we doing halfway through? How do we digest today as the year’s meridian, as its peach-pit-center? Have we forgotten or fulfilled our Bingo Squares? Have we let go of the routines we held to during the earlier, more austere months of winter and spring, in which most of us cotton to a collective cleansing? Do we feel a vague agita at being halfway through the year and nowhere near our specific objectives, or are we relieved to be on the downslope? Which goals have been quietly discarded, and why? Are we extending ourselves enough grace to know when to let the seams out? On the flipside, are we being disciplined enough with our own ambitions to dig in when we need to?

I sit here and try to focus on these questions and feel mainly a lot of air, a lot of open meadow. A lot of “eh well, that didn’t work, but that’s fine” (remember my pipe dream of having a Magpie branded AYR tee?) and “you didn’t get the agent, but you have the book deal” (!!!) A reminder that many great things look nothing like we expect them to — and that’s OK. Not just OK, actually: the unexpected parts of life are what make it beautiful, textured, exciting to drink, more possibility than anything else. How lucky are we that not everything turns out as we wish. Our lives would be so narrow, constricted by only what we’ve seen or read or imagined! Give me a sky that turns purple-orange, and a plant with spines and eyes. I write that because when I first saw the Sonoran Desert, I stared unblinkingly at it, shocked by its otherworldliness. It was breathtaking, sparse and magnificent, unlike anything I’d ever imagined, soft brushy hollows and round emptinesses, and all beneath a headstrong cerulean sky and an unremitting sun that held all the light in the world. It defied — spilt past — words then and now, too, some 20 years later. And isn’t that fantastic? That you can have some experiences even late in life that shock you with the magnitude of their unique, unanticipated beauty?

So I guess what I am saying is stay open to the shape this year is taking. Let it ask or answer. Let it shut some doors. Let it make a mess. Let it breathe, or drip-drop slowly. Trust that everything happens in its own time. Even the Sonoran Desert, whose mirage visits with me in my writing from time to time: “try to put me on paper now,” she calls, siren-like, even though I have not found a language suitable to her stretch. Not yet at least.

Post-Scripts.

+The people who keep the lamps lit.

+What do you naturally excel at that other people find difficult?

+The osprey and the heron.

Shopping Break.

+Gorgeous caftan for a family photo shoot or maternity shoot!

+Reminder that Hotel Lobby’s 20% off sitewide sale is still on! Can’t believe the Hamptons candle is still in stock. A few girlfriends were over at my house on the weekend and asked to smell a few of the scents I have in preparation of this sale; all of them liked the Hamptons.

+La Coqueta sale! A great time to buy ahead for special occasions in the future. This dress for a little wedding guest, or this set for a tiny ringbearer! This sweater or these shortalls for family photos. Your daughter’s Thanksgiving look, sorted! And these knit jackets and sets make the most opulent, special baby gifts. Also great for family photos!

la coqueta kids sale

SHOP MY PICKS HERE

+In my cart. Pair with a big sunhat and straw tote for elevated poolside style.

+Loving all things LaMareGold right now: this pretty eyelet dress, this botanical blouse, these shorts.

+Treated myself to this romance tee, recently restocked in all sizes!

+Love this head to toe red linen look. (Pants would also look great with a clean white tank tucked in.)

+Wait — Geometry just changed my coupon code. You can now get 35% off (!) their kitchen towels with code JEN15 through 7/7. They have such fun patterns and are highly absorbent (i.e., don’t just look pretty!). These also make a fun and unexpected little hostess gift when tied off with a ribbon.

+I’ve been in a good running groove this week, and I treated myself to a few new pieces from Ciele to spirit myself on: one of their bestselling GoCaps (UPF, very breathable, thoughtfully designed for runners), a cooling open knit singlet, and some of their running shorts.

+When I’m going for longer runs in high heat, I really like these LMNT electrolytes in the lemonade, mango chili, or watermelon flavors. You’re supposed to drink them before you exercise. I find they REALLY help prevent dehydration.

+More fun shorts from Sezane.

+Loving this new geranium-red dress at La Ligne.

+Ordered my daughter these cherry jammies.

+Putting this in my bag for Bermuda.

Image via Dick Millet on Upsplash.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may receive compensation.

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Megan
Megan
1 day ago

Some good food for thought at this halfway point of the year! I just revisited my goals for 2025, and as always, my results are mixed thus far. However, in early January, I was deeply longing to be pregnant, and today, I’m 16 weeks with our little boy! If there was ever a time for priorities to shift, I think it might be now (especially as I’m still dealing with lots of fatigue!). However, this has been a good nudge to spend a few minutes over the upcoming long weekend to flesh out some new goals for the remainder of the year.

Molly
Molly
1 day ago
Reply to  Megan

Just have to say, Congratulations!!!!!

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