| THE EPISTOLARIAN |

I just returned from a weekend in Scottsdale with my childhood friends, and it was the kind of reunion that reminded me of a line from one of George Eliot’s letters:

That kind of connection is rare and precious, a place where the years and miles melt away, and you can simply be yourself, unguarded. This weekend was one of those moments with my friends.

As we strolled through Scottsdale, Halloween decorations were still up, and thankfully, the holiday decor hadn’t yet taken over. It’s a brief moment in time I like to call early “wreath season.” To me, this season has a festive feeling, yet it’s still wrapped in the quiet beauty of autumn, a time of introspection and gentle preparation for the holidays ahead.

There’s something magical about this season before the full swing of the holidays. The rush to move onto another festivity after Halloween is tempting, but I find comfort in letting this moment linger. It’s a time to ease into small, thoughtful celebrations—making a wreath, baking cookies with cinnamon and cloves, lighting candles, and taking in the brisk, shifting air. There’s no rush to dive into the decadence of peppermint and chocolate or the indulgence of holiday feasts. There will be time for that, but now is a season to savor stillness and self-care.

I love this pause before the holidays, where we can enjoy the beauty of the season without the pressure of celebration. It’s a time to reflect, to not feel busy with holiday lists or hurried traditions. The leaves are changing, and so are we, shedding old layers and settling into the comfort of the season’s pace.

Reflecting on my time with friends, I realize they’re like a wreath to me—the unbreakable bond of a circle, the way our lives come together and apart, like wreaths that are lovingly assembled each year. They’re a celebration, a gathering of seasons and cycles, of shared moments and memories that we add to with each passing year. They’re the grounding force that brings me back to myself, no matter where we’ve been or how life has changed.

My daughter and I recently gathered leaves and plants from the backyard and made our first wreath of the season.

I even crafted a small wax seal with a wreath motif, capturing this feeling of connection and warmth. In every wreath we make, there’s a bit of this season’s essence: quiet, grounding, and beautiful.

As we move forward, I want to carry this feeling with me, honoring this transitional time before the world turns completely to the holidays, to cherish the beauty of where we are, right now.

Here are some journal notes about how I think of the pre-Thanksgiving time vs the holidays as a Venn diagram. Some festive activities begin but not all of them...

Seal of the Week: Cresca Non Cambia

There’s a familiar comfort in being with old friends, a sense of coming home to oneself. Each gathering is a reminder that, while we may grow and evolve, the essence of who we are remains beautifully intact. Despite the inevitable twists and turns of life, we carry the same spark we’ve always had—a spark that’s not lost on those who have known us through different chapters. With friends, I’m reminded of how, even as we grow, we are still deeply rooted in the core of who we have always been.

In my wax seal collection, there is one that beautifully encapsulates this truth: a majestic tree standing tall and unwavering, deeply rooted in the earth. Around it, the words "Cresce non cambia" are inscribed, meaning "Grow, but Do Not Change." This symbol reminds me that true growth doesn’t mean losing oneself; it means expanding upon our authentic foundation, like a tree that grows taller and broader while staying firmly rooted.

This seal is a testament to the virtue of remaining steadfast in one’s authenticity throughout the journey of growth. Just as the tree remains grounded, we too can grow without changing the essence of who we are. With friends who see us and accept us fully, we are free to stretch toward the light, reach new heights, and explore new branches of ourselves—knowing that they will be there, steady and supportive, just as they always have been.

Magical Letter Group

To those of you who have been emailing me about joining the Magical Letter Writing Group, it has filled, but I created a wait list of sorts. You will be notified as soon as another group is announced in 2025. You can join the waitlist here.​

Holiday Seal Pre-Order

Last year's holiday seal was the wreath. This year, it is a gorgeous oval mistletoe seal with a bow. I am taking pre-orders now for those who would like a slight discount and order sight unseen. 🙈 You can order now here. Once the seal officially launches and is revealed, it will increase to $375. The seal should ship within about 10-14 days.

Color of the Week: Laurel

The story goes that Laurel was pursued by the god Apollo, but she refused his advances and sought the help of the gods. They transformed her into a laurel tree, which then became sacred to Apollo. Since then, the laurel wreath has been a symbol of victory, honor, and recognition.

Inspired by Laurel's story, this sealing wax comes in a beautiful shade of laurel green, representing growth, prosperity, and victory. The color is rich and vibrant, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your letters or invitations.

With love,

Kay