| THE EPISTOLARIAN |

My sister and I eagerly shared our dream homes saved on the Zillow app. One thing struck me: I used to long for a huge estate with enough guestrooms for everyone who could ever want to visit. Now, I prefer a small home with quiet spaces where I can read, write, and enjoy intimate conversations. Expanding to a bigger home means more rooms to furnish, more to fix, and more spaces for noise to echo. I dislike open concepts.

How often do we strive for something "better" only to realize that we already have the essential elements of our dream life? We just need to cut the clutter and noise. One reason I love letters and seals so much is that they allow me to slow down and create a universe in something small. This seeming insignificance brings happiness and joy. Even if I had a big mansion or a large yacht, I would still seek a small space for creative solitude or a cozy room to share tea with a close friend. My happiness doesn't require more; it insists on less.

This reminds me of a parable about a fisherman:

In a quaint coastal village, a fisherman named Tomas lived a simple, fulfilling life. Each morning, he sailed out to sea, catching just enough fish to feed his family and sell a bit extra at the market. By noon, he was back home, enjoying lunch with his wife and children. Afternoons were for napping under a tree or playing on the beach, and evenings were filled with laughter and stories with friends.

One day, a wealthy businessman visited the village. He saw Tomas and asked, "Why don't you fish longer and catch more?"

Tomas smiled. "I catch enough to live happily. Why would I need more?"

The businessman explained, "If you catch more fish, you could sell more, buy a bigger boat, hire others, and eventually build a fleet. You'd become rich!"

"And then what?" Tomas asked.

"Then you could retire, fish a little, spend time with your family, relax in the afternoon, and enjoy evenings with friends," the businessman replied.

Tomas chuckled. "But that's what I'm already doing."

The businessman realized Tomas had already found the perfect life—contentment not in wealth but in appreciating the simple joys. Tomas continued his days, fishing just enough, and living a life rich in peace, love, and happiness.

How will you find simplicity in what's before you this week? Can you carve out space to write or read, as you would even if you lived in your mansion by the sea?

Sir Isaac Newton

A happy life often stems from noticing the little things around us, savoring small moments, and finding joy in the everyday. It's about being observant and appreciating what's already here. Scientists grasp this concept well, especially Newton.

Newton's scientific approach relied on careful observation and meticulous attention to detail. His keen ability to notice and analyze his surroundings led to some of the most groundbreaking discoveries in history. At the heart of Newton's work was empiricism—the belief that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience. He emphasized observation and experimentation over abstract reasoning, which enabled him to uncover the laws of motion and universal gravitation, fundamentally altering our understanding of the universe.

One of the most famous stories about Newton involves his observation of an apple falling from a tree. Instead of dismissing this everyday event, Newton pondered its implications, leading to his formulation of the law of gravitation. This story highlights how profound insights can arise from simply paying attention to the world around us. Newton's curiosity and willingness to question the ordinary allowed him to discover the extraordinary.

Featured Wax Color: Vermeer Pearl

Inspired by the renowned Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, this sealing wax captures the luminous quality of his famous pearl earrings. Vermeer was a master observer, finding a universe worth exploring in everyday life. This wax honors his ability to reveal the beauty in the mundane.

For me, pearls symbolize the transformation of something plain or even painful into something beautiful, much like an oyster transforms a grain of sand into a pearl. Vermeer Pearl wax embodies this symbolism, representing elegance, purity, and refinement. Sealing a letter with this wax signifies the act of protecting and preserving the message within with something simple and beautiful, just as an oyster protects and transforms a grain of sand.

The Newest Kathryn Hastings Collector's Seal

The symbolism of anchors as a representation of hope has its roots in ancient maritime culture and has evolved through religious and historical contexts.

Originally, anchors were practical tools used by sailors to prevent ships from drifting due to currents or wind, providing stability and security. This practical use led to the symbolic interpretation of anchors as a sign of steadfastness and reliability.

In a broader symbolic sense, the anchor represents hope as it is something that holds fast and provides a firm foundation even in uncertain or stormy conditions. This symbolism was adopted by early Christians, who used the anchor as a disguised cross and as a sign of their hope in Christ and a steadfast faith that would not be moved, even in the face of persecution. The anchor in Christian symbolism is often linked to Hebrews 6:19, which mentions hope as the “anchor of the soul,” both sure and steadfast.

With every Kathryn Hastings’ seal, it’s recommended that you find your own unique interpretation, and symbolism is deeply personal.

The Art of Wax Seals

The most important course I've created is now available for pre-order.

This course is your gateway to mastering the intricate art of wax seals, whether you are a seasoned creator or a novice eager to explore this unique craft.

In this course, you'll learn the art of wax marbling to create stunning, unique patterns, gain proficiency in weaving wax strips for added depth and elegance, and explore UV paints for extraordinary designs that glow under UV light. You'll also delve into the use of bold pigments and embedding figures, pearls, and stones to add layers and depth to your wax seals. The course features self-paced learning, comprehensive modules with detailed instructions, and exclusive access to Kathryn Hastings' personal techniques.

To a lovely week ahead,

Kay