not long now!
I’m back in Houston after three weeks in the UK, and finally made it to the pottery last Wednesday. The little moon jar above was waiting for me: I glazed it right before I left, and the pottery fired it while I was gone. Friend, I am so delighted by this little jar — it’s the vessel I’m most proud of after dabbling in wheel-thrown ceramics for a year. I often say that pottery is a lesson in heartbreak — so many things can go wrong in the process — but while the lows are low, the highs are high. And this is the magic of an avocation: when you’re doing something just for fun, and not for perfection or profit, the joy of watching your own evolution … well, it’s just magical. It’s where the self-compassion and self-transcendence come from, and they make you far more resilient to the challenges of the rest of the world.
And that’s why I believe in this little book so much.
This week is the beginning of all of the in-person promotion of In Defense of Dabbling, so I’m starting to feel the anticipation. One of the things that is really nerve-wracking for an author about launching a book is the waiting to learn how it will be received. I mean, my mom said it was her favourite of my books, but she's my mom — she’s contractually required to say things like that every time I write a book! So it's really lovely when someone who isn't related to me says nice things, and after The Atlantic piece, last week I learned that Library Journal made In Defense of Dabbling one of its Editor's Picks for Fall 2025! To say that I’m thrilled about this is an understatement.
Folks have already begun receiving the book ahead of the official launch date of September 23rd, and it's lovely to see how much folks are enjoying it. Preorders mean everything to an author, because in addition to capturing the attention of those bestseller lists, it also signals to bookstores, and more importantly, libraries, which books to stock -- so thanks to those of you who've already messaged me to tell me you've gotten your copy! And if you haven't already, please preorder yourself or a friend a copy, wherever you prefer to buy books -- I promise you (and your friend) a lighthearted and eyeopening read.
And finally, here are the upcoming events around Dabbling — if I’m going to be in your town, I’d seriously-no-fooling love love love to see you there. Please click on any of the images to register and find out more!
a pre-launch dabbling party!
Houstonians: come dabble with me this Tuesday, September 16th at 6pm at my pottery, HTX Clay, for a PRE-launch dabbling party! There'll be bubbly! Snacks! Clay! And a free book for everyone! Self-care and self-compassion will abound! (Plus, HTXClay will glaze your work of art for you, so you'll have a reminder to pour into yourself by doing what you love.) Check out this link for more info and to register. The cost is $85 for the instructors and all materials. And feel free to bring a friend or two — the more, the merrier!
book events!
The following independent bookstores are hosting book events in cities around the country — I’d love to see you there! Purchases aren’t necessary to attend, but if you’d like a signed book, please buy it from the store hosting the event: the beauty of events like this is that it supports independent businesses. Simply click on the images to find out more (some stores require RSVPs just so they can prepare with an accurate headcount).
Hope to see you there!
a retreat for modern elders!
Last year, I had the honour of presenting at the Modern Elder Academy, the world’s first midlife wisdom school — and I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be returning in November! Join me in this stunning location, a regenerative horse ranch featuring traditional Pueblo architecture and spanning nearly 2,600 acres of wildlife, hiking trails, winding arroyos, ancient petroglyphs, and awe-inspiring beauty. In our workshop, we’ll be talking about both Radiant Rebellion and In Defense of Dabbling. I’d love if you joined me. Click this link or the image below to register — and scholarships are available!
A little about the new book.