“. . . Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.”
–Kurt Vonnegut

A filthy treasure this one! Not happy unless he is fully submerged in his work. Here he is torching garden boxes in 80 degree weather to finish in time for Søren’s graduation party. May we all spend our days so immersed.

In Italy.

Søren Graduated!

Ah, all of life is bittersweet. The daily loops are easy to lose a thread in, and these monumental events are the shaking I need. Søren’s graduation was intimate and particular – a tearful extravaganza! Now we are settling into the nooks and crannies of our last chaotic summer together.

Art Days with Søren

Claire Rosen Show ft. Goats

We had an incredible experience back in our old neighborhood of Fishtown, which led to some melancholy for both me and Walter, but maybe a push we need! Claire filled the Ice Box at InLiquid with stunning portraits of goats. Memories of baby Søren beneath my table of handmade journals welled up — that space holds a lot. The Philly Goat Project filled the room with actual goats, who wandered around the exhibit being fed from a table spread filled with their favourite garden treats!

Claire at the End of a Long Day Setting Up

Of a Kinds Peek – Launch Date and Time

Our next Of a Kind Collection is coming together and may the biggest and most magical yet! We will send the newsletter out at 10ish on June 20th, 2026.

Pearly in the middle

Substack + YouTube

We’ve been sharing journal-making processes since the pandemic started on our YouTube channel a bit willy-nilly. It’s been fun and we are working more diligently and slightly more strategically to share more. Our channel is creeping toward 9,000 subscribers! The last video included a peek inside my journals and elicited lots of responses, so we will share more innards.

Everywhere Astonishments

Podcast: Hidden Brain.
Book: The Art Thief continued
Movies: Backrooms, La Chimera

Reminder. I always forget to remember.
Keep track of what you've done, not just what you have not done.

The Art Thief has been a fun world to (re)enter. I am remembering Freakonimcs three part series on The Hidden World of Art, Season 11, Episodes 20, 21, and 22. I am also tempted to reread Donna Tartt’s epic novel, The Goldfinch.

Storefront

The Peg and Awl Storefront is open for visitors! Come see our treasures in person along with other maker’s treasures and vintage finds.

Monday–Friday 10–5