I am getting older. I celebrated my 27th birthday on the 19th, and with that I felt a certain weight place its fingertips gently on my shoulders. My young adult life was (and is, I recognize that 27 is not old) filled to the brim with adventure, a clumsy and new-found lust for living, and many, many mistakes. It seems to so many young people that they are invincible, and with the brash rush of life and freedom one receives when leaving their parents' nest for the first time, they truly do test the limits of their vitality. 

   It's hard to think about the future realistically, especially when the environment in the U.S. is the way that it is. As I gain more experience and try things, I'm realizing that I'm beginning to really appreciate financial literacy, and the idea of not living paycheck to paycheck. I'm wondering if my efforts on social media will ever be rewarded by allowing me to be compensated for the effort I make to produce beautiful & authentic content. I wonder if I'll ever make a living being an artist, or if I'll survive the grind of the young opera singer. 

  When your life looks like mine, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel at times. Still, even during my darkest thoughts, the tiniest warmth in my chest glows like a tea candle. Gone are the days of teenage hopelessness; my years have taught me that life doesn't end without cause, and that-even if my sight is hazy-moving forward is the only option. Hope. There will always be something to move towards, no matter what the weight pressing you deeper into the mud tries to make you think. 

​   Dear Reader, I wonder what your 27th year looked (or will look) like. Did you transition into a more mature way of moving about the world, or did you continue to relish in the beautiful disaster that are our 20's? Will it get better, will I be happy?

   I suppose the only one who can answer those will be me.

   These first two months of 2025 have felt like an eternity. The world is on fire, and it can be hard to stay grounded when we are constantly accosted with the horrid. With my content (even somewhat sour blog entries like this) I hope to give you a break from the chaos, the constant barrage of yelling and color and quickness of the social media feed. I hope what I bring is an opportunity to slow down and to appreciate what life has to offer.

   Despite it all, we're still here, aren't we? 

   

   I think that deep down, everyone has a desire to be loved and understood. We spend our lives cultivating relationships in hopes that the people we care about care about us too, and truly want to see you for you, and not superimpose their ideals and wants on their perception of you. 

   Love in all forms is complicated, from the realization that your parents are only human and make mistakes, to bittersweet goodbyes to a romantic partner that you love but can no longer pursue. 

   Our 20's are for coming into our own, and as I enter my late 20's I realize that there are many kinds of love I've already had the privilege to experience. Of all the relationships I've had the pleasure to cultivate, I find that friendships are some of the most rewarding. Celebrating you and your friends' accomplishments, working through adversity together, challenging each other to grow and make better choices, the late night talks, the emotional support, the positive encouragement from someone who wants nothing more than to see you succeed...in this way, we create a community around us that will love and cherish us for our whole lives. Friendships come and go, they fade in and out, but the deep sense of care and affection you have for your close friends never really fade, even if your communication lulls. 

   In my (almost) 27 years, I have had the immense privilege of meeting the most interesting people, and I can only imagine who else I'll meet in my brief time here on Earth. Lovely, beautiful people with rich histories and ringing laughter fill my life, as they do everyone else's. We all go through our struggles and sorrows, but finding strength in community is our common denominator. It is through our friends we learn what platonic love is. It is through our friends that we find meaningful connection without the worry of the complexities of navigating through romantic relationships and sex. We learn to love our friends with all their shortcomings and to celebrate their growth. I love my friends deeply. 

~

   My two dear friends got married this weekend. Their love is so devoted, so tender. The way they care about each other and tend to their other half's needs guides me to treat myself and my relationships with the same care. They are both creatives, and the way they inspire each other and feed off each other's energy makes me envious. Nobody is perfect, but their commitment to love each other through the difficult, in spite of the mistakes, and the way they care for each other int their times of weakness and strife is truly something to aim towards. 

   My own relationships are often complex, as everyone has their own traumas and baggage to navigate. I find that there's something to celebrate and to love in everyone, and I truly believe everyone is deserving of love and understanding. 

   In life, lots of people navigate their relationships in an all or nothing sort of way. I don't live like this; there's always a spectrum. I've played by the rules of how relationships are supposed to progress, and I find that perhaps the "norm" doesn't work well for me. I enjoy deep, meaningful relationships with friends, and no time limit for a pause in communication. I enjoy casually getting to know someone without the expectation of a dedicated relationship. I know my ideals may not be for everyone, but it takes a lot of the anxiety of having a timeline out of my experiences with people. 

   I love people, and I love learning about people. There is a saying, "To be seen is to be loved." But, I don't agree with that in its entirety. To me, to be known-truly known- is to be loved. Dear Reader, I hope that your relationships-platonic or not-are full of people who know you. May the bittersweet goodbyes of inevitable partings slowly crumble to fond memories of lovers past, and may new loves bloom for you in fields. May our endings and beginnings bear sweet fruit, and lasting friendships for our lives, however long we are blessed to have them. 

   Being with an opera singer is hard. Between the constant initial grind of Auditions, coachings, and apprenticeships, it can seem like quality time (or time at all) with your partner is scarce to be had. There is always work to be done; translating, practicing, finding new techniques, learning language, research, etc. It's no wonder why opera singers are known to not have much of a life outside of their chosen career. It's similar to all those whose passion consumes them: how does one find a balance between the constant call of improvement and a home life? For many working singers, their partner is also a performer, or at least involved in the arts in some way. It's much easier to find balance with someone who understands just how much their career demands. Career opera singers are frequently on the road, travelling from one 5-week gig to their next. 

   Now picture, in addition to all of these factors, the person you've chosen to commit to in some capacity is also human, with their own strengths and weaknesses, their own traumas and flaws. To those not compatible with the lifestyle, the sheer stress of being with a performer can be overwhelming. It should be stated that many opera singers enjoy a lush home life; with contented partners and happy children aplenty. The real chore is finding and maintaining that balance.


~

   I find that my particular quirks make it difficult enough to find someone compatible; and those who believe they can handle the loneliness of having a frequently-absent partner are-many times-mistaken. The romantic plight of the opera singer is this: to find a love and relationship so strong it can withstand the stress of the career they pursue. As of last week, I am newly single, and the progression of how I came to be has caused a lot of personal reflection to occur. Relationships are not one-sided, it takes two (or more, you do you) to have a strong and lasting bond, and I find that my people-pleasing tendencies are more of a detriment than a help.
 

   As bitter as I feel about the actions my now ex-partner took that caused me to end our relationship, I realized that his actions weren't about me, but about him, as they had always been. As I turned to focus on the upcoming performance ahead, I realized that in order to take care of my former partner,  I had neglected to take care of myself. My little rituals, the intentional ways I had enjoyed taking care of myself, what I chose to do in my off time and how I chose to feed myself-all of it had been rather negatively affected by my relationship. At 26, I think it's time to be more intentional with myself. Life for me didn't end when I was 17, so now that I'm still around almost a decade later, I may as well take a chance and learn how to thrive, instead of barely survive. 

   It has taken a few relationships to realize that perhaps a big part of growing up and maturing is taking accountability for your actions. While I have absolutely grown more comfortable with admitting and accepting my mistakes, I want to take this time to really take ownership of myself. I want to develop healthy habits, revel in the joy that life has to offer, create my own home, and truly, deeply, enjoy what life has to offer. I think it's time for me to work more openly on my career goals, to be more intentional with how I love myself, and to be more intentional with the relationships I cultivate. 

    As apt as this timing has been, here are a few goals I hope to begin cultivating now (but we can call them New Year's Resolutions, for the aesthetic):

   1. Continue to cultivate a daily movement routine

   2. Prioritize friendships more

   3. Grow my social media & continue blogging

   4. Begin giving recitals (this one is daunting!)


   I hope that if you, Dear Reader, are going through a breakup, that you can accept it with grace and take the extra time you have to take care of yourself with intention. I hope we can both learn to thrive and to be present in this life, and to learn to embrace it to the fullest.  

Happy Holidays, Dear Reader. May the new calendar year bring us joy and community aplenty.
​

In theory, hiking sounds easy, right? 

   I mean, you're just walking around in nature. How hard could it be? Coming from someone who's spent their entire life overweight and wholly unconvinced of nature, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had always longed to be 'outdoorsy', but between the ever-changing weather, the bugs, the wildlife...Hiking has always seemed rather intimidating. The nicely-paved metro park trails of my college town of Cleveland were a great toe dip into outside, but I was largely content to keep to their curated paths.

   Suddenly in late summer of last year, I found myself in a new state, in the middle of nowhere, and surrounded by Tennessee's many state parks. I had just escaped a bad marriage, and with nothing to do, I needed a hobby. I've always enjoyed moving my body, but for months prior to my sudden move, I had been too depressed to cultivate a healthy lifestyle. So...why not start small? I decided that maybe it was time to brave the bugs, and see what this 'Nature' was all about. 

   For my first few hikes, I kept it small. I was walking easy trails, usually about a mile and a half long. Getting moving after not having the energy was hard. I had no endurance, and my muscles ached whenever I dared to attempt walking on a path that wasn't smooth with no height variation. It was nice to be alone with my thoughts, and spending time alone in the fresh air and sun was a great way to gently encourage myself to heal, to regain some confidence in myself. 

   As I slowly began to challenge myself, my hikes got longer, and I got braver in visiting new state parks in the area. What awaited was a cornucopia of treasures: beautiful wildflowers, animals, and breathtaking views made all the huffing up hills and slipping in mud worth it. Pushing myself became less daunting, and I began to look forward to the next hike. I was less afraid of tripping. I began to smile more. 

   The best part? Discovering new plants and mushrooms to take pictures of!
​
   I am by no means more than a casual hiker, to this day. However, I've begun to view life as an adventure, and finding new trails to stumble through has made me feel more confident in navigating adventures indoors, too. Learning to trust yourself and push yourself to new heights (sometimes literally) is so rewarding. Dear reader, even if you're not the hiking type I hope you find something that encourages you to be your best self. 

It was Wednesday night, and as the plane descended I began to notice the familiar glow of a city I left too soon-the place I feel the most connected. I stepped off the plane, and the familiar bustle of the airport hugs my senses like a friend that never guilts you for being away. 

It's been a year since I last saw New Orleans, but only the tightness in my chest gave away that I had been gone. The potholes, the aged buildings- everywhere I looked, I drank in the cityscape like a drinking man's first sip of vice.  It had been a year, but I was home. 
~
I had the absolute pleasure of spending a week in my old home, New Orleans. It was such a lovely experience to sink into the city like an old, familiar armchair for a short time, and I'd love to share a few of my old haunts with you. While the places I'm about to list aren't tourist attractions per se, they are places I love for various reasons. Dear reader, if you've never been to the Big Easy, or you're looking for new places to explore, incorporating a couple of these during your visit may prove to be enjoyable. 

Briefly, I'd like to add that I'm not partnered or sponsored by any of these locations or businesses. I just genuinely love them, and frequently recommend them. 

I think everyone knows that New Orleans isn't just for drinking-it's a gastronomical Mecca. Having the privilege of living there meant I got to experience all kinds of cuisine-from cheap & delicious street tacos to high-brow omakase experiences. Here are just a few of my standouts.

Debbie Does Doberge

Okay, so Debbie Does Doberge is technically located in Kenner, but it's very close to New Orleans, and even CLOSER to the Louis Armstrong International Airport. I used to work for Baker Bar  (R.I.P.), a restaurant in the Garden District that was owned by DDD. I had a wonderful time working for them, and I had the opportunity to take photos of many of their cakes & dishes.  They have a lot of flavors, and if you're wanting to travel with them, just freeze your cake overnight! 

If you don't know what a Doberge cake is, it's a Nola classic birthday cake. Layers of pudding rest in between thin layers of cake, and have a poured fondant (think like a pourable icing) draped on top. It's best served directly from the fridge, and you'll never need to worry about if your cake is moist or not. This treat is quite rich-so the krewe at DDD also has petit four versions of many of their flavors, called Dobites.  

If you can't make their bakery & restaurant location in Kenner, don't worry! Their website, debbiedoesdoberge.com/ , has a list of locations across the Greater New Orleans area where you can pick up some goodies!

Sarah's Picks: Nectar Snoball, Wedding Cake, Sweet Potato Spiced Latte

~

Budsi's Authentic Thai

 Listen, there are a lot of Thai places in the Nola area. I'm an avid lover of Thai food, and after trying many, many places, Budsi's stands out at the best Thai food I've ever had, ever. Run by a husband and wife, Budsi's makes authentic Thai street food. It's fresh, the flavors are well-rounded and vibrant, and every time I visit I get so excited about my food that I forget to snap a photo. 

I started going to Budsi's in grad school-my hair salon (She Comes in Peace, a hair salon that's part salon, part boutique, and part art installation) was in New Orleans, and after sitting in the salon chair for hours, I'd be super hungry. My stylist recommended it, and it was perfect: close to the salon, and not busy during the off hours when I'd come in after my appointment. After graduating and moving properly to New Orleans, it was a staple that I would visit weekly for lunch. There's just something about their fresh, simple dishes that never gets old. I make it a point to go at LEAST once every time I'm in New Orleans. 

This unpretentious spot is a favorite by locals who know; nestled on a residential corner between the French Quarter and the Marigny, this restaurant has a small but mighty menu of the classics done right-and fast. Order at the counter, grab a boozy Thai Tea, and find a table. In minutes, you'll be greeted with steaming dishes that are casually but beautifully presented. 

Sarah's Picks: Pad See Ew (with extra chili vinegar!), Mushroom Larb

Dat Dog

 Truly one of the best places to cure a hangover. With multiple locations across New Orleans, You'll be able to get your hot dog fix here, for sure. Of course, Dat Dog has all the classics, but that's not why people love Dat Dog. Boasting a large menu full of non-traditional hot dog choices (Etouffee Dog? Gator Sausage?) Dat Dog can truly fulfill any hot dog dream you may have. Create your own abomination, or select from their menu of tried and true dogs, you really can't go wrong here. 

With the gourmet dog gaining popularity quickly in many cities, it's easy to find a locally-inspired hot dog. Dat Dog is my favorite so far, of specialty dog joints in the country. It's not pretentious, there are multiple locations, and it's both great as prep for pre-drinking or for your hangover cure. 

Sarah's Picks: Bacon Werewolf, Crawfish Etouffee Fries

Empanola

Sometimes, you're so exhausted after work that the thought of cooking makes you want to pass out. That's how I first found Empanola, a small shop on Magazine Street that specializes in empanadas. With both a standard menu and a few rotating flavors, Empanola is a one-stop shop for your quick meal needs after an afternoon of shopping at the many boutiques and vintage stores along Magazine St. 

If you're looking for a quick bite in the Garden District, this little gem won't disappoint!

Sarah's Picks: Pizza Pepperoni, Spinach & Artichoke

~

Snake & Jake's Christmas Club

This is probably the only dive bar I've ever felt comfortable in. Located on a residential street and tucked away from major roads, you'll really only find locals at this spot. If you're wanting to make friends at a chill, casual spot, Snake's is a great spot. So dark you're almost blind & filled with vintage Christmas memorabilia, there's a cozy atmosphere that greets you once you enter the building. A late night staple, Snake's opens at 7 and stays open until....I've seen it close around 8 am. Whenever the vibe's right to close, I guess. 

Drinks are cheap, the people are kind, and it's a perfect spot to build community. You'll have to see it for yourself.

La Boulangerie

 I have many fond memories of grabbing a Le Parisien sandwich & a glass bottle Coke, and heading down to the pond at Audubon Park. Everything at La Boulangerie is good, from their entrees to their breads and baked goods. A light & airy restaurant on the quiet part of Magazine St., La Boulangerie boasts a large assortment of award-winning baked goods & sandwiches. I have never met anything from this place that I have not liked. While their sandwiches aren't the New Orleans standard Poboy or Muffuletta, the Le Parisien is my favorite sandwich, hands down. It's truly simplicity at its finest: Salted butter, Comté cheese, butcher ham, and a layer of cornichons lie between two halves of a house-baked baguette. This sandwich doesn't need anything else, the quality of their ingredients shine. A perfect morning stop, grab a coffee and croissant to start your day off right.

Despite their beautiful interior, what really stands out about La Boulangerie is the quality of everything they produce-You can truly tell that their staff have high standards for their work, and it shows in both presentation as well as flavor. 

Sarah's Picks: Le Parisien, anything in the pastry case

There are countless small businesses to peruse, from locally-designed clothing to the many, many antique shops with treasures from yesteryear. In addition to what you might see in the French Quarter, I strongly suggest shopping along Magazine Street for lots of vibrant and creative locally-made goods. 

Elektra Cosmetics

 When you're in New Orleans, glitter is the real neutral. 

​You really can't deny the quality of Elektra Cosmetic's bolt balms, they're bright, shiny, and last until you decide to take them off. Because of the sheer amount of joy it brings, I now always keep a bolt balm (and hand sanitizer) in my purse, even when I'm not going out. You'd be shocked at just how many people have asked me where I got my glitter, and are thrilled when I offer to put some on them. You'll find any color you could ever want at their Glitter HQ, or at any of the places they've set up a stand (French Market, Disco Warehouse, local festivals). 

If you're looking to get your glitter fix (Hair & skin safe) and you can't make it down to Nola, no worries! Their website is elektracosmetics.com/, where you can find all the glitter. 

A bit of a side note, If you're having trouble taking off your glitter, you can either use the included sticker (use the sticky side!) or a lint roller to roll the glitter right off!

Sarah's Picks: Opal Unicorn, Fire Opal, and April Showers

City Park & Audubon Park

I've found that New Orleans' parks are largely overlooked by tourists. Sure, there's plenty of museums and restaurants and tours to take, but if you need a moment of peace, look no further than my two favorite parks in the city: Audubon Park & City Park. Walking amongst the Live Oaks, grabbing a coffee & beignet from Cafe Du Monde, or settling in for a quiet picnic can be a great way to just...exist in the city. 

Audubon Park boasts a nicely-paved circular path that you can walk, bike, or roller skate; it also hosts a golf course and the Audubon Zoo.  

City Park is larger, and as such has more attractions and paths than Audubon. It hosts the Art Museum, the Botanical Gardens, a Cafe Du Monde location, a small theme park, and the free to visit Sculpture Gardens. Please note that both parks will host seasonal events (my favorite is the winter celebration & drive through lights at City park!) that will sell out, so if you're looking for a nice themed-date night or a family night out, make sure to keep on top of those dates!

Both parks are gorgeous, and worth a visit. I hope you enjoy exploring them!

Sarah's Picks: Immerse yourself in a world of plants at the Botanical Gardens, then grab a snack at Cafe du Monde for a picnic by the pond!

~


Slow Down Nola

Located on Magazine St, Slow Down Nola is a boutique & vintage store that emphasizes sustainable fashion & uplifts local artists. A treasure trove of goodies, it's truly the perfect place to find a memorable souvenir or new closet staple. While their stock consists mostly of wearables, they also have some cosmetics, trinkets, and art to adorn your space. 

I love to pick up fun socks, silly hair accessories (think things like Crawfish Claw hair clips), and other pieces that bring joy to my life whenever I'm in New Orleans. I always am in a better mood when I put on a piece from Slow Down Nola!

Sarah's Picks: Any hair accessory, the sticker booth 

Fringe + Co. 

Have you ever wondered what the locals wear when it's time to celebrate? Look no further! Fringe + Co. is a locally made,  Women & LGBTQ+-owned shop that truly believes in all that glitters. From their caftans to their matching sets, Fringe + Co is fun, shiny, and has a plethora of quality pieces for your collection. 

While their warehouse is only open to the public once a year, you can find them online at fringe-co.com/ or pop-ups around the Greater New Orleans area. 

Sarah's Picks: Copper Iridescent Sequin Long Caftan, Fringe Jackets

Dear reader, the time spent in the Crescent City is ultimately yours. If you're visiting, and you find one of these spots, I hope you enjoy them just as much as I do. If you live in Nola, I hope that you may come to love these places as much as I have, and that find your community. I know I did.

One of my favorite parts about the seasons changing is that the earth never changes its seasons in the same way. Different trees change at different times, even tress in the same species can change earlier or later than their relatives. The earth becomes bathed in a golden light, and chilly, cloudy days are welcomed with a cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa.  The world is preparing for a cold, dark sleep. It makes you appreciate the cycles that life goes through. 

It's during this season of change that I start to find more peace in outside walks. I love watching the light change while I search the tree line for new mushrooms, and appreciate the way the leaves spin as they dance down to their resting place. There's a sentimental smell in the air, and it makes old loved ones and whispers of vibrant times gone by flash beneath the brief respite a blink offers the eyes. My heart is pleasantly tight during the workday when flashes of sentimentality cross my path, during my glances up and out the studio window. 

When you're 26 and have lived the life that I have, you have a lot to reflect on. Building-brick by brick-what you think is your forever, only to have any semblance of that (and all of your sense of pride & self-worth) crumble unexpectedly tends to make you have a lot to reflect on. Dear reader, it's been a little over a year, and I'm just starting to stand again. Like a newborn fawn's, my legs shake as I stumble and struggle to even straighten my back, let alone to walk.  Finding work, finding a place as an artist, finding a life and friends and community...it is difficult. The people that I love and have tried their best to support me are starting to be able to relax their shoulders, and heave a sigh of relief. For them, and the love of all those who have offered it, I am eternally grateful.

I don't venture to say I'm out of the woods-in fact, these next few months are integral to how quickly I'll be able to start walking again. During this time, I'm beginning to cultivate habits not just for the now, but for the future. I've never done that before, think about when I'm old. But, I'm in my late 20's and now's a better time than later to start thinking about my physical and mental health in the far (though not so far as I imagine) future. Auditions are underway, cultivating a daily practice ritual is getting to be enjoyable, Pilates is...going, and being able to work has done wonders for the noggin. Every day, I'm exhausted. Every day, I'm starting to feel proud of how I'm growing stronger. 

In this season of change, it's encouraging to see that I, too, am changing.  

It's Fall. But, for some things, it's the first bud emerging from the snow. It's spring.