Weekend Reading: Tim Gunn, writer’s block, and what to do when you’re sad

I’m super excited for our party this weekend! If you’re in Portland, please do stop by to hang out with Alyson and me, both at Modern Domestic and for sewing-theme cocktails and chit chat at Radio Room. Modern Domestic is also having a sale on sergers and knit fabrics to celebrate.

RSVP here.

The gorgeous lace above is what I’m using to make a Moneta for the party.

Here are a few good links for the weekend:

• Tim Gunn’s personal story of being bullied and coming to terms with who he is is so touching. I love Tim.
• FIT’s exhibit on the history of lingerie sounds pretty interesting.
• Great tips for staying sane on the Internet. I often feel addicted to affirmation and have to make conscious decisions about when it’s appropriate to use my phone.
• How to cure writer’s block. A few simple tips for my fellow writers and bloggers out there. It’s interesting to me how everyone needs different solutions to the problems of creative block.
• 7 things to do when you are really sad. One of the most important things I’ve come to recognize is that no matter what you do, sadness, grief, and loss are inevitable parts of being alive. This is a nice simple list of ways to deal with it when it arises.
• Is contentment the underachieving version of happiness? Personally, I find it partially a matter of semantics. I think of happiness as being that solid state of contentment, and the more temporary highs I think of as more like joy. Both are good, but happiness/contentment can be cultivated.
• I don’t have kids, but this article on getting the most from your child’s wardrobe seems full of great advice for those that do.
• How often do you say “I rocked it”? “If saying out loud, “I really did a great job” is off limits, eventually, feeling like you did a great job becomes off limits too.”