An Ode to My Neighbors

A Tea House, A Publisher, and a Nervous Author

Dear Treasure,

I’m writing to you from my bedroom desk, looking out my window where the big trees are moving gently in the wind. And I’m sitting here and thinking about how thankful I am to be in a community that holds me like hammock.

I am between things always it feels. Things like jobs and projects. Things that change and change. But our neighborhood feels like a hammock where I can look up into the sky and rest. We are not a perfect neighborhood but we are a neighborhood just the same.

My neighbors leave out boxes of lemons and oranges for the joggers like me. We wave and we talk and we trade books in free libraries. And I cannot wait to put my new poetry book in the free libraries on my block.

In our neighborhood, we have the most beautiful coffee shops and tea houses and bookstores and libraries. I frequent them with appreciation. And I am delighted to invite you to my book celebration at Callisto Tea House- one of my favorite places in our neighborhood! RSVP soon, as space is limited!

Working with Wendy, the tea shop owner, to plan this party has been so beautiful. I’ve attended many open mics at Callisto and I can’t believe I get to have an event in the same space where I’ve listened and spoken and learned so much.

Meeting there with my publisher, Alexa, was so precious. I was so nervous to see the book. I had major imposter syndrome and wondered if I could really do this! Alexa and Wendy were incredibly encouraging, holding my nervousness with love and empowering me with their wisdom and sense of calm.

We hope to see you for poems and tea in our neighborhood so soon!

What are some things you love about your neighborhood? Where are your favorite places to go?

I'd love to hear from you—leave a comment or reply to this email. 📝

Thanks for being here,

Ash

Book Preorders

My new poetry collection, "The Miracle and the Mending,” is available for preorder through Gold Script Co., a wonderful little publishing company and small business run by a dear friend of mine, Alexa Johansen. 📬 Preorder with the link below!

Dear Treasure

Learn more about the inspiration behind the newsletter title here.