The End of an Era - December 2025

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What a year.

I guess I really am getting older because as December wraps up, I find that reflection abounds and floats into my consciousness much more readily and naturally than ever before. Collectively speaking, 2025 was obviously a year -- one whose impact remains largely tucked away within my journal and sessions with my therapist. Yet, 2025 somehow also managed to be a pretty big year for art and creativity in my life. José and I solidified our friendship at the Topa Institute while listening to Kath Bloom and Devendra Banhart play a magical show on a borrowed picnic blanket (thanks, Kristoph), munching on a shared charcuterie spread accompanied by fireflies and crickets. This set the tone for many more shared experiences to follow, from Helado Negro, Rodrigo Amarante, Destroyer, Band of Horses, Iron and Wine, Tennis (what an emotional farewell), to Jessica Pratt, Cornelia Murr, Japanese Breakfast, and Hurray for the Riff Raff. Solo, I saw a much-anticipated and all-time favorite, Bright Eyes, where I realized I'm getting a bit too old for those late night set times, and Angel Olsen at the Libbey Bowl. Not to mention the countless photoshoots, movies at our beloved Ojai Playhouse, museum visits, and all of the new food and drink experiences (hi Room Service!).

2025 was also the year I cut off all of my hair, learned I have ADHD, began shooting with film, picked up collaging, said goodbye to friendships and hello to new ones, protested for causes I care about, started a new role at my job which has taught me so much about myself, moved to a new place which taught me even more, and began and ended a passion project that I cared deeply about. I continued my work with my incredible therapist, and found that each of these things brought me into deeper relationship with myself and into my relationship with love and loss. And about what it means to grow up and out of ways of being that once felt so familiar and certain, but ultimately no longer serve me or, by extension, those I love. Endings and beginnings. Shedding and shaking off. The year of the snake, indeed.

As the new year sidles in and I bid a gentle farewell to the former versions of myself who've nobly protected me for so long, I welcome and make way for all of the newness and uncertainty with humility, curiosity and hope despite it all. As I do so, I also consider all the upcoming outer planet movement into Aries -- my first house and a sign I identify with very intimately. I think about what this represents for 2026. Like Aries the ram, the martian-ruled warrior, I am ready to pick up my sword once again and take action; to open myself to even more change and all of the new energies to come. But this time with softer, more fluid armor. Now that I know who 2025 shaped me into, I am ready to meet the self that greets me in 2026.

Life is never what you think it's for.