Afterglow and Momentum

A couple weeks ago I attended Sauna Days in Two Harbors, MN. Easily the most relaxed and blissed-out event I’ve ever been to. Over a dozen saunas that were hot all day, food vendors, workshops/talks, and an absolutely stunning Lake Superior setting. I did 14 rounds on the bench in 24hrs, as well as a cold plunge in the lake! It was cool to see so many different saunas and sauna enthusiasts.

All the saunas were great, but the large tent by the lake where they were doing venik (leaf whisk) treatments was my favorite. The oak, eucalyptus, and spruce branches they were using for venik, the sachets of mint and lavender spread throughout, and the lack of floor gave the space a real earthy feel. It felt very quiet and sacred in there.

The best part, though, was gathering around the fire in the evening. Somehow, I always end up tending the fire, partially because it gives me something to do, and partially because I love creating space for people to connect. We swapped stories, laughed, talked about our projects, and genuinely enjoyed each other’s company. It was a great time!

Ink on Paper

I’m gearing up for art fair season, and did another run of greeting cards with quotes and or phrases that I find inspiring and/or funny.

Upcoming Events

5/30 - SOMA Studios is having another open house and art sale. Several artists will have their spaces open, and there will also be a Youth Volume concert and a fashion show. Come check it out!

6/13 - Pride Fest is coming up quick! Despite the typically crummy weather, this is always a really fun event.

6/19 - Juhannus in Hancock! I’m helping pull together a gathering of saunas in the evening, come take some heat!

Other Rambles

I walk just about every morning as well as during my lunch break, listening to audiobooks and podcasts while I get my steps in. I’ve been on a wild ride lately, listening to The Cosmic Serpent by Jeremy Narby, then Enter the Dragon pt 1 & 2 on The Emerald podcast, and now I’m deep into How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan. It’s always fun when different things you read/listen to all speak to each other, like listening in on a really interesting conversation. Nod to my friend Kristen, who pushed me into this rabbit hole. Now we shout “It’s dragons! It’s all dragons!” at each other all the time.

See you out there,

-PB