A Heart That’s Both Heavy and Hopeful
Navigating a tough season with movement, magic, and community
Today, I’m writing to you with a heart that’s both heavy and hopeful.
We just found out that Dottie, my 14-month-old daughter, will need open heart surgery in the next few months. She’s doing really well right now—living her normal, playful little life—and for that, we’re incredibly grateful.
The surgery isn’t immediate, and from what we know so far, it has a very high success rate. Still, there are a lot of unknowns, and that uncertainty carries weight.
It feels like there’s a little cloud hovering overhead. But we’re choosing to focus on the gift of early detection—and the miracle that modern medicine can fix this. One day, one breath at a time… we’re walking through it.
I usually keep things light and joyful here, but life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes it gets real—and that’s okay.
Here’s what I’m reaching for to keep myself grounded.
In Today’s Issue:
☀️ What’s Helping Me Stay Grounded
🫶 Can I Ask You Something?
📆 And On a Lighter Note… Events in the Area
📍 For the Locals
☀️ What’s Helping Me Stay Grounded
Fresh air + movement.
I’m spending as much time outside as I can—walking, stretching, letting nature do its thing. Movement is medicine. I’m getting back to my weekly workout sessions with Train with Amber (I haven’t been consistent lately, and my back is already feeling it).
This weekend, Greg and I skipped the rave-in-the-woods afterparty and snuck off—just the two of us—to the trampoline on top of the big hill at Sunset Park. It felt like we time-traveled back to high school. It was… perfect.
More of that, please. More spontaneous, childlike moments.
Little comforts.
Warm beverages. Nourishing meals—plus the occasional indulgent treat. Less alcohol. Less TV. More audiobooks. More journaling. More meditating. More slow mornings and family snuggles.
Tiny shifts, but they’re helping me feel more like me.
Spoiling myself—on purpose.
I’m usually so mindful of where money goes, but for the next few months, I’m softening that lens. I’m choosing something each week to intentionally spoil myself with.
A weekly flower subscription from Native Bloom’s new shop
Picking up my list of clean swaps from Allchemy (psst I wrote all about Allchemy the other week - read here)
Massage + sauna time at Serenbe Spa
A session with my intuitive coach, Christina Trifero
Playtime at Creek Retreat
Reiki with Alex Bravo
These little treats feel like love notes to myself.
Controlling what I can.
I’ve been pulled toward tiny home projects lately. I stitched up a snag in our staircase runner. Rejuushed Dottie’s room. Tidied the corners that had been bothering me. Nothing big. But it feels really good to fix what I can fix.
Big Magic, again.
I’m listening to the book, Big Magic for the second time, and it’s hitting deeper in this season. One quote keeps echoing:
“You have treasures hidden within you—extraordinary treasures—and bringing those treasures to light takes work and faith and focus.” — Elizabeth Gilbert
That’s exactly what I needed to hear right now.
🫶 Can I Ask You Something?
If you’ve ever walked through a hard season…
What helped?
What grounded you?
What brought you back to yourself?
I’d really love to know.
I’m gathering stories, rituals, words—whatever held you through the storm—and I hope to share them in a future newsletter. Because we all face hard things. And sometimes, the gentlest wisdom comes from someone who’s been there, too.
Your words might be exactly what someone else needs.
Feel free to reply privately or leave a comment below. I’m all ears.
📆 And On a Lighter Note… Events in the Area
I’ve been working on something that brings me a lot of joy: The Life at Play event calendar is live: lifeatplay.co
We are still refining the layout to make it more helpful (it’s a little clunky right now!), but the heart of it is there—and it’s growing.
Here’s how you can use it today:
Simply view events on the website and come back often
Want to add a single event to your calendar? Just click “Add to” or “Copy to calendar” from the event details.
Want the whole calendar layered onto yours? Scroll to the bottom and click “Subscribe to calendar” to sync it with Google or Outlook
From visitors to locals, sunset concerts to sound baths to porch sales—I hope this becomes your go-to spot to see what’s blooming in Serenbe + Chatt Hills.
Check it out, and stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks. Have an event you want to add? Email hello@lifeatplay.co
📍For the Locals
Evenie & HART Jewelry Pop-Up – Fine jewelry repair, custom work, and ready-to-buy pieces are coming to 9057 Selborne Lane. Grand opening is June 7 from 5–8PM—stop by and celebrate this beautiful new collaboration!
Capsule Closet Styling Comes to Serenbe – Jessica Maney is now booking closet consultations + personalized lookbooks starting mid-June. Think capsule wardrobe magic, no pressure—just style that feels like you. jessicamaney.com
Piano Lessons for Kids + Adults – Kim Bracey has summer openings for private piano lessons—and a wine & play group class for grownups called “Piano Grigio.” Email braceykim@gmail.com to learn more.
In Memory of Finn, the Shop Dog – The General Store’s beloved greeter, Finn, has passed after 10+ years of warming hearts. A celebration of life will be held soon on Grange Green. Keep an eye out for the sweet tribute in the shop window.
New Herb Garden in Mado – The Anders courtyard now has a fresh herb + pollinator garden, thanks to the Landscape Committee. Feel free to visit—just let the babies grow a bit before harvesting!
Lobster Roll Saturday Is Back! – Summer’s here and so are the rolls—swing by The General Store every Saturday for their famous lobster rolls. First come, first served!
Porch Sale on Selborne Lane – Swing by 9128 Selborne on Saturday, June 7 from 11AM–2PM for clothing, bags, shoes, and home furnishings.
Signed Sarah Kay Books at Hills & Hamlets – Missed her performance? You can still snag signed copies of Sarah Kay’s latest book A Little Daylight Left—available now at the bookshop!
Thanks for Being Here
If this newsletter brings you comfort, joy, or direction—consider sharing it with a friend. Every reader helps grow this little community of ours.
Thank you for holding space for the real and the raw.
Life at Play isn’t just about the joyful moments—it’s about embracing all of it, together.
With love and gratitude,
Gina
That tiny heart may need some help, but it was formed by the same deep love that built your beautiful family—your love, Greg’s love, the kind that lifts everyone lucky enough to feel it.
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