A Corner of the Internet
Inspiration is abundant but sometimes gets covered up in the algorithm of life and social media. What once started as a space to post overly filtered images of our feet and coffee has become a barrage of sponsored posts by complete strangers who are paid by large companies to push product. I’m all here for change but I don’t know if I see any of my IRL friends’ posts anymor. Can confirm, I just spent the last 35 min consuming content that added nothing to my day and now I’m annoyed with myself and these apps all over again. Am I the only one who spends more time than they want to on social media, then swear I am going to delete the app and get off my phone, just to find myself scrolling again? We talk about how millenials are the last generation to know the feeling of not growing up with a cell phone - the last generation of spending summers outside, not coming home until the street lights turn on, and having to have phone numbers memorized. I just wish I got to experience that freedom as an adult - especially as a parent.
But social media isn’t all bad. Throughout the years I have found so much beauty and wonder. I was able to follow a little chateau and learn about the opportunity to stay and experience life working to restore grandness that slowly had deteriorated over time. This account led me to find a photographer who has filled my world and feed with beauty, light, and words that helped me through the pandemic when the world felt dark & sad. Jamie Beck’s work now fills my home - her books, stationery, images, journals, and even phone cases are pockets of light throughout my space. Although I do not know Jamie, I have been invested in her success, in her journey. She followed her heart to France with what started as a one-year commitment but has now turned into her new life. Its incredibly inspiring.
I have recently felt bogged down with the realness of life - don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my life. It’s full - I feel the ups and downs and the chaos and the quiet. I count myself fortunate to have the privilege, space, and health to explore and experience it all. But I love a good escape. I love community. I love beauty. So when Jamie shared that she was creating a community for just that, I knew I needed to be a part of it. Fast forward a few excruciatingly slow months (good things take time), and I can confidently say I have found my people. The Starling Club is a spark of energy, creativity, humor, and camaraderie that I am only just beginning to explore. Conversations range from parenting to the french language, beauty secrets to a book club and so much more. And this is just where the community hangs out - Jamie has created a beautiful space in the club where she shares recipes, tutorials, essays and so much more. Its truly a place to escape to and feel immersed in the beauty of France.
