A Whirling Dervish

On my way to work today, I did something different. For the last six months, I’ve been driving with the news on—trying to stay informed, trying to stay engaged. But honestly, it was making my days heavy. The weight of it all started to seep into my work, my energy, and even how I showed up for the people I love.

Today, I turned it off.

Instead, I put on one of my favorite Defected in the House podcasts, and this joyful house track came on—“What It’s All About: Peace, Love, and Having Funnn.” I turned it up. Rolled the windows down. Let myself feel that breeze, that reminder of why we’re here.

This season has been full and complex. Our gallery thrived, our new studio—The Studiola—became a true creative haven, and we got to work with so many amazing clients, friends, and fellow makers. From dresses and shoes to commissions and custom frames, James and I poured everything we had into the work.

But there were hard moments too. Friends and beloved animals were sick, healing slowly or in ways we couldn’t always fix. I carried that worry with me, quietly, while still trying to stay open and hopeful. Art helped. So did laughter, dancing, and the kindness of our community.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my favorite book, Siddhartha. That idea of the river—that life keeps flowing, and we learn by listening, by surrendering to what is, not forcing what should be. It’s a lesson I keep coming back to. There is still so much I want to learn.

I’m heading to Jaipur, India in November to take a woodblock printing class. It’s a dream I’ve had for years. I want to keep growing, keep stretching—keep saying yes to the things that light me up.

One of my mom’s favorite sayings was: “Let the whirling dervishes whirl.” She said it with a smile, reminding me not to get swept up in other people’s chaos. To hold my center. To keep creating, loving, and moving forward no matter what.

So that’s where I am right now—turning a new leaf. Taking a breath. Holding space for rest, for joy, for family, for play. Voting, speaking up, staying involved… and also remembering to roll the windows down and dance in the car.

Here’s to summer. Here’s to healing. Here’s to peace, love, and having funnn.

What’s lighting you up right now? Let me know what your summer plans are—I’d love to hear.

With love,

Amanda Johnson