Bonus: Easter Festivities
Following the energy and emotion of Open Studio night, I woke up early and set off on a long eight-hour journey to Bulgaria, arriving just in time for Orthodox Easter weekend. This holiday holds deep meaning for me, and I was filled with anticipation as I returned home to share the traditions with my family especially my beloved grandmother. Whenever I have the chance, I make it a priority to be with her. These moments, though simple, feel sacred, painting eggs, sharing stories, remembering the customs passed down through generations. Each one brings a sense of continuity and grounding that connects me to something much older than myself.
This weekend was more than just a cultural celebration it was a time of deep reflection and gratitude. Sitting at the table with my family, surrounded by warmth, I found myself pausing to take it all in. After weeks of being immersed in my professional world at the Château, where I’m surrounded by artists, design challenges and community-building, I was reminded of the other kind of love and belonging that fuels me the quiet, unconditional kind that only family brings. It’s easy to forget the importance of these roots when life is so full of movement and ambition, but these reunions always bring me back to center.
Being with my family, especially during such a meaningful celebration, reminded me of the delicate balance between the life I’m building through my work and the life that shaped me. While I’m proud of the relationships and “chosen family” I’ve formed at the Château, there’s something irreplaceable about the comfort of home. This Easter offered me not just spiritual renewal, but a sense of emotional recharge I didn’t realise I needed. I carry this gratitude with me now, more aware than ever of the importance of stepping back, being present, and cherishing the people who keep me grounded.