Hello darling,

I took space from writing to you as I mourned the loss of my darling Gaston, whom we lost to cancer in July. And because this newsletter is a world where Gaston’s spirit is deeply embedded, I needed time to find my way back.

Though I conceptually understood that our pets are with us for a finite period, I was not at all prepared for Gaston to leave us for his next journey. When Romaine and I brought him into our lives, he was a sickly, caged puppy mill stud dog. He quickly adapted to his new life adventuring alongside us: a flâneur frequenting the cafés and restaurants of Paris with Romaine; a train traveler zipping through Europe in his tote bag, making friends along the way; and even a farm dog, munching on turnips and exploring the hills of Southern Vermont. Gaston was a darling—my utterly devoted schmoopie and ever-present kitchen companion, always hopeful for a treat. He grounded us through an international move and multiple transitions until we landed here, in our cottage by a brook in Vermont. How lucky are we to have been his family, even for a brief moment.

At Chez Kim-Martin, we are now a family of four: Romaine (my spouse), Olive (an anxious but sweet 11-month-old puppy), Louis (a retired National Grand Champion show dog turned resident teddy bear), and me. We’ve been staying cozy by the wood-fire stove, knitting, cooking, and sharing meals with loved ones around our dinner table. I remember dealing with my first winter here, struggling with the jarring shift from bustling city life to a quiet small town. Now, in our fourth winter in Vermont, I’ve come to love the tranquility of the season and have found deep joy in intimate, interest-based groups: our cribbage queens and knit night. We slow down during high social season—summer—and pick back up during the winter hibernation months.

I find the regular nature of these gatherings comforting; we know who’s coming and what we’re going to do—eat and knit or play cribbage. We take turns hosting, picking culinary themes for our potlucks that range from cute (tapas) to outrageous (brown food day). Both groups are potluck-style, and our knitting group really embraces theme nights. We show up, share food, do our activity, catch up, and cackle. There’s no need for introductory small talk to contextualize yourself or explain why we live here (which Romaine and I get asked a lot—it’s othering; implicit in the question is we’re outsiders). I love these gatherings: checking in on friends, learning about their life updates, losses, and wins. They are a space to give and to let your friends fill your cup; a safe place where you can show up as your full, authentic self.

Since I'm unable to invite everyone to our knit night, I’d love to share what I’ve learned from hosting and participating. I hope this encourages to initiate one with friends (or prospective friends). You can find my guide linked below, or on le website in the “How to Party” section.

Let me know how it goes by sharing your events on socials (IG and TikTok) and tagging me, or by directly replying to this email.

Chic,

Jen

Moments of Everyday Opulence® – Knit Night Edition

Small things that make my day-to-day feel luxurious.

Listening to West End Girl.

Cooking fondue (I have a fabulous recipe for you).

Currently knitting The Weekend Hat (an intermediate-beginner project)—though my true love in knitting is the Sophie Scarf (an intermediate-beginner project). I’ve knit three so far.

Tracking my knitting projects on Ravelry (let’s be friends).

Storing my projects in my knitting basket (she’s featured in what’s in my knit bag). I have a small, narrow basket I use to keep my yarn in place as I knit. I found her at a local thrift shop, and I adore her.

Knitting with ChiaGoo needle set (also recommended by Kara) are fabulous and worth the investment.

Recommending beginner-friendly knit projects: My knit night friend, Kara, recommends the Everyday Beanie Kit and this Cozy Mock Neck Sweater.

Luxuriating with my new favorite Nécessaire lip balm. I keep one in my knitting basket because she shan’t suffer from chapped lips.

Enjoyed this? Subscribe and feel free to invite a friend to join the party!