: Rhythm / Devotion : is a series of interviews intended to illuminate the connection to ritual & rhythm in our daily lives. This series explores the intimacy of routine, the magic of the ordinary, & how these small acts of devotion set the stage for larger workings in the world ~
What is your name & where are you in the world? My name is Chelsea Jones. Right now I am sitting in my favorite corner of the house where two windows meet. It overlooks the lake and neighbor’s rose garden. My fiancé and I have been living at my (soon to be ) mother-in-law’s house in Durham while we look for a home of our own. Shortly after we moved in my fiancé’s sister and her family moved down from Brooklyn. They have been staying here while they renovate their home.
As an introvert I have been challenged trying to maintain my creative process. I think before the covid 19 outbreak I met most days with opposition. Since the stay at home order was issued I have felt myself let go of that feeling. I have allowed myself to be more present and enjoy this time that I have with my family, especially my two year old nephew Lysandro. I feel very fortunate that we are able to be together at this time when people are alone and separated from their loved ones. How do you define your self & your work? I am a hopeless romantic. I love intimacy and I think that is why I make a great personal shopper and stylist. I feel my best when I am making someone else feel good about themselves.
When I say intimacy, I don’t just mean the relationship I develop with a client but the intimate relationship they might have with each piece that I find for them. I imagine them looking into that little mirror everyday, spending time at their vanity putting their most beloved jewels in a trinket box or wearing that perfect piece that becomes part of their identity.
When I am not shopping for anyone in particular, I am finding pieces that speak to me - they tell me the stories of the people in their past and I find them a new place so that their story can continue with someone else. Will you walk us through what a day in your life looks like? Begin with how you greet the morning & guide us until you close off the day in the eve ~ The past couple of weeks I have allowed myself to sleep in. I typically wake up early to the sounds of my nephew playing outside of our bedroom. I have been taking a little time before going out to get my morning coffee. I’ll go out and make myself an iced latte, greet everyone and then walk out to the little lake behind the house. There are mature trees that cast shade over the dock and right now they are covered with wisteria. It’s here that I can get a sense of calm before going back into the bustle inside. I will then get myself ready. I make sure to wear at least one item a day that feels special to me. Today its a delicate gold ring that has a small flower and pearl.
Ordinarily I would still be going into my other job. I can make my own schedule so I was able to dedicate half of the week to Faun Haus and other creative projects. Those days might consist of posting inventory, taking pictures and filling orders or be dedicated to shopping and creative projects. During the stay at home order I have been able to go my fiancé’s sister’s house and take pictures. It is still being renovated so its the perfect blank canvas. Luckily people still have been buying from my shop. I am so lucky to have that income right now. Usually around 6 everyone gathers back at the house. Someone has made dinner. We eat and then say goodnight to Lysandro. The adults spend the evening together until one by one we all go to our rooms. I end the evening reading or watching something of my choosing until my fiancé comes to bed.
You collect & curate a dreamy, romantic vintage clothing & trinket line ~ how do you prepare yourself &/or your space to enter into this practice? I am a Taurus so by nature I am a sensuous person. To prepare I need to awaken my senses. I make myself coffee and a nice breakfast. I will go outside and allow myself to take in whatever nature has to offer and then I go inside and get myself ready.
My beauty regimen is very important to me. I don’t typically wear make up but I treat myself to nice skin care. I have had a battle with acne throughout my 20's so finding a good regimen has become an act of self love. I love getting dressed. I will pick something to match my mood usually while listening to music. I will put on some jewelry and perfume, have some more coffee and then I’m all set!
What do you do/not do if you are feeling stuck around your work? When I am feeling stuck it is probably because I have not had a lot of personal time to recharge. I have days when I don’t feel inspired and lack the confidence that I know what I’m doing. I will go on a walk or a drive and allow myself to do nothing for a little while and then I feel more myself. Do you have a movement practice? I love to dance. Nothing makes me feel more alive or more myself. There is a freedom of just being in the moment and letting the music lead your body. I don’t regularly dance as often as I’d like...but if I am feeling really down there is no better medicine. What does structure mean to you, or what is your philosophy around ritual/routine? The more that I am around children the more I realize the importance or ritual and routine. It is essential to their character and how they process the world. Living with my nephew and working around his schedule has had me reflect on my own. I am a very dreamy person who can often get lost in the day so structure is very important for someone like me. What are you listening to, reading, or watching these days? Lately I have been revisiting old favorites. I am hugely influenced by fairytales and folklore. I read from a book of Gimm’s fairytales almost daily. I also love to read an autobiography. I am rereading Marianne Faithful’s right now. I love her. Any last words of wisdom? Take care and be kind to yourself. How can we find your work? Right now you can find Faun Haus on Depop. I like this platform because It has a very young community. I feel there is more freedom of expression. Or by email crplanting@icloud.com
Thank you so much, Chelsea, for your beautiful work in this world & for sharing your rhythm devotion with us ~
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I connect the flower essence of Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) as a beautiful companion to Chelsea Jones & her work in the world.
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I made an essence of Blue Vervain in the Moon by Moon gardens, under a full moon in Taurus, & during Mercury’s cazimi phase in Scorpio in November, 2019.
Blue vervain is slow, subtle, relaxing, & deep ~ it has a very sobering, moody, but gentle & contemplative energy. Blue vervain is a wonderful balancer, it reminds us that for everything from the most minute to the most immense, there is a give & a take. I like to call this the “metronome of consequence” & Blue Vervain essence really embodies this for us: it shows us where we have released more than we have received & vice versa.
This particular essence is wonderful for helping us to hone in, & articulate things which feel difficult to describe because of their depth or complexity. It also helps us to see & place value on that which is most important to us in a tangible, physical form as well as in the emotional & relational realm. Thus, it can be deeply healing to patterns of imbalance, particularly in relationships &/or with our own energy.
Paying close attention to how we respond to what we take on, what we agree to, how far we push ourselves beyond our own bounds, etc. is a huge step in finding alignment with what is best suited to our highest good. This essence is perfect for drawing attention to these subtle & sometimes overt relationships & responses in our lives. Blue Vervain helps us to recenter, recalibrate, & realign ~ thereby giving us the strength & confidence to release old patterns & instate new ones that connect us to our core, to what is most essential. Blue Vervain heightens our interior eye, it brings clarity to our unique perceptions of beauty & detail, to the depths & stillness of our beauty within, & shows us how to gracefully, thoughtfully, with care share this with the world at large.
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Find a bottle of Blue Vervain essence for yourself or a loved one here ~