May, Annotated

Welcome to Ammie Annotated, a closer read on the life of a small business owner, art journaler, queer cutie, book lover, and Instagram story enthusiast. This bi-weekly publication will touch on what I’m working on, reading, journaling about, and all the small things shaping my days.

In this issue you’ll find my feelings about Memorial Day, stuff I’ve bought and loved (and a couple I’m questioning), a bff trip, and which journal I’d rather be playing in the most. Break this suck up into two reads because it’s hefty! Read in the app or on your browser because Substack is telling me this issue is too large for your email to support and it may explode trying.

I used to teach summer art camp at the pottery studio I worked at for a decade, did you know that? My job title was Creative Director but that didn’t begin to cover all the responsibilities of being high up in a small business, but that’s a different story for another time. Every Summer and federal holiday for 8 years, I was teaching art camp. Out of the three locations my bosses owned, I somehow ended up teaching at the one in Sandy Springs, 30 miles (and 45-90 minutes in beautiful Atlanta traffic) away from my house. If I even left 5 minutes after the time I was supposed to, it would add 30 minutes to my commute¹. I loved the kids (mostly- remind me to tell you about Courtney and Kate one day) but the commute was killer and I was too exhausted to go out with friends after work (not that that stopped me very much. Have you ever taught fused glass to 7 year olds while violently hungover? I have, and never once learned my lesson, by the way.)

I’m telling you all of this because I used to dread Memorial Day. It signaled the kick off of Summer Camp and the end of my lax-work-from-home(ish)-freedom until September. As the years piled up, I would cry and cry before Memorial Day weekend, knowing the Summer was about to eat me alive.

I’m very grateful for that job at the pottery studio. It taught me so much, it launched a career I never thought I could have, it taught me how to work and manage myself and others (somewhat toxically, if I’m being honest). But, boy, is it sweet to look forward to a summer, to dream up a bucket list that may actually get completed, to wake up at an ungodly hour on Memorial Day- not to start a miserable commute to the suburbs to teach 6-13 year olds how to build a clay axolotl, but to board a plane and visit my best friends.

If you’re spending your summer doing something you resent, I hope you can carve out some pockets of joy along the way. Like when the kids would help me find my iced coffee everyday, when I’d inevitably set it down on some shelf and instantly forget about it. Or when Sophia (8) made me matching friendship bracelets in our combined favorite colors. Or that summer Jordan (11) baked me a whole ass birthday cake for my 23rd birthday. Or when Erin’s (13) mom wrote me a card about how spending the summer with me helped Erin come out of her shell and create things she was so proud of. Or when we’d have time after cleaning up to do Blind Contour Drawings and we’d take turns standing in a chair and modeling a silly pose for 30 seconds. I’ll always be proud to be Ms. Ammie and I hope they think of me as fondly as I do them! (Except Courtney and Kate, of course) 💝

I think most of these kids can legally drink now

Arizona

Elaine and I just got back from seeing our long distance best friends , MJ and Liz, in Pheonix. We bopped around Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, and some other places I’ve already forgotten. Admittedly, I was stressed leading up to the trip. I’m in the middle of a few big projects and feel like there are a lot of plates spinning in the air, but we missed our annual March trip together because of the government shut down and I knew the trip would be good for all of us.

We stayed with MJ, in her spare room that she decorated with fresh flowers and photos of us over the years. She cooked us homemade beef and noodles while Liz taught us Mahjong (I won three times). We played pool and drank beer at Jester’s (I won zero times). We had incredible tacos at Taco Chelo and a stunning Banana Date Matcha at Laymoon Cafe. We laughed so much and cried a little (blame the martinis at Buck and Rider) and it is all worth the cost, in dollars and in time. It is so easy to get stuck in my day to day, to worry about not responding to the email fast enough, the deadline that is rapidly approaching, or the bank account that feels like it could (and should) be bigger, but the feeling of lightness, love, support, and rest I have right now is priceless. So, call the friend, book the trip, come back better.

The teen working at Swig said, “Are y’all friends or something! You all have the same vibe!”

Reading

May has been a slow reading month for me because of travel, mid books, and close reading a classic with Elaine and our friend, Sam. I’m trying not to sweat it, but I know I could be reading more instead of watching Reels so I’m trying to change that in June.

The Names, Florence Knapp- This is a book written for book clubs. It’s emotional, it’s touching, it’s uncomfortable, it’s teaching you a lesson while sort of tricking you into thinking it’s groundbreaking content. Do you get what I mean? It’s easy to devour, there is sensitive material happening on the page (tw: domestic violence), the structure of the book is surprising- it’s all the makings of a viral book. Yet, something rubbed me the wrong way. I enjoyed the alternate timelines, when I wasn’t confused about the plot of the timeline I was currently in. I, of course, love a girl figuring out her sexuality. I loved the relationship between the siblings in every timeline, even the sad ones. I didn’t catch this while listening to the audiobook, but the physical copy includes a name guide that explains the symbolism behind each name used in the book. I can’t tell if that’s annoying me because it’s heavy-handed or if I’m frustrated I didn’t catch all of that myself.

Katie, our host, made amazing cauliflower tacos (it was Cinco de Mayo) and printed place cards with the meaning and origin of our names. What a touch!

In What World, Bridget Morrissey- Do I want to tell you that this enemies-to-lovers lesbian time travel to save their beloved high school drama teacher was incredible, just in time for Pride Month? Of COURSE I do. Can I do that? I think you know the answer. Admittedly, I am never, ever pleased with sapphic romances (the sex is bad, the lesbian stereotypes are out of control, there is always a I’m-Teaching-You-Something-About-Queerness that I understand is important/impactful for baby queers, or people who have never seen themselves on a page, but it is always done so blatantly that it feels like a caricature of queerness or transness or gender queerness, or even neurodivergence. These days² , every queer main character also has ADHD. My god. I could go on, maybe I will later, idk. I’m not saying that we don’t need representation in books, obviously. You know that. I just want that representation to feel real and not like the author is checking a diversity box and getting all their info from Wikipedia, you know?

You’ll Love It Here, Natalie Sue- I was a I Hope This Finds You Well stan and was excited to get the ARC of her sophomore novel. IHTFYW was uncomfortable and dark, often causing me so much anxiety I had to skim ahead paragraphs to learn the resolution so I could make it through the conflict. I loved it. For a book to make you feel sick to your stomach? I mean, that rules! You’ll Love It Here is hard to put a finger on. There was uncomfortable conflict and darkness (alcoholic dead dad) but the overall arc of the book was so wholesome I felt confused. Mona lives in a dumpy independently owned apartment building and temporarily becomes the super when her elderly landlord is ill. She secretly works with the landlord’s corporate evil niece to get the building ready to sell, securing her a better apartment and Mean Niece as a client at her marketing firm. Surprise, she comes to know the tenants and the cast of weirdos become her friends and she falls for the hot diner owner next door. See what I mean?? Wholesome! I can’t tell how to rate this book because I know I’m letting the love of I Hope This Finds You Well cloud my rating. So, I leave you with this- I was disappointed but couldn’t put it down.

Watching

A couple weeks ago, I went to the movies 3 times in 4 days, which is my ideal amount of times. I am an AMC A-List evangelist (even though 2 of those 3 movies were at local, non AMC theaters. Fine by me, because you can still get physical tickets at these local theaters- journal life!- and the popcorn is better.) and I will go to the movies whenever you want. I’ll bring my homemade seasoning but leave my popcorn bowl at home as I’m told that it’s a little embarrassing. It’s just that the seasoning mixes better in a bowl!

What I Saw:

The Devil Wears Prada 2- A fun sequel to an iconic movie. It was never going to be perfect because it has too much to live up to. That being said, I really enjoyed it and thought they did some interesting things. I was surprised by a couple plot points and felt giddy watching Meryl do Taking Off Glasses acting and Hands Touching Hair acting. She really is amazing and so beautiful. I thought they put Anne in too much cerulean (we get it!) and could have used more Caleb Hearon always. Final rating: had fun, will never watch it again.

Erupjca- Sweaty and weird and sapphic- just my vibe. We saw this in a tiny room at The Plaza Theater with one other person in the crowd and it was the loudest movie I’ve ever sat through. I’m sure that was an oversight by the projection guy who I think was also working the concession stand and ticketing booth, but it kinda added to the anxiety of the film, so I liked it. Elaine didn’t care for the dialogue but it felt very Right For The Characters to me, but what do I know. Film critique was never my strong suit. Jeremy O. Harris is so smart and cool- I just want to be near him. And Charli, come on! Final rating: really liked it, would like to see it again a little quieter and maybe watch some interviews with Pete Ohs, the director.

Project Hail Mary- I skimmed through the end/DNF’d this book for Book Club a few years ago because I don’t like how that man talks to me. Something about the way Andy Weir explains science feels very condescending. I could be projecting because I famously signed up for an Astronomy class in college thinking it was Astrology, who’s to say! BUT, I loved the movie. Can’t wait to see it again as I was pretty distracted by how smoking hot Ryan Gosling is. Like, wow! He really has it all, huh? Final rating: loved, movie is better than the book, I do not ever want to go to space

Home Box Office:

• Based on a rec from my close personal friends, Kate Berlant and Jacqueline Novak of the Poog Podcast, I rented Age of Disclosure on Amazon and watched while journaling last weekend. Where do I stand on aliens? Well, I do truly believe I’ve seen a ship (Are you laughing at me? You legally have to tell me) once while on a drive back to Atlanta, but I don’t have it all figured out. I can’t imagine we’re ~alone~ but I can’t tell you what they’re up to. Also, I’m not fully sold on them potentially living at the bottom of the ocean, but I’m scared of ocean too, so I’m gonna leave that up to someone else to figure out. Also, I love a conspiracy theory. And can I just say, Aliens, if you’re reading this? You look amazing. Let’s just stay long distance friends for a while until I’m ready to take this to the next level of our friendship. Thanks!

• Scrubs reruns on Comedy Central were huge for me in high school.³ Over the years I’ve done a few re-watches and for some reason, I got the urge and started the series up again last year. I’m having the best time as I make my way to the reboot that came out earlier this year. As A Garden State Girl, I’ll always have a soft spot for Zach Braff⁴ no matter how annoying he is, plus he looks SO hot in Season 8 that it should be studied.

• Jeopardy of some form is always playing at our house. The recent Celebrity season was full of surprises!

• The most “Really? Y’all watch that?” of our shows is definitely Sheriff Country. I don’t know what to tell you, but we’re addicted. High drama, a decent amount of yearn, an odd pony tail⁵. Highly suggest. Which then, of course, leads to the Holy Trinity: Elsbeth, High Potential, and Will Trent.

Shopping

It’s funny how the less money I have, the higher the impulse to shop. Seems to be y’all are feeling it too based on a story I posted last week. I got a good list from that ask box, by the way, if you’re interested. Feel free to add in the comments.

Here’s a list of things I’ve bought lately that I don’t regret (but a few I’m questioning):

These KEEN Women's Hyperport H2 Sandals (or Fuck Ass Shoes-shout out Claire and Sam) that makes people go, “Oh!” when they see them, but then “Ooooh” when they realize they’re actually fashion and cool (don’t burst my bubble yet ok lol)

This Rhode Blush (in Sun Soak) and Ilia Lip Crayon (in Deco but my fave is Kiln) after 2 martinis and a dozen oysters with my friends. Peak girlhood. I also got this Salt and Stone (in Black Rose and Oud) deodorant and Huda Blush (in Ube Cream) and I’m not sure how I feel about them yet. The deo smells amazing but I’ve been using Secret Clinical Gel for a long time and the adjustment has been…noticeable. I love lilac blush for looking like I just ran through a meadow with my lover, but the Huda cream blush formula is feeling like face paint. And the smell! Do you have either? Talk to me.

This Y Not Bag from Why Not San Francisco thanks to an Instagram Ad served to me not long after I posted the above story. The bag is beautiful and washable but I wish the handles were a smidge bigger. Thicc Wrist Girls where you at?

Sleep can be hard for me, so when Joy mentioned her favorite Sleep Gummies at Book Club, I asked to sample one and snapped a pic in case I need to buy. Giiiiiiiirl! I was out like a light and no hangover the next day (sometimes melatonin and/or CBD does that to me). You can take half if you’re sensitive. I’m sure the THC ones rule but Georgia will not allow me to partake in those.

A subscription to Minute Cryptic so I can play the archives. Last year I fell down a rabbit hole of watching people on YouTube solve Cryptic Crosswords and promptly ordered a book for beginners. I got the book, grabbed a pen, cracked that sucker open, and almost instantly started crying. You guys, they’re so hard. I have since practiced more and still can get stumped to the point of throwing my phone across the room, but when you solve one, it’s Heaven. By the way, y’all playing the NYT Midi Crossword? They’re doing some amazing stuff in that space.

Are these glasses cute on me? I have lost the plot and truly can’t tell. Anyway, they’re from Zenni Optical and while they were cheaper than my faves Warby Parker, they’re not that much cheaper.

Pockets of Joy From May

• Bringing cupcakes and a tiny cowboy hat to the gym to celebrate my favorite coach’s (and friend!!) birthday.

• A server at hometown Cracker Barrel telling me she thought I was so pretty and cool and Jase leaning over and saying, “She’s just being nice.”

• Laughing with my mama, Jase, and Kohen while we played the Don’t Spit Out the Water game.

• Seeing so many people utilize To Do List Bingo

• Happy Planner sending me some goodies!

• Getting new gym shoes

• A hike (it was pitched to me as a walk) with my gym friends

• A facial and a lash lift with Kelly at Creature (if you’re local!)

• Mentioning DQ on my Instagram stories and sending everyone I know into a Blizzard Fury (a disease in which you must stop what you’re doing a get a blizzard)

• 53 lbs on Floor Press and 70 lbs Farmer’s Carry both getting me a “Wow, that’s heavy!” from fellow gym goers. Honorable mention to Bestie Brad for hitting me with a “Your range of motion is insane!” during a hip opener exercise.

• Journaling at the cafe before meeting up with friend and fellow Tombow Creator Crew, Lexi, for a chat because I’ve been feeling so lonely in creative entrepreneurship lately.

• Launching Word of the Year Mugs (FINALLY)

• Being served a reel that says “teenage me would have reblogged adult me on tumblr” and realizing it’s true

• Staying too late at the bar before an early flight to spend more time with our favorite bartender before he moves (cue Trisha Yearwood “How Do I Live") (yes I prefer Trisha’s to LeAnn’s)

  

  

  

Journaling

Out of my (mostly still accurate) Journaling Ecosystem, three journals are duking it out for the coveted spot of Journal I Want to Be In Most Right Now. They are:

Health and Fitness Journal | Hobonichi Weeks

ICYMI, I changed the way I was using my Weeks, where I track my workouts/feelings/body stuff, which was pretty boring, just pen to paper vibes. Now it’s an explosion of color and I’m only a little embarrassed to grab it to reference during workouts lest my fellow gym members think I’m Doing Too Much (I am, but still). I don’t know what magic Hobonichi puts in the Weeks, but it’s addictive. It is SO fun to work in there. I sit down a few times a week and update it, always sticking to a color palette I choose at the beginning of the week. Tombow makes a lot of great 6 and 10 color sets that I’m often pulling from. Tropical is always my favorite but Tea Time (below) is great too. If I’m feeling monochrome, I just grab all the markers I have in that color and go to town.

Reading Journal | Leuchtruum Notebook (120 gsm)

Last year I completed a campaign for Tombow to promote National Hobby Month. I combined my two favorites- reading and creative journaling- into a Reading Journal, a place I could log my books and have a little fun doing it. Once the content was edited and submitted, I largely forgot about it. A few times over the rest of the year I would update it, but it was such a pain to print the books and by the time I got to the monthly entries, I’d forgotten what some of the books were about. While I was cleaning up my desk recently, I started flipping through it and felt so inspired! I took an afternoon and finished up 2025 and spent a chunk of the next day starting 2026. It is SO cute. I still haven’t totally landed on what spreads I want (I have ABC challenge, a graveyard for DNFs, a gallery wall of frames for 5 stars, and a cozy book cafe illustration that will act as a tracker). I still haven’t decided how I want to include the covers. In the past, I have been strongly against using Canon Ivy paper for this project but to be honest, it’s so convenient. I just hate how thick the photos are. I am considering using my gifted Liene photo printer (shockingly good! My only gripe is the cartridge AND photo papers need to be replaced but that’s the price you pay for the crisp, color correct photos) but can’t pull the trigger on just deciding. Thoughts? Should I just keep printing them on my home printer? I did just spend $80 on ink.

Manifestation and Reading | Jenni Bick Leather Trifold

A couple months ago, Jenni Bick’s team reached out about launching their affiliate program. JB is a beloved stationery store in Washington DC and they seemed so kind and genuine that I thought, why not? I get very Stuck in leather journals- feeling like once an idea has been designated to my inserts, that's What The Journal Is For. This is just how my brain works, and also a great excuse to continue to buy new beautiful leather journals (Paper Republic, let’s chat!!! I am trying to buy one from you so bad). My Louise Carmen is spoken for, so when I got my Jenni Bick, I wasn’t totally sure what I wanted the inserts (Moleskines, by the way! Fountain pen friendly!) to be. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been feeling lonely in my work lately. My job is solitary and despite what my near constant Instagram stories may suggest, you are not my coworkers and we’re not talking by the water cooler. I talk about this feeling to my friend Molly a fair amount and think about it even more. So, while waiting to meet up with Lexi, I cracked open my new journal and started writing. I wrote how I felt, what I want, what I can do about it, and why I might be feeling this way in the first place. I feel relatively plugged into the universe and felt like I was putting a few too many anxieties out there, so I closed the entry with a manifestation/wish/prayer in the form of a “I have” gratitude statement. Sometimes I do this as “I love my” and fill in the blank with things I want. I love my early morning ritual of reading a book with coffee. I love my clean, organized, cozy home. I make money joyfully and easily. My relationship is loving and supportive⁶. That kinda stuff.

I’ve continued the practice of writing a shortish passage (best not to dwell) about my anxieties or stressors and finishing it with a manifestation. It feels really, really nice.

The other insert is for writing notes about what I’m reading. I’m a huge annotator and Kindle reader, which does not go hand in hand. I’m making my way through Rachel Kong’s short story collection My Dear You and I’m breaking after each story to summarize it and write what I think it was really about, what stuck with me, what didn’t work. It’s really, really, fun.

And now, the discount code! You can use AMMIEYALL to snag anything (I think!) from Jenni Bick. Definitely more affordable than some other brands, all hand made by Jenni herself. You can feel the care in the journal and the quality is lovely. I have the Pueblo Luxury Tri-Fold Refillable Leather Journal in Yellow, and Honestly? I regret not getting the Montana in Navy. It’s less expensive ($80 vs $120) and the leather looks smoother out of the gate, where mine is more textured, almost suede feeling. Just wanted to share in case you’re considering!

It was a busy month and I don’t even think I scratched the surface but I have really maxed out this issue. Please, tell me how you are feeling and if you made any wishes by the Blood Moon. There’s still time!

Love you! Happy Summer! Eat some melon this week!

Ammie

Instagram | Youtube | Paper People Podcast

P.s. Here are some past issues that may enhance the pleasure of this one! I’m sorry I said pleasure!

1. Also the air conditioner in my beloved black Volkswagen Beetle was broken (it’s name was Kendrick Lamar and I loved that damn car) so I found out all the places you can sweat from/into on that hour and a half drive home. It wasn’t pretty.

2. Not a “these days”! Go to bed, Grandma!

3. I feel like I’ve talked about high school a lot this issue??

4. gooooold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth only i don’t know how they got ouuuuut dear

5. you just have to see it, idk

6. I’m not saying I don’t have this, it’s just an example :) no worries about me and elaine, ok, lol