The Short Magnificent Life of Flowers

Hi, it's Carissa, and this is Bad at Keeping Secrets. Before I had a kid, my garden was my holy place. Still is, just things are a little more wild now.This week, I talk with Debbie Millman from Design Matters about her book Love Letter to a Garden—a quiet, beautiful reflection on what it means to grow something, and to be changed by it. That gardening offers us relief and connection in the face of uncertainty.We talk about love, partnership, the cross-country move she made to be with Roxane Gay during the pandemic.It’s a conversation about abundance, attention, and learning to choose what truly matters. I hope you find something, anything really that helps connect you in this moment. “I’m so very lucky; I get to watch things live and grow and fade away. When I fail, I get to try again.” -Debbie MillmanA Love Letter to a Garden is the perfect gift for someone you love, offering a meditation of patience, trust, and the hope of something beautiful. Get a copy here.Debbie Millman (born 1961) is an American writer, educator, artist, curator, and designer who is best known as the host of the podcast Design Matters.[1] She is the chair and co-founder of the Masters in Branding Program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, with Steven Heller and President Emeritus of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and chair.[2]Millman has authored seven books. She is a co-owner and editorial director of Print magazine.[3] Her writing and illustrations have appeared in many major publications, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Magazine, The Baffler, and Fast Company and more. Her artwork has been included in many museums and institutes including the Design Museum of Chicago and the Boston Biennale.[2]As always, I have not given up on you. Or hoping. Just grateful to be with you in this moment. Love, CarissaPS. I have a show opening in Santa Cruz on May 3rd. It is with Sydney who I love in her new space called And Friends. PPS Bad At Keeping Secrets is a podcast by Carissa Potter (me). The audio was produced by Officially Quigley, and the sound editing was done by Mark McDonald. Mark helps people start podcasts, and I highly recommend him if you have been thinking about starting one. You can sign up for a free meeting with him here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleiveloved.substack.com/subscribe