smagik

finding beauty in the everyday

001

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  • UNDER THEIR EYES

    My grandma had an art studio in a converted bedroom in her house in Denver and in that studio, pushed up against her drafting table and a wall filled with family photos, was a stool that spun 360 degrees. There were also windows that looked East into her backyard and shelves filled with books, a…

  • ADDICTION

    It’s wild to observe the ways in which I calm myself in the midst of turmoil. A new, little thing here, a numb, mindless scroll there. I am aware of it but don’t want to give it up…it’s not really that bad, I’ll stop tomorrow, I won’t buy anything frivolous after Christmas, I’ll delete Instagram…

  • LOVE BOMB 2025

    Because I can’t think of one word that encompasses all I wish for you, for us, in 2025, I will make up a new one. It is the color of bubblegum. Smells of mint, but also a little like fresh cut grass. This word is the sound of your sister’s laugh and feels like waking…

  • DEAR WHITE SISTERS,

    What the actual f***? What have you, and by you I mean we because now we are all in this rapidly sinking boat together, done? I know lecturing doesn’t work, it is definitely the quickest way to get me to tune out, but I am too angry to come up with another idea at the…

Smagik is Claire Sandrin’s personal blog of writing and photographs dedicated to finding beauty in the everyday. It covers everything from how to brand yourself as a creative, making a professional pivot in middle age, travels to Amsterdam, and recipes for grain free chocolate zucchini cake. Join me for the adventure that is this life!

smagik