Well, the big news of the month is that I got a kitten recently. After being sick with COVID for a solid 3 weeks last month, this little darling came into my life—and then promptly fell ill too. July was a haze of fever dreams (literally), emergency vet visits, and cancelled summer plans, which had me feeling rather blue for a while.

My time stuck at home, though, did give me time to read Ulysses (the “great Modernist novel”), which was an experience. If you know me, you know I always have my nose in something—but I’d be admittedly unmoved to show you a Modernist work I hold dear in any meaningful way (with an exception or two of course: Lispector certainly, Mishima I suppose…). But boy, is this a treat for any real rabbit hole goer-down :-)

Anyway, her name is Eseld (a known variation on Isolde/Iseult) after the medieval legend of “Tristan and Isolde.”

We’re in the throes of those strange, sticky “dog days” weeks between the height of summer and the start of fall when everything feels a little hazy. I feel a little hazy, too, and am leaning into just floating along for now.

Here are my August travels, looking into September.

For any dates unlisted below, I’m available here in Chicago or for FMTY—but please plan ahead, as my plans are often made in advance to work around my graduate schedule and whatever other antics I decide to get up to.

{ AUGUST }

• San Francisco: August 8-9

• Albuquerque: August 10-11

• Atlanta: August 20-21

• Houston: August 21-22

• Dallas: August 22

• Chicago / FMTY all other dates

{ SEPTEMBER }

• convince me :-)

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about arranging a fly (or train)-me-to-you if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

Drop me a line.

xoxo, Aila

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I’ve been bed-bound with a fever the last couple days after an incredibly juicy week (well, all month, really)! I hit some travels to a few of my usual west coast haunts (San Francisco, Portland, Albuquerque), which are always so good to me. My special duo partner was in town and we always have fun being little troublemakers—only in the best way.

This is one of my favorite times of year, that transition season when delicate spring ephemerals fade and we’re left with the intensity of heat, thunderstorms, and long nights out on the town. Of course, this comes with its own downsides (I was stuck at the airport for 10 hours a few weeks ago trying to get home to Chicago when the tornado warnings were going on) but the city is always in such good spirits, and I love catching lightning bugs as someone who grew up out west where there mostly aren’t any.

I’ll be wrapping up my current grad program next spring, and am starting a new one this coming fall. I’ve always come and gone between disciplines as I please, and I believe that the most potent truths are found in the intersections between different approaches rather than compartmentalizing them. I’ll be working on an art portfolio to submit as part of my application, so in the next few days I may be dropping a few bits and bobs in my wishlist in terms of creative supplies, as well as some outfit pieces for an upcoming conceptual photoshoot. Of course, you get first peek if you snag something for me! And, I’ll be happy to share more about this new endeavor in person. I’m excited to begin uniting all these interests on a path that feels whole and complex and utterly delicious to me! I’ll continue to have my hands full with my various programs for the foreseeable future.

In addition to all this, it’s officially my 6 year anniversary in this little corner of the universe! Thank you as always for being here with me, supporting my art and my energy, and giving my life so much pizzazz ;-)

Here’s my July and August!

For any dates unlisted below, I’m available here in Chicago or for FMTY—but please plan ahead, as my plans are often made in advance to work around my graduate schedule and whatever other antics I decide to get up to.

{ JULY }

• Atlanta: July 11-12

• Chicago / FMTY all other dates

{ AUGUST }

• Portland: convince me to make a pre-SF stop here!

• San Francisco: August 9-11

• Albuquerque: convince me to make a post-SF stop here ;-)

• Chicago / FMTY all other dates

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about arranging a fly (or train)-me-to-you if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

Let’s heat up, cool off, whatever! Drop me a line.

xoxo, Aila

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As a follow-up to my newsletter from the other day, I realized that I forgot a very important tidbit! Which is that my special duo partner will be returning to Chicago from June 28-July 1. Our schedule will fill up fast with festivities around the city so please plan ahead if you’d like to be involved. We’ll have time for a little something or two :-)

She’s “retired” from this little corner of the universe so doesn’t have an online presence but we’ve been best friends and confidantes for a decade now and the chemistry is simply… electric. If you know, you know! If you reach out to me directly, I can provide some additional details.

Here’s the amended schedule, then, with things always subject to change:

{ JUNE }

• Portland: June 7-8

• San Francisco: June 9-10

• Albuquerque: June 10-11

• special duo partner: June 28-July 1

{ JULY }

• Atlanta: July 11-12

• I would love to fit Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, and/or St. Louis in here somewhere! Let me know some dates that could work for you in July.

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about arranging a fly (or train)-me-to-you if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

Hope to catch you! Drop me a line.

xoxo, Aila

website | twitter | bluesky | wishlist | more

I’ve just returned from my super ✨magical✨ trip to London and Wales! I got to see beautiful views of the city, ate a Beef Wellington, took a punter boat ride over the River Cam, drank a pint of Guinness in a British pub (in honor of my ancestors), and spent some time with a very special friend of mine. Then, I ran off to the Welsh countryside to frolic in meadows, visit old bookstores, and drink lots of orange wine with my feet in the river near my cottage.

I was actually heartbroken to leave (who doesn’t want to live out the rest of their days in a peaceful cottage by the river, or in one of the greatest international cities?), but am feeling grateful to be reunited with my kitties and all my beloveds back here in the States. Still feeling a bit foggy recovering from jet lag and the adventure come-down, but am slowly getting back into my routines. And who says adventure ever has to end?

I mentioned a while ago that I would be adjusting my rates sometime in this new year, and the time has finally come! Anything already on the books will be honored at my previous rates, while for anything moving forward, the adjustments will apply. Thank you to those of you who have encouraged me to value myself and the things that I bring to the table, especially as my availability continues to become more exclusive as I work through my graduate program and other big life projects.

It’s been an amazing birthday month, thank you for celebrating with me! It was a long, cold winter and it finally feels like everyone is coming out the other side.

Here’s the rest of my May, moving into June, July, and the thick of summer! I’m envisioning patio dining, rooftop cheers after dark, that darn river architecture tour I still haven’t done…

For any dates unlisted below, I’m available here in Chicago—but please plan ahead, as my plans are often made in advance to work around my graduate schedule and whatever other antics I decide to get up to.

{ MAY }

• Milwaukee: May 28-29 (flexible on these dates!)

{ JUNE }

• Portland: June 7-8

• San Francisco: June 9-10

• Albuquerque: June 10-11
  

{ JULY }

• Atlanta: July 11-12

• where else would you like to see me this month?

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about arranging a fly (or train)-me-to-you if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

Hope to catch you! Drop me a line.

xoxo, Aila

website | twitter | bluesky | wishlist | more

Happy holiest holiday (my birthday) to all who celebrate! I’ll be spending the 1st wandering about town, hopefully eating lots of good food, and spending time with some special humans.

Lucky for me (and maybe you), I believe in the “birthday month.” So, I hope to be celebrating throughout these next weeks in whatever ways!

Obligatory birthday wishlist plug, should you care to contribute to the occasion. The blessing of your company is certainly a gift, too—I’m ready for some celebratory plans!

Every year around the time of my solar return, I take a cross-country train trip out west. I love the scenery and the quiet contemplation recharges me. From the train, the landscape changes slowly and then all at once. I’ve always imagined the train as a digestive system—it takes me in, jumbles me around a bunch, and by the end of the journey, something in me has been changed. This year, I was lucky to catch some amazing Southwest sunsets in the throes of this most interesting process.

I ended up not feeling well after my journey, so I was sad to miss out on some plans I was looking forward to when I got into California. But I’ve already planned my return trip (with a couple of my other favorite western cities), coming up soon.

Here’s my May and June so far!

For any dates unlisted below, I’m available here in Chicago—but please plan ahead, as my plans are often made in advance to work around my graduate schedule and whatever other antics I decide to get up to.

{ MAY }

• my birthday: May 1

• unavailable in the States: May 15-25 (will be on a special adventure abroad!)

• Milwaukee: May 26-27 (flexible on these dates!)

{ JUNE }

• Portland: June 7-8

• San Francisco: June 9-10

• Albuquerque: June 10-11

• open to adding another June location, convince me!

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about arranging a fly (or train)-me-to-you if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

Hope to catch you! Drop me a line.

xoxo, Aila

website | twitter | bluesky | wishlist | more

I’m finally recovered and ready to jump back into the world, which is now bursting with bluebells, daffodils, and other sweet spring ephemerals. Every year around this time, I feel pleased with myself: it was a long winter. Life returns.

As color returns to the arid landscape, I’ve been thinking a lot about Hildegard von Bingen (12th century German Benedictine abbess, composer, herbalist, physician, mystic, and more) and her theory of “viriditas”—the life force, divine presence, and creative energy that sustains all of existence. Her concept is probably difficult to fully translate into English: even if taken literally, “viriditas” can neither be reduced to the greenness of ecology nor is it a medieval term for chlorophyll. Rather, the idea probably has a multitude of nuanced interpretations: greenness, healing power, vitality, progressive thrust (😉), fruitfulness, evolution, new creation, freshness, and desire for more in service of something greater. It’s the connecting sap between the macrocosmic power of the universe and the microcosm of humanity (and each of us as individuals). I’m certainly eager to be in service of that.

My birthday is also swiftly approaching, which always adds to my good mood when spring rolls around—May 1st, the delightful May Day! I wish to celebrate the season with adventures, indulgences, and sensory delights of all kinds. I also have a special duo partner coming into town to celebrate with me—we have one availability on May 1st only.

I have some travels coming up!

For any dates unlisted below, I’m available here in Chicago—but please plan ahead, as my plans are often made in advance to work around my graduate schedule and my mischievous antics.

{ APRIL }

• Cincinnati: April 10-11

• Atlanta: April 17-18

• New York City: April 18

• Boston: April 19-20

• Los Angeles: April 24-25

• San Francisco: April 25-28

{ MAY }

• my birthday (and a special duo partner): May 1

• Milwaukee: May 26-27

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about arranging a fly (or train)-me-to-you if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

Happy spring! Don’t forget to drop me a line.

xoxo, Aila

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Last night, I rewatched Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film, “La Belle et La Bête” for the first time in a while. Several years ago, I had the great pleasure of attending the San Francisco-based Opera Parallèle production of Phillip Glass’ interpretation of the same name, a live opera hybrid with a screening of the film in the background. So cool! And do give the film a watch if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat:

Purge any memories of Disney’s singing candlestick and teapot—Cocteau employs his tableware for more suggestive purposes (Belle “toys with a knife that is more than a knife,” as once observed film critic and historian Roger Ebert). Cocteau’s fairytale fantasy is teeming with such symbolism. There are many elements of the film that may prove challenging for contemporary film-goers: the exaggerated stage acting and pantomime and the hairy Chewbacca-esque costume (cutting edge in its day) can be difficult not to giggle through at times. Cocteau was brought up on late 19th century French melodrama, and it shows. Yet his highly original fantasy transcends its era, and there is much in this film to relish.

Cocteau was a poet, painter, playwright, actor, novelist, and set designer, as well as a filmmaker, and his Beauty and the Beast is more like visual poetry than a traditional film narrative. The dialogue is sparse and the scenery lavish. Cocteau even manages to make the opening credits memorable: the film opens with a crew member holding a clapperboard to mark the start of the scene, but the shot comes to an abrupt halt as Cocteau interrupts to give instructions to his audience:

Children believe what we tell them. They have complete faith in us. They believe that a rose plucked from a garden can plunge a family into conflict. They believe that the hands of a human beast will smoke when he slays a victim, and that this will cause him shame when a young maiden takes up residence in his home. They believe a thousand other simple things.

I ask of you a little of this childlike sympathy and, to bring us luck, let me speak four truly magic words, childhood’s “Open Sesame”:

Once upon a time…

Cocteau implores his audience to suspend disbelief—to watch the film as a child would and to erase all of our preconceptions and expectations that we have carried with us into our own existences today.

If you know me, you know that I have always loved the beauty and the romance of a good fairytale. I’m indeed enchanted by the idea of there always being more than meets the eye, and that nothing is ever quite as simple as it seems. I am no different and neither are you—nor is anyone or any connection, really. We’re all just floating around, being exposed to each others’ magic in all the unlikeliest of moments.

And speaking of magic, I’m feeling so ready for the glory of spring! For any dates not specifically listed below, I’ll be available here in Chicago. I’d love to celebrate the early tendrils of springtime and all its games of hidden splendor.

I’ll be getting my tonsils out (yes, an adult tonsillectomy, hooray!) around mid-month so will be at home in recovery from March 12 through the last week of the month or so, most likely. I won’t be available those couple of weeks, so you if you’re thinking of me, you can connect with me from afar, graciously send over soup funds or some other cheer, or just plan a date to celebrate my recovery with me afterwards!

{ MARCH }

• Albuquerque: March 8-10

• Milwaukee: March 10-11

• surgery recovery: March 12-28 (give or take a few days)

{ APRIL }

• Cincinnati: April 6-7, but this location is TBD! (days slightly flexible, reach out to help me lock it in ✨)

• New York City: April 19

• Boston: April 20-21

• Washington, DC: April 18 or 21, TBD!

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about arranging a fly (or train)-me-to-you if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

Certain images from Cocteau’s film have proven impossible to purge from my mind: the smoke-breathing caryatids with moving eyes flanking the giant fireplace, the endless hallway of candelabras held by living arms, the sheer curtains billowing in the wind as Belle floats by (a camera trick later adopted by Spike Lee, according to Roger Ebert), and the massive dog sculptures guarding the top of the Beast’s château. My greatest wish is to be someone who can help preserve some of that enchantment in this wild world of ours.

Thanks as always for being here with me! Don’t forget to drop me a line.

xoxo, Aila

website | twitter | bluesky | wishlist | more

Just dropping in with some fleshed-out travel updates for the rest of the winter season. My late February/early March travels out East (DC, NYC, Boston) have been postponed so I’m now looking towards April for those locations—drop me a line if you’d like to catch me there (or anywhere else)!

For any dates not specifically listed below, I’m available here in Chicago.

{ FEBRUARY }

• Portland: February 18-19

• San Francisco / Bay Area: February 20-21

{ MARCH }

• Albuquerque: March 8-10

• Milwaukee: March 10-11

• surgery recovery: March 12-26 or so (finally getting my tonsils out after a lifetime of nuisance but will sadly be stuck at home for a couple of weeks!)

{ APRIL } for TBD dates, feel free to send your preferred availability~

• Washington, DC: TBD

• New York City: TBD

• Boston: TBD

• wild card: open to other location suggestions for April, with extended dates prioritized!

Reach out soon if you’re hoping to meet in any of these locations—I plan my travel calendar in advance and will be working around my graduate program schedule when I’m here in Chicago!

You may always inquire about a fly/train-me-to-you as well if you don’t see your preferred date/location listed.

Much love and see you soon!

xoxo, Aila

website | twitter | bluesky | wishlist | more

In the ancient story of Cupid and Psyche, a mortal woman (Psyche) of extraordinary beauty is destined to marry a monstrous being—instead, through various happenings, she becomes the wife of Cupid (the Roman god of love), who visits her only in darkness in order to conceal his identity. He forbids her from seeing his face, asking only for her love. When her envious sisters manipulate her into believing Cupid is a monster, she disobeys his command and slyly shines a lamp upon him while he sleeps in attempt to glimpse his face. This act of betrayal causes Cupid to flee, leaving her heartbroken.

Psyche then endures a series of nearly impossible tasks set by Venus, Cupid’s jealous mother, to prove her worth. Through perseverance, wit, and courage, she completes each challenge (aided by divine intervention, of course). Ultimately, Jupiter intervenes, granting Psyche immortality so she can be reunited with Cupid.

What I’ve always gleaned from this story (besides it being a riveting drama all on its own) is twofold:

• trust is foundational to connection

• relationships (of any kind) can transcend both mortal and divine boundaries

And how true is that? I’m eternally blessed to be entrusted with your own story and that you allow me to participate in this incredible, dynamic space of wonder.

I’m off on some travels over the next weekends in February, but for any dates not specifically listed below, I’ll be available here in Chicago. I’d love to celebrate ✨the romance month✨ with any opportunity to cozy up (and heat up)!

I’ll be getting my tonsils out (which feels silly to say but I’m relieved!) around mid-March so will be at home in recovery from March 18 through the end of the month. I won’t be available those couple of weeks, so you can connect with me from afar, graciously send over some soup funds, or just plan a date to celebrate my recovery if you’re thinking of me!

And of course, I’m available for “Fly/Train Me To You” requests as always.

{ FEBRUARY }

• Atlanta: February 7-8

• Houston: February 8-9

• Portland: February 19

• San Francisco: February 20-22

• DC: February 27-28

• New York City: February 28

{ MARCH }

• Boston: March 1-2

• Albuquerque: March 7-9 (dates can be flexible on this so send me an email!)

• Milwaukee: March 11-12 (this can also be flexible!)

• surgery recovery: March 18-28 (or so)

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about arranging something if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

Here’s to heating up this second half of winter! Drop me a line.

xoxo, Aila

website | twitter | bluesky | wishlist | more

Happy new year! Just dropping in with some fleshed-out travel updates for this already-magical beginning of the season. Catch me if you can!

{ JANUARY }

• Cincinnati: January 9-10

• New York City: January 24-25 (this may need to shift to February, but I could still be convinced otherwise)

• Milwaukee: January 31- February 1

{ FEBRUARY }

• Madison: February 1-2

• Atlanta: February 7-8

• Houston: February 8-9

• Portland: February 18-19

• San Francisco: February 20-22

And right here in Chicago all other dates.

Reach out soon if you’re hoping to meet in any of these locations—I’m not afraid to stay home with my cats and my esoteric studies if I don’t have anything on the calendar to look forward to ;-)

You may always inquire about a fly/train-me-to-you as well if you don’t see your preferred date/location listed.

Please remember to note my cancellation fee policy.

This is my least favorite thing to talk about, but especially for dates cancelled with short notice or while I’m traveling, pushing back on this policy (outlined on my website homepage and agreed to at the time of booking) makes me feel a bit lackluster.

This policy is in place to account for not only travel and/or accommodations that may be nonrefundable at that point, but also to help account for other engagements, personal opportunities, and events that I (gladly!) opted out of, rescheduled, or turned down in order to set aside that time together. I will move mountains to make a meeting work out whenever possible, and I expect the same level of respect from those I am sharing my most intimate self with!

If you’re unwilling to abide by the policy, that is perfectly fine 😊 But in that case, please do your due diligence and reach out to someone else whose policy better suits your inclinations, as this is a requirement of booking with me.

Most have always been gracious and understanding of this, so thank you—you already know who you are and I adore you 🤍✨

Much love and let’s cross paths soon!

xoxo, Aila

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Happy (belated) Winter Solstice—a call to celebrate both the dark and the light, our sorrows and our joys. And what a metaphor for this year, I think!

Whatever holidays you engage in (or don’t) at this time of year, it’s hard to deny the magic out there right now. What I love most about winter is the way the earth reveals and conceals herself—from clear, cold, open, and vulnerable; to suddenly veiled in snow; to then coyly allowing certain branches and blades of grass to peek through as the next thaw sets in; and onwards til spring.

Personally, there’s no way to avoid being transformed by this. Whatever spiritual inclinations you may have (or, again, don’t), all the world’s scriptures recount something similar: long ago, in order to experience her own creation, god contracted herself, concealing her being in everything that makes up our physical realm. To keep us in that endless dance of sublime pursuit, she emerges and pulls back—never one without the other. For me, this has been a “concealment” year; I’ve felt lost a lot more frequently than I have felt the imminent presence of divine embrace, whatever that means to me at any given time. And that’s just the cycle of things. Going through these phases of feeling spiritually lost or challenged only makes me more thoughtful, more disciplined in my creativity, and more prepared for whenever that next warm glow of divine inspiration re-appears, as it always does.

So… what a beautiful, hard, strange, gorgeous year. I’m so blessed by the incredible connections in my life. Thank you for being a part of my world, this year and always.

I’ve made one last valiant effort in filling up my ✨holiday wishlist✨, including comforts great and small but particularly a very special sheer silk slip I hope to wear (in the nude underneath, of course) with some lovely mirrored adornments (thank you!) in the next photoshoot I’m planning. If you’ve contributed anything at all, please know how much it means to me—feeling appreciated in what I do and what I put out into the world, encouraged in my creative expression, and seen in ways that are incredibly validating definitely helps fill my cup enough to continue sharing such intimate parts of myself, in all ways. So, again, thank you!

I currently have a few days left available in Chicago for the rest of December, from the 28th-30th before the new year.

Then, here’s my travel schedule through January (and some very tentative ideas for February), subject to change as always. I’m open to suggestions! For any dates not listed as travel, I’ll still be here in Chicago. I know it looks like I’m always on some adventure (and I am, I suppose!), but I’m usually away for just a night or two at a time so I’m still in Chicago most of the month—I have studies to attend and two precious kitties to care for, after all ;-)

And of course, I’m available for “Fly/Train Me To You” requests as always.

{ JANUARY }

• Madison: January 4-5

• Milwaukee: January 5-6 (I may end up just waiting til my next Jan 30 visit instead, but I could be convinced otherwise!)

• Cincinnati: January 9-10

• New York City: January 23-24

• Atlanta: January 25-26

• Milwaukee: January 30-31

{ FEBRUARY }
Mostly tentative plans for February at the moment, just putting out feelers! Drop me a line, I could be convinced elsewhere :-)

• Dallas: February 6-7 (tentative)

• Austin: February 7-8 (tentative)

• New York City: tentative & TBD (email me with your availability!)

• Boston: tentative & TBD (email me with your availability!)

• DC: tentative & TBD (email me with your availability!)

• Los Angeles: tentative & TBD (email me with your availability!)

• San Francisco: tentative & TBD (email me with your availability!)

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about arranging something if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

Let’s make all of our cheeky New Years wishes come true 🔮

xoxo, Aila

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Happy holidays, in whatever way you partake! This part of the year always goes by hard and fast—I’m extra mindful during this season to carve out spaces for intentional pause, play, and pensiveness.

Despite the chaos of it all, the winter holidays bring me so much delight. I love a socially acceptable excuse (although I’ve clearly never been one to much heed social norms) to indulge: in seasonal treats, in draping myself in fine furs and textiles (vintage/salvaged furs only, of course), to warm my insides with a hot toddy and equally dizzying company before a brisk walk out into the chilly streets after a delicious meal.

It’s a time for dreaming, after all. Indulgences, dreams, and wishes galore (my obligatory holiday wishlist plug goes here—mostly literature, some adornments, one or two dreams-come-true, and a few humble cozy comforts).

We’ve worked so hard all year—and what a year it’s been. Why not take the opportunity to revel in our toils and celebrate with assorted sensory delights and carnal pleasures, as human creature has since the beginning of time?

A little debauchery goes a long way on gloomy days when the sun sets so early.

Here’s my travel schedule through the end of 2025 and into the first part of the new year, subject to change as always. For any dates not listed as travel, I’ll be right here in Chicago or available for “Fly/Train Me To You” requests as always.

DECEMBER

• Albuquerque: December 4-5

• Milwaukee: December 13-14

• Minneapolis: December 14-15

• Portland: December 21-22

• San Francisco: December 23-27

JANUARY 2026 (all these dates currently have flexibility, just drop me a line)

• NYC: January 14-15

• DC: January 15-16

• Atlanta: January 16-17

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about arranging something if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

Drop me a line to join me in celebrating the end of this crazy year and usher in all our juiciest, most fantastical desires for the next.

xoxo, Aila

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Well, it’s that time of year. The “veil is thin” season, the season of Death. This is the point in the Wheel of the Year when the outside world dies as a necessary part of the great circle of life. Unfortunately, we as humans are not absolved of this cycle—we can’t evolve without allowing things to die in our own lives too: outdated beliefs, stories, habits; patterns that no longer serve us; precious energy given to the things that keep us stuck instead of that which liberates the spirit.

Over the last few weeks, my focus has been steadily shifting inward, turning tender attention to my own dark parts, my shadows, the places I hide all the things I’ve outgrown. It’s often so uncomfortable to poke around in these deep, dark places. Being brave enough to journey into the darkness requires mindful nurturing and self-compassion. And it requires lots of gentle, loving, playful release in between the super intense parts. So as much as I’m introspecting, I’m also making sure to pursue joy and deliciousness and delight. I’ve been working on a bunch of juicy creative projects (I talked about this a bit in last month’s newsletter), I’m starting harp lessons next week (my dream instrument for as long as I can remember), and I’ve been really savoring every juicy moment of debauchery I can get my hands on.

So, what do your shadows want to show you? What will you do to release and recharge? Maybe we can help each other.

Here’s my travel schedule through the end of 2025, subject to change as always. For any dates not listed as travel, I’ll be right here in Chicago or available for “Fly/Train Me To You” requests as always.

NOVEMBER

• Atlanta: November 8-9

• Cincinnati: November 10

• Boston: November 19

• NYC: November 20-21

• DC: November 21-22

DECEMBER

• Albuquerque: December 4-5

• Milwaukee: December 15-16

• (I can probably squeeze in another Midwest city somewhere in here if you drop me a line)

• Portland: December 22

• San Francisco: December 23-27
  

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about arranging something if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

And then wow, that’s a wrap! Drop me a line and we’ll celebrate the end of this crazy year and usher in all our desires for the next.

xoxo, Aila

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Wow, things feel like they move fast these days! Just dropping in with some fun travel updates for this most magical last stretch of the year—dropping in to some forever favorites as well as some places that are new to me. Catch me while I’m in a particular mood for adventure:

{ OCTOBER }

• Milwaukee: October 27-28 (flexible by a day or two)

• Minneapolis: October 28-29 (flexible by a day or two)

• St. Louis: October 29-30 (flexible by a day or two—(tentative—send me an email!)

{ NOVEMBER }

• Atlanta: November 8-9

• Cincinnati: November 9-10 (tentative—send me an email!)

• Boston: November 20-21

• NYC: November 21-22

{ DECEMBER }

• wild card: any days December 1-14 (email me if you’d like to catch me in your city not listed here and I just might make the trip!)

• Portland: December 22-23

• San Francisco: December 23-27

And right here in Chicago all other dates.

Reach out soon if you’re hoping to meet in any of these locations—I’m not afraid to stay home with my cats and read (this) if I don’t have anything on the calendar to look forward to ;-)

You may always inquire about a fly/train-me-to-you as well if you don’t see your preferred date/location listed.

Much love and let’s cross paths before the new year!

xoxo, Aila

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“The Green Lion devours the Sun.” This classic alchemical motif contains an enigma and suggests an indication for a transformation process: the Green Lion (representing instinctive, primal forces within us) swallowing the fiery star means, in fact, regaining possession of the energies that we have unconsciously projected outwards, summarizing and evaluating our own experiences. This is not an easy process, as it involves mortifying one’s Ego—the copious blood that drips from the lion’s mouth in many depictions of this process is the most evident representation of this idea. However, this process is the catalyst for an encounter with the highest form of Self.

This summer has been a “Green Lion” period for me. While I’m a creature of privacy (unless we know each other quite well), I’m not too shy to admit that these last months have felt like a struggle in nearly every area of life. The feelings of stuck-ness, uncertainty, cloudy energy, and other blockages that come before the stages of purification and renewal are, quite simply, no joke.

Often, it is terrifying to access the terrifying primal presence within the wilderness of our psyche. The encounter is a kind of death. But it comes with a rebirth. Eventually, the Green Lion must evolve into the Red Lion. Fearsome and matured, the Red Lion has come into the fullness of its power. The instincts, now ripe, become a fountain of libido, propelling the personality to new heights and revealing undiscovered realms within. I feel blessed to be settling into this new path with a renewed sense of purpose, self, and a trust in the process.

If you know me, you know that I’ve been working on a big herbalism and community wellness project for quite some years now. I finally have the opportunity to open up a studio space for my work and am beginning to put energy and resources towards this enormous passion project of mine. It’s a big undertaking and feels a bit overwhelming, but it also feels like just the right timing to take the leap on a labor of love that has been part of my life for so long and to finally get to share that with the world. This is definitely the culmination of a cycle of purging what no longer works for me and inviting in a new era of creativity, passion, and energy.

If you’d like to contribute in any way to this project (fees for the space, sourcing furniture and equipment, and of course setting up my apothecary corner) I’ve added a few noteworthy checklist items to the front of my wishlist, or feel free to ask about other ways to support. Any offering is received with utmost gratitude, no matter how big or small! Even just booking a date so I can talk your ear off about the project is a welcome relief throughout the chaos of it all ;-)

Here’s my fall schedule, subject to change as always. With my new project officially launching, please reach out ahead of time as much as possible!

SEPTEMBER

• Phoenix: September 26

• San Francisco: September 28-29

OCTOBER

• Portland: October 2-5

• Milwaukee: October 17-18 (flexible)

• Minneapolis: October 19-20 (flexible)

NOVEMBER

• Boston: November 7-8

• Atlanta: November 8-9

• Portland: November 25

• San Francisco: November 26-28

• LA/San Diego: November 28-29 (TBD, please inquire!)

And here in Chicago all other dates.

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about a fly-me-to-you if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

xoxo, Aila

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The beginnings of fall are in the air—a quick breath of crispness that comes and goes in the blink of an eye and then surrenders again to the sticky heat of the day. But it’s there, and its moment advances day by day. This is my favorite time of year, as the dog days of summer fade into the muted skies of autumn. Everything softens and blurs at this time in a way that I find incredibly lovely. I’ve been preparing: making my yearly fire cider to prepare for cold and flu season; learning filet crochet—lacemaking—to keep my hands busy inside on a cold day; and catching up on the stacks of unread books piling up on my floor after a summer full of adventure.

The season after summer is what feels closest to a “new year” for me. I reassess, take stock, and decide how I want to move forward. Is the way I’ve been doing things working, or do I need to adjust something in myself in order to orient to where I want to be and what I want my life to look like? Inevitably, some sort of transformation is involved in any transition like this. And so it goes—over and over again creating a version of myself that I am most proud of and at peace with.

I mentioned in last month’s letter that a dear friend and semi-secret duo partner of mine will be visiting me here in Chicago soon. Our dance card is mostly full (including celebrating 10 whole years of friendship and debauchery together), but we do have time for one more engagement on September 3. This is her official “retirement” trip, and I promise you don’t want to miss out on us in a room together at least once. Drop me a line for more info, as we’re finalizing our schedule in the next few days.

I’ll be available in Chicago throughout most of September before a tour out West (Phoenix, San Francisco, and possibly Portland or LA/San Diego) at the end of the month. Then, I’m taking some time away in October for personal travel and may be unavailable other than a few days here and there in Chicago between my adventures. Here’s my upcoming schedule, subject to change as always.

SEPTEMBER

• secret duo partner in Chicago: September 3

• Milwaukee: September 21-22

• Phoenix: September 26-27

• San Francisco: September 28-29

• Portland: September 29-30 (I could be convinced to do LA/San Diego these days instead—wherever I get the most pre-bookings these next few days wins!)

OCTOBER

• out-of-office: October 2-7 and October 22-26

NOVEMBER

• Portland: November 25

• San Francisco: November 26-28

• LA/San Diego: November 28-29

And here in Chicago all other dates.

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about a fly-me-to-you if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

xoxo, Aila

website | twitter | bluesky | wishlist | more

Thank you for planning ahead! Some adjustments were made since my previous newsletter was released, so I’m just dropping back in to share my amended tours in the upcoming weeks of early fall.

{ AUGUST }

• Atlanta: August 15-16

• Boston: August 17

• Milwaukee: August 30-31 (flexible by a day or two)

{ SEPTEMBER }

• special duo partner: September 3-5 (in Chicago—we have time for one tryst!)

• Phoenix: September 26-27

• San Francisco: September 27-28

• Portland: September 29-30

And here in Chicago all other dates throughout these first weeks of fall.

Reach out soon if you’re hoping to meet in any of these locations—my dance card is swiftly filling up! You can always inquire about a fly/train-me-to-you as well if you don’t see your preferred date/location listed.

xoxo, Aila

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The heat is on!

I can’t believe it’s nearly August, but I’ve caught myself already feeling ready for fall at least a few times in recent weeks. I won’t mince words—the weather here in Chicago has been disappointing this summer. Oscillating between storms and humid heatwaves after a barely-there spring, it’s unfortunately felt a bit difficult to enjoy time outside this last month or so. But I’ve been taking it as a cue to find enjoyment in whatever other realms I can: using these long days to wander museums, do some indoor gardening, sip herbal iced teas, and take advantage of evenings when the worst of the intense weather has passed. It’s the little things!

A dear friend and semi-secret duo partner (she doesn’t have an internet presence but makes a rare appearance with me out on the town from time to time) of mine will be visiting me here in Chicago during the last half of August. We’ll be celebrating 10 years (a whole decade!) of being in each other’s lives so will of course be opening up our schedule for a bit of debauchery. Drop me a line for more info about her and for our specific August dates together!

Here’s my upcoming schedule, subject to change as always.

AUGUST

• Atlanta: August 15-16

• Boston: August 17

• secret duo partner in Chicago: end of August, reach out for details!

SEPTEMBER

• San Francisco: September 4-5 (flexible by a few days)

And here in Chicago all other dates.

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about a fly-me-to-you if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

Anyways, summer is a great time for enjoying music. In hot weather, I’m partial to disco, schlager, dance-pop, and the like. If you need me, I’ll be bouncing around town grooving to my selection of disco deep cuts and even singing some ABBA from time to time. “You know you're in the hands of fate / Now you've gone and found me,
you appreciate / That the heat is on…”

xoxo, Aila

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We’re in the midst of a big Midwest heatwave and I’ve been doing my best to stay inside where it’s cool—and then slipping out to the lake at dusk when the worst of it has passed. I’ve planted my herbs in the garden (lemon balm, lavender, basil, catnip, comfrey, helichrysum, milkweed for the Monarch butterflies, of course) and am enjoying the lushness of the city. It’s officially summer!

Given the times we’re in and the concerning displays of aggression and abuse of power from the current administration, I recently posted on X / Bluesky about a mutual aid fund to support undocumented and immigrant SWers in California (my home state). For every increment of $20 you donate to the fund, I’ll send a spicy photo—just email me with proof of donation!

My July is already filling up with seasonal festivities, and I’m looking forward to having as many adventures on my calendar as possible. I’m out of school for the summer semester so my availability is mostly flexible, which has been a lovely respite. Drop me an inquiry!

I’ve been busy here in Chicago, so my usual travels have slowed down for a bit. Here are some proposed tours:

JUNE

• San Francisco: June 29-July 2 (remaining availability: evening of the 29th or morning of the 1st)

JULY

• San Francisco: June 29-July 2 (remaining availability: evening of the 29th or morning of the 1st)

• Atlanta: June 11-13 (tentative—prebook to confirm, or suggest an alternate date in July/August)

• Minneapolis: July 24-25 (tentative, prebook to confirm)

• St. Louis: July 25-26 (tentative, prebook to confirm)

And here in Chicago all other dates in June/July.

Please plan ahead with all this in mind or inquire about a fly-me-to-you if you don’t see your preferred date or location here. All tour dates are subject to change or cancellation based on pre-bookings, as usual.

Happy summer! Let’s beat the heat.

xoxo, Aila

website | twitter | bluesky | wishlist | more

Thank you for planning ahead! Some adjustments were made and I have some travel dates officially locked in—just dropping back in now to share my amended tours in the upcoming weeks.

{ JUNE }

• Milwaukee: June 2-3

• Boston: June 21

• Atlanta: June 22

• Detroit: June 23 (adding this one!)

• San Francisco: June 29-30

And here in Chicago all other dates in May/June.

Reach out soon if you’re hoping to meet in any of these locations—my dance card is swiftly filling up! You can always inquire about a FMTY as well if you don’t see your preferred date/location listed. Here we go!

xoxo, Aila

website | twitter | bluesky | wishlist | more