The blustery fall breeze welcomed me to London. Mid-October, and the leaves were just starting to shift, hues of vermillion and rust adorned the city.

Over the summer, I struggled. It was time for me to begin my next collection, but I was overwhelmed -- I had accumulated too many inspirations and ideas, all disparate.

I collect the past.
Mine, my family’s, strangers' families.
Yearbooks from high school, the pages scattered with signatures from classmates like little constellations.

Whether or not we like it, summer has returned. It’s not my favorite season. There. I said it. Why would I prefer to feel the squeeze of atmosphere on my body? Why would I choose to vacillate between the intense burning rays and the overly freezing chill of air-conditioned interiors? 

After over a year of delays and travel cancellations, I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in Greek culture, eat wonderful food and just experience what it was like to be somewhere else again.