Sunshine in the Mess
11 questions, too much coffee, and probably a robot vacuum confession
Hi friends đ
So this happened: the other week I woke up, grabbed my phone with one eye still asleep and the other already hurting from blue-screen shock đď¸đ ⌠and then I squealed.
Turns out, Iâd been tagged by the one and only
for the Sunshine Blogger Award â a sweet, kind nod passed around this community to spread some good vibes, laughs, and extra joy.Listen, I only started writing here three months ago after literal years (YEARS, guys) of fear + self-censoring + âbut who even wants to read me??â spirals. To be seen, read, and welcomed here is hands down one of my biggest highlights this year. Truly.
So first â huge THANK YOU to
who saw (and nominated) me. Her letters are tender, punchy, gut-wrenching, hilarious, and absolutely unmistakable. You read one, and youâll know her voice anywhere. I live for my weekly Momster fix. Go check her out.And once you are back, letâs dive into the questions đđ
1. Whatâs one thing you thought youâd have figured out by now, but donât?
Boundaries. I've mastered their language in theory, but as soon as it's time to speak it? Sori, no hablo inglish.
2. Whatâs a sound that instantly calms you?
My dog snoring, the dishwasher starting, and a wine cork slipping free with a soft pop. Maybe in that order.
3. Whatâs something you said youâd never do as an adult⌠and then totally did?
Get way too excited about a robot vacuum and a mop that actually works.
4. What would 8-year-old you write about on Substack?
New Britney Spears music video, melancholic poetry about autumn leaves, and whatever unhinged thing my family did in The Sims that day.
5. Whatâs a win no one claps for, but totally should?
Saying no without overexplaining or spiraling.
Sharing your art when vulnerability itches.
Putting the baby down in under 15 minutes (my husbandâs badge of honour!).
6. Whatâs a compliment youâve never forgotten?
You spread so much joy!
You always write in a way that cracks me up.
You should be a blogger. (WELL ALRIGHTY THEN)
7. Whatâs your weirdest writing ritual or creative superstition?
Every single line that I write and intend to publish has to marinate in its juices for 24â48h. It doesnât save me from ridiculous typos, but at least my stupid slips are deeply personal.
8. What moment in your week made you laugh out loud (even if you were mid-breakdown)?
My husbandâs magic ability is to crack me up mid-fight, mid-spill, and mid-meltdown.
Lately, heâs been using the words skibidi, sigma, no cap, and rizz way more often than he should (which is never). Heâs clearly having some sort of an age crisis, and maybe I should check in on him, but he just makes me laugh so damn hard, I let it be.
9. If you could time-stamp one second of your life forever, what would it be?
Holding my momâs hand as she took her last breath.
Sorry it got dark fast â so did my life at some point!
10. Whatâs a boundary youâre learning to hold, gently but firmly?
When a family member wants more attention, energy, or company than I can humanly give. Guilt, duty, and compassion cloud my judgment â but I canât save anyone, and I canât give from an empty tank. Especially now, as a mom, itâs non-negotiable to protect my own reserves so I can show up as the most stable, nurturing version of me.
11. And finally, whatâs your version of sunshine?
Amid lifeâs storms, itâs standing in your own light and choosing â again and again âto do the hard, honest thing. Even when itâs messy. Especially then. Bonus points if you can laugh while doing it.
â¤ď¸âđĽ My Nominees (your words brighten my day!):
đ My 11 Sunshine Questions:
How did you end up writing on Substack?
Whatâs your writing process â easy-breezy or full tortured poet department?
Whatâs one tiny win in your life lately that deserves a standing ovation (even if no one noticed but you)?
Whatâs a sound, smell, or small ritual that makes you instantly exhale?
When does your creativity feel most alive â late-night chaos, quiet mornings, or mid-procrastination scroll?
Do you have a weird little superstition, ritual, or quirk in your creative process?
Whatâs one messy truth youâve been learning lately â the kind that isnât Instagram-pretty but is teaching you a lot?
How has parenthood (baby, dog, plant, or pet project) softened or strengthened you?
Whatâs the most ordinary part of your day that you secretly love?
What do you want more of in your life right now?
Whatâs a book, show, or song you keep coming back to again and again?
I canât wait to read your answers!
đ The Official Rules:
Display the Awardâs official logo somewhere on your blog.
Thank the person who nominated you.
Provide a link to your nominatorâs blog.
Answer your nominatorâs questions.
Nominate up to 11 bloggers.
Ask your nominees 11 questions.
Notify your nominees by commenting on at least one of their blog posts.
Big love to everyone who makes this corner of the internet feel like community.
If youâre reading this, youâre already part of the sunshine. If you feel like answering, Iâd love to read your version too â¨
The more sunshine, the better âď¸
With you,
M




I really enjoyed reading this, Maria. So much thought and vulnerability and compassion in your responses (and a robot vacuum! đđťđ) â¤ď¸
I loved reading this ⤠thank you for the nomination, I'm not sure if I'll get round to doing my own but I will try!