'Round the maypole.

And another year around the sun! 🎂

It’s my birthday month! Here’s an old video of me twirling ‘round the maypole.

My birth date has always seemed appropriate for me. After all, May 1 marks the ancient Celtic festival of Beltane, or May Day—ushering in light, life, and luck for the year. Having my solar return on this day as well makes both feel doubly powerful. As my own internal landscape matches the earth’s seasonal shifts towards fertility and fire, I feel myself being truly reborn as the earth is each spring.

I’ve spent the last week pickling magnolia petals and making floral simple syrups (I’m still waiting patiently for the lilacs to bloom) and liqueur infusions. Today, I’m setting off on a little birthday trip (I’m taking my annual multi-day cross-country train journey and then a road trip up the coast), so I’ll be out of office the rest of the week. I’ll be back on May 5th to return correspondences and will have availability for dates again around then as well.

My wishlist has been updated for the occasion—I’m hoping to start pole dancing again (it’s such a lovely, flowy art form and really helps me tap into my most sensual self) and added one to my list so I can begin my practice anew. Gifting will include bespoke videos of me dancing, obviously ;-) Smaller contributions are also welcome and appreciated should you feel moved to do so! But the best way to celebrate is truly with your company, so what I look forward to more than anything is a delightful inquiry in my inbox.

I’ll be in Chicago most of the month as I’m also moving apartments the week of my return—so I’ll be busy here nesting and getting settled in. However, I’m considering a brief visit to Detroit, Cleveland, and/or Cincinnati towards the end of May, as well as Milwaukee around May 9. I’ll be making my final decision for these locations in the next week, so do reach out now if you’d like to lock in a date.

I’m also available for fly-me-to-you trips if you don’t see your city listed for the upcoming months. I just got back from an amazing NYC getaway with a dear soul last week and am still glowing from the experience.

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Here’s my upcoming availability—please double check my website for current rates and offerings and reach out early if you’re hoping to book. Things are subject to change, as always!

For dates listed as “TBD,” I will need booking inquiries within the next week in order to confirm the tour.

MAY

• Birthday: May 1

• Milwaukee: May 9

• Cincinnati: May 19 (TBD)

• Cleveland: May 20 (TBD)

• Detroit: May 21 (TBD)

JUNE

• Boston: June 9-10

• Atlanta: June 10-11

• San Francisco: June 25-27

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

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.

Here’s to a new year of life! Won’t you celebrate with me?

xoxo, Aila

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