I can be a real snob, particularly when it comes to wellness trends or visual culture (not for nothing did I earn a Masters degree in Visual and Critical Studies, emphasis on the Critical) and some of that snobbery has at times been aimed at that undeserving compendium of self-soothery, the adult coloring book.
I love you! Terrified of being the last Japanese speaker of my mother's bloodline I went to a "Japanese Discussion Group" at the Red Lion in Soho and met a wild older Japanese woman who does patterns for a living. Like, for the seat cushions on the tube, I think. This was the same night I dropped £144 on a language-learning app (which I haven't touched since). Everything can be functionalized and monetised! Grateful for the reminder to resist. Last night I made a for-pleasure-only (read: not for a theatre production or workshop) Spotify Playlist FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER (I know) and Gretchen had to come check on me in the shower because I was stomping around so frenetically to the beat of my in-ear waterproof bluetooths that she was worried I was having a seizure. Here's to many more hours of doing things just for pleasure.
Confession! In reality the bank blocked my payment of £144.95 to Pimsleur so I didn't actually spend the money. In discussing this post with Gretchen, and my instinct toward embellishment ("I just can't resist making things poetic"), she astutely observed: "It's because you're trying to find meaning. And sometimes the truth... can interfere with meaning. Right? I'm not wrong." 😆
I promise everything else is true. Especially the first-ever-playlist thing. Which even as I write it again I realise is utterly absurd.
This looks fun. I'm taking an art workshop in Shropshire this summer. You might be bored but might love it. Let me know if you want info. It's be fun - and intimidating - to have you there.
Thank you so much for sharing your process. The words "stay curious" have been in my mind a lot right now, and I look forward to next Tuesday's soup night!
Thank you for the link to 'the wonderful book' that you were listening to... when I saw that, not only had you recommended it, but that it was a favourite of Barbara Kingsolver as well, I was sold! I have just finished listening to "The Golem and the Djinni" and could hardly put it down. So much wisdom and attention paid to what makes us human from those made of Fire and Earth. Gratitude dear Z.
I love you! Terrified of being the last Japanese speaker of my mother's bloodline I went to a "Japanese Discussion Group" at the Red Lion in Soho and met a wild older Japanese woman who does patterns for a living. Like, for the seat cushions on the tube, I think. This was the same night I dropped £144 on a language-learning app (which I haven't touched since). Everything can be functionalized and monetised! Grateful for the reminder to resist. Last night I made a for-pleasure-only (read: not for a theatre production or workshop) Spotify Playlist FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER (I know) and Gretchen had to come check on me in the shower because I was stomping around so frenetically to the beat of my in-ear waterproof bluetooths that she was worried I was having a seizure. Here's to many more hours of doing things just for pleasure.
Confession! In reality the bank blocked my payment of £144.95 to Pimsleur so I didn't actually spend the money. In discussing this post with Gretchen, and my instinct toward embellishment ("I just can't resist making things poetic"), she astutely observed: "It's because you're trying to find meaning. And sometimes the truth... can interfere with meaning. Right? I'm not wrong." 😆
I promise everything else is true. Especially the first-ever-playlist thing. Which even as I write it again I realise is utterly absurd.
I want the playlist!! and love the confession. and you!!
This looks fun. I'm taking an art workshop in Shropshire this summer. You might be bored but might love it. Let me know if you want info. It's be fun - and intimidating - to have you there.
yes, send info!
Hope to find the edges of stability today ...or tomorrow. But just the edge. Lurve you.
LOVE
😊
Wonderful colors and patterns and way of seeing what’s there. 💜
🥰
This was wonderful and needed, much gratitude
🙏thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing your process. The words "stay curious" have been in my mind a lot right now, and I look forward to next Tuesday's soup night!
Same!
I love you too! Sending love and a bit of Autumnal Light from Scotland xx
♥️🍂🍁!
I love you too.
♥️
Thank you for the link to 'the wonderful book' that you were listening to... when I saw that, not only had you recommended it, but that it was a favourite of Barbara Kingsolver as well, I was sold! I have just finished listening to "The Golem and the Djinni" and could hardly put it down. So much wisdom and attention paid to what makes us human from those made of Fire and Earth. Gratitude dear Z.