06.25.23 (imperfection & my *two weeks* of rest and relaxation)
Your resident creative's monthly (ish) digest.
I’ve been learning to lean into embracing the imperfect more these days. A great example would have to be this publication. In full disclosure, I had an issue just about ready to share at the beginning of the month (19 days ago to be exact), but with a move to a new city and all that comes along with it, its completion took a spot on the back burner. And that’s okay.
I am now (decently) settled in, and ready to take another crack at it. But instead of modifying the entire piece to make it seem as though I just wrote this all today, I’m leaving the below as it once was. It was an exciting, turbulent time, and I want to remember it as such. Consider this issue a time capsule of sorts, or consider me lazy. Leaving the choice up to you!
06.06.23
In the time since I last sat down to “ponder,” I’ve graduated from college, taken a weekend road trip across the beautiful state of Texas, and galavanted through the UK with my mother for around two weeks. I’ve been lamenting the end of my undergraduate chapter, staying on top of the job search, and prepping for an impending move to Brooklyn at the same time. Life’s been whizzing by as fast as the train from Paddington station to Cambridge (a lovely trip, by the way), but I’d be lying if I said I’d have it any other way.
Self-admittedly, I love being busy. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I thrive on the feeling of constant motion. But up to this point, my creative battery’s been in need of a good charge. Hence, why we went to the UK and why this publication is monthly-ish.
Thankfully, as I fly to New York (couldn’t help but start typing this on the plane), I’m brimming with inspiration. I’m inspired by England’s vibrant (and so very fragrant) flora and fauna, by Ireland’s rolling hills and frothy coasts. By the outfits on the streets of Soho and in the small charity shop down the block from our hotel. I’m inspired by music and literature-filled lays in Regent Park and walks along the Thames. I’m inspired by the feeling of a peaceful mind.
Here’s some fresh ponderings from the likes of a very inspired post-graduate. Enjoy!
Loving:
Tea! Specifically, warm English Breakfast with a splash of milk (on my third cup as I type this).
The Encyclopedia of Happiness , an awesome reflection on the practice of gratitude.
Rewatching season 1 of Frazier.
Furniture hunting on Facebook Marketplace. Oh my goodness, this.
Still, breathwork.
Learning:
The Secret History by Donna Tart (!!!!)
On the devilish pursuit of beauty and the sublime.
Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer by Wendell Berry
A short essay penned in the 80s but wildly relevant in the A.I. age of today.
Listening:
Sunbeam Sound Machine’s entire discography (specifically, Cosmic Love Affair and In Your Arms).
Witchy Woman (I find the Eagles and the Hollies versions equally as empowering).
the interlude, a playlist I gravitate towards when life feels especially cinematic (lots of listens this month).