Recent Reads...

I set a goal of reading one book a month this year and so far… off to a decent start. Posting here for accountability.

Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte: Collection of stories about rejection. Absolutely brutal read and I mean that in the best way. Almost lost me but the final story sucked me all the way in.

M Train by Patti Smith: Perfect book to end the dark season. This is my first Patti book and it took me a minute to get comfortable with her voice, it’s dominant but winding, like drifting in and out of sleep in the passenger seat. I had no idea she finds comfort in crime dramas and now The Killing is on my watchlist.

After Nature by WG Sebald: Patti read this in M Train and then I stumbled upon a copy in the discount bin on the sidewalk outside of Alabaster Bookshop and took it as a sign. I’m so glad I did.

Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham: This was written in 1988 and it’s incredible how much is perfectly relevant (except for some suggestion on things like, where to procure a blade). My used copy was highlighted by someone else and we are clearly on different journeys.

When the creative dam breaks...

My emotional state takes a beating every year in February, which I know is not unique to me. I’m grateful knowing that it’s just the same old seasonal depression and not the end of the world but acknowledging it isn’t the same as navigating out of it, something I don’t think I’ll ever be able to master. So every year I wallow in the muck of darkness, wrapping myself in old reality show marathons and self care indulgences, my creative mind hibernating until a tiny bit of faint daylight after 6pm summons its return. I make attempts that never come until I can no longer bring myself to fake it and instead clean my desk top, organizing glue sticks and paper clippings into random piles, shifting here and there, so everything is ready when it comes. If it comes…

Artists often participate in an art share in which they make small art pieces, typically 2.5”x3.5” (the size of a business card), and swap them. I came across one of these recently and immediately thought, “I don’t want to do that at all”, but it finally gave me an idea that felt solid. 

I'm starting a collection of 3”x5” collage cards (tarot sized) and I’m having so much fun making them. I’m not sure for how long or how many. Small surface area means less pressure, more fun which is apparently what my sad, winter brain needed to finally snap back into gear.

As you may know, the world is going to shit and as an introvert, I often struggle with ways to put my voice to power while also feeling safe, so I also hope to use some of these cards as a way to raise money in the future since unfortunately, that’s always a need. 

Follow along, make note of your favorites and stay tuned…