Quote of the Week: “Blood circulated through her veins with the fluidity of a song that branched off into the most hidden areas of her body and returned to her heart, purified by love.”— Gabriel García Márquez, Memories of My Melancholy Whores. Might I recommend this fun little novella from a Colombian icon for your next flight or beach afternoon.
Grateful for: Everyday moments of lighthearted tough love. Before heading to Austin this past weekend, I stopped by WebbCam, which, if you’re new here, is my go-to Philly spot for addressing the woes of my analog journey. I bashfully approached the counter explaining that I’m terrified to remove the film from my camera because I accidentally exposed my last roll *a year ago* and I just don’t remember how this beast works and please help. Well, it turns out there was no film in the camera. Embarrassing enough. Then, to my surprise and delight, the store owner forced me to load and unload some film myself, and showed me a few other functions I’d forgotten. Like, he literally shouted, “Girl, if you think I’m doing this for you, you’ve got another thing coming. Today you LEARN.” I was taken aback by his (playfully) commanding approach, but so grateful; it takes being hands on to actually progress in a hobby.
While I promote gentleness and sensitivity under most circumstances, and openly hate unsolicited advice, I still love a well-meaning kick in the ass. A bit of constructive criticism by request. I think our desire to be coddled rightfully comes from an 1.) aversion to shame and 2.) rejection of authority, but when approached with sincerity and expertise, playing student for 10 minutes can change your life. How open are you to receiving tough love? What plays a role in whether you welcome or dismiss it?
Wanting: To be back in Austin! What a vibrant, magical, sweltering microwave of a city! I knew I’d love it, but I didn’t know I’d be quite so head-over-cowboy-boots. From Rainey Street to Barton Springs, the spirit of the 60s is alive and well in the Texas capital. Austin really reaffirmed my disconnect from Philly. For the greater part of my 5 years there I’d been burying the impact of my surroundings. Cities with color and nature and sunshine short circuit your brain when it’s used to only registering brick and gray. Hopefully I’ll squeeze a recap in when my film gets developed (manifest some decent shots for me, would ya?).
Loving: This wonderful infographic from Gabi Abrão (@sighswoon, a new favorite follow) titled “Things You Can Pretend to Be When You Feel Uncentered.” Right now, I’d say I’m somewhere between “cave with drips and echoes” and “a giant smooth boulder in the sun near a body of water.”
Feeling: Decisive and intuitively charged up. About my joy, health, money, art, relationships, etc. I kind of attribute it to a choice that likely reads regressive to most: temporarily moving home with my parents. Accepting that I need a safe, comfortable situation as I test the waters on some things has been so empowering and makes me feel like I’m not scared of what people think, or sacrificing my social life. It was shocking at first, feeling isolated and wondering if my life was over. But the right people and opportunities will always be with you if you prioritize and nurture them.
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