Recovering:
The past few months have been so intense! July isn’t void of intensity, but I feel like for the most part of this month I’ve been recovering and taking in the beauty of Chicago summer. I’ve been trying to slow down, savor the weather, and just enjoy.
Blooms in totes:
Last month I shared that my friend Gabby and I organized Blooms in Totes - an organizer for Chicago Abortion Fund. It happened and we raised $1280 for the fund! I’m so thankful for everyone who was involved in the project and also to those who purchased the totes. It encouraged me to remember that there are so many ways to show up for the community on any level and scale. It all counts. Excited for future collabs!
BAck at it:
Remember when I made sourdough bread every week? I made my first loaf for the first time in awhile, and it reminded me how grounding the practice is. The whole process of being attentive to the rhythm and having a home day felt so good. And I’m happy to report that my sourdough starter is healthy! Looking forward to prioritizing making bread more!
Art thoughts:
I’ve been thinking alot about the relationship with my facilitating and personal art practice. So much of how I hold space is fed by how I hold space for myself - and being in tune with the collective. Questions I ask myself are: How can I practice what I teach more? How can I extend compassion to myself at the same time? How can I receive from my community? How can I practice interdependence with my community? How can art be a container for healing + connection? How can I facilitate in a way that helps folks to tap into what they already embody?
A big question is how can I prioritize using art for my enJOYment? Not to prove anything. Not to convince myself of anything. But to experience contentment, fun, joy, rest through making art.
Chinatown:
Chinatown Chicago is pretty far from where I live, but this month I’ve made it down there twice! The first time was to meet some friends for dim sum and then went to Poetic Platforms - where there was a beautiful performance in front of the blue mural. I was so inspired by the murals that were in Ping Tom Park. So I decided to go down there for a second time a few days ago with a friend that’s in town. We had soup dumplings and pastries from a Chinese bakery. It feels good to be around people that look like me and to enjoy good food. I’m thinking I need to make it more of a rhythm to make it to Chinatown.
Books:
All about love by bell hooks
Still working my way through it for the second time very slowly and thoroughly.
portrait of a thief by grace d. li
Just started getting into it! I like the storyline so far, but the writing isn’t my favorite.
the school for good mothers by jessamine chan
Almost done with this book! It’s a really fascinating book, and I recommend it!
TV series:
The rehearsal
I stumbled on this new tv show, and it was surprisingly clever and entertaining. It explores the lengths one man will go to reduce the uncertainties of everyday life. With a construction crew, a legion of actors, and seemingly unlimited resources, Fielder allows ordinary people to prepare for life’s biggest moments by “rehearsing” them in carefully crafted simulations of his own design.
Stitching abolition:
A friend brought me do this incredible exhibit called “Stitch by Stitch” that is a 3 day abolitionist quilting convention. The pieces were so beautiful and told powerful stories. I’m excited to see more from them!
relational transitions:
Relationship with my partner (of almost 3 years) have been really challenging in this season. Our struggle is how to maintaining + grow our relationship when there is very little capacity in the face of challenge. For me, I’m learning how to both show up for myself and have my needs met with my partner. Nothing is cut and dry - there is so much nuance, and things can get so confusing. But I feel like we are at the turn of a new season. Hope this one will be filled with more connection and ease. The photo above is the few from his new apartment! I’m looking forward to having more time with the lake.
birthday gift:
I treated myself with this vintage watch with interchangeable color rings! It felt really good to invest in a piece I’ll hopefully have for a long time. Leo season is my fav! Can’t wait to celebrate more in August!
intentions for august:
Is to celebrate well! Celebrate life and all of it’s complexity + beauty. Celebrate relationships that keep me grounded and feeling loved. Celebrate the journey that I’m so privileged to be on. Hope you can join me in celebrating the things in life that deserve celebration!