I contain multitudes
I’ve gone to start this introduction a few times and then: delete, delete, delete. Sometimes words fail. I guess I’m feeling a bit quiet, or whatever the written version of that is. Perhaps, ‘keyboard shy?’ There must be something already out there, but the lake of my mind is coming up short when fishing for an answer. I suppose I’ll honor that. So, picture me gingerly tiptoeing away into a warmly lit room with many blankets and a tall cup of—iced, despite the weather—coffee. I hope you’ll also honor how you feel today. It never hurts to practice being ourselves in low-stakes situations like Sundays. Maybe tomorrow I’ll feel loud, and that’s no less ‘me’ than my tranquil state of today. As Whitman said, “Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)”
There’s a poem for everything.
Brain collage
I’ve been collaging a lot. There’s something deeply satisfying about ripping up paper and leaving the imperfect edges just as they are. I love finding a butterfly (that matches the color palette!) to go with the romantic roses of a lipstick ad. I enjoy the childhood memories that pop into my head every time I pull off the cap of a purple glue stick. I like stepping back when it’s done to appreciate how it all came together.
Here’s one of about twelve that have piled up in my living room turned art studio.
“A crowd / Will gather and not know that through its very street / Once walked a thing that seemed, as it were, a burning / cloud.”
— from Fallen Majesty by William Butler Yeats
“Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.”
―Vincent Van Gogh
Recommendations
For those who wish to appreciate art but can’t get to a museum, explore Close Read
If you’ve ever wanted to be a fly on the wall amongst legends, watch The Beatles: Get Back
If you have Aquarius in your chart like I do, read Your Guide to Aquarius Season
Are you looking to treat themselves to something lovely? Check out Allie Keast Jewelry.
For those who aren’t big drinkers and have struggled to come up with a ‘why,’ find solace and validation in I’m Tired of Explaining Why I Don’t Drink
If you haven’t taken part in the (justified) craze but secretly want to…Wordle
