I wrote last week about traversing a patch of uneven territory when it comes to my creative production. Despite my best efforts, I’m finding that this patch is a bit larger than I would have preferred. Therefore, I’ve been avoiding this. Meeting myself on the page, that is. Acknowledging that something is wrong and that, as much as I want to be, I’m just not at the top of my game right now. With this consideration, I’m trying to be kind to myself; to give myself grace as I seek a more even footing. It’s not easy. In fact, I’m being reminded of just how harsh I can be on myself.
Something that has helped, though, in my efforts to be more generous is reminding myself that I am much more than a writer. I have other responsibilities and other interests outside of those which I jot down in notebooks and type into word processing programs. And, as much as I love my words, I’m happy to have a life outside of those creations and the, especially recently, shaky semblance of a process that leads me to them. Furthermore, I’m finding it especially beneficial to focus on some of those proclivities outside of my writing practice for which I’m making space. Therefore, dear readers, here are some of those activities:
Interior Design: After the initial phase when I first moved in, I have not made much progress in decorating my apartment. For some reason, I felt inclined to change this course of inaction upon my return from Mexico last month. I added to my gallery wall hanging over my bed, installed floating shelves, and got a good deal on dining chairs. I also painted a wooden cactus to use as a wall hanging. It’s a bit crafty, but I’m choosing to believe that’s part of the charm
Going out: I have been blessed enough to have recently danced the night away with some of my very best judies. It also happens to be a great time to do so, as there’s so much new music.
Getting more into tennis: As I get older, I’m outgrowing my churlish aversion to sport. I’m even encountering the curious and probably misguided impulse to take part, as mad as that sounds. With that being said, I am deeply into tennis; so much so that, a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to attend the Women’s Singles Final at the Miami Open. There, in person, I got to witness the beginnings of one of the most intriguing stories in US sports: an inspiring winning streak by American Danielle Collins in her final year on tour.
Spending time with my family: I took Corey to his first horse show!
I also spent time with my mother who, beyond being a success and an inspiration in her own right, is also endlessly loving towards me and encouraging of these fanciful ideas I have about my life. She believes in me more than I believe in myself, and I’m trying not to take that for granted.
Going to work: No matter how much I hate it or believe it brings out the worst in me, someone’s gotta pay these bills!
Reading: I might not be writing much but I am reading. After taking my sweet time with The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, I inhaled both Solomon’s Crown and Just By Looking At Him. It feels good to be on track to hit my year’s reading goal!
Making myself yummy food: I love cooking! When we were shopping for my apartment, my mother kept questioning, “how much are you actually going to cook for yourself?” Turns out, quite a bit! Putting some of my excess screen time to work, I’m learning a lot of techniques from my stay-at-home moms on TikTok and allowing myself to experiment in the kitchen. Tonight's dinner, for instance, was simple, yet effective. I sautéed some fresh garlic, onions, and pancetta before adding some jar vodka sauce (my mother insisted I take it when I moved). I added some seasoning, some pecorino romano, and, of course, some pasta water and–¡Buen Provecho! Some tasty spaghetti!
Stand up comedy: That’s right! I’m doing stand up pretty consistently. I’m still finding my voice and my point of view, but I’m proud of myself for getting up and performing. I’m not sure it’s my final stop, but it is certainly a step towards something like that!
Being honest about how I feel: To quote Joesef, it’s been a little heavy lately. At times like this, I have a tendency to isolate myself in my unsavory emotions and hide from those who want to help me. This time, I am trying not to let that happen. I’m trying to be more honest about where I am.
See? Even though my lizard brain would have me think otherwise, I’m doing a lot!
This week’s recommendations:
PAPER’s write-up on Delta Work
This essay from it’s because it’s on
The Essential Dolly Parton
Just By Looking At Him by Ryan O’Connell
“Good Luck, Babe” by Chappell Roan
“Club classics” by Charli XCX
Love this Quinn! Keep writing! Xo
Dear god please can we play tennis together!!!