February Memory Archive
February felt long and wobbly and like a fog. This newsletter format is inspired by one of my favorite newsletters, Dear Somebody by Meera Lee Patel, where every week she writes 5 things she would like to remember. I have literally cried reading her newsletter talking about being a mother and an artist and the wonders of the tiny things of the world. She just is so incredibly sincere and someone I look up to a lot across the interwebs!
Sophia and I went to North Hampton and went to the magical Montague book mill, we sang in the car, we saw the rushing river, we meandered through the roads of Western Mass. We did a very in depth analysis and research study on the candles at the Yankee Candle Factory. Some qualitative research showed that Sophia notably stated “This smells like shit” as she gagged and we burst into giggles.
This podcast: What Relationships Would You Want, if You Believed They Were Possible?
I went to trivia after work and despite feeling very tired, somehow I just rallied and the night kept going and going with endless laughs, and curiosities, and radio sing alongs and meeting new people, and magical snow on an empty highway and late night noodles and so much ridiculous laughter.
Aiza and I went to the gym late at night and share her airpods while we listened to Texas Hold Em’ by Beyonce and dance strutted and then lifted some heavy things and played like little kids at a playground and lifted our bodies into the air and it really just felt like the closest thing to levitation.
I went to an organizing meeting for Artists Against Apartheid and I learned so much about the role of art in political movements, got to brainstorm + plan with so many lovely people! It felt so special to be in a space that was so lovingly facilitated, to feel my heart and brain grow in a way that it does when I find political homes. After a month of trying to step into the place I can use my power most effectively and sustain my energy to support Palestine it felt like I really landed. After Crystal + Anju and I got to gossip and cackle and catch up in the car, the sun was perfect.
I cuddled with my cat. My weeks were so busy, and I missed Samba so much. I carried him and sang to him and lounged around all day in my underwear and played guitar and watched TV. I sang all day while holding Palestine in my heart and emailed my reps and attempted to remind myself even small actions mean something.
I got to learn so much from the amazing Ruha Benjamin and got to see her book talk for Imagination: A Manifesto. I keep thinking about how she talked about how imagination is rationed, especially when it comes to solving present day problems but when it comes to fueling capitalistic goals - sky is the limit!
With love,
Debs