November 2024
Showing up, winter things, some little pics, and more.
Image above: a little snail who is just taking a little break
On Showing Up
I have a friend who asks me if “I’ve been working on anything lately” every time I see him. By “working on anything” this particular friend means painting, and I know he is asking because he is genuinely interested and supportive, but every time I see him I dread this question because inevitably I haven’t been painting much anything at all in the weeks since I’ve seen him. Each month in my planner I set a goal of painting more and each month I seem to do exactly the opposite of that— I invest time and energy in work, friendships, and inevitably a new hobby (we’ve now entered knitting season!) but there never seems to be enough time to paint.
This isn’t going to be another essay exploring why certain habits don’t stick or new methods I’m trying out to get back into creative rituals. Last weekend when I saw this friend again, rather than make excuses for why I hadn’t been painting or stretch the truth about how much I had, I instead found myself speaking to the other creative activities that had felt fulfilling to me. I had done a small app design project that I felt surprisingly inspired and excited about. I had done a few inktober drawings. I had experimented with some sewing projects and done some fun new art therapy exercises. Though I hadn’t done “the thing” that he was asking about (and that I tend to judge my creativity by), I realized that I had been showing up creatively consistently, even if in small ways, and that’s what matters most of all to me.
In light of recent local, national and global events, I’ve been thinking even more about how I show up. When big things happen in the world, I often get super down on myself about how little I’ve been showing up, especially when others I know appear to be giving their all to their communities and causes they care about. When I take a step back, though, I realize once again that though I might not be leading a protest, I am showing up in the small ways that I’m able to and that feel sustainable to me right now.
I would list some of the small ways we can “show up” here, but I am hesitant to as comparison can cause so much anxiety and paralysis when it comes to showing up. When we see all these people making grand gestures online we sometimes think “well hey, I’m not going to do all THAT so what’s the point of doing anything at all?” Maybe you don’t think that, but I have a hunch that some of you out there do, and to all of you anxious folks with comparison issues that impact your motivation: I see you. Know that whatever you’re doing, no matter how small, as long as you’re showing up in a way that is manageable to you, you’re doing the work. Don’t let any influencers make you think otherwise!
TL:DR: just want you to know that you are enough and you’re doing enough and you’re doing great <3
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Some Little Pictures:
(from top left to bottom right)
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November Playlist
This season I’ve mostly been listening to cozy ambient sounds— I’ve linked to a youtube below but will add some Spotify tracks here if that’s your jam. I hope these help keep you warm this winter!
Image above: a sweater I’m slinging through Bonfire using an image I created years ago calling for & raising dollars for the continuation of safe & legal abortion care.
Recent Work: Holiday Gifting, Human Rights Edition
As we enter the holiday shopping season I thought it would be fun to round up some organizations/folks who are selling cute things that also support causes I believe in. I know probably better to just donate and avoid all the items but listen, sometimes we just want some CUTE THINGS ok?? Don’t come for me!
Obviously number one is going to be something I made myself 💁♀️ sorry ya’ll! I drew this years back and sadly it is still very relevant so I decided to put it on some clothing in hopes that making human rights cute will make a difference. We’ll see! All proceeds go to the Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project. Order here!
Artists for Palestine is a cool project where you can receive artwork by donating to a Palestinian relief fund, contacting your representatives, or attending a protest.
Heart Coffee for Palestine!
Cute queer gear by an organization that donates proceeds to support gender-affirming care.
Unity Press is still shipping prints for Gaza— they’re all cute! (while we’re on the topic, you should probably just buy anything/everything from Jeff/Unity)
Amplifier Art always has cool stuff and supports a variety of causes.
CHNGE has lots of cute things that support lots of great causes (and has great sustainability practices!)
Do you know of more places to donate in exchange for cute things that might make cute and meaningful holiday gifts? Shout out in the comments please!
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Some Other Good Things
OK as mentioned above: I am not a holiday music girlie but for some reason beginning November 1 all I’ve wanted to listen to is ambient classical music with a cozy backdrop like this one. So sue me!
I am a 36 year old woman and my new hobby is making clothing for Calico Critters. There is something sooo satisfying about the tiny patterns and bits of notions! Currently working from this book and loving it.
Other #cozy things I am loving this month: - fuzzy blankets - this fuzzy Uniqlo jacket - slippers and clogs with socks - dandelion tea - a candle lit at all times - a big batch of soup reheated all week long
Winter hair hack: if your hair is getting all dry and frizzy (especially if it’s thick like mine) maybe try a quick trim with some thinning shears! This usually does the trick for me (but like, don’t do this too often obvi!). Also have been using this Amika mask for the past couple weeks and it’s been helping.
Adam made this tortilla soup the other day and I’m still dreaming about it! Essential winter recipe IMHO.
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Thanks for reading – see you next month!
Decided to show up and thank you for the nice email. i know that a lot of people are wanting to make a difference by organizing, but i find that a well informed and educated opinion that is informative, makes bigger waves then than throwing money at stuff or signing stuff with your signature. The government can only control stupid people.