sea ranch, california in november 2022
hey there, how have you been? (i know, it’s a loaded question—i want to know though!)
it feels weird to write here again. but i feel grateful for this space, even if no one is reading this. if you’re here, i am glad you are still here.
there were many points in the last 3 years where i wanted to share some thoughts again. the pandemic kind of ruined a lot, including my brain. i’m slowly recovering it! the truth is though, in the midst of multiple horrendous pandemics, the last 3 years have been personally and professionally, unexpectedly kind to me. i seriously feel like i lived 12 different lives in the last couple years, and i can count all the small blessings i’ve received along the way. through it all, i’ve been most grateful for good people who want to be in community, good art to keep us all sane, and good old reality for showing us we can get through the highs and lows of it all.
i help make cool animated films now. catch me in the credits, june 2023! yes, i’m still addicted to baggu. i’m finishing books again, and back on goodreads. i keep thinking about these cute bottles of olive oils after my nyc trip lol. (if i get a +1 for these, i’m ordering it). please watch season 3 of ramy (and the first 2 of course). this ramy x hasan minhaj talk i saw live made me fall in love with ramy as an artist and creator. speaking of hulu, you CAN NOT miss reservation dogs. the cast and crew are all incredible indigenous talent, and it’s so hilariously good! i loved this david treuer essay on sterlin harjo, rez dogs showrunner. i think i may have a crush on orna from 'couples therapy’, the show. you should read hua hsu’s new tender book about art, friendships, uc berkeley, and more: stay true: a memoir. i’m currently reading about how to set better boundaries.
my bestie abi @theduskykitchen is really coming out with a cookbook, called Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed in feb 2023!!!! 18 year old us really never would have thought, and i am so beynod proud! pre-order it at your local indie bookshop or use bookshop.org! seriously look how beautiful this cover is.. (also 100% in support of the ongoing harper collins union strike for better pay and benefits.)
photogenic garden, farm, off-the-grid, tiny-home, in the portugal moutains, and beautifully shot footage? absolutely yes to all of these buzzwords. eugenia diaz on youtube, my new inspo in life.
can’t live without my milk frother/steamer. why am i so obsessed with what i eat in a day & day in the life videos on youtube (send me your favorites). i’m listening to avery trufelman’s newest season of articles of interest podcast. this season is especially phenomenal. i’m obsessed with this podcast about family secrets—any episode is a good one to listen to. it could have purely been juicy and entertaining, but these stories show how secrets, while traumatic, can have the power to liberate, heal, and even uplift us. 1 more month til 2022 1 sec everyday video, get ready for it! here is my 2021 video.
i’m inspired by K to cut back on my social media usage. as a recovering over-sharer and consumer of internet, i aspire to take my time back for more regenerative activities i love. (tbd on how it all goes)
“We do not need to always optimize our time as we toil under capitalism.”
sea ranch, california in november 2022
what are you inspired by lately? do you have small routines that help bring joy into your days? what made you laugh recently?
thanks for reading. sending you ❤️
michelle
Michelle! I remember first meeting you at The Ruby (3 years ago!). Time definitely flies and, like you, the past few years have introduced many different *teachers* in my life that were unexpected. I learned a lot about my desires, needs, wants as well as the agency and power I possess. It’s been a lot, I absolutely agree. I loved reading what you’ve been up to. Congrats on everything (will def be on the lookout for you in credits in 2023). As for social media, I got hacked the first week of January 2022 and just stayed off and now have a very very different relationship to social media. In addition, it has made me and other folks in my life far more intentional with communicating with me. In any case, happy for you and definitely want to pick up Abi’s cookbook.
I’ll be your +1 for the olive oil. I have it and I love it! also please keep writing these! This is delightful