last night i had a dream i was chewing on a bic pen at a check-in counter, and the lady in charge kept saying “ma’am, it’s covid.” then i’d keep chewing and lock eyes with her.


it’s an AC-less august here in quarantine. i feel like a historical figure craving lemonade, stories by way of oral tradition, and empty thoughts – thoroughly placated by sweat season.
these lulls have also been piqued by a few adventures: a roadtrip across the midwest to cleveland, indiana, ohio, and michigan (where i climbed a massive dune after consuming a large cup vanilla soft served); bike rides to coney island beach; regular prospect park hangs with friends; early morning trips to whole foods in the prius (#thisisthirty+); and my forever quest for the perfect throw.
i always feel angsty at this time of year. those back to school vibes don’t go away with age! my august playlist has had the same cozy-season favorites since 2007.
i drew that ^rag tag house in ditmas^ and the paper wilted. the photo is from november.

other than my own sweat, here are the things i’ve been absorbing lately:
the overstory by richard powers – the sentimental style was a little hard for me to get used to since i haven’t been reading much fiction lately, but i appreciate lots of things about this book so far – themes of immigration, women in science, relationships between fathers and daughters, and of course the extended tree metaphor.
nice white parents podcast – thanks to steve for suggesting we start listening to this last night. i was feeling agitated post-work and didn’t want to, but no excuses. on the insidiousness of segregation in nyc’s public school system and white parents’ unchecked power in gentrifying these schools.
i really appreciate a good gardening store, and kings county nursery in prospect lefferts garden really came through for me on sunday afternoon. i finally got a stake and twine to train my monstera, whose air roots are literally climbing their way across my floor to my bed (halp).
one whole week of not drinking on a weekday (live from cnn). because i’m taking this lifestyle out for a test drive, i’ve been making SO MANY VIRGIN BEVS. like this peach thyme iced tea, a cucumber peach elixir, and also a million iced coffees and matcha lattes. i also discovered that oatly oatmilk is gluten free. game is changed.
we submitted an application to adopt a sweet black and brown chihuahua puppy named ms. florence dombey on sunday night from badass brooklyn animal rescue (!!!). pray to your AOC shrine for us! #dogsrule including this guilty friend (tweet cred steve).
headed to hudson tomorrow with friends! going to work remote, swim in a lake, eat the foods, hike and drink the wine (what was that about sobriety?). @hudsonvalleyhikes on instagram, new obsession.
pickuplimes’s youtube channel is my #1 favorite to balance out moments when i feel like tattooing my entire body in peacocks or getting a tongue extension.
i’m trying to wrap my head around how to celebrate glass ceilings shattered, get biden/harris elected, and still be a vocal critic now and when they’re in office. saving thoughts for next time…