I did notice! Thank you for this, and the actionable suggestions. Will make sure to check out the links. Wondering which brand is going to be the most tone deaf and exploitative this February in regards to Black History Month 🥶👀🥲
Jen, I relate to so much of this. The balance of work (day job) and Substack. I was writing at 11:30 PM EST yesterday to refine a review for this week's "The Last of Us" to make my Thursday AM release. Leaving it to the day before will not do! Will anyone miss this if it doesn't come Thursday AM? But it also keeps me with a sense of purpose. Truthfully, I was also trying to work out how to use Substack letters for "Dead to me" collab which I've figured out I think. Are these things that I NEED to do? No, but they fill the cup. Thanks for the BHM reminder and the link to the 28 days. This line resonates big time: You may not be into gardening, but whatever your thing is, try diversifying the content you consume around it and see what you find out. (Amen to this!)
I also didn’t notice that you hadn’t posted anything new last week, sort of. But I see you in the comments sections, so your glowing presence has still been appreciated. Just remember time is just a construct created to make you feel bad for not falling in line with its arbitrariness! That’s what I tell myself every time I miss a deadline anyway.
Glad you prioritized your sleep, and glad to read your posts whenever they arrive! Do you know Ross Gay’s work? He’s got some rich writing in poetry and prose about gardening, and is one of the black artist voices I’m trying to listen to this year.
I love Ross Gay. And had zero idea that he was black. Because I’m ... not paying attention? I don’t know. But a thing I have done--that this plays into--is to try to read authors in genres I already love who are Black or otherwise have a different background or culture than me--not just when they are writing “about that” either. Just their books. (And while mayflower descended Ivy League dudes also come from a very different background than me... that does not count.)
Yes, I too have read several novels by Black and Indigenous authors over the last few years that have expanded my understanding and empathy. Thanks for commenting!
Love this, Jen, and wish I’d been here on February 1 to sign up for 28 Days of Black History. Such is my life--always late to the party. But I’m looking forward to receiving the last ten days of emails!
You’ve made some great recommendations here. I especially agree with:
“...try diversifying the content you consume around it and see what you find out.”
One of the ways my husband and I learn about Black culture, history, and people is by our immersion into our 70% Black community. Two years ago we decided to buck the church system down here in our small southern Mississippi town where no day is more segregated than Sunday morning. Our church family is mostly Black, and we have wonderful dialogue with our friends to bridge the gap and understand each other better.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
I did notice! Thank you for this, and the actionable suggestions. Will make sure to check out the links. Wondering which brand is going to be the most tone deaf and exploitative this February in regards to Black History Month 🥶👀🥲
We should make it a drinking game.
Hahaha I don't think if excessive alcohol consumption will go well with breastfeeding.... and you just know it'll be excessive
Thanks for the nudge on gardening! I'm always looking for new perspectives- especially w/r/t managing a smaller space.
Not at all looking forward to the blitz of performative marketing that's about to flood all of my TL's.
I’ve stayed off media today! 😂
Smart move!
Jen, I relate to so much of this. The balance of work (day job) and Substack. I was writing at 11:30 PM EST yesterday to refine a review for this week's "The Last of Us" to make my Thursday AM release. Leaving it to the day before will not do! Will anyone miss this if it doesn't come Thursday AM? But it also keeps me with a sense of purpose. Truthfully, I was also trying to work out how to use Substack letters for "Dead to me" collab which I've figured out I think. Are these things that I NEED to do? No, but they fill the cup. Thanks for the BHM reminder and the link to the 28 days. This line resonates big time: You may not be into gardening, but whatever your thing is, try diversifying the content you consume around it and see what you find out. (Amen to this!)
Agreed re the sense of purpose -- I like having a routine to stick to. Keeps me accountable. But also sometimes i need a break.
Last of us was so good this week! Nick Offerman is my fave. We’re on season 2 of Dead to Me.
I also didn’t notice that you hadn’t posted anything new last week, sort of. But I see you in the comments sections, so your glowing presence has still been appreciated. Just remember time is just a construct created to make you feel bad for not falling in line with its arbitrariness! That’s what I tell myself every time I miss a deadline anyway.
Did notice....friggin voice to type!
Glad you prioritized your sleep, and glad to read your posts whenever they arrive! Do you know Ross Gay’s work? He’s got some rich writing in poetry and prose about gardening, and is one of the black artist voices I’m trying to listen to this year.
I love Ross Gay. And had zero idea that he was black. Because I’m ... not paying attention? I don’t know. But a thing I have done--that this plays into--is to try to read authors in genres I already love who are Black or otherwise have a different background or culture than me--not just when they are writing “about that” either. Just their books. (And while mayflower descended Ivy League dudes also come from a very different background than me... that does not count.)
Yes, I too have read several novels by Black and Indigenous authors over the last few years that have expanded my understanding and empathy. Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for the introduction to Ross Gay! I found his website and flagged a few podcasts he appeared on to listen to.
Here’s a link to one I wrote about recently. https://open.substack.com/pub/writingincompany/p/ross-gays-catalog-of-unabashed-gratitude?r=3dx4n&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Thank you for sharing 28 Days of Black History. I subscribed and donated!
Awesome! Thanks for letting me know!
Love this, Jen, and wish I’d been here on February 1 to sign up for 28 Days of Black History. Such is my life--always late to the party. But I’m looking forward to receiving the last ten days of emails!
You’ve made some great recommendations here. I especially agree with:
“...try diversifying the content you consume around it and see what you find out.”
One of the ways my husband and I learn about Black culture, history, and people is by our immersion into our 70% Black community. Two years ago we decided to buck the church system down here in our small southern Mississippi town where no day is more segregated than Sunday morning. Our church family is mostly Black, and we have wonderful dialogue with our friends to bridge the gap and understand each other better.