Love for Sale

Did you think we forgot about our podcast RAW impressions? Nah, nope. I’m assuming, like the rest of the world, we are all eyes on Minneapolis right now. January felt like the month that would never end, it was long and painful.

and now, February is here.

We recorded a short Tiny Tunes style pod episode to primarily get the word out for the Valentines Pop-Up we have coming this weekend. This pop-up was decided in December, so I’ve been working on it since then. (It takes awhile to make stuff!)

I hate to even write it or give it more space because it deserves none, but ICE really started in on my hometown and as y’all know, things escalated to horrific extremes. Murders, children and families torn apart, living in fear. Absolutely blatant white supremacist shit going on. We are not safer now, it’s quite the opposite thanks to ICE.

Minnesotans are changing history. We have much to learn from all the many ways they are showing up for each other. I feel humbled and grateful observing this all from afar.

In the midst of all this, my own work continues. It does for all of us right? Bills still need to get paid. What a fucked up thing huh? I donated to Rent Relief for Minneapolis School Families (that’s a link) because I can’t even fathom having to worry about how to pay rent when you can’t even leave your home to go to work or school or anywhere. I donated to Modern Times Cafe (another link) to help provide free meals to anyone who needs it. I donated to Our Justice Supply Drive (link) because families are struggling to provide basic supplies like diapers when they cannot work.

I wish I could do more. I will when I can. I give money because that seems to make the most sense from afar.

So yea, we have a new podcast up and we have a pop-up this weekend. Creating does help me get thru hard times. Doing the podcast and working on the Barlow Family General Store help me stay grounded and focused when the world feels like it’s spinning out. I do believe art (in all of its many forms) is so vital and we can’t stop creating, especially during the hard times. The art also becomes a reflection of the time, something for future generations.

Lou sings John Lennon’s song “Love” in the podcast episode and I was incredibly moved by it. That work of art from 1970, feeling relevant in my heart today.

So yea, this weekend we open the doors to our little shop in Greenfield, Massachusetts. If you can come, that’s wonderful. Yes, we will have many great items for purchase, things I’ve created, cool things other artists have created, we even had 100 CD’s made for the event, filled with all the music from our 4 pandemic YouTube specials. (don’t worry, we will pop the ones left in the online store after)

Our dear friend Alexis of Works on Paper is joining us for the pop-up. She’s bringing an incredible selection of independently published art books, stationary, pens, zines, etc.

This is also an opportunity to just be together, in person. Be with other people who just really give a shit about other people! You can simply come to listen to my playlist or pepper Lou with questions about his very specific ukulele tuning.

Valentine’s Day is a my favorite made up holiday because love never goes out of style. You don’t need a partner to celebrate. You can practice loving yourself, loving your friends and family and loving people whom we call strangers.

I’m sending abundant love to you, person reading this.

You are worthy of so much love.

-Adelle