Velvet Glove, Velvet Mind

Dearest Reader,

When I was a kid my Aunt took me along with her to get her shells read, a form of divination I only encountered in New Orleans later on in life. My Aunt’s best friend recommended a woman she turned to for psychic guidance in our building. My recollection is we rode the elevator down to the basement floor, and were welcomed into the apartment of our neighborhood fortune teller. Gold rings on every finger and the place smelling fresh with Florida water, she shook a handful of clinking seashells over her kitchen table. Spreading them out to inspect on the vinyl table cloth decorated with drawings of colorful fruit that was so popular with all my elders. I don’t recall what she saw in my Aunt’s future, but I do remember her saving a little time for me. I was not yet in elementary school, and was spellbound by the whole process. She looked down thoughtfully before smiling a wide grin towards me declaring “You will marry a very rich man.”

It makes me think of this famous Cher quote.

Visiting psychics and tarot readers is one of my family’s favorite past times. I haven’t been turning to their aid lately like I used to. After years of what felt like constant crossroads and earth shaking decisions I’ve had a little break from that chaos. For now I’m just open to receiving the signs myself, wherever they might show up.

Here’s what I’ve been thinking about/inspired by lately.

I cannot wait to see the new Boots Riley film I Love Boosters.

Do yourself a favor and next time after you read the news, turn on the Live Jelly Cam from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and breathe.

I am still reading and loving The Biography of X, obsessed with Catherine Lacey’s blending of real life characters and fiction. Reading while listening to Connie Converse is a fully immersive experience.

Since the weather is warming up I thought I’d share this more stripped down demo version of Vetiver. A song chock full of the agony around having crushes and that fast, desperate, anything-is-possible feeling that defines Summer for me. You can hear slight lyrical and phrasing changes I made for the album version. Thought you might enjoy.

Thanks all for me this week,

don’t take any shit!!!

xo alynda mariposa segarra xo