Max Most Loved vs Cynicism 🥊

And losing is just not how I move.

I normally hate corny platitudes in collectively dark moments, but I did come across a sentiment that genuinely resonated with me even at my most cynical and depleted. Not a direct quote but it went a little something like this:

There is an ungodly amount of money and coordinated effort being poured into media to make you feel numb to it all.

If you feeling the pain right now, it means you can still feel and its not working. The literal billions being blown is not enough money to snuff out all the hope and kindness that is inside of you.

Its rough out there, but keep feeling it, baby. They cannot afford us.

♥️ A few weeks ago, I got a double header weekend where I saw the Paranormal Activity stage play and The Last Podcast on the Left live show over two nights in a row. Its not my favorite franchise so the play didn’t initially sound great on paper, but the execution of it was amazing! They pulled off elements that wouldn’t necessarily work on film, but translated so well on stage with the help of classic smoke and mirror tricks. 10/10 Very scary 😱

Last Podcast is probably my favorite show. I’ve listened for at least 10yrs. I’m not a big true crime person actually, which is what originally put them on the map. In recent years, they have pivoted to history and that was such a good fit for the boys’s style of storytelling. Its closer to Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History these days.

I never understood the point of live podcasts, but I get it now. Its not so much about the show itself as it is getting to hang out with a auditorium full of people who also like that thing you love.

It was the best weekend!

♥️ Being in Chicago again so soon I can taste it! This is actually the longest I’ve spent away from Chicago since 2009. (5months!) I’m feeling the disturbance in the force and need a hit of the Windy City stat!

♥️ I am a big believer in the “Write drunk, edit sober” method, but I’m not a big drinker. The dispensary I frequent has a consumption lounge filled with comfy couches, board games, Mario Cart, all the essentials. Its cute but usually pretty quiet during the day.

Over the past few months I started bringing my laptop and books with me and using the space to lock in. I spend like four uninterrupted hours reading, writing, and drawing in there once a week. Its so good to have a change of scenery and be able to focus completely.

I’m friendly with the staff and they told me other customers have been noticing me and asking about it. So they said they are inspired to start advertising dedicated “quiet hours” for people who want to get in on this. I have accidentally started a stoner productivity revolution!

I don’t know how common consumption lounges are, this is the first one I’ve been to. If you have access to one, its been a HUGE boost to my creative and professional output. Its a been true Writer’s Block Buster. Can’t hurt to give it a whirl if you feel stuck.

♥️ Phone Calls with Friends. I’m over texting! Lately, I have been making time for voice notes and phone calls. Its so much more satisfying. I get a lot out of real conversation that cannot be replicated by typing.

I love my people so, so much! I will never not be grateful that we found each other in this world. It is quite possible that I am the luckiest girl alive to have these people in my life, friends and clients alike. They challenge and inspire me. They are so smart, passionate, and mature. They are doing amazing things with their time. Plus they are just plain cool!

Last LoveNote, I wrote about overcoming being a shy kid. If I could go back in time and tell that version of myself about all the love waiting for her in adulthood, she would have gagged on her Fruit Rollup.