six things

In the pursuit (the endless pursuit) for an accountable, regular writing practice, I’m taking a page out of Fariha Róisín‘s practice. Their “twenty things” series on Substack shares their recent inspirations, readings, observations, and joys. I’ve really enjoyed and found inspiration in their sharing, plus these posts have introduced me to art and writing I would have never known about otherwise if they didn’t share their joys in these things. So, I’ll be starting with six because A.) twenty is like intimidatingly a lot I’m not gonna lie, maybe I’ll work my way up and B.) six is and always has been my favorite number (my neopets username was Mehrnaz666666 but like no relation to the whole satan thing I just really like the number.)

Here are my six things, in no particular order:

1. Since Róisín’s Substack series inspired this post, their essay “On weed, my love, my addiction” really spoke to me and my relationship with marijuana. Similar to Fariha, weed has played different roles for me through my different stages of life— not always for the positive. While substance use is no new topic, specifically addressing marijuana (or whatever these dispensaries are calling “marijuana” these days) in all its glory and folly was a refreshing read.

2. I visited Philadelphia’s free Fabric Workshop and Museum. I was moved by Jesse Krimes’ Elegy Quilts series. He uses clothing and textiles supplied by current and formerly incarcerated people to create vibrant, textured quilts of domestic spaces. The use of unconventional fabrics to create common, recognizable scenes was moving to witness in person— there’s something so magic about seeing textile art in person, since the fabric really comes alive in real space.

   

3. I was inspired by a stranger in Ulta Beauty who said hello and sparked up a conversation with me. Before this happened, I actually wanted to say hi myself and compliment their hairstyle, but alas, shyness (cowardice?) took it’s chokehold on me and left me silent. Their boldness was inspiring and I was able to give them the compliment. They actually told me you can get tinsel extensions in your hair at Ulta for just $15, who knew?!

4. I finished The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and while I could gush about the intricacies of this book for pages on end, I’ll just share this quote in her introduction to her “summer” chapter, that feels especially relevant these hot June days with sporadic storms:

I have only to break into the tightness of a strawberry, and I see summer--its dust and lowering skies. It remains for me a season of storms. The parched days and sticky nights are undistinguished in my mind, but the storms, the violent sudden storms, both frightened and quenched me.

5. I’m learning and attempting to learn the art of tezhip, or “Islamic illumination” (I hate how vague and unspecific that is). Here are some beautiful designs inspiring me right now, designed by tezhip master Nagihan Seymour:

6. Have you tried Venezuelan tequeños? As a certified cheese lover, I can say with confidence these are everything mozzarella sticks think that they are. Mozzarella sticks never hit the way you think they will but seriously these are THAT GIRL and hit soo hard, especially with a cilantro lime dipping sauce omfg.