I made us something.
Shit has always been real for a number of us. At this time, it’s beyond real for pretty much everyone who lives in proximity to others. It was all good just a week ago. Or, at least it wasn’t this shit, at least. Not here. Maybe not where you are, either. But, we felt it coming. And we made the decisions we made. I have absconded to an undisclosed location that isn’t my apartment or a relative’s house. A new friend is plant sitting for me, my bestie knows to grab my mail, my toilet paper is on auto order. I keep reminding myself that remaining adaptable and soft will help me make it through this. I have survived (still figuring out how I feel about that language, but it’ll have to fucking do for now) everything I have ever experienced. My emotional and muscle memories show up to problem solve every single day. What I don’t know, I can learn. I hold myself and others in that possibility because, well, what the fuck else am I gonna do? Yes, there are terrible people acting terribly right now. Some have added some trifling buzzard juice to their terrible trash human cold brew. It happens. It’s what people do.
People also innovate and adapt. I’m not saying that so y’all can try to write novels to be “productive” during this public health crisis. During this climate change crisis. During this late stage capitalism crisis. Nah. I say innovate and adapt because this is an incredible time to sit the fuck down and learn some more about yourself. Sure, there will be masterpieces. You can celebrate the novice level endeavors, the wins of all kinds. Don’t you race to triumph over whatever obstacle you might envision at this time. This global slowdown is not a challenge to how much you can barrel through something that has pretty much stopped the world. You can’t sheer force of will your way through this, darlin’. Gotta adapt. You can’t adapt without observing, though. Lean into this slowdown, and if there’s a pause for you, take it.
In the spirit of figuring this shit out together, so more of us can make it, I made us a playlist. It’s called “love at the edge of the world,” and I’m so very proud of it. It’s available on Spotify, TIDAL, and Apple Music. I’m working on a YouTube version, too. This playlist is what happens when I hold the reality of our current situation alongside the ways being made. People are already beginning to do things differently. I hope we can all keep it up.
Later, y’all. Be sweet.