leaving on a jet plane
pause, purpose, possibility
12 February 2023
I’m preparing for a quick trip to Los Angeles, something spontaneous I haven’t allowed myself to do in years.
The pandemic certainly had something to do with staying still, but there’s also my irrational yet incessant fear of financial ruin. Future visions of myself pushing a grocery cart filled with (color-coordinated neutral) bags.
This is untrue, and it is equally utterly disrespectful to purport myself with those who have so much less than me. Yes, my life may be completely different than it was, but what I have received along the way is so much more valuable than anything money can buy.
And, I’m pretty sure at the end of the day, I won’t look back on this trip and point to it as the thing that brought me down because maybe, just maybe, it will be the experience that opens a new door to unimaginable possibility.
In any case, I’m going to LA. To look at (a lot) of art, to be with friends I haven’t been with in years, and to see the Joan Didion show.
Full, field report on my Instagram, if you’d like to follow along.
What unimaginable things might you consider this week?
two retreats • always on island
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CONTINUES
When Women Were Birds: solstice, story, sea.
June 18 - June 22, 2023
When Women Were Birds: murmuration, memoir, meditation
September 22 - 26, 2023
Monhegan, ME
register before Feb 28 and receive $100 off any retreat • all the details
Sarah has an amazing talent of weaving so many things together and listening. It was a truly inspiring few days together on retreat...I am going to continue to write every day ... Jeanne, Philadelphia
have you ever wished for a taste of retreat closer to home?
join me for a gathering of writing, ritual and restorative yoga
Sunday, March 5 in person at tru yoga, rochester, ny
four spaces remain • register online or in studio • $40 • scholarships available
from breath to pen, mat to page
this workshop is for anyone ready to explore how yoga & writing complement the other to become their own embodied practice.
come dressed in comfortable clothes, bring your mat, a journal & pen
March 5
3:00 - 4:45 pm
I keep a list in my notes app of the things I’m electronically dog ear-ing to pay attention, to notice but mostly to remember. Where will my narrative threads take me today? These are a few of my current contemplations
reading
Virginia Woolf’s idea of privacy
Poet Nikki Giovanni on trusting your voice
A while back, I taught a Narrative Medicine workshop on Imposter Syndrome. In it I acknowledged all the ways I didn’t feel qualified to do so, but then again maybe everyone feels like they’re faking it.
and
treat your to-read pile like a river, not a bucket
watching
Have you seen Women Talking? There is so much to consider in Sarah Polley's work of female imagination.
's essay allowed me to unpack some of my thoughts around how we speak of the unspeakable, when words are not enough?I love delving into process and craft: listening to others, learning about myself. Thanks to Kara Cutruzzula
for sharing this sweet short video. Nothing earth shattering, yet an affirmative exhale into being conscious of the pleasure of telling your story.making
It’s Super Bowl Sunday!! Yes, I know I live in Western New York, but I’m a Chiefs fan, and Patrick Mahomes is my football boyfriend. Don’t worry. My sweetheart is fine with it—we’ve had the talk. Patrick and I have been an item since November 19, 2018, when I watched the Chiefs beat the Rams on Monday Night Football. 54-51?? What happened to football in my 22-year hiatus, and where did the Ravens come from????
Throughout the season I’ve made a lot of nachos (here, here, here) but today we’re going with these wings and serious potato skins.
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I’m so glad you liked the Mike White video! Have a wonderful time in LA!