Whimsy!
Or Every Bird Deserves a Moment
Hello, lightning bugs.
It’s been a mother-cussing heatwave over here. And I’ve been getting by, but my oh my, I’m ready for the fever to break tomorrow. I hope you all have been able to keep cool, in whatever ways you can. Everything changes eventually, especially weather.
The way of the missive:
Writing: New prose or poetry mostly made during my beloved Northampton Literary Society (Litso) writing meet-ups each Thursday. Updates on our sweet group. Other writing things.
Teaching: Something I learned once or recently, that I would like to teach you about now. The advice you never asked for, really.
Community: Observations big and small to help increase connection amongst the unending deluge of tragic events we uncover daily.
Wipe your upper lip and come along --
Writing
Our first Open Mic since January arrives this Friday the 19th at Amber Lane Cafe and Pub here in Northampton. I’m so looking forward to this showcase of my writing friends’ work. And I hope you can join.
I facilitated Litso on Thursday and we wrote about comfort. I didn’t love my output, heavy as it was, but it did show me what I was thinking. Here’s an excerpt.
Even if you’re uncomfortable in your own skin, there is still quiet around you. Well, not quiet quiet. Itches, whirring fans, traffic, screams you can’t hear but know are there. The silent phone is waiting to show you horrors. Smaller bodies than yours. Purple mountains majesty and $78 golden hour creams. You’re invited to everything, and opportunities abound, and you’re loved, which is comfortable until someone asks you how you are, really.
…
Because it’s too hot, and you’re hot, but you have a pretty face and big tits and a personality, and a wasteful amount of quietness, sweet quietness. Other than the weight and the weight of thoughts about weight while so many others waste away.
Teaching
How to make time for whimsy
Walk in the woods and listen to the birds. Be outside with friends. Laugh without guilt. The pains and strains of life are always waiting. Enjoy the fireflies. Sing.
Community
Saturday morning had my friends and I out at the Audubon center in Easthampton, birding with a queer birding group. It was so peaceful and so wholesome. We caught sight of a Baltimore Oriole at the end and cheered! Thank you endlessly to the queer folk of the valley for welcoming my straight ass into this magical community.
Happy bird day,
Kay