Present Joys: scarves as ties, identity, seating and soft serve
Week of August 19, 2024
A Scarf as a Tie
I screenshot this image from Instagram and now I don’t know who first shared it because the little name handle didn’t show up, apologies. This is Belgian artist and designer, Ado Chale, wearing a pink scarf perfectly knotted and used in lieu of a tie. So clever and cute!
A Take on Identity
I really enjoyed Tilda Swinton’s perspective on identity shared in this clip. Why would we choose only one identity when we could have an endless supply. Hmm…
Frizzy Hair Chair
Sometimes I can’t believe that I’m 33 years old and still have no idea how to properly tame/do/style my hair, but then other times, I catch my reflection in the window while pumping gas or on a zoom before anyone joins and just burst out laughing because I look like I’ve just touched a static electricity generator. It’s the best.
A Studio Visit with Sarah
On a visit to Frogtown last week, Joyce and I stopped by our friend and artist Sarah Lesher’s new studio. It was so wonderful to see Sarah in this space, to view her work (in no less than four mediums), and to learn more about her perspective and vision as an artist. I admire Sarah and her dedication to exploration so much. It inspires me to be more creative and it sparks endless joy to see a friend actually DOING the thing that lights them up. Added bonus to the visit: she made us deviled eggs!
Trying Climbing
I went to the Post with Joyce and Colin a week or so ago and I think I get why people get really into climbing. Pros: the social aspect of the activity, the fun chalk you get to use, the colorful pegs you climb, the challenge that comes with the different levels, the thrill of reaching new heights. Cons: the thrill of falling from new heights, the rental shoes, the chalk that gets everywhere, your arms feeling like they’re going to fall off two days later (I guess that last one can be a pro too).
Destination Runs
I often return to the realization that, for me, running is so much more than exercise. Michelle once told me that I seem more like myself when I’m running regularly. Without a run routine, my mind’s detritus can quickly pile up. The act gives me space for thoughts to sink in, evolve, or simply float away. It’s also good incentive to patronize restaurants outside of my little Pasadena bubble. I’ve been going on long runs over the weekends and determining my destinations by distance (and cravings). Last weekend’s dangling carrot was the herb-filled wrap of Zhengyalov Hatz.
Places to Sit
Van and I have been putting in more effort lately to make our home feel both personal and practical. Though our apartment is small, we still desire areas where either of us can peel off into a particular space and/or activity. Seating is a major factor in achieving this so we’ve brought in more chairs, stools, and added cushions to our low bookshelf so that it can double as a bench. I now love finding Van (and Bruce!) seated in different parts of the apartment. Our square footage hasn’t changed but our space has somehow opened up.
Soft Serve Summer
We’ve been on a soft serve kick lately and the vanilla bean buffalo milk and malted chocolate swirl from Rory’s Other Place takes top cone. It weirdly reminded me of the times in my life when I’ve watched the movie or read the book that’s the source material for whatever media it inspired and I finally understand the reference. Every other cone feels like it’s paying homage to this one; it tastes like the purest version of what a soft serve should be.
Farmer’s Market Signs
We were in Santa Barbara for our friends Lian and Colin’s (lovely!) wedding this past weekend and enjoyed a leisurely Saturday morning before the festivities. I couldn’t get over this stall at the Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market both for the artistry in the harvest itself and the hand-painted depictions of each variety of heirloom tomato. Van and I left feeling so grateful that we live in California.
Out of Body Experience
Late to the game, but I finally started reading All Fours. In the opening pages alone there were so many throwaway thoughts that I shared with the narrator. I’d never given these passing remarks much attention, let alone seen them reflected back to me in writing. After reading a couple chapters, I tucked in a bookmark, shifted gears into a domestic task, and felt such a strange sensation. I went from experiencing the narrator’s specific thoughts to my own, but lines of identity and reality felt blurred since those “fictional” feelings were very much real to me. A simple act of tossing my socks in the hamper felt like an out of body experience. Reading is a trip!
Present Walks
Thanks to all who joined our last Present Walks! We strolled along the LA River Bike Path and ended the evening with tacos and drinks at Justine’s Wine Bar. Follow along our Instagram for details on our next walk!