Happy Father’s Day everyone!
I’m so excited to share my first recap with you all. Let’s dive in!
READING: “The Creative Act: A Way of Being
After scrolling and reading countless articles from The Strategist, I came across this book from an article that featured recommendations from music producer Rick Rubin's book called The Creative Act. While I am only a few chapters in, I am absolutely loving this read. Its collection of short essays details the creative process and how we as humans are innate artists.
Rubin writes, “There’s a time for certain ideas to arrive, and they find a way to express themselves through us.” This suggests that the creative process almost has a mind of its own, only acting in concert with the universe’s timetable when conditions are right.
Drawing on my own creative process, I resonated with this as I find that my insights seem to appear from nowhere, as if they come from some stored source beyond me. It’s humbling to realize that we aren’t truly that original, but rather a vessel for expressing ideas that want to exist in our world.
Through reading this book, I am learning to be more present and force out the idea of being perfect. I am allowing the natural flow of inspiration to come to me, knowing if it expresses itself, if I express it, it is the right time.
EATING: Hot Dogs and Cake
I was truly spoiled to be served this homemade summer berry cake made by my incredible sisters.
Of course, to celebrate Father’s Day, hot dogs! I know I’ve already discussed how much I love hotdogs, but I was just introduced to a game-changing topping - caramelized onions. The slowly sauteed onions draw out their natural sugar and produce the most incredible sweet and savory flavor. This dog quite literally melted in my mouth.
However, I have a bone to pick with some hot dog buns. Top sliced buns have got to go. I’m calling for a cancellation as the top slice does not allow one to toast their bun properly. Let me know in the comments if you agree.
CHALLENGING: Healing From Concussions
Not so fun fact about me: I have been suffering from prolonged symptoms of two concussions I got from soccer this past year. It sucks, but I am dealing with it in the best way I can. My neurologist prescribed me a summer of rest. This may seem like a gift to be told to rest all summer long, but honestly it’s been incredibly hard. I am typically a very active person and also feel pressure as a rising junior in college to get an internship or job that will set me up for my future. I can’t help but compare my relaxation, healing summer with my friends’ summers.
I tried pushing this injury down, pretending like it doesn’t exist. But that just made things worse. It’s been a journey but I’ve come to realize just how important my brain really is and how if I had a different physical injury like a broken bone, I would be putting in the rest to heal that. It took me a while to realize that my brain is the same. I’m lucky enough to have an amazing support system such as my family and friends who help fill my day with distractions, love, and care. To fully embrace this relaxation period, I have taken up journaling, reading, writing, and I plan to try baking soon. These little hobbies only take up so much time so having this blog gives me another outlet to distract myself and feel productive while still being chill.
APPRECIATING: Nature and Family
This week has been absolutely beautiful. I love having the chance to sit outside and enjoy my senses coming alive. Smelling the freshness of the air, the wind going through my hair and the sun heating my skin, the chirping of the birds, and the grass tickling my feet. I also greatly appreciated getting to spend time with my family this past week as we were all home. It has become a rare occasion that my whole family is together at home so I always try to take a moment to appreciate it.
PLANNING: Watching House of Dragon
I started watching Game of Thrones last summer and fell in love. After finishing all 8 seasons, I started watching House of Dragon. I have patiently waited months for the second season to start airing. Time is up! At 9 p.m. EST the first episode, “A Son for a Son,” will drop across multiple streaming services. So that's my plan for the night.
I’ve also become an avid fan of the game I Want Watermelon. It’s like the fruit version of 2048 where you try to combine fruits to get a watermelon. I’m currently ranked 5% globally after playing a game for almost 2 hours.
As for the upcoming week, you can look forward to getting an inside scoop on my holy grail. Spotify. I will talk about what music I’m currently listening to, some of my favorite artists, and some songs that speak to me.
Something I love doing is asking people out of the box questions. I love catching people off guard and making them think about the same weird things on my mind. So, for this newsletter, I will share what question I plan on asking my friends and family this week, and you should too!
Question for the week: What’s your favorite piece of architecture in the world?
happy to make you a cake anytime
Loving the hotdog content