Mentally I'm Here: Vol 4
Working through functional freeze, rediscovering hobbies, various musings, and of course of roundup of media I've absorbed lately
Long time no see? I have reasonings but none to truly excuse my absence. I’m still trying to find my rhythm in terms of publishing on this space. A sweet spot between showing up consistently without driving myself into a frenzy of trying to maintain some unrealistic expectations I’ve made up for myself (the constant struggle of being a Virgo, lol). Yea, I have all of these thoughts that I’ve been drafting but lately none of the words are coming together cohesively. So I’ve found myself in periods of functional freeze. Also, I’m in the last round of interviewing for a new job and that’s taken up a lot of my mental energy. I really need this gig ya’ll. It’s safe to say it’s been difficult for me to truly focus on anything else.
Longer than a couple of months, I’ve found myself in a state of transition. My perspectives are shifting in major areas of life, so much so that I’m starting to pull away from interests that once ruled over my entire being. Damn, is 35 truly supposed to feel like this? Is there a study on any other lobes closing when you reach your 30s? Ya girl needs answers PUHLEASE!
On the upside, I’ve been living in my notes app, jotting down ideas for future posts. The creative juices are flowing. The whole "Sitting-in-front-of-my computer-to-actually-write” part has been getting me. Alast, I’m reminding myself that this Substack undertaking is a journey, not a destination. I have no standards to uphold but my own. I make the rules. A freeing revelation indeed!
On A Personal Note
Now since this publication started out as a space to talk about clothing, I’ve talked very little about clothes lol. Like I said, I’m going through a bit of a transition, so shopping hasn’t been at the forefront of my mind like that. Truly, I need sit down and map out an entire series dedicated to just personal style. There’s too much to cram into these round ups.
I jokingly posted this note while pondering how I’d like to show up style-wise. I wanted to go a little more in-depth on the above photos.
Ina Garten- Because, sometimes store-bought IS fine. No but really, there’s something about a comfy pant paired with an oversized button-up that resonates with me. Dress it down with cool sneakers or dress it up with some chic flats (loafers for me), and it still works. The girlies are onto something when they talk about “staple pieces.”
Phyllis Hyman- This phenomenal talent is just one example. That whole era of Black hair/beauty does it for me. REALLY DOES. I recently think I’ve cracked the code in achieving a voluminous, big-body curl on my own hair this season.
Workwear menswear- Something about the cut and the shape of men’s workwear is just so good.
Artsy Aesthetic- Just the idea of a cool creative who spends a lot of time engaging with her local museum district. There’s no one specific look per say, you just know it when you see it.
Now if I can get back into the habit of documenting my outfits as I wear them, we’ll be cooking with grease.
Escapisms
Reading
Toni Morrison, The Last Interview- I’ve owned to book for a while and finally decided to pick it up. To curb my phone addiction, I’ve been attempting to re-ignite my hobby of reading. And I’ve found it more enjoyable to start with works from/about authors I already love. Morrison is such a fully actualized human being, and I’m constantly in awe when I watch her interviews or read her words.
The Piano Lesson, August Wilson- A quick read, I picked this up almost immediately about watching Malcolm Washington’s adaption for Netflix. While I do enjoy the direction of the Netflix Adaption, I feel like some of the monologues from the supporting characters in the play would’ve added more nuance to the film.
The House On Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros- I just started the other day but I’m already enjoying how the book is set up. I can’t believe I haven’t picked this up sooner.
Watching
The Piano Lesson, Netflix- I watched this not being familiar with the source material, so the final act threw me for a loop. Especially this particular adaption. In a good way though. Not only did I go back and read the play, but I also watched the 1995 film adaptation which I found to be a bit more light-hearted than Malcolm Washingtons’. Both have their pros and cons. It’s definitely worth the time. Danielle Deadwyler is a force as Berneice. Ray Fisher as Lymon is refreshing, and Samuel L. Jackson shines as Doaker. Wilson’s view of spiritually and religion is something I found interesting as well. There’s so much more I could go into but I’d much rather hear ya’ll thoughts in the comments.
Arcane, Season 2, Netflix- If the streaming platform does anything right, it’s animation. Arcane is a standout. Loved every minute of it from start to finish. Now will I be playing League of Legends? Negative. Ya girl is not coordinated in that way. But I can appreciate a stellar story accompanied by beautiful animation.
Sex and the City- After seeing clips around the Internets, I finally broke down and gave the series a go. And I get the hype lol. For me, it’s validating to know that at 35 you can still not have everything figured out. Humans are just messy creatures.
Listening
GNX, Kendrick Lamar- I mean, what can one truly say? *Snickers* If you’re as chronically online as I am and have been following the Drake v Kendrick beef, then this surprise drop by the artist has you giggling and kicking your feet as well.
There are more happenings around the internet that I could comment on, but instead I’m going to continue to honor my season of rest.
That’s all for now.
Until next time Ya’ll
With Love,
—Dani
This is amazing! Thank you for sharing. ❤️❤️