Did you hear the echo? It felt like someone had just said "Hello World!"
Did you hear the echo?
It felt like someone had just said "Hello World!"
Inner Pages: Letters From Ali Baran Y.
March 12, 2025
A Page from This Week
I'm feeling quite happy with how the first three months of '25 have gone. Did I grow tremendously or did my life change dramatically? Not really. Have I consistently hit my goals or stuck to my New Year's resolutions? For some, yes; for others, hell no. Am I clear and consistent about what I want from life? I'm definitely clearer than before, yet I still don't fully know where I'm headed—and honestly, that's okay. I'm tired of trying to decode expectations, both my own and those of others. Sometimes I meet them, but often I don't, and that's perfectly fine too.
I have this peculiar habit of not updating people regularly, turning myself into a mystery for quite a few. For those people I feel connected to yet who don't really know what I'm up to or where I'm living, here's a small update: I'm currently in Spain—specifically in my pearl, querida Valladolid. I'm aware it's not exactly the hottest spot on the map, but there's something—and some special people here—that makes it feel like a comfortable second home. I originally came here to pursue a master's degree in engineering, fully taught in Spanish, which was quite a challenge. Honestly, I struggled to keep up, but somehow, surprisingly, I managed to graduate without needing an extra term. Meanwhile, I adopted a psycho-killer yet incredibly cute dog named Toby, broke my foot, started earning a little extra money tutoring English, and spent a significant amount of time playing volleyball.
Life unfolds in unexpected yet strangely satisfying ways. All those unpredictable moments—joyful or heartbreaking—brought me exactly where I am today. Somewhere along this journey, I felt the urge to channel my creativity, something that has always been both a source of frustration and joy for me. Writing now helps ease that restless need to create and build something meaningful, and I'm genuinely grateful to have found it.
I’m not sure if it’s because one of my favorite cafés in town is a witch-themed spot with lovely owners and a warm crowd, Akelarre or the fact that I’ve been obsessively watching AHS: Coven again. I do love this song. Surprisingly, I’m not emotionally attached to it, but it’s true that I automatically sing along every time. Love it.
Notes to Self
Traveling to Germany to visit my friends. In fact, as you receive this newsletter, I'll probably be 7,000 feet over France. Feeling genuinely happy about this trip! Planning to write my next essay about this trip maybe even with a video. Stay tuned!
I'm currently submitting some pieces here and there. In fact, I'm following up on a few submissions and I'm still waiting in anticipation! Hoping to share good news soon—you'll be the first to know. My Chill Subs profile
I've also been working on my next zine—a fictional short story about a journey I've been crafting. Part one is already available for you in the 'Something to Keep, Something to Explore' section as PDF and ePub. I'd love for you to check it out!
How are your ‘25 resolutions going?
Something to keep, something to explore.
You can download the first part of The Story of Desponia in PDF or ePub format by clicking on the format of your choice.
That’s it for this week—thank you for spending a little time with Inner Pages. It means the world that you’re here, reading these words. If something in this letter resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts—just hit reply.
If you enjoyed this, consider forwarding it to a friend who might like it too. Sharing keeps this little space alive and growing. And if you’d like to support my work in other ways, you can buy me a coffee or simply keep reading—that’s more than enough.
Until next time, keep wandering.
Ali Baran Y.