I Got to Hold My BOOK!
But first, a link to handy resources for food/housing, etc, during this awful time: http://findhelp.org/
If you’re able to, donate to World Central Kitchen, which just landed in Jamaica and which is currently feeding US government workers, among others.
The other day, I got an arc (advance reader copy) of my forthcoming poetry collection, Offerings for Ordinary Gods (July 2026, CLASH Books).
Lemme tell, I tore open that package so fast. And I’m so excited that I cannot even. I have no chill and never will. I firmly believe it’s important to celebrate even goddamn win, no matter how small. I refuse to take myself too seriously.
And I’m really proud of the book. The one I have finally held in my hands. It’s real! I’ve been absolutely absolutely blown away by the kind, thoughtful, brilliant blurbs I’ve received so far. How did I get so damn lucky?
(At least one of my friends, right now, is going, “It’s not luck, you dope.”)
But I am grateful and excited and mildly terrified. But that last one just means I give a damn. And I do.
It’s interesting, though, how when something good happens, there are people you wish you could tell—both gone and not gone. I know that my mom would be proud as hell of me. And there are people who are no longer in my life who would be proud too, but I am no longer someone who digs up old graves. So, if they know, they know. And that’s not my business.
All that is to say, I don’t take a single joyful squeal for granted. I always, always value someone who responds yes, when I’m like, “Can I share this thing with you?” Because shared joy is the best joy. And let’s be honest: I am a human Muppet.
One thing I know, for certain, is that it is important to move toward joy. Embrace it. Offer it. Share it. The world is on fire in every direction—or so it feels lately. And it is connection and care and celebration and silliness that will get us through all the everything.
Joy matters. You matter. Never forget that.
Until next time, darlings —
XOXO
My Roman empire:
Indeed, it's not luck.
Thanks, friend!!