One Friday in February, friends and I went to the opening of Pyracantha Press' new building at Arizona State University and I had a near religious experience with art books and type, printing presses and ink. So much of my work is done alone at my desk or in coffee shops or sitting in my car, typing and making voice notes to myself, and so much of my work only exists online that I can begin to feel like a ghost. I read books and zines regularly, flipping through the pages of smooth and rough paper, but it’s been over a year since I’ve printed my own zine. Seems like it’s time. Standing in a proper cathedral dedicated to book arts was a stern reminder: Print your work! Hold it in your hands and give it away. It matters, it matters, for so many different reasons.

Reading  

Books I read in February were Bread of Angels by Patti Smith, Dirtbag Billionaire by David Gelles, and Changeover by Giri Nathan. This really gives a snapshot of where my brain is living: art and tennis, but also business. I’m also about halfway through listening to Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and just started Running by Lindsey A. Freeman, after seeing Raziq Rauf post about it (whose book This Is Running I’m eagerly awaiting!)  

Online I enjoyed reading A Reviewer’s Life by Christine Smallwood (recc’d by Dave O’Neill in Morning Writing Club’s book review class), and catching up on favorite newsletters: pretend cooking in montréal by Sarah Duignan, You Could Be Braver by Jon Randell Smith, Still life by Apoorva Sripathi, Postcard from the Edge of the Quantum Realm by Karmela Padavic Callaghan, revision cave. by Raechel Anne Jolie, On Appetite by Alicia Kennedy, The absolute wisdom by Cameron Steele, and And for the lady, a treat perhaps? by Rebecca Thimmesch.

Writing  

In the newsletter, I published Citrus Generosity, Anti-Depression Soup, and Dust. And I discovered that an old essay I wrote about making shortbread was re-posted on the website of a ranch where I’ve bought Mesquite flour! I’m also working with Wasted Ink Zine Distro to publish their newsletter which is weekly in February to promote their 10th anniversary fundraiser – consider donating or sharing to support indie publishing. And as always, I’m pitching, working on edits, and writing way more words than I publish.

Eating

A delicious Valentine’s Day: Bottle of bubbly and pastries x 2. First Michael picked up croissants and cherry tarts from the bakery where we got our wedding cake.

And then I picked up a box from Stoop Kid’s Bake n’ Take where I had the hardest time deciding which 12 to pick. It was a blur of over the top deliciousness — but I’ve got to say the deviled egg cookie won the cutest thing award.

On the third Thursday of the month I picked up bread club from Barrio Bagel + Slice and the rye and sourdough loaves had a moment in the sun.

And I finished up the month at Jinya Ramen for a friend’s birthday dinner. I got the vegan creamy spicy ramen, with added egg and bok choy, and copied my friend’s order of hot sake. 

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