vol. 2, no. 6 | Solstice
Happy Summer (to those who celebrate)!
Of the seasons, it’s my least favorite. Too hot. Too many outdoor activities. But it commences the steady march toward fall, which I love, so in that way summer is my favorite season narratively because at the end of summer we get to celebrate its conclusion.
And I do very much celebrate it.
Specifically, for many years now, Livvy and I have hosted a story- and reflection-driven end-of-summer picture show called Summery. We convince our friends to show us pictures of their summers and tell us what they mean. It’s always on the last day of summer, which this year is September 22. It’s our favorite day and event of the year and you should mark your calendars if such introspective events are your kind of thing.
For many of us here, paying attention to and reflecting on the passage of time is absolutely our kind of thing, and whether or not you celebrate summer or fall, I invite you start this season with some wonder and attention.
As in every season, things will change. Some things will end, others will bloom, and hopefully some very important peaches will ripen in safety.
I’m particularly curious to see what The Company looks like in three months. Who’s new, who’s old, who’s changed. I’m interested to learn how all our hearts are doing then. What we’ve made, who we’ve connected with, how our businesses are going, whether we’re closer or further or centered or stronger.
HAGS
—Ivan
Happenings
This week:
Weird Weekly Wednesday Worknight, Wednesday, June 25
The Company is about combining creative work with good friendships. Make an appointment with your side project this (or any) Wednesday at a Worknight, where we oscillate between enforced, focused, quiet time and optional chatty social time.
This’ll be a strange and short one because there is a Moonlight Report from 6–7:30, so Worknight will begin at 7:30.
Free for everyone this time ’cause it’s weird.
CANCELLED: In The Making, Thursday, June 26
We’re pausing In The Making until October! This month for secret reasons, and the other months to support The Made Shop’s Make & Tell events (July 17, August 21, and September 18).
Future Weeks:
Mary Ann’s Book Club, Monday, June 30
Mary Ann hosts a book club, switching between fiction and nonfiction. This month, we’ll be reading Severance, by Ling Ma.
Described as:
A genre-defying novel that blends dystopian fiction, satire, and immigrant narrative to explore themes of consumerism, identity, and the monotony of modern life. Set against the backdrop of a global pandemic caused by “Shen Fever,” the story follows Candace Chen, a millennial office worker in New York City, as she navigates a world where the infected mindlessly repeat daily routines until death, offering a poignant critique of late-stage capitalism and societal disconnection.
Snacks and drinks will be provided to fuel our conversation.
Mindfully repeat this monthly book club routine →
PowerPoint Party No. 28, Saturday, July 5
Twelve people giving 7-minute presentations about whatever they’re currently into. At past parties, people have presented about bees, frescos, roofing materials, and getting engaged. It’s a wide mix.
It’s a nerdy and sincere crowd that cares a lot, and we’ve met some of our favorite people at these.
Want to present? We’ve got a waiting list. Want to just show up and meet interesting people and learn about what’s fascinating them lately? That’s great too. Bring a friend, or come alone and make a friend.
$10, or free for members and presenters.
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Also coming up: Glint: Language (July 15), Offsite: Make & Tell (July 17).
Nostalgia
Do you remember the impromptu yet well-attended Star Wars Watch party? How, at Jim’s recommendation, Mason procured the Despecialized Edition?
The Monday morning airplane hugs that became a tradition?
How we saw Craig and Farrah out the window, and they came in to say hi for the first time? How we started on the second season of The Last of Us, and it was just The Two of Us?
Do you remember Glint? The setting up? Livvy’s repeated attempts to get Fer’s attention? The jump in ticket numbers? The two part story? How we all still wonder if Jim was really going to San Diego? The lingering after? How we caught up about so much?
Do you remember the hard-to-document Worknight with the ice cream stop?
The holiday?
Jessica’s frequent reminders to take a sip of water throughout that super hot Friday?
Or the solstice picnic, in that glorious heat? How we all cheered when someone new showed up? The babble of so many conversations? How the sun slowly set while we danced, played games, considered fortunes, ate snacks, and told stories? How once again we were anointed?
Bureaucratic Minutiae
We published the
/membershippage and subpages this weekThe espresso machine has been flushed and its burrs have been cleaned
At Glint: Mark shared about battle fields and soccer fields, Fer told us about a choice she made half a life ago, Madison reminisced about a joyful loss, Katie recounted meeting a guy on a rock, Allyson talked about a grief observed, Beth shared a dietary mishap, Jessica P. reflected on her changing attitude toward crossing roads, and Jim recounted meeting a girl on a rock.
At Worknight: Alex wrote two sections in personal reflection, [redacted], Mike completed a work log Google doc and finished (making) a reel, Jacob wrote subtitles for a video, Merlin read 125 pages, and Ivan talked to Nancy and updated samples images for 16:32.
Finally, a reminder that The Company is a member-supported gathering place, and if you know any of us, you’re welcome to pop in any time for free (outside of events). If you know that one of us is here and you’d like to come by, reach out and we can let you in.
Photos
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This issue of Paperwork was written by Ivan, and shot by Ivan, Jessica S., and Lizzie. Photo selection and editing by Ivan and Michelle. Editorial support was provided by Livvy, Norton, and Michelle. This issue, and The Company itself, was made possible by the support of our members, Halie, Drew, Justin, Mason, Lexi, José, Mary Ann B., Trevr, Allyson, Lizzie, Madison, Melissa, Elijah, Michelle, Jim, Jacob, Mark, Sabrina, Beth, Dani, Chris, Will, Rebeca, Sarah, Mary Ann T., Alex, Jessica P., Jessica S., Mike, Ben T., and Sam.
Do you know anyone in the Denver area who might be looking for creative community? Feel free to forward this email along to them. Everyone loves Paperwork.
😘