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Hey there, how’s it going?

The month was hectic to almost a breaking point, both in terms of the constant more-not-less demands of work as well as the various social celebrations in May. The stress was apparent enough that my boss suggested for me to take a few days off. It turned out to be a really good call, because Ian and I were finally able to take a beat when we snuck up to Santa Rosa near the end of the month.

Into the Sun

When we were in Santa Rosa, one of the spots we visited to was the Sonoma Botanical Garden. Somewhere along the many paths of the garden I realized just how nice it was that Ian and I were able to be there in that moment — catching the light breeze in the sun, getting lost in the botanical, and surrounded by flowers both from local and far away places alike. But unlike a hike where my mind would be focused on getting from point A to point B, being in a botanical garden is less about the distance (and closing my rings) and more about literally taking pause in taking in the sights. In our stillness we saw some tiny lizards scuttle by and pale blue butterflies dance alongside us. Good times.

• Winged Wonders – Sonoma Botanical Garden

San Francisco Resilience

I spent my last two days of my vacation going to San Francisco — the first day spent at the de Young Museum and the next hiking most of the Double Cross Trail. Growing up, I never thought of San Francisco as my home growing up — instead I was too busying dreaming up the next best place for me. “One day when I’m older, more independent, have more money, I’ll be in living large in a bustling city. Unlike here where the 29 muni bus either never arrives or, when it does, it’s always two at a time.”

But over time and after living in so many other places, I find myself rooted and always rooting for San Francisco. The city has its fair shares of problems but also this boundless resilience in its every day people. The de Young Museum is definitely nice, but one of the highlight in my SF trip was just riding the 44 and 38R bus, watching people living their daily lives.

I remember reading the history of San Francisco and the city was never built to be “beautiful” as we know it. Before this modern concept of gentrification San Francisco was a gritty port town. Before high-rises, Portsmouth Square and Barbary Coast were red light districts — people had to do what they do just to get by.

• The fearless art practice of Leilah Babirye
• Trout Stream in the Tyrol (History repeats itself)

Out of the Sun

Ian and I had an impromptu date and watched Sinners on an early Saturday morning. I couldn’t quite make up my mind about the film in the moment, but it’s something that my mind has kept going back to. I really liked how it’s not like a full-on horror movie, because half of it was more like a period drama. I can ramble on the film’s setting and all the characters’ flaws and undertones, but it’s best to just experience the movie by yourself. (Check out the first trailer below, the second trailer pretty much spoils the entire movie)

• Sinners | Official Trailer

And here's the rest of it…

Thanks for reading this and being with me on this journey. Let me know what’s going on in your world and be sure to share something with me that’s been giving you life! You can also check out past issues of Dear Friend, on my website. Here’s the rest of it:

• The photos I took this month
• Interesting enough to share but not enough to write about:
  • Fiona Apple - Pretrial (Let Her Go Home)
  • Hikaru Utada - Mine or Yours (Official Music Video)

Love wins