Archive - notes from a reluctant optimist

If I Go, I'm Goin'

On overstaying your welcome, Sempervirens, Los Angeles, and more Gregory Alan Isakov

Jun 5 •

February 2025

I still have no fcking clue what to do with this newsletter

On tattoos, metamorphosis, Moon Lists, and leaning into the absurd

Feb 5 •

December 2024

Love is a thing you can taste

On Oakland's service industry, another year gone, and Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox

Dec 22, 2024 •

October 2024

It's Nice To Be Here And Not In College

On revisiting your college town, rare comets, Gregory Alan Isokov, and breaking the cycle of self-destruction

Oct 15, 2024 •

August 2024

August and the Agony of Waiting

On living in the unknown, the flat circle of time, and Vanessa Angélica Villarreal

Aug 27, 2024 •

July 2024

Hello From A Very Reluctant, Tired Writer

On self-criticism, a small summer reading list, local journalism, and cutting myself some slack

Jul 3, 2024 •

April 2024

Blue Like The Color Of Distance

On Rebecca Solnit, getting closer, Yves Klein, and a snippet of soon-to-be-published flash fiction

Apr 23, 2024 •

March 2024

This Newsletter Looks Different Now

On new beginnings, Ada Limón, a personal rebrand, and the pursuit of purpose

Mar 20, 2024 •

February 2024

A Blank Wall Cannot Stand

On aestheticism, Felicity Sheehy, the end of an era, and the endless pursuit of being touched

Feb 10, 2024 •

December 2023

Fear Is Out In 2024

On bell hooks' love ethics, Mary Ruefle, Rilkean angels, and sponsored ads for Lexapro

Dec 21, 2023 •

November 2023

In Defense of Silence

On whale infravoices, Spotify wrapped, social media, and Ilya Kaminsky's "Deaf Republic"

Nov 30, 2023 •

October 2023

What I Learned During My Month of Rest and Relaxation

On anti-escapism, the splinter in your eye, and ominous positivity

Oct 4, 2023 •

#nojs-banner { position: fixed; bottom: 0; left: 0; padding: 16px 16px 16px 32px; width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; background: red; color: white; font-family: -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol"; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; } #nojs-banner a { color: inherit; text-decoration: underline; } This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please turn on JavaScript or unblock scripts