Zero Degrees of Separation and Temperature
Weather + Recommendations
Welcome to Love + Travel, where adventure sparks evolution.
Last week’s offering, The Colors of Possibility, includes a poem I began drafting during a moment of mind-wandering at the gym. You can also read the entirety of my work, here.
It’s been a wintry week, and fog has been a comfort.
It rolls in with the ease of a slow southern drawl, hanging in the air, a white shirt on a line.
I like how it consumes everything—the way it allows things to temporarily disappear.
It unhinges its jaw and swallows a mountain, a building, a man whole. Then returns them unscathed, a ghost of light and matter.
The fallen cloud suspends my vision like the water droplets in the air.
And for a moment in time, little exists beyond my extended palm.
Then there’s the snow.
It fell as silent as sifted sugar
And sparkled under the slanted eye of streetlights.
Roads grew hollow under its descent
And every sill and surface became insulated with its airy hug.
The snow is tricky. Like a strong mind, it blankets. Painting in broad strokes.
Making dissimilar things appear the same
but there is always an outline to where the cold begins and ends.
It’s a wonder. To fall full force, then be gone by morning.
And so, uniformity melts in the blue light of dawn
Where a return to self is as certain as the next storm.
I hope you find the beauty in your surroundings this week.
Counting on you to shine,
R.
If my work raises your spirit or shifts your perspective, I invite you to like, share, or comment on this post so it continues to reach those it resonates with. You can also upgrade your subscription, consider buying me a coffee, or purchase a book for my library.
TODAY’S TIDBITS
It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these, and I feel like sharing.
WATCH - Harlem - The attempts at a Jamaican accent are still horrible, but the storyline is good. Also, the series finale was wrapped with a bow. Grateful.
LISTEN - Underwater x Zilo - I’m obsessed with the way this song builds. It’s been on repeat for days.
READ - How To Say Babylon x Safiya Sinclair - I finished this book earlier in the month, and it was beautiful. Sinclair's blending of poetry and prose deserves to be studied.
ADMIRE - Solange x Document Journal - Solange and artist Wangechi Mutu's love and respect for each other is palpable in this dialogue. This quote, about glassmaking, made me sit up straight, “...I had to constantly be surrendering to the material or it would break. Relatable.
PURCHASE - I bought a desk lamp and it’s so freaking perfect. It has three light settings, a flexible neck, doesn’t take up any desk space and it’s green 😍. It matches my laptop sleeve, planner, and plants. No complaints.
MUSE - Between writing haikus and being introduced to Dekaaz by
, my brain is a 10-syllable zone.LET ME KNOW
Fog or snow? Matte or sparkles?
What are you reading-watching-eating-enjoying?
In what ways are you more focused on what you can't see? How are you appreciating what’s remains in view?
How are you consciously choosing yourself this week?
I really enjoyed the rhythm of this one! Such pleasure to see in your words what I also experienced :))
I’m obsessed with watching people make butter and pasta right now. It looks so simple but also complicated. I have to try it.