luther

Here we are again! This time last year, I challenged myself to write and put my writing out into the world. The posts didn’t have to be life changing as long as they were honest. I didn’t hold myself to endless positivity, though I did push myself to look on the bright side just a bit more at times. And through it all, I’ve remembered what I love about writing and what I want to champion in the world: connection and possibility.

Within the past year, I found out that my longtime favorite musician is a Zionist. It was a strange sort of mourning process to go through, to realize a hero of yours who had always sung of love & the beauty of humanity… only believes that applicable insofar as it pertains to her & people she approves of (aka people like herself). 

For maybe the first time to this extent, I had to really intentionally shift my attention and energies to different artists; ones I had enjoyed for years, but ones I hadn't immersed myself in the work of yet. I saw live shows, alone and with friends and my partner. I fell even more deeply. For artists who put out great work AND strive to ensure their actions align with their values. To expand access, to support communities, to mobilize people. Knowing the artists I love & support also love & support their listeners & the world right back is a special kind of peace and encouragement. I’m incredibly proud to be a fan of MUNA, Maggie Rogers, and Orla Gartland in particular (Orla’s latest album was just named one of the New York Times’ albums of the year, and is one of only a few indie artists on that list). To feel I’m coming into my own–as a person and as an artist–while in the company of these artists hitting their stride makes me sit up a little straighter, take a moment to appreciate what has been thus far, and give myself & others a little more grace.

At the end of the day, all I’ve ever wanted to do is be creative, share some of it with other people, and do good for others with what I have. The months and years ahead are undeniably frightening, to me and many people I love & share community with, and maybe to you as well. But if there’s anything I know and continue to relearn all the time is that time goes on and things change–always. And we can play a big part in that change! So we have to keep reaching out and moving forward and taking turns picking each other up. Our future may seem gloomy and threatening, but days dedicated to togetherness and celebration and newness are right here too, illuminating the steps immediately ahead. 

Remember who you are and who you want to be, and do your best to act accordingly.

Happy holidays & happy new year! And thank you for being part of my blogging journey.