a micro blog entry, last call for submissions, and zine fest next month
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feb11microblog: A Carousel
It’s hard to write something personal these days. I’ve been reading a lot of tarot. Video diaries hum in the background before work. I brace myself before reading the news. My voice memos have crossed a thousand. I’ve been reaching for orientation in small ways.
I’ve kept a leash on my creative impulses, holding back from being productive while my imagination keeps generating, and I’m grateful for that. Four projects loop like a baggage carousel, waiting for me to claim one. If you’re watching Single’s Inferno, I am like Mina Sue. I see potential in each one, and I even stay a little open for other possibilities. I frustrate myself — and sometimes others — with my hesitation, especially when I don’t move according to what’s considered a normal pace. Sureness and certainty is rewarded and admired. Being fickle is unattractive. Someone told Mina Sue, “You don’t know yourself.” I’ve been told that too.
I know myself in the moment. And moments change. I think I’ve learned adaptability as a stealth skill for social survival, especially as a child immigrant. Growing up, Ditto was my favorite pokemon. The shapeshifter. The one who can mimic. I still feel like I’m 12 years old (dreamily longing and wide-eyed) but with the lived experience of a 36-year-old self (cautious and stiff).
I’m several ages at the same time.
Hot Notice Board
Hot Notice Board is a curated, community listings zine in Los Angeles. You can share an offering, service, project announcement, and resources.
Submit your listing today, to be considered for the March/April issue.
Small copies are distributed through cafes, bookstores, and other spaces. A digital download will also be available (download the latest issue).
Where I’ll Be
I’ll be at the Inland Empire’s Print & Zine Fest next month! A new Tangents issue (my personal micro essays in one zine) will be available, and I’ll have copies of the Mar/Apr issue of Hot Notice Board.
I’ll also be tabling at Printed Matter’s LA Art Book Fair, where I’ll be sharing the May/June issue of Hot Notice Board. I’m thinking of starting a separate listserv by then, and eventually transitioning off Substack altogether.
On Pause
Life demands attention. Home, family, demanding day job, bills bills bills, and health. Current events. I’ve paused the following projects until I can catch my breath.
Memoriver Radio
The guide for “Archiving as Ritual: Crafting a Soft Yearbook”
Videotape friend series
Moon sonic tapestry