Personal – The Designer Monologues

December 23, 2021August 9, 2022

Another Year That Wasn’t

I haven’t posted here since February — 10 months ago. 2021 has been, like 2020 before it, another Year That Wasn’t, as I’m sure it has been for many of you. We occupy this bizarre, liminal space of being-yet-not-being, safe-yet-not-safe, healthy-yet-not-healthy.

I’ve said it before, and it bears repeating: The effects of this pandemic on the mental health of, well, the world, really, is impossible to reckon. We’re going to be dealing with a large segment of the population dealing with PTSD, and I don’t think we’ve collectively wrapped our brains around that, as we’re still in the midst of it.

March 16, 2020March 16, 2020

Quarantine Provisions: Jamaican Meat Pies

As the COVID-19 global pandemic hits, we here in the US have entered the “self-quarantine” phase of things — staying at home and limiting personal contact, in an effort to slow the spread of the virus, so that our health care system isn’t overwhelmed.

I realize that not everyone is used to the work-from-home life, so I figured that I start a blog series, where I present recipes, with an eye toward things that are filling and good for many leftovers that can be popped into the microwave. First up: Jamaican Meat Pies.

December 31, 2019December 31, 2019

New Year’s Eve

2020 — at one point, a grim cyberpunk future. Math checks out.

I try not to do “New Year’s Resolutions,” although it’s difficult not to think of the rollover of the year as a new start. Doubly so when it’s a new decade.

In place of a Resolution, though, I think I’m just going to try to keep this lesson in mind, which I saw on Twitter from Xeni Jardin:

“I’m powerless over a lot but not how I live my life, or how I treat others. Small, modest, humble accomplishments with a solid core mean more to me, now that the glittering ones have been revealed as hollow. The imprint I leave on the hearts of others is what will outlast me.

How did our grandparents find the strength to persist during war or famine or all the other awful losses and cruelties? What’s that energy? That’s where I am now.

The world out there is a mess. What others do or believe may be horrible. How am I tending my garden today?What beauty can I create for others?

Yesterday the answer was, “make the best lamb roast ever and bake bread.” And, “do the uncomfortable phone call.” Sometimes it really is that simple.”
Xeni Jardin, Twitter 12/26/2019

Not a bad way to approach things. At least I’m gonna give it a try. See you in 2020.