some time-sensitive invitations
Hi. It's been a while, so this is one of those letters that has a LOT. Because life is wildly intense and because I don't have the capacity to send more frequent updates. The summary of invitations:
~ details on a magical event this weekend in Atlanta
~ update on that witchy conference
~ info about a unique retreat experience
(So, y'know, skip to what you want to know about.)
First, though, I want to share some reflections about the world. Although activism education is not my work, I always want to be transparent about my own values. Lately, several friends have asked me questions about the genocide in Palestine, because they know I'm someone who goes to protests and listens to news from the source. I'm really grateful for those inquiries, as I want my activism to be a connecting force.
The most common sentiment has been confusion—that the dynamics and history of the Middle East are complicated. And that's true. The dynamics and history are complicated.
But some things are simple. What's simple and clear is that nothing, for me, warrants the murder of children. In the case of Palestine, over 15,000 children. People often say "you can take that all the way to the bank," but I don't have a lot of respect for banks, so I don't. But you can take my clarity all the way to the bank or temple or school or whatever institution you have faith in.
Yes, the dynamics and history are complicated. Do I know the answer to this conflict? I don't. I have ideas, but ultimately my opinion doesn't matter.
What does matter is that my taxes have paid to murder over 15,000 children. So, you can always trust that I will NEVER support anything that destroys innocents. There is nothing in existence that will ever justify that for me. And you can take that all the way to wherever ya wanna go.
And if you have questions about my experience, or you're curious about anything, you're always welcome to ask.
While we're on curiosity, this weekend I'm performing at Curious Sensory Encounters at 7 Stages in Atlanta. While I'm not inviting you in person, please take this as me inviting you personally.
Part of my performance is reading excerpts from banned books. I also got the assignment to choose reading material while I walk around the theater. I'll skip the backstory, but I organically arrived at 2 options:
~ Still Moving, my searing memoir about chronic illness
~ A collection of erotic poetry, which was originally a college project 25 years ago
(Yesterday I made it into a slapdash zine. I found 1 typo, and I edited a couple sentences in the introduction. Otherwise I'm pleasantly surprised that my editorial work still stands up, a quarter century later.)
So, you choose – sex or pain.
And yes, that is a peanut pocketknife necklace, because Southern gothic is good medicine for everyone.
Tickets are pay what you can, so I hope there's nothing in the way of attending, if you want to be there.
Real quick about that witchy conference, Mystic South – the schedule is live! My soundbath is Friday night. I'll have more to share soon, but for now, know that I wish I could split myself and attend 3 workshops at a time.
Last thing – I have a really unique opportunity to do a very unique retreat. I'm not really into the typical wellness retreat of mindfulness at a 5 star resort (no shade, just generally not my vibe), so this space will not be that.
What it will be: a space for finding rest and inspiration and connection in creativity and wonder in ourselves and in nature.
It's also got a secret element that I'm not sharing publicly. Nothing illegal. Just a field trip to a fragile ecosystem, a jaunt that needs to stay off the internet.
Details I can share:
~ mid June
~ Location: a few hours northeast of Atlanta
If you're curious, please let me know. There are very limited spaces available.
If you've read this far, thanks so much. Take care of yourself, protect the vulnerable, transcend hate, radiate who you are. Love wins.
Warmth,
S.
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she / they