January was long af but my recap isn't...
Too much cool shit to stuff in one newsletter...but here it is.
Hey now. The time is now for me to give you my end of the month recap for January and I’ve been patiently waiting to share with you. Every month, I’ll give you highlights of what I’ve been up to, current reads, music in rotation, projects and then some. Plus you already know I’m gonna share incredible work by other artists as well…because that’s what I do.
music in rotation…
When I’m not watching tv (which isn’t that much), I’m listening to music. My listening habit is looping the same song(s) for hours and stretches of days at a time. Specific parts of the melody catch my attention the most that’s highly stimulating and often leads to new ideas. I got a turntable for Christmas…but no records yet (hehe). If you want to help me build my record collection, slip me a few dollars towards my Buy Me a Coffee. Any record suggestions, let me know.
new writing level unlocked…
I started the year strong with writing Jaxson’s Therapy and Pipe Dreams and I’m proud of myself for climbing over creative barriers while keeping my imposter syndrome in check. But if I wanted to write better, stay consistent and be more transparent, I needed to learn who I am, what I want + get out my way. How can we elevate by standing in the same place? We don’t and we’ll always believe our limitations, creating excuses on why we can’t excel. The world will unapologetically pass us by while we stand there screaming how unfair it is. If I didn’t minimize the voices (and completely ignored the others) that kept me from reaching, my progress today wouldn’t exist.
Jaxson’s Therapy was written in three days and I stretched myself, writing a longer flash fiction that I accomplished for the first time. In this flash fic, it’s about a gentleman who’s been battling with severe anxiety and leans towards alternative coping methods for temporary relief. Seeking a counselor and suggesting how we should live offers benefits but it takes more than a conversation to survive + thrive. Pipe Dreams sheds a light on those who dream of wanting more from life but held captive in the battle with drug addiction. But if not dealing with addictions, I also give the imagery of how easy it is to give up on yourself and your dreams. Buried and crushed under the weight of our troubles that leaves us wondering how we dig ourselves out. Writing these pieces taught me a valuable lesson when I grabbed courage by the hand and busted through my shell because I know my work has ruffled some feathers…
Write that shit and don’t censor yourself to make anyone comfortable.
I’m here to write for me and to deliver messages. I won’t tolerate anyone attempting to silence me or suggest what they’d prefer I write or omit so they can feel comfortable about reading my work. This isn’t the time to be quiet. Uncomfortable topics need to be addressed without shame. Yes, I’m gonna talk about sex, drugs, violence, injustice and mental health issues, especially in the black community. Yes, I’m gonna write stories about intimacy, dreams, community and encouragement. Argue with yo mama…not with me. There will always be someone misinterpreting messages, casting stones, fixing their lips to cause distraction and to knock you off your square.
pulled off the bookshelf…
Prior to the global 2020 shut down, I could read physical books with ease and listen to audiobooks while I worked. When the shut down happened and I had to work from home fulltime, reading became less than enjoyable as my family + I adapted to the abrupt lifestyle change. I found pleasure with shopping for new + used books between the bookstores and garage sales but only kept the habit of collecting, not reading like I should. I needed something entertaining and to take my mind off the world crisis. Well I fell into the trap of gorging on social media junk and hours of mindless scrolling…but I had some good laughs though.
Thank goodness I’m back to reading physical books and if you’ve had a similar experience and finally made your way back too, I’m proud of you.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler and 1984 by George Orwell - I’m reading these books together. I know there’s buzz referencing Butler and the relation to the fires in California. If you enjoyed Parable of the Sower and haven’t read 1984 I encourage you to read it.
The Book of Disquiet by Fernando Pesso - Pesso has a collection of prose and wrote about his dreams through his alter egos.
Original Gangsters by Ben Westhoff - Stories about Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Easy-E, Ice Cube and the birth of west coast rap.
A Detroit Anthology edited by Anna Clark - a collection of stories and poetry written by Detroiters.
quotes + notes…
“Living things are like boxes.
We move, can be moved, or we stay put.
We remain hidden, or we seek.
We can be sealed, unwrapped, or torn.
We can be sent to, or sent back to the setting
That we owned or owned us.”
- Ricky Denham, Stoop Kid
“I don’t have to live this day ever again.” - Makeila NeVette
“Words swim from fingers like tears, cleansing the spirit as they drop to the page.” - Jamal Robinson, Words and Worth.
listen here…
Listen to Inigo Laguda as he recites his poem, sweet effay. I listened to this five times before reading it!
Prepare yourself for the next hour and a half for the backatcha interviews hosted by Andrew Robert Colom. Eight writers exchange q+a about vulnerability, publishing, community building and more.
camera roll dump…
what’s coming up?…
I’ve been documenting my dining room mural and it’s not a project that I want to rush. In fact, I’ve changed my mind a few times since I started. Let’s see if I can get this done this weekend because I’m ready to get started on other projects. It’s been a while since I made a portrait and once I’m done with this wall, I’ll be back to painting my portraits again.
FIRST NEW COLLAB OF THE YEAR ON THE WAY!
Yesss and I’m super excited about this new collab with John Noire. We’re whipping up something special with a love poem + mixtape right before Valentine’s Day. Stay tuned because it’s dropping the first week of February.
That’s all I got for now!
Peace,
alex b.
Thank you for this. The part about leveling up and getting out of your own way is exactly what I need to hear right now. I think we all put ourselves in boxes with labels and it hinders our ability to reach our full potential.
Also, excellent book recs. Adding Parable of the Sower to my reading list.
Looking forward to your upcoming projects!
Pessoa . . . The Book of Disquiet. Damn, I need to review that.
AMAZING fuckin' book . . .
I've had a copy with me everywhere I've ever been.