Portland, save the dates! I will be in conversation with Caro De Robertis May 20 at Powell's. I also have an in-person Somatic Sometimes workshop series in June. More details below.
Hello Reader,
I was gifted a beautiful book,“Bowie: Una Biografía,” by Mária Hesse and Fran Ruiz. The book incorporates elements of David Bowie’s life with speculative vivid illustrations.
I turned the pages and wondered: What would have happened if Bowie had to work a day job coding emails in his forties? Would he still be Bowie, but just on the weekends?
As a multidisciplinary artist, I’ve done the “Bowie on the weekends” life for ages. The pressure of money, relational and community commitments alongside creative pursuits have often kept me spread thin and moving at a slow pace across domains.
Add the pressures that exist largely out of my control, such as geopolitics, the passage of time, and the shifting limitations of my body.
To evoke the song “Under Pressure,” by Queen and David Bowie, we are all familiar in varying unjust degrees of intensity with the many pressures of being on Earth in this era.
Our tender hearts deserve safe places to be ourselves.
Over the years, whether through journaling, collage, Super 8 film, movement, dance, singing with my guitar, shaping words— I have been held and nurtured by creative expression.
I used to worry that touching so many disciplines was a deficit, like if only I could focus then I could “progress” in a linear way and “keep up.”
But my practices nourish each other. I don’t write, think or create in a linear way, so it's no surprise that my life is full of slow and steady transformation along paths that shimmer, circle, or re-route under water and over sky.
I choose to trust my creativity, softness, and Aries fire energy. I choose to trust my tender heart when it wanders, lingers, stumbles, gets stuck and unstuck.
We have carried each other this far, and we have so much more ahead.
Reflection
Who and what has nourished you in your life over the years? Who and what has earned your trust, in a deep way, so that you can be your full and changing self?
Resources
My Creative Updates & Offerings
Join us on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. PT, Powell’s Books in Portland. I will be in conversation with Caro De Robertis for their new book: So Many Stars: An Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color.
Somatic Sometimes: in-person workshop series at 10 a.m. PT three Saturday’s June 7, 14, 21, at Atrium, The Breathe Building, 2305 SE 50th Ave., Portland, OR.
Community & Care
Allison Novelli on leaving an audition and “The Shame and Blame Spiral” as an artist.
The New Yorker satire comics on unsolicited advice.
If you scroll to the end of The New Happy's “How To Manage Stress” post, you can sign up to receive a free guide of “60 Ways to Reduce Stress." Tip: I recommend creating your own list, or highlighting your favorite ones on this pre-made list, so it’s easier to choose one when you need it.
Yay for '30 under 30' lists, but I want to see more '60 over 60' lists! Learn more about the queer elders interviewed by Caro De Robertis through this gorgeous collection including ten writers, ten regions, hundreds of histories preserved.
On finding your inner artist after 70 years, and going to art school after 60. On flourishing in the second half of life.
Soft Pants for Your Mind
I got to see Ida perform for a reunion tour last month. I haven’t seen them play in over twenty years. Here’s a song by Ida, “Golden Hours” (Eno Cover), 1997 release.
Here's the original Brian Eno song, for the music nerds.
A poem 35 years in the making according to the poet’s “About this Poem.”
Notes & Citations
BOWIE, una biografía, a YouTube teaser.
https://www.mariahesse.es/david-bowie-una-biografia/
The Queen and Bowie song "Under Pressure," (1981 release, remastered 2011).
Let’s resource! Let’s play! Let’s happen to notice, together.
In peace,
Vanessa Micale
Founder of Poderosa Voz LLC
(she, they, ella)
P.S. You can show your support by sharing this micro-newsletter with a friend, or you can send me a digital tip and treat me to a pastry.
P.P.S. Sharing resources is one of my love languages. Is there a resource related to somatic and creative realms you want to see or you know of? Hit reply and let me know.
