Unworking Girl

Issue 27 is loosely about unraveling

Welcome! I’ve been waiting for you. Let’s go…

Since June 2021, I’ve been unworking. Not working is part of it, but it’s more like unlearning how to work and relearning to be me.

Simone, who dat?! That slipped out.

To know ourselves, we have to let go of knowing. And, if that statement isn’t annoying, you’re tolerant.

10 months ago, I jumped off a cliff wearing a parachute with several small holes and hoped for the best. Actually, I trusted the jumper, in spite of the holes.

Over the last 300 days, I’ve both mended and sewn entirely new styles. I’ve followed paths that felt foreign and I’ve landed in a community of hundreds with open arms. (If you’re barfing, I’m describing this right.)

An organism’s natural state is growth. We can’t not do it. So, what happens if we stop trying? We grow. It’s happening to you right now. Let go and fly.

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Go For Gold

The best street sneaks around are Onitsuka Tigers. Go on, have a look.

Welcome back. What do you think? In case you’re saying, “Those are nice, but I need arch support. I can’t wear flat sneakers.” You can. Trust me. You can wear these.

The original Mexico 66

Designed by the Japanese in preparation for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, where they won 11 medals, the Mexico 66 is still popular over 50 years later. Technology has evolved (Hokas!). Do not underestimate timeless design.

Run along now. Pick your style. Pick your color. You CAN wear “flat” shoes.

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Write On!

I put together this one-pager on the craft of writing concepts I shared in my mentor sessions during Write of Passage. If you find it helpful, I’m so glad. Make a copy. If you don’t, I love you just the same. Here’s a teaser:

A teaser of the one-pager

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Good, Goodr, Goodest

I complimented a woman wearing these sunglasses yesterday (the blue was electric). I never let a good-looking something pass me without asking for intel. Where’d you get that jacket? I love your sunglasses. Great dress!

She turned me onto a brand called Goodr. Inexpensive, great-for-sport sunglasses that I hope look better on you than they do on me.

Based on the virtual try-on, I’ll pass.

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Tired of Being Wired

I added Stolen Focus by Johann Hari to my Kindle wish list. The title reads Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention - and How to Think Deeply Again.

I think we know why we can’t pay attention. It’s thinking deeply again that’s intriguing.

Let’s read it.

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On a Scale of 1 to 10

Try not to say seven. Seven’s the easy answer. It’s above-average, but not so great that you’re fibbing or not accounting for the doubt you’re feeling.

Without seven, you have six or eight. What’ll it be? 7.5!

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Say Her Name

The woman who took this picture of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court confirmation is the first Black photography fellow for The Times.

“It was the first time in my career where I worked alongside more than one Black photographer, which is major to be able to share that space with people who understand the Black experience.” —Sarahbeth Maney (from Oakland, CA)

The pride she captured on Leila Jackson’s face seems to mirror her own. She knew where to look.

During Judge Brown Jackson’s confirmation, her daughter Leila was beaming.

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That’s a wrap. Your prescription: Stop right now. Pride yourself for something. See you next week…