Hey there...
I am writing to you from a secret location. Why? Because I am taking my annual work-cation!
A work-cation is a "working vacation." (My friend Melissa came up with the work-cation term. It's adorable and excellent, just like her.)
For me, work-cationing means: checking myself
into a hotel for at least three nights, ordering room service, answering seven million emails (OK, more like seventy), writing, writing, writing, and more writing, listening to the type of music that my boyfriend doesn't particularly like, and also getting a manicure. (Mint green, if you're wondering).
Doing a work-cation feels special, indulgent, and having absolutely zero distractions is
pretty exhilarating. Productivity like whoa.
If you've never done a work-cation before, seriously, try it. At least once in your life. Even if you can only do a half-day or one-day version, it's still totally worth it. Hole up at a cafe. Sequester yourself in a public library. Your brain will be so grateful and you might be surprised by the volume of ideas and creative energy that comes
pouring forth. Do it.
On that note...
Here are a few things I've been working on recently (plus a few neat things to know about...)
- We can change. Addicts can stop drinking. Blocked writers can start writing. And me? Maybe one day, very soon, I'll be able to walk away from my apartment without checking to make sure the front door is locked, five or six times. I believe. I trust. I've seen it. We can change...
- It all matters. I got a huge deluge of emails after publishing this piece. I'm glad you loved it. I love David's story, too. - A woman asked me, "Should I keep my 'safe'
job or leap into freelancing full-time?" I offer some advice— and my friend Ellen does, too— right
here.
- I used to draw constantly as a kid. Flying unicorns, mostly. Then I stopped. Recently I started again. Because drawing makes me happy. Am I amazingly gifted? Not really. But sometimes it feels good to create just to create. No deadlines or payment or accolades required. Here are some coloring sheets that I made recently: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven. You can print them out and color them in, if you want to. I hope they amuse you. Enjoy!
- If you’re based in Portland,
Oregon—and you enjoy writing letters and eating brunch—my next Letters & Brunch party is this Saturday, February 6th. This is a cozy, delightful event that I co-host along with my sweetheart at his restaurant on the first Saturday of every month. Here’s all the info. See you there!
- If you don't live in Portland, but want to do a little letter-writing party on your own, here's a booklet to inspire you. (Or you could start a Letters & Brunch get-together in your own city! Several people have written to me to share that they've done this already. I say: go forth! Brunch for all! Snail mail forever!)
Have a happy, productive week. I hope it feels like a luxurious work-cation, in your mind, even if you're firmly stationed in your usual workplace.
Love,
-Alex
PS. A few sonic recommendations! I am obsessed with the smash-hit Broadway musical HAMILTON. I listen and sing-along in my car constantly. As a result, my rapping skills are rapidly improving! Ha! I'm also currently loving the Dinner for 2 playlist on Spotify. And Brandon made a cool playlist called CHILL brunch which I adore. Lastly, if you ever have trouble falling asleep, this bedtime meditation is AMAZING. I intend to zone out with it tonight. Sweet
dreams... |
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