Well, Summer 2021 was not the Gatsbyesque extravaganza that we expected, but it was still pretty great. My Summer of George is still going strong.
In an unexpected turn, I am quickly becoming an amateur motorcycle mechanic. I never would have predicted this three months ago, but at the same time the trajectory from “I want to try this new thing” to “I am totally obsessed and want to do all of this forever” is pretty typical. It’s how I went from “I think I’ll take a photography class” to now being deep into a multi-year documentary photography project. What can I say? I love a hobby.
So, right now, while I try to learn how to ride a motorcycle, I am stripping a different motorcycle down to the frame and then rebuilding.
This was Pegasus when I first bought her (yes, all of my neighbors drive basically the same car):
This is where we are now:
Soon the engine and small parts will be out, the frame will be empty, and then I’ll be cleaning and rebuilding into a brand new bike. This has been very exciting. For one thing- tools are really useful. Who knew? For another, it turns out there are more hardware stores than Home Depot and they are amazing and have lots of fun toys and I am at one at least once a day now. Lastly, projects are fun!
As we head from summer into what will probably be a blazingly hot autumn, I wholly recommend that you switch from vacation mode to project mode. The zen of putting on a podcast or some smooth jams, pulling out your tools (whether they be power tools, kitchen tools, knitting needles, whatever), and making something with your hands cannot be overstated. I enjoy crocheting and LEGO for the same reason. We should always be learning something new, taking time away from the ordinary, and putting our imaginations to work.
What project have you been fantasizing about? Now is the time! YouTube is the world’s university and I guarantee you there are 5,000 videos for whatever it is you want to do. Who knows? Maybe your project will turn into a new lifelong hobby or career. Maybe you’ll win a prize! Or make new friends! Or maybe you’ll just do something really fun and satisfying and get some great new pics for the ‘gram. Because if you’re not doing it for the ‘gram, why are you even doing it?
Watch:
Dr. Death: The Undoctored Story (Peacock)- If you have been on a road trip with me in the last few years, you have been forced to listen to Dr. Death. In fact, I’m sure I’ve written about it in this newsletter thingy. The story is so wild you couldn’t make it up, and yet also confirms everything we think about white male privilege and the medical establishment in general. I think I’ve already recommended the excellent TV show on Peacock (they finally have a good show!), but after that watch this documentary. It has tons of new info and actual footage of the monster himself. Binge it and then start going to a shaman for your medical needs because honestly you’re gambling either way.
Luca (Disney+)- Two little boys who like to build Vespas! A boy’s dream to go to school! A story of feeling that you having to hide who you really are! A village on the Italian Riviera! A badass little girl with red hair! Pixar understands me.
Listen:
The Drop Out: Elizabeth Holmes on Trial (Podcast)- IT’S FINALLY HAPPENING. If you haven’t read the book and every single article, watched all of the documentaries, listened to the podcast, and tracked her every movement on Reddit, you have some catching up to do. Start now. Elizabeth Holmes is going on trial and it will absolutely be the trial of the century.
Pee Wee Gaskins Was Not My Friend (Podcast)- The serial killer you’ve probably never heard of. And definitely didn’t want to.
Heavy Shoes (Places where music is. Tower Records if you’re in Japan)- THE COLD STARES HAVE A NEW ALBUM! Listen and love it.
Read:
There is absolutely no way we could have f*d up this Afghanistan thing more.
Mr. Mercedes is the Stephen King serial killer trilogy I didn’t know I needed.
Lila Nordstrom’s book comes out on AUGUST 24TH!!! If you haven’t preordered it yet I honestly don’t even know what to say to you. SHAME.