what's making my heart beat

Feb 04, 2025

I often joke that my cats give me the will to live. It’s really only a half joke though. Seeing them do anything fills me with indescribable joy.

I yearn for moments throughout my days where I can feel a sense of this. Joy keeps us going! Joy is resistance!

I can’t remember a time that the world didn’t feel like terrible things were happening all around me, and social media throttles us from one tragedy to the next.

Here are the glimmers of joy and creativity I’ve been holding tight to lately.

Kyle MachLachlan: How David Lynch Invented Me

I’m incredibly sad about the loss of David Lynch. Didn’t see that one coming, but time comes for us all at some point. Every year I watch Twin Peaks, and I love David Lynch’s work. There’s nothing like it.

Kyle MachLachlan’s words in this NYT opinion piece really struck home for me. I printed out the article so I can read it over and over again.

If you’re in Chicago, and you also love David Lynch, I’m hosting a crafting + commiserating night at Lot’sa celebrating this special man. Which leads me to the second thing that’s making my heart beat…

Community, IRL

I operate a community art space and gallery in Chicago with 2 friends. Every week we have workshops and events, and every week new people come to the space, make art, and make friends. Often people share that they are experiencing loneliness and looking for community. Last week at our monthly group draw I heard someone say, “I was afraid to come to this and spend time with a bunch of strangers, but I’m so glad I did.”

We are social beings. Loneliness is dangerous. If you’re reading this, I encourage you to make a plan to go do something IRL this month.

Chicago Show Pals Members came to Lot’sa and made a collaborative risograph poster

Learning from others

I’ve been taking a drawing class at Lill Street. It’s all about drawing in color– color theory, harmonies, temperature, hue, etc. It’s great. It’s really nice to be a student again. I love learning from other people’s processes and perspectives. As a self-employed person, constantly searching myself for all the “answers”, it’s incredibly refreshing to listen to someone else’s guidance.

Week 3: Learning from recreating a Sisley piece.

Here’s what else is making my heart beat right now:

my cats, duh
reading > opening my phone. Here are 3 books I’ve read this year that made my heart beat: Kafka on the Shore, All Fours, and Quit Like a Woman.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire – SHEESH
January 11’s Episode of The Extended Play Sessions with Mr. Pedro
appreciating winter