I started a new book last night: Black Women Taught Us by Dr. Jenn M Jackson.
It got me thinking that something I want to challenge myself to do this year is read more anti-racism non-fiction. I think my goal is going to be 6. Which sounds maybe like not a lot, but I have always struggled to read "fact books". But this is important, and while I follow many incredible teachers online (including Dr Jackson) it's time to dig in some more.
There is a woman in one of the art spaces I am in who DEEPLY tests my ability to hold my tongue.
It's one of those weird situations where she hasn't *exactly* done anything wrong. But like her whole vibe ticks me off.
Today I posted that urban sketch I did, she replies that she's also done that same tutorial and posts her version which is clearly a bajillion times better than mine. Then, randomly, in a second comment says "He's Australian".
And I just... 🙃
Pondering how I might find other urban sketchers in the valley where I live.
There's a Vancouver chapter of Urban Sketchers, but Vancouver is a slog from this side of the river. I can't be the only person who thinks so.
I know like "the city" is more traditional for urban sketching. But we have some neat places here too! I just... don't really do other social media and am not really plugged into my local subreddits.
Gonna ponder this more. I really wanna build community here.
#BeTheVillage today looks like volunteering to drive a friend to/from the airport next month as they need to fly somewhere else for a big surgery.
Also signing up for their meal train when they get back.
I'm gonna build the Shire, dammit.
I'd love to encourage folks to ponder what this might look like in their life.
I think one of the best ways we can fight the rise of Mordor from The Shire is by BEING the Shire.
And being the Shire doesn't happen by accident. What's a way that you can commit to being a villager this coming year?
(would love to see folks use this hashtag to encourage each other and get ideas!)
Sometimes it won't work, one friend let me know their Jan is already quite packed so our plans might not be til Feb. Which is totally fine! The goal isn't perfection of a hang out each and every month.
Another friend is busy til mid-month and asked me to circle back then.
Another set said yes and we quickly planned a date.
The *goal* is being more intentional about my relationships. And reaching out accomplished that. Being able to make plans is a bonus.
Pondering on a convo that I had last night that echoes convos I've been having the last few months.
tl'dr - If you want to live in a village, you have to be a villager.
This is tough if you, like me, deal with chronic issues. Physical and mental health often trips up my plans. But, sometimes you just gotta do it.
So for the next 6 months I'm gonna try something. On or around the first of each month I'm gonna reach out to friends to make plans for the month.
Myles Coverdale, producer of first complete English bible translation. Here he talks of hypocritical or false practitioners. They don’t practice living the word after hearing it. While boasting of pure religion, they do not visit poor, friendless, nor keep selves unstained.
Is on the short checklist of those today we hear boasting or requiring undefiled religion? How can you cast away any maliciousness today?
Willow (she/her)
Greg Johnson
Youth Mental Health Canada