Hey y’all,

As I discussed on last month's patron zoom call, I'm making some changes to the way I do a few things over the next few months. This newsletter isn't going anywhere, but its appearance and delivery may change up a bit, and this week I changed the email address it's being sent from. It's mostly all behind-the-scenes stuff that won't really affect you but will help make it more sustainable for me to do over the long haul. 

So, please pardon the dust, and I'm grateful you're here. 

Here’s what I shared on the blog this week:

• Big Un: My great-grandfather was a huge, loving man.
• Deserved Maintenance: How much time is reasonable to actually take care of yourself?
• The partnership: We are in partnership, you and I. I write the words, but you supply the meaning.
• The Pursuit of Beauty: The relentless pursuit of beauty can serve as a prophylactic against the terrors of the world.  
• Re: Facebook: My love-hate relationship with Facebook, and what I’m doing about it.
• Boundaries: The only people who will disrespect your boundaries are people who profit from your not having any.

Other things I wanted to show you

It’s not often a poem will stop you in your tracks. This one did me.

I love this trio from Georgia (the country, not the state). I have no idea what they are singing, but their joy is palpable.

I also loved this homage to soul food, and especially its recognition of the ways multi-culturalism has played, and continues to play, into the food that warms your soul as well as your belly.

And this week I learned that I can get my beloved Pilot Gel pens in a mini version – roughly half-sized, and perfect for carrying in your pocket or, in my case, in my notebook. Is it ridiculous to be so happy about a pen? Yes. But am I? Also yes.

Thank you for reading. This newsletter is a reader-supported publication. The best way to support my work is to become a patron, buy me a cup of coffee, or forward this letter to someone else. And if someone did forward this to you, you can get your own subscription here.

Take care, 

Hugh

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