That’s right. I’m testing the video function of this here Substack. Before or after you watch though, be sure to check out my post from last week that accidentally (ok, user error, ok) didn’t get sent out by email.
I mentioned that I’d be trying out some new things in my ‘stack space. Things beyond regular posting from my seat on the strugglebus. And I thought, what could be better than sharing one of my favorite pastimes/copes: crafting! It is more than a pastime though, really, it’s a lifestyle. One that makes you do things like collect travel brochures and yell at people to not throw away yogurt containers.
I recently came across this Wedge Issues advice column on Slate about feeling overwhelmed by the election. The querent said she was having a hard time living her life when so much was at stake. Wedge Issues has a helpful longer reply, but what stuck out to me was:
But you also need to be able to live your life. Since you’re asking about balance, you obviously know that that means not forgoing politics entirely but instead keeping your political obsessions in proportion with your other interests. I wonder if it would help to try to switch over from a mental doom loop to some tangible doing.
Tangible doing. That’s the ticket. For whatever is dooming you.
There’s a part in The Memory Police where the young writer gets the advice to “write with your hands, not your head.” That has stuck with me. Considering we are bombarded daily with exactly one bizzillion times more messages than previous generations, listening to every single thing in our head can lead to ridiculous states of distress and creative paralysis.
I hear we get out of these things by doing things. I know how to make a thing or two and I’m thinking we can get in and get handsy in our real lives together:
I’ll post a new craft how-to video each week leading up to the election. Week by week we will rebuild the American mind using materials found around your home (or at your local store).
“But wait,” you say, “crafts aren’t going to save America!” Oh, aren’t they?
Make something = accomplishment in real life
Make something = gives you something else to talk about with other people besides youknowwhwat thereby creating more human connection
Make something = give to a friend, neighbor, family member, enemy
Make something = then show someone else how to make something
Make something = brain break from imaginary political arguments with Russian bots
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