A weekly selection of what I was reading, drawing, writing, and doing.

I ended last week by taking a little break from work, celebrating my daughter’s birthday and also lying low with a nice course of antibiotics in me. Some sort of chest bug has most of us in its grip. I’ve not done much deliberate work or otherwise trying to do/learn/create something, which is the point, and am enjoying every minute (minus the chest cold of course).

I re-discovered the track Choose Yourself from Star Slinger and the great essay and video that inspired it called Everyone’s Free To Wear Sunscreen.

I came across a haunting reminder that I am the world-champion at being nearly identical to who I was yesterday, which stuck with me.

I listened to a short podcast about Dolly Parton and her creative practice. She mentioned that she said “I’m not burning out, I’m burning up.” This struck me as showing how she is obviously very aware of her mortaility and, at the same time, isn’t willing to let it stop her. Respect.

I had my first professional coaching session in many years this week and did some prep to feel “ready” by reviewing all the things that a professional coach should do consistently. It helped (and the session was great).

Our house renovation project continues to assault my attempt at relaxing, but we did get something installed this week and that in itself is positive.

I learned about inviting Mara to tea and some techniques for being equally friendly to my painful experiences as I am with my good ones.

Finally, just for fun, listen to Questlove break down the J Dilla beat from the Black Star track Little Brother:

Last but not least, check out what I’m up to now.