Happy Sunday, everyone!
I started this Sunday Check-in thing back in September, did it once, and promptly fell off Substack again. Oh well, take 2!
Substack Stuff
A quick note on Substack. I still detest the presence and support of literal nazis on this platform, but in the vein of “no ethical consumption under capitalism”, there still exists no full-featured publishing platforms that tick all of the boxes without also catering to the worst of humanity. I need a place to write, and social media is getting progressively worse, so I’m thinking I’ll give Substack a proper go again and just try to ignore the bad people in the corner.
I have enabled subscriptions because I plan on writing a new book, which I will publish in a new section here as I’m writing it. I plan on publishing the book properly once it’s completed, so subscribers will have the opportunity to read it as it is written and provide feedback, ask questions, etc. I’ve also locked down Substack chat to only subscribers, because it seems like a nice perk and I haven’t really found a use for it yet.
I do plan on picking back up with the Xenome Diaries section/podcast as well as the Qatalog posts, which will be continue to be available to free subscribers, along with my general meanderings and check-ins that fall under “Qid Stuff”.
Also, welcome to all of the new subscribers who have joined over the past few months and got zero content from me. Oops. 😬
A Big Life Change
I got married to my amazing nesting partner at the end of March in a private ceremony. They’re pretty private, so I won’t be sharing a lot about them here, but they are my heart and I am so happy to be building a life with them.
I'm still polyamorous with relationship anarchist leanings, dating a cute trans girl, and making dedicated time to be in queer community. Which leads to my next topic.
Cryptid Soup
So, I started a contemplative improvisation collective with a bunch of queer and trans folks and it’s pretty amazing. If you’re going “huh?”, it’s a musical group in the spiritual jazz vein, without necessarily looking or sounding like jazz. Contemplative means the focus is on personal and spiritual growth and nourishment, as opposed to entertainment, production, or capitalist/commercial ideas of musical purpose. Improvisation means we’re using our own framework to focus on always creating new music every time we play, as opposed to learning, rehearsing, and performing static, composed works. Collective means we’re an open group with no long term commitments and freedom to come and go as needed.
The book that I’ll be writing here is heavily related to what we’re doing in the group, and I think I’ll probably name the section Cryptid Soup, maybe. There’s also a documentary being made, but more on that later.
This Week’s Photo
I was going to give this tunic to the girl I’m dating because I hated the way it fit me when i first bought it. I tried it on one last time to be sure, and it was suddenly my favorite top. I bought a bunch of the same tops in varying colors, so now this look is like half my wardrobe.
I think it’s maybe obvious why, but this top really accentuates the changes my body has gone through in the last year and a half on HRT. It really is kind of magic, and I’m more happier in my body than I’ve ever been.
This photo also resulted in my first real online transphobic attack when someone on Threads reposted it with ill-intent and a nasty comment. I always knew something might go viral in the wrong way, but you don’t really know how you’ll feel until it happens. Ultimately, I just kind of felt sorry for a person who seems to have build their whole personality around being hateful. What a miserable way to live.
What I’m Reading
I recently finished In Transit: Being Non-Binary in a World of Dichotomies by Diana Anderson. I recommend it if you’re into anecdotal gender studies with a bit of historical and philosophical context.
I’m getting ready to dig into Teaching Mindfulness-Based Groups: The Inside Out Group Model. I caught an interview with Gemma Griffith, one of the authors, as part of an online summit on teaching mindfulness, and it seemed like the book might offer some nice insights that could help with my Cryptid Soup work, which is (at least tangentially) teaching a mindfulness-based group. Wish me luck :)
I’m also embarking soon on the path of studying to get certified as an existential wellness coach, which ties in (to some degree) with mindfulness, the group work I’m doing, and the book I’m writing. Eventually, I hope to offer one-on-one coaching for folks who want more in-depth experience with things like contemplative improvisation, musical meaning-making, and the like.
What I’m Watching
My spouse and I recently finished all of Agents of Shield and are starting to work through The Umbrella Academy (which I’ve seen, but they haven’t), while waiting on the current season of Star Trek: Discovery to finish up. I recently watched Fallout, which I enjoyed. Dune, Part 2 is the only movie that’s got me out of the house so far this year.
I did get to see ALOK at the Neptune in Seattle a few days ago, which was AMAZING!
What I’m Playing
I game on a PS5 and Final Fantasy XIV is my main MMO, which is unlikely to change, ever, since it’s also my spouse’s game of choice. I haven’t played a lot recently, but I’m really looking forward to the new content coming soon.
I still pick away at the Phantom Liberty expansion for Cyberpunk 2077 when I’m in the mood, which is maybe twice a month. Honestly, I’ve been too busy with other things to game much.
Furbabies
This is a recent photo of Sherlock, our ragdoll kitty. And yes, we have a Watson. :)
New Music
In case you missed it, I recorded and released Stellar in February. Technically, these would have been 3 great tracks for the Xenome Diaries, but I wasn’t feeling it at the time, and didn’t take good notes, so I guess I’ll be coming up with new tracks for those xenomes in the near future. Regardless, I’m happy with how this one turned out, and I hope you like it.
I’ve taken a little break from producing because I’ve been fully focused on Cryptid Soup, but there will be some new stuff coming soon as I get back into the Xenome Diaries. I’m also planning on re-enabling subscriptions on Bandcamp soon, which is a great way to get all 139 of my albums plus new stuff for a low cost… so stay tuned for that.
Buttons
That’s all for this week! Thanks as always for reading. Leave a comment and let me know what you’ve been up to!