Of new facial scars, nascent musical journalism, and Arkansas not sucking.

I guess I should kick things off by saying "sorry Mom" regarding this new acquisition for my personal  Permanent Markings Museum: the Facial Scar collection. This little crescent-shaped gouge was sustained in the alluded-to bike mishap of a couple weeks ago, and though it currently borders on cute and could perhaps contribute to an aura of mystique, I did seek medical attention in an attempt to stave it off. However, Little Rock emergency rooms have bigger fish to fry, what with all the shootouts, robberies, and attempted homicides, and so after sitting in the ER for a fruitless yet certainly people-watching rich 2 hours, I called it a night and went home. Though I plan on Mederma-ing the shit out of this one to bring down its volume (right now it is downright loud in noticeability) I will say that I adore facial scars on other humans so I'm learning to love this latest addition.

In other news, I have been writing for the Arkansas Times and loving every moment of it. Those of you who know me are aware I am something of a curmudgeon regarding late nights and sleep requirements. I have, historically, been a wet blanket when it comes to any engagement that may encroach upon my preferred sleep quantities, and furthermore, that I have a very low tolerance for bar environs, drunken carousing, dude bros, and what most people my age regard as 'fun'. However, I am also equally notorious for my enthusiasm for bands I enjoy and dancing. So, even though it requires me to skimp on sleep some nights, I am finding writing for the Times to be both great fun and an excellent conditioning exercise. First of all, my editor is awesome, encouraging, completely open to my ideas, and really easy to work with. It makes the process in and of itself absolutely effortless. Second, this process is really helping me loosen some of my control freak tendencies regarding my writing and helping to familiarize me with the editing process, tight deadlines, and writing purposefully. Third, it has been super fun to wear the "Press" hat at these events. I am able to be a chameleon and observer in a really awesome context, as it allows me to positively harness these qualities a very tactile, immediate way. It is amazing to not just be taking notes and channeling stories (something I do 24/7 anyways), but to have them go somewhere-- to be purposeful, intentional. This role enables, empowers, and challenges me to publicly present myself-- and own up to this assertion of identity-- as a writer. I am seeing stories everywhere all of a sudden, and realizing that if I write them, I can find a home for them. I have set something into motion with these small steps and I feel that larger forums, stories, and challenges are within my grasp. And also, it should be mentioned, I am meeting SO. MANY. PEOPLE. through this! Potential friends, curiosities, story subjects, artists I respect, fellow media lackeys... I am loving the momentum this has given me to interact.

And so, in conclusion, I feel an official pronouncement must be made. Arkansas does not suck. I am feeling stimulated, challenged, and fully engaged by the life that I have built and am continuing to construct here. There is so much I want and need to do each day, I am struggling to fit it all in (and am waking up at insane hours- before 5 AM today) and that is an amazing feeling. The lethargy and malaise I was indulging when I first arrived has dissipated, and though of course I miss my home, family, and friends in North Carolina and scattered all over the world, I am feeling like my present is leading to a future that is dizzying and heart-quickeningly gorgeous and vast in its possibilities.

This is a great feeling, and space, for someone who is prone to living inside her own head to have and inhabit. I feel like instead of wondering and asking and thinking, I am just saying yes, accepting, and doing. 

Perhaps it's elementary and maybe asinine, but another pronouncement needs to be made. I am really happy and I love being alive.