This week, I am thinking about mixtapes. Last year, on this day, Josef and I released Day Plus Night, a zine described as "liner notes for a New York City mixtape. 14 essays on 14 songs that echo the city’s days and nights." Day Plus Night was Josef's dream child and I was lucky enough to work with him to find the awesome writers and photographer who contributed. I also wrote an essay, which you can read below. Funnily enough, it pairs quite nicely with last week's issue about chores. The limited edition zine is long gone after being sold in shops in NYC, London, and South Korea. But do not despair! I have a few copies to give away. To receive a copy, be one of the first three people to reply and request it and I will send you one once it is safe to go to the post office.
Until then, here is Side A, Track 1, "Lloraras" by Oscar D'León.
It begins with the sound of the broom scraping across the worn hardwood floor breaking through my sleep. Soon after, the screeching of the vacuum, it’s strength pulling up the weak fibers of the threadbare Oriental rug. The sickly chemical smell of Fabuloso begins to overpower the scent of Bustelo and toasted bread. It’s Saturday morning. It’s time to clean. I grab the latest Mary Higgins Clark thriller, borrowed from my aunt and burrow under the covers. I know I should get up and help, but I can’t bring myself to begin the tedious routine, so instead I say a silent prayer that my mom will not come into my room for at least another hour, so I can finish the book. I’m 13 and my mother’s moods are more unpredictable than ever as she and my father fight their way from separation to divorce.
Suddenly, the music, which has been playing softly, is turned up and I know my reading time is coming to an end. I make it through a few of Juan Luis Guerra’s rhythmic meregnues and bachatas, an upbeat Grupo Niche salsa, a young Marc Anthony crooner, a sassy cumbia by La Sonora Dinamita, and one of La India’s throaty wailers with my mom’s off-key singing accompanying each song. I’ve nearly reached the who in my whodunit, and then. . .
I hear the familiar piano, congas and shakers followed by the horns. After about thirty seconds, his smooth vocals take over. My mom is now belting out the lyrics as though she is on stage. I peel myself out of bed. I find a bookmark and set aside the novel. I ignore my slippers even though I know she’ll have me turn around and put them on. I crack open the door midway through the song and see her dancing. She turns around and beckons me over with her hand, never pausing her singing. Soon, it’ll be time to clean, but for now, on the corner of 105th Street and Columbus Ave., it’s time to dance.
Also, there will be an issue two!
This week in reading. . .
I am nearly done with We Ride Upon Sticks and am ready to move onto Alisha Rai's Girl Gone Viral. I am hoping the rom-com format will help me back on track speed-wise. I can't believe how long it is taking me to get through books.
This week in listening. . .
FIONA FIONA FIONA FIONA FIONAAAAAA. Plus, the ultimate in liner notes, how appropriate!
This week in TV. . .
Making the Cut is good (except for the silly interludes with Heidi and Tim, so unnecessary) - the designers don't have to sew. . .mostly? They always have to make a runway look and an accessible look that goes on sale.
#BlackAF amplifies everything I hate about Black-ish (DRE) combined with the cringe-worthy awkwardness of Curb. The bright spot is Rashida Jones.
This week in a gif. . .
I think about this episode/idea a lot. This is, perhaps, the darkest timeline.
This week in movies. . .
I really enjoyed LA Originals, a documentary focusing on street photographer Estevan Oriol and artist Mister Cartoon, their lives, and West Coast hip-hop,
This week in a quote. . .
"Because the truth that we all know, even if we may obscure it in times of crisis, is that no rain will last forever. Our lives will be full of many times of sunshine, many times where the clouds break and you see a glimpse of normalcy over the horizon, and things begin to feel like home again." - Chelsea Fagan
This week in artsy stuff and photo things. . .
Mona Chalabi's Earth Day print series.
Striking SF drone images during lockdown.
How will museums tell the story of COVID?
This week in The Interview with Lisa Hopper. . .
If you were to be reincarnated as an animal, what animal would it be?
A hummingbird — because they pack a powerful punch and do it with such grace.
What is something about you that people are always surprised to learn?
That I’m both business-minded and creative sometimes catches people off guard. I have both an MBA and an MFA and live at the intersection of making creative work better so knowing how to both read a balance sheet and justify an artistic decision comes in quite handy. Oh, and I can draw. That never ceases to surprise/impress — especially at restaurants with paper tablecloths or at dinner parties.
Please share your favorite photo of yourself and why it is your favorite.
Photos like this from when my twins were babies remind me that I’m capable of overcoming seemingly-impossible challenges, on very little sleep.
This particular shot is from our first adventure with them —in Pittsburgh for a family wedding to which children weren’t invited. So there was a whole slew of coordination off-camera (babysitters, coverage plans, pumping, equipment, etc.) that we had to get through to get to this moment.
Big picture-wise, I nursed them, worked full time, juggled a toddler, marriage, and household in NYC without family nearby. I find it amazing that I somehow managed to shower and leave the house once in awhile let alone take them on trips. It reminds me to never give up, no matter how difficult my present situation may seem.
Lisa Hooper is from West (by-God) Virginia who moved to New York by way of DC and Boston nearly 20 years ago. She is currently a Director of Creative Operations in advertising after being long-time EP and Operations Director for celebrity portrait photographer Martin Schoeller where she regularly worked with clients like The New Yorker, Amazon, GQ, Netflix, Vanity Fair, Porsche and more. She is a relentless optimist, loves both dancing and cocktails, and believes deeply in the power of collective enterprise. Lisa is currently gathering people’s post-pandemic 2020 challenges/goals to help maximize their success potential — submit yours here. For more of her interview and an archive of previous interviews, go here.
This week on the internet. . .
Pero like,this thread is so good.
I have dish towels in constant rotation, but I've been thinking of a more efficient way to cut down on single use paper towels and pretty baskets may be the answer.
A perfect omelette is so delicious. Like pancakes, dishes that require patience are not my strong suit.
FINE. Cut yourself some bangs!
Take your blood pressure meds of choice before reading this profile of Mitch McMconnell.
2020 is also a year for closing plot holes in Back to the Future.
I can't decide if this made me miss the Botanic Gardens more than I already do.
me, on week 73256 of social distancing,
Leonor
