Leave it to Leonor #183

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.