Getting Closer

Dearest one,

So much has happened in just the last month. If you follow me on social media you already know that I have a book coming out— Between the Lines: Stories from the Underground —which is insane and grand (and stressful) in equal parts. Between the Lines is a collection of 7 years of work and it captures my favorite encounters in the underground. If the regular amount of book madness wasn’t enough: the publishing date for my book got moved from October 26th to November 9th due to supply chain issues, Alec and I moved into a studio together (the first time since Sandymontana) and my divine feline Ray passed after 18 years together. It was *too much* and yes, I did have a spectacular breakdown on the subway just last week on my way to meet the great Mickey Boardman, editor-in-chief of PAPER (we had lemonade which made things a lot better).

With every unexpected thing that happens, I feel like I’m getting closer to the eye of the storm: the place where chaos reigns and full surrender is required to make it to the other side. I know I’m not alone in feeling this way based on the countless messages, DMs, emails, and phone calls I get from friends who say that they are, honestly, barely hanging on (if this is you, I’m sending you love).

It might be time to let go instead.

I’ve thought a lot about surrender in the last weeks and with that, letting go of my idea of control and perfection. I have dreamed a lot about the perfect book launch since I got my book deal with Simon & Schuster two years ago. I saw cocktail parties, amazing outfits, a real book tour, and speaking on many actual stages in my dreams. What made sense before the pandemic sounds so silly now after all we’ve been through. But while the extravaganza of it all might not fit the times, joy is certainly on my mind and on the menu.

Letting go does not mean letting go of joy. Quite the opposite. Joy wants to get us through.

Today I want to share a few moments of joy with you and I hope that they will fill you up and put a spring in your step. Joy and connection go hand in hand. Some of this is best enjoyed as an activity that connects you to yourself, some of it is best enjoyed as a group (looking for something to do? I got you covered).

Here comes joy, the Uli way:

* Connect with the spirit world. I use tarot decks and the Wild Unknown and the Native Spirit deck are some of my favorites. Tarot helps me to remember that I’m on sacred land, on divine time, and it connects me to those who came before me.

* Come to an evening of magic at Fotografiska. I can’t say more because it’ll ruin the surprise but basically, Fotografiska is letting me put on the magical event of my dreams. Trust me on this one and get your ticket before it sells out.

* Hug a tree. Sounds silly, feels amazing. I do it regularly in Fort Greene park and it is the most grounding thing you can do. Try it.

* Get inspired with new ideas. I’m hosting a panel with my loves Kamau Ware, Simmone Taitt, and Daniel Vosovic to talk about making the invisible visible. It’s at Powell’s Books today from 8-9 pm EST. I’d love to see you there.

*Make a new freaking playlist. If you have vinyl, sort your records by a theme and spin yourself happy. Spotify works just as well, the only thing I’m serious about is spinning yourself happy. Click here to get one of my current faves.

* Pick up a few copies of Between the Lines. I put all my magic into it and I promise if you like me, you will love this book. Plus I really truly need your support. Making and selling a book during a pandemic is the craziest thing I’ve ever done. If you’ve ever wanted to show up for me, this is the time.

If you like having me in your inbox, consider becoming a paying subscriber (annual subscribers get a free tarot reading from me). I won’t spam you and that’s a promise. I hope that you are thriving, wherever you may find yourself.

Yours in joy,

Uli

photo credit: An Rong Xu