Kate's Five Things #72
Notes from the Purge Era
Catching Up
In college art class our instructor told us to sketch with our non-dominant hand, as a way to quiet the overzealousness that was beating the life out of our work. As primitive, childlike hash marks dotted my page, I could see what she meant. The process felt awkward, but the result was strangely alive, mostly because she’d removed the part that analyzes while you’re making.
The creator and the critic shouldn’t share a bed. This is The Rule now.
I’ve been thinking about how it relates to midlife, too. By now, we have experience. We know what works, what doesn’t, what to avoid, what to expect. Useful, obviously. But I’m starting to wonder if a beginner’s mind is exactly what’s needed when you’re stuck trying to untangle what used to come naturally.
One: Sunscreen
I found a mineral sunscreen noteworthy enough to get it’s own section in KFT. A first. It’s called The One by Good Weather Skin. I got the Warm Glow color. They sent me a sample, and it was an immediate where have you been all my life situation. I haven’t missed a day in three weeks. The reviews are great, and I know there are a lot of you looking for a zinc sunscreen that has zero white cast. Ya welcome!
Two: Purge Era
When my kids’ room became fully overwhelming, we took everything out and brought back only what they actually use: clothes, books, craft supplies, the usual chaos. Letting them get rid of the shirt I always hoped they’d wear, without worrying about hurting my feelings, gave them a kind of freedom I wasn’t expecting. They made decisions quickly and decisively. And the room has been much easier to maintain ever since.
I tried the same thing in my office this weekend. Everything out. Then back in, piece by piece. It took forever, and I got decision fatigue and had to give up halfway through. I didn’t expect to feel so… angry!? I suppose that was necessary, seeing the physical manifestation of unfinished business I held on to, waiting for a time I’d feel “ready” to come back to it. But it all came together Sunday night. I let go. And I feel lighter sitting here tapping away at the keyboard.
Three: Pinterest
I started a Pinterest board that isn’t for projects, just for the internal “yes.”
No “maybe for the powder bath.” No future use case at all. Only images that hit, and they don’t have to make sense. It is, frankly, excellent. I can see the outline of my raw proclivities again.
This may be related to the fact that I’ve returned so many purchases lately, I’m starting to think I should only shop in person, under fluorescent lighting, with no illusions.
Four: Elderly Dog Years
Winnie is having a renaissance.
She’s 11, suddenly playful again, all-around extra adorable and completely obsessed with the kids. A strong late-career turn. I’m trying not to make it mean anything. I’m just enjoying it while it’s here.
Five: Umbro Shorts
I keep thinking about Umbro shorts. You know the kind we had in high school.
Possibly unflattering on paper, but I really believe it's weirdly right in my brain. I found a pair recently, but what I really wanted was purple. Still thinking about that color.
Imagine I’ll wear them like this vibe, but with a sportier feel. I would ruin silk shorts within 30 seconds of wearing them. ENTER: slippery checkered nylon!
Bonus Question: What’s something you avoid doing even though you almost always feel better after?
My answer: breath work, folding laundry, and occasionally sex.
And in case you missed it…
Catch up on last week’s House Call post, “The Nutrition of Looking,” and using social platforms as a buffet of visual pleasure, not existential rage.
kate
Omg the last answer took me out 💯🤣😭