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Three Things Keeping Me Sane

Three Things Keeping Me Sane

Self care is important during even the most mundane times of life. Then when the world feels like a spinning vortex of chaos, self care is one of the few ways to anchor yourself and feel in control. I’ve realized that if I do at least three things a day, read, write and listen to good music, I will feel better than depriving myself through the cult of busy-ness or just forgetting.

When I was feeling as gloomy as the overcast skies listening to music seemed like the easiest remedy. I knew St Vincent would perk me up and if I needed more mellow soothing would switch over to Phoebe Bridgers. Following accounts on Instagram that don’t make me play the comparison game are also a must. I discovered a new one, to me, that plays off of my far fetched fantasies of renovating an old, cherished house.

In another life, or this one with an inheritance, I would love to own and refurbish an old historical house. The only problem with this besides all the reasons it isn't feasible for me, not a millionaire, don't have the time and energy, is location. Most of these houses are nowhere near me or if they are the distance is still too formidable.

My desire to peep in on old homes in various stages of decay while pretending to buy them is satiated with a new to me Instagram account: Cheap Old Houses. These are less about the price and more about how unique they are. Over the past week I've seen cabins, dollhouse look a likes and a museum. Despite Texas being one of the “newer” states I was surprised by how many old, fashionably dilapidated houses could be found here.


Have you ever listened to one song off of an album and satisfied nothing could top it don't listen to the rest? That's what I did with MASSEDUCTION from St Vincent. I loved the single Los Ageless in music video form and performed on various late night talk shows to differing receptions. The chorus and beat always make me feel like dancing.

I figured her neon hued album, literally and the color I would describe the songs, would wake me up and keep the work day moving at a slightly faster glacial pace. When I started listening I had a spontaneous mini dance party in my office. New York is also a great ballad which uses fuck quite eloquently. Every time I go without hearing St. Vincent I half forget how great, experimental and genre busting her music is.


On the opposite side of the spectrum, in terms of music, is Phoebe Bridgers with soothing songs to calm the frenzied mind. She is another artist I discovered and played exclusively through Spotify. I read a profile on her in Fader without realizing she already sparsely inhabited my daily mix playlist. In this interview, she talks about the inspiration for her songs with the Scott Street music video linked.

I immediately listened to the song after reading with the accompanying music video. Without the interview, I wouldn't have known the secret significance hiding in the song Motion Sickness about her former relationship. I identify with having, “emotional motion sickness” or feeling too many things at once. I would recommend her to anyone looking for moody, calm music with unexpected lyrics


As both wordsmiths and writers, they could sing any words and make them meaningful or render sincere lyrics meaningless in the best possible way. St. Vincent seems to skew more upper than downer but I enjoy many of her slower tunes like Cheerleader off of Strange Mercy. Another blessing is the accompanying music videos are always visually stunning and arresting facilitating me watching them for hours on YouTube.

Goth in the Country Redux

Goth in the Country Redux

To Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, Women and Survivors Everywhere

To Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, Women and Survivors Everywhere