Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen
Thoughts on managing time, baking fig cakes, and peering into the future
Is there like, a Finnish or Japanese or German word that describes that feeling of, “having a lot you need to get done but don’t know where to begin?” Because, that was me on Sunday. I’ve been trying to sit down each morning and make a list of the things I want or need to get done that day. This is far from rocket science, though I realized that this practice helps me from getting side tracked by other things. So, this is how my Sunday was looking.
First, make a fig and almond cake. I had some yummy leftover figs in the fridge, and this recipe is so delicious, especially topped with honey and flaky sea salt. While that baked, I began cleaning the apartment, which is so much easier in this smaller space. I wanted to get all of this handled before Kyle and I headed out to Swab Barcelona, an art fair with gallerists, artists, curators and collectors from more than 25 different countries. Plus, I’ve been working on updating my portfolio as I want to start taking on more freelance work, and lord knows how arduous that process can be.
I realized, though, that my sense of anxiety was stemming from the idea that I didn’t have enough time. I’m a person who loves to take at least 30 minute to get ready. Just let me cook. So I looked up the art fair and realized that it went until 8pm, I had plenty of time. My stress melted away, there was no rush, my cake turned out great, and the apartment was clean.
Took the metro to the art fair and it ended up being super cute. It was nice to see some good contemporary art, I feel like I haven’t had starred at some art in a while, it felt nourishing. And the number of great pieces we saw was honestly surprising. I didn’t quite know what to expect. I’ll have a post up this week highlighting some of my favorite pieces and artists, more to come.
Afterward, Kyle and I moseyed over to Benzina, a modern Italian spot that’s one of the best places to visit in Sant Antoni. They also have a fantastic bar with delicious drinks with names like Cocaine, Pinball Wizard, and Summer Breeze.
We wanted to find some time looking at our future, having a deep discussion on what we wanted from our life. Do you do this in your own life? Much like making a list of things I want to do in a day, this was that on a macro scale. For me, I know on part of this is doing more freelance branding and visual identity work. And I feel like part of being successful is put this out into the world and making it known. I love to develop brand identities, I love brand systems, I love the exploration and collaboration involved. That said, if you have any projects that could use a lil’ creative zhuzh, shoot me an email: thefoxisblack@gmail.com, and we should chat 🤗
I hope your week is swell. That fall is fall-ing for those of you in the northern hemisphere, and that spring is spring-ing for those who are not. I’ll follow up next week with more links and fun things to share.
Sweet, short and insightful 🫰🏼