Last year, I published my second book called "Pastelito". This month, I celebrated my publishing journey for the first time, and it was magical. My hope was to bring my book to life, to share with my close ones. With the help of magical cuties, we had a magical experience!
The evening was made possible by artists. Cuties who create the things they wish to see in this world using their hands and hearts. The land/home steward, book cover artist, sound bowl meditation guide, culinary artists, piñata crafter, pastelito baker, face painter, makeup artist...all are magical creators of life in their own lives and communities. It was beautiful to see our collaboration seamlessly intertwine for a joyous time, with full trust of each others process.
Funnily, the cake cover was inspired by a very depressing poem in my book, called "Gloomy Garnishing". This poem, along with others, informed the cover artist's vision, the cover artist inspired the baker and piñata crafter's vision, inspiring the face painter, and the ripples continued...and everyone had a blast doing it!
For context: my poem (and book) are my spirit processing apocalypse; trying to find my footing in such a thing. Trying to not to come off as insane in every day life when this was on my mind 24/7 when I wrote many of the poems in pastelito. It also portrays me coming to terms with what is "real"– to me. What is truly sweet vs numbing/artificial sweetener...and finding true sweetness is always more fulfilling and abundant.
As much as I would like to share about this celebration, I find these types of soulful experiences cannot (and maybe should not) be translated into written language. That is why I attach pictures! ;) I also trust folks who are reading this understand everything I do carries a "read in between the lines" vibe. Sometimes I am overt, but with the ways cameras and mics are being planted everywhere, I am leaning into expression through play, parties, songs, art, lewks. Creativity has saved lineages. Critical thinking and discernment will too.
It is in our dna to dance, sing, understand and decode unspoken languages. Language that we only understand. Soulless systems and people wish to dominate and control. Through surveillance, manipulation, denial of truth. They know the arts facilitate freedom, honesty, and critical thought. They do not have access to the language of the soul. So they try to suppress its expression. This realization made me speak up, take up space, and show up for my purpose, initially, out of pure spite! Now I quite enjoy being an unexpectedly intense and chaotic cutie in a crazy world :)
Lastly, celebrating myself took five years, as this is my second book. I never did a book launch for "Return Home", I was uncomfortable with all it required of me. But I was patient with myself, and trusted my timing. This time around, I had a community of people literally holding me, my words, my event, my worries, my face; for cooking for me, hugging and laughing with me, and it was what made everything possible. I believe those who show up to celebrate with you (even going to your bday party) will show up for you for the fights, as well.
Anyway, this celebration, along with my artistic endeavors, are my ways of overcoming despair, inviting connection, and fighting for the collective spirit, in small and intimate ways. If anybody asks, I will say this was a book launch celebration...bc it was ;)
May we continue to hear, see, and feel each other's unspoken languages and be inspired! Personally, all cuties in attendance flamed my fire and desire to keep on keeping on. <3