Weekend Coffee Share: Busy, Zadie Smith, #1000Speak

Welcome to my humble abode for… What would you like? Coffee? Tea? Water? I’m drinking mint tea today. Maybe you’d like some as well. Come on in. Get comfortable on the couch. Don’t mind the dog. She’s very friendly. She also loves rubs and cuddles, and will take any opportunity she can to get them.

My dog, Inka

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you my life has been busy recently. I feel overwhelmed with all that I have to do, which means I’ve been skimping on sleep. I know it’s not good for me, but I have so much I need to get done before the start of summer. I work as a freelance editor and proofreader working on scientific articles intended for publications, and it seems May is the month many people want to get their work sent out, which means I am flooded with work. I’m not complaining, I’ll get my free time in July.

Speaking of summer, I’m super excited about my plans. In June, I will go to Warsaw for three days for the Big Book festival. It’s the third edition, but it’ll be my first time going. It’ll be meetings with authors, discussions, performances, and other happenings. Three days dedicated to books – heaven.

The main reason I’m going: Zadie Smith. I’m not very good around well-known writers. I get more star struck than around other types of celebrities. Do you have any questions you’d like to ask? Any suggestions that make me sound intelligent are greatly appreciated. I don’t know if I’ll get a chance to talk to her, but maybe I’ll be able to throw out a question or two during a Q&A.

I like going to Warsaw because the city is having a vegan restaurant boom, so I have many fun places to visit. I also like returning from Warsaw. Just like many other capitals around the world, it is a busy city. I like returning to the relatively quiet and green Bialystok, where life goes at its own unhurried pace. I can definitely appreciate it after living in such a loud and populated city as Chicago for most of my life. Confession: I miss it sometimes.

Remember I told you about going to Museum Night last Saturday? It was lots of fun and I got to make some art not just look at it. Here’s some pictures.

calligraphy

Styrofoam letter with collage of art

mixed media bookmark

This week, another #1000Speak event took place. I wrote two posts for this month’s topic of connection; one was flash fiction and the other an article about overcoming depression. I also read many posts and here are some I really enjoyed. You should check them out when you have some time.

A Theory of Connection by Sacha Black

How to Blend Spices and Other Life Lessons from My Mother by Mac and Chutney Mom

A lesson in compassion from a mom bully by Elizabeth Hein

The interconnectedness of all things by Geoff Le Pard

When connectedness hurts by Shelah L. Maul

Connecting with a shelter dog by Indian American Mom

The Red String of Fate by Leah Vidal

How to Stay Connected While Writing Your Trauma by Shawna Ayoub Ainslie

Also, I posted a call for contributors this week. Maybe you’re interested? I’m starting a series called Monday Inspirations, and I’d like contributors to write about the writers or books that had an impact on them. I plan on running it through the summer at least.

Thanks for stopping by. How was your week? Any plans for the weekend? What are your summer plans?

Do you have any suggestions of questions for Zadie Smith?

Did you read any #1000Speak posts that you want to share?

Weekend coffee share is hosted by Part Time Monster. Check out other posts here.