ISSUE 001: Monday Mewd | Feeling Lost @ Sea 🌊
Welcome to Monday Mewd, my weekly(ish) vibe check, where I share a little bit of everything I’ve been experiencing lately. Think of it as a visual journal of sorts, a fluid creative space where I mix things up—from music and photography to videos, books, movies, and everything in between. It’s a place for the things I like, the things I don’t, and everything that’s making me feel something.
First Things First | Announcements
I’m truly grateful to be celebrating 100 subscribers with you! 🎉 As a small but heartfelt thank you, I’m sharing free mobile wallpaper downloads of my favourite artwork featured on the blog 🎨✨—a gift to show my appreciation for your support. Your presence means so much to me, and I’m deeply thankful for each of you joining me on this journey! 💖
Mewd of The Week | Lost at Sea 🌊
Mewd (noun) A mood, vibe, or feeling that’s uniquely personal, often expressed through creative or spontaneous means. It’s that energy you’re riding with, whether it’s a chill, carefree moment or a burst of inspiration. Mewd can capture everything from music playlists to personal style, art, and even attitude. It’s fluid, ever-changing, and deeply tied to one's state of being in the moment.
This week's mewd is inspired by the duality of water. Over the weekend, I was engulfed by a sea of emotions. I took an impromptu trip to the beach on Sunday and spent quality time with friends I hadn't seen in a while. It has been some time since I immersed myself in a large body of water, so it was nice to return with my sisters. The day left me in deep contemplation, as visiting the water usually does. I'm reflecting on a question: “Will I ever find love again, or is it meant to elude me?” I'm also coming to terms with something my intuition picked up months ago, but somehow, the confirmation didn't sting any less. Suffice to say, I’m feeling really watery right now.
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Heartbroken 💔
Another crush bites the dust💨. The first verse perfectly summarizes my relationship status. I can always count on Aunty India to have the perfect soundtrack to cry myself to sleep to.
MO’ READS | What' I’m Reading
I tend to take a while to read these days, partially because I read several books simultaneously while taking breaks in between. But here’s a round-up of some of the books I’m currently reading.
1// A Psalm for Us
Reyna Biddy | Poetry | (link)
“A Psalm for Us is Reyna "Biddy" Mays's soulful collection of prose, self-affirmations, spoken word poems, and short stories exploring questions of faith and self.”
It feels like…reading old entries in your journal and saying hello to your past selves.
Reyna Biddy is a poet whose work deeply connects with me. She and Aunty India get me. Her poem “What a Relief" is raw and vulnerable and hits every emotional note in my body.
“And sometimes I don’t want to be pretty, I want to be fucking powerful” - Reyna Biddy
2// The Memory Librarian | Anthology
Janelle Monáe | Sci-Fi/Fantasy | (link)
“In The Memory Librarian, Janelle Monáe expands her Afrofuturistic Dirty Computer universe, exploring themes of queerness, race, and love in a future where memories are controlled. Inspired by writers like Octavia Butler, the collection delves into the fight for freedom and identity, highlighting the power of memory and the stakes of reclaiming one's destiny.”
It feels like those who get it, get it. When Trevor Noah interviewed Janelle Monáe about her book, she mentioned a story that featured a room where time stood still. “The Timebox” is my favourite story in the series so far. I find the Dirty Computer Universe she is creating to be an intriguing concept, merging music with technology. This niche appeal can be a challenge; if you're not well-versed in music terminology, it may take some time to make connections. However, the universal themes of love, belonging, identity, autonomy, and chosen family are expressed thoughtfully.
3// Hold Up The Sky | Anthology
Cixin Liu (pronounced: Tsee-sheen Lyo) | Sci-Fi | (link)
“From Cixin Liu, the New York Times bestselling author of The Three-Body Problem, To Hold Up the Sky is a breathtaking collection of imaginative science fiction.”
It feels like a cool glass of water. I've just started reading, but I already find the concepts the author explores thought-provoking. The writing offers a fresh perspective on time travel, one of my favorite sci-fi genres. I was first introduced to Cixin Liu's storytelling by binge-watching The Three-Body Problem, which is also based on the author's work. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it.
From The Stack
Things I found interesting on Substack.
1// The Astonishing Reality of Being a Broke Adult
Being poor is not a personal failing but a failure of the system in which the world operates.
2// For the Love of Marvin Gaye -Replay
As life slows down, we pay more attention to the details of the world. When we retrieve previously stored knowledge, suddenly we find meaning that wasn’t there before.
3// Stoned by Kam, LLC
This is a great mix of humour and vulnerability. The audio clips the writer includes take me back to my early 20s, and the girl chats about our misadventures in love.
MY MEWD [BOARD] | My Inspiration
Found images that I’ve been drawn to this week.
SHOUT OUTS 🥳
Welcome to new readers who have joined me on this journey.
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If you haven’t already, I invite you to leave a comment on an essay that resonates with you or below. I’d love to get to know you better.
much love :)