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What’s up y’all? It’s been a minute since the last installment of Take It or Leave It. But I promise it’s all for good reason. I’ve been on the go since the beginning of September and want to share a little of what I’ve been up to.
For starters, Elizabeth and I took an anniversary trip to Cape Cod. Neither of us had ever been, but the Northeast called, and we answered. We stayed in Chatham, which is like the elbow of the Cape if you’re looking at a map. It was a cute little town with lots of fun shops and great food all within walking distance of our hotel.
On our first full day, we took a ferry to Nantucket and spent the day there. It was an amazing time. We shopped around, got mudslides, and even frolicked around the Whaling Museum. All was going well until I fainted while we were at dinner. I’m not saying I’m the drama, but if it talks like the drama, walks like the drama, well… you know the rest. I’m okay, though! Ended up being a bout with dehydration, but still scary nonetheless.
The rest of the trip was fantastic. I couldn’t believe how many Jamaicans were in Cape Cod! We event went to Branches, a Jamaican restaurant in Chatham, and I think I made the waitress’s day when I ordered a Ting. Due to my fainting spell, we fell short of our goal of getting ice cream every day, but it was still an amazing time and a trip I’m hoping we can make again soon!
As for the rest of September, we went to the Lorde concert in Columbus (which I’ll maybe write more about soon), but it was one of my favorite shows I’ve ever been to. And it also happened to be on the day of the rumored Rapture, which felt fitting. We also lost an uncle who was dear to us and got to remember his life and legacy alongside family and friends who he loved and constantly made laugh.
This month has been spent at home, but it’s allowed me to lock in on some things I’ve wanted to do. I’ve gotten really obsessed with broiling chicken although I’ve likely irreparably damaged our steel cooling rack in the process. Also, fall in Ohio means trips to Lynd Fruit Farm for corn mazes and apple cannons, as well as my all-time favorite festival: the Columbus Italian Festival. Here’s to the church pizza!
Trying to keep this as short as I can, but a few cool things I have going on that you can check out:
I’m launching a monthly gathering for music nerds in Columbus called The Album Club. Our first meeting is Monday, November 3rd!
I talked about Saturn returns, entering our 30s, and music criticism as an act of love with
on her monthly radio show, In Session.I wrote an essay about my favorite album of the year (so far), Bon Iver’s SABLE, fABLE.
My essay “Native Tongue” is in the newest issue of 266 Magazine, a publication featuring artists & writers from Central Ohio. You can order your copy here!
Okay, that’s all for now. Hope you’re taking care of yourself and each other. Much love!
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Something I watched
A few weeks ago, we said goodbye to D’Angelo. One of my direct reports, who loves movies and filmmaking, introduced me to Devil’s Pie. The documentary shows the making of what would end up being D’Angelo’s final album, Black Messiah. It’s currently available to watch on the Internet Archive. I absolutely recommend making time to experience this wonderful work of art.