Somehow when I sit in front of a blank page, all my worries fall away and I trust what’s in front of me. Or rather what isn’t. There is nothing but white space, a space to create, to witness new words thrust out into the world that weren’t there before. Making sense of moments passed and what’s to come, that can only be written about in the moment. Reframing thoughts that feel unsettling in my head, but can be transformed from worry to excitement with a few strokes on the keyboard.
I’m off to San Diego soon! It’ll be nice to connect with friends and go for walks by the ocean and laugh and just forget about the real world for a bit. I stopped by Type books today and got Elena Ferrante’s latest book, Troubling Love. Or so I thought that it was her latest – it is actually a reprint of her very first novel. She writes like magic, and this is a short one so it’ll be perfect for my trip.
This month I have two shows! The first one is Roasted Romance produced by Danny Adhim, the night before Valentine’s Day. It’s at Gully, an Indian restaurant, so it’ll be nice to grab some Indian food after my set. And then on the 27th is my comedy show in the Junction, which is amazingly sold out and standing room only. I’m so grateful for everyone that’s supported me with the show, from friends to local businesses and comedian friends cheering me on. It’s going to be a fun night!
I have a couple jokes in my set about an issue I care deeply about, women’s rights. I still have yet to see how comedy can be used as an effective form of activism. I do know that many comedians are kind, thoughtful, vocal, compassionate people who are constantly giving back to the community. Sammy Obeid, who is an advocate for Palestinian rights, is premiering his special tonight for free – he says that jokes are “the number one form of non-violent resistance.”
Sad to hear about the Aga Khan passing away to day – he led a community that are known for always giving back to the community and fostering peace and prosperity. I have many Ismaili friends so I have first-hand experience of their kindness! As well they work with other communities to do the same, dissolving boundaries and uniting people on the grounds of religion, faith, humanitarianism, and the arts.
As for the rest of the world, where to start and where to end, so I think I’ll just skip it.
I’m excited to pack and move in the next few weeks – a little stressful but somehow it always comes together!
She's Come Undone 