10 Things: Hope Amico

All Hope's recommendations for things to help you survive and thrive

Hi Out There!

I’ve got a few guest 10 Things posts in the pipelines, and this is one I’m particularly excited about. I love all the amazing things that hope amico does, and I have a feeling you’re about to be a fan. Their Substack, everything is an experiment is exactly the flash of hope and joy you need in your Inbox (so let me make it really easy for you to subscribe!):

I’m keeping the whole thing above the paywall so you can enjoy this fantastic offering from a brilliant writer. Here’s hope!

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We probably don’t know each other, so here’s a little about me. I am a multi-disciplinary teaching artist, currently based in Portland, OR. Since 2008, I have designed, printed, and mailed a postcard with a prompt for response every month, and I call it the Keep Writing project.

I lived in Louisiana for many years and still talk about it to anyone who will listen. You can see my projects and upcoming classes at hopeamico.com. I also send a weekly newsletter on substack, everything is an experiment. When Sophie asked for guest list writers, I responded immediately because I love sharing about things that excite me.

1. CARRY: A tiny notebook.

   

   I used my tiny notebook for pages of math while installing an art show.

   Something small enough to fit in your pocket. Great for lists, but also for noting funny/beautiful/magical occurrences. You can turn them into short stories like David Sedaris, or remind yourself at the end of the day that life is worth living. You can also make your own with folded copy paper and a stapler (ask any 9 year old how) or check out these from Blackbird Letterpress.

2. MAKE: Something every day.

   

   I made this little collage with scraps from tabling an art book fair.

   Or every week at least. Sit and draw from your front porch or doodle when you’re on a Zoom meeting, or write a postcard or cook something. Create something. Ideally off screen. Bonus: give it away. And if anyone asks you why, let Nick Offerman explain why we should make things.

3. WATCH: How to build community.

   

   There’s a lot of talk about community but how do we actually create community? Host Chris Duffy talks with Hanif Abduraaqib in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, on the How to Be a Better Human podcast. Abduraaqib is a poet and cultural essayist, which means his writings about basketball and music have the heart and depth of poetry.

4. GET INSPIRED: Make a note to yourself.

   

   one of many walls of artwork including (clockwise from top) a drawing from ink alchemist Thomas Little, a letterpress print from Ladybones Press, and a whale song print from Tenderheart Press.

   There are a million reasons to want to give up but there are at least as many to keep trying. Write down the reasons to keep going and hang them on their mirror or over their workspace. Or treat yourself to a letterpress print from Atlanta based Tenderheart Press. I’ve had a “TRUST YOUR STRUGGLE” print over my bed for three years to remind me that its ok to have a hard time, but also get out of bed. .

5. RELAX: Have someone read to you.

   

   I include a photo of a plant form my morning walk with each poem I read and post.

   Maybe a favorite childhood book, or a poem or two. If no one will read to you, I will. I recorded a poem every day in April for National Poetry Month. Tuck in.

6. LISTEN: Sabine McCalla - “Don’t Call Me Baby”

   I just received my vinyl copy of Sabine’s latest album, all deep and salty, rhythmic and inspired. I don’t remember the first time I heard her sing, but she once reprimanded me for arguing with an 8 year old at a summer camp. She was right, I was being foolishly stubborn. This record will be drifting out my windows all summer.

7. ENJOY: summer.

   

   my swim spot list is ready.

   After many years in New Orleans, I still think of summer as a time to survive. Now that I’m in Portland, it is more about savoring the long days without losing your mind. Wherever you are, no matter how tired, do a few things to make summer special: get yourself a popsicle mold, a fan, and a list of the closest places to swim. Now you’re ready for fun, any afternoon.

8. SUBSCRIBE: Two very readable newsletters

   Margaret Killjoy’s newsletter Birds before the Storm , gives practical advice about current events with an eye to to the long view. She is an anarchist student of history, who talks a lot about nuts and bolts of how to take care of each other.

   If you want a slightly softer, more internal magic, I always read I Love Love Anything is Possible, even though I delete about half my inbox everyday.

9. LAUGH: Taskmaster is back.

There’s a new season of Taskmaster, a British game show with impossibly foolish tasks, and dumb prizes. Season 21 includes Kumail Nunjiani, opens with a prank, and a new episode is released every week. You can watch the entire archive on youtube, for free, including last season, featuring Jason Mantzoukas, who actively tries to destroy the set.

10. VOLUNTEER: Anywhere.

    

Preferably in person. Make a commitment to show up every week or every month to an organization you care about. I have volunteered with a local dog rescue, made food for a local free fridge, and tried to donate blood (more than once! But my blood iron is low! Even with a pill!) If you prefer to stay home, get yourself a pen pal through Black and Pink. I promise, seeing other people regularly, writing to incarcerated folks, showing up to do something you like to do, will do more to keep you human than nearly anything else.

Thanks for having me as a guest, Sophie. I love lists.