And Everything Else (10/12/20)
Life updates you didn't ask for.
Hi, friends! Hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was long, in the best way (I took a few days off work leading up to it), and was spent at a beautiful cabin in the Catskills, where some friends and I spent our time exploring scenic trails, hanging at breweries, and playing beer pong like we were back in college (but experiencing adult-level hangovers the next day. Ouch).
It was a ton of fun, and, in case you were wondering, safe—we all took COVID tests beforehand, including a rapid test I got done at a Brooklyn clinic that was totally free and gave results in 10 minutes (!). Hit me up if you want details.
But now I’m back and beginning to pack for our move, which somehow is less than four weeks away?! Crazy. But that’s not all I’ve been up to—here’s what else has been going on, in the latest edition of And Everything Else.
#1. I wrote about Instagram’s impact on celebrity culture
Last week was the 10th anniversary of Instagram (wild, I know), and so in acknowledgment, I wrote about all the ways celebrity culture has changed thanks to the platform. Think: more interactions with fans, less need for PR teams and paparazzi, more sponsored content and cringe-worthy “Imagine” videos… you get the drift.
It was a really interesting piece to write, and I got to chat with the founders of Comments by Celebs and The Shade Room, two of my favorite celeb gossip accounts, for my research, which was a bonus. Check it out here!
#2. I’m holding 1:1 consulting sessions for writers!
Recently, I held a few individual consulting sessions for writers looking for advice on pitching, managing a freelance/part-time schedule, and refining their work. I truly love nothing more than talking to people about this kind of stuff and passing along whatever knowledge I can, so if you’re interested in setting up a session, shoot me a message! I offer a few different options based on writers’ needs and availability, and I’m happy to chat with you to figure out what might be your best bet.
#3. I said goodbye to Manhattan, for now
Last Wednesday, on a day off work, I decided to brave the subway for the second time in seven months (it was fine!) and walk around Manhattan for what was probably the last time before we move. It was a gorgeous day, and I ended up walking a lot (aka Union Square to 79th, with many stops in Midtown and Central Park mixed in).
It was bittersweet saying goodbye to all my favorite and/or most-trafficked places, such as the New York Public Library, Grand Central, and the Xi’an Famous Foods location on 23rd (gotta get those spicy lamb dumplings one last time), and I may have gotten slightly emotional. Until next time, New York.
#4. I’m making personalized crosswords again!
If you followed me back in March/April, you might’ve seen that I made a ton of custom crossword puzzles for both loved ones and strangers.I paused for awhile due to life being chaotic, but I miss doing it, so I’m bringing them back!
If you want a personalized puzzle, check out this section on my website for more info and testimonials from people who’ve commissioned my work (or just shoot me a message). With the holidays coming up, it’d be a super thoughtful and unique gift for a family member or friend, just saying…
That’s it for this week! Hope you all have a great rest of the week and are as happy as at least I was in this photo. Can’t speak for Ellie.
Love,
Rachel