I’m really glad I’m back to cutting things off and sticking them in here for you. I’m glad I thought of the name ‘Offcuts’ when I did. It’s just perfect if I do say so myself. I’m a visual thinker and I can imagine a big scrapbook with magazine cutouts arranged on the page. Or perhaps more aptly, I can also imagine pieces of clothes and materials in disarray on the floor waiting to become something else. Scraps into a quilt. Trousers into shorts. I once turned an old pair of jeans into a handbag from instructions in a magazine. I videoed myself at age 9 (my first vlog?) in the shed turning an old cardigan into a “gilet”. I’ve realised how much I look for influence and actively seek it out when writing The Offcuts. Everything is inspiring. It’s not about forcing things, it’s about purposefully being more observative. Here’s what I’ve found this week.
I wanted to share and recommend a few Substack posts I’ve read. Writing that stood out to me and resonated in some way. Words I can’t shake off. I’m subscribed to quite a few Substacks and find others through their recommendations or through the ‘Notes’ section (which is a little bit like Twitter or X for Substackers). Also, I hate the book I’m reading at the moment and don’t want to talk about it.
Summer isn’t over yet - Stupid Ideas -
Making mistakes and starting again - New Forms -
Italian escapades - Add to list -
“Alexithymia” (the difficulty in knowing what you’re feeling) - Felt Thoughts and Thought Feelings -
I’ve been sucked back into the grip hold of investigative podcasts. Guilty as charged - I like listening to true crime or a documentary series that reveals the truth of a story over multiple episodes. Something with layers, twists and revelations that I can sink my teeth into. I’ve recently flown through The Rise and Fall of Ruby Franke and Dangerous Memories (read Pandora Syke’s interview with Huey who is featured on the podcast). I started listening to a few episodes of Scamfluencers which have been good as well, but I need more. Things by Tortise Media or Wondery tend not to disappoint, so I’ve downloaded episode one of The Price of Paradise to listen to. Any other recs please send them my way.
I’ve been in Edinburgh since Thursday. I’ve been visiting my sister who lives here and cramming in as many Fringe shows as we can manage. I came to the Fringe for the first time two years ago, again taking advantage of my sister’s flat. Grateful for saving the skyrocketing prices of accommodation in Edinburgh during August. Edinburgh is such a magical city. Yes, very in touch with my magical inklings this week after Thursday’s newsletter.
Every time I go swimming a small piece of hair wraps itself around my thumb. I always struggle to get it off. I also am usually confident that it’s not my hair as it’s always too dark, which makes things worse. I try to keep moving in the lane while trying to shake my hand and get rid of the piece of hair. Conscious of the mortification of a lifeguard watching me and jumping in thinking that I’m drowning. Now I get phantom feelings of hair. Once I’ve found the first one, and there is always one, the feeling never really goes away until I get out and shower myself off. Nasty.
I’m looking closer to home for words of wisdom this week. Whenever I tell my grandma a plan I have, or about my goals she’ll always say “go for it, kid”. So you all better go and get it this week.
Delighted to be featured in The Offcuts!! Thank you <3
With you on the hair-thumb-conundrum - would make me feel very sick