It's just me today! I'm trying out solo minisodes to be able to share what's going on in my own creative journey and be honest about my struggles with my creative practice. Instead of trying to be the expert, which my silly brain has been trying to convince me that's where I'll offer the most value, I'm going to lean in to my natural nature of being a seeker and just share with you what I'm playing around with and where I'm stuck. Right now, where I've been getting stuck is avoiding my bigger creative goals because I'm scared to be a beginner again or to suck as something that I've built up in my head. Sound familiar?

I hope that my journey makes you feel a little less alone when you too are stuck avoiding things and feel like you'll never move the needle.

Be sure to follow me on Substack (@lorealexander) where I'll be migrating my online presence to try to exit the Meta-verse and connect with others in a different way and more deeply with myself. And come hang out with me in person in Tacoma on the second Wednesday of each month at Crafty AF! Let's junk journal together.

Resources
Maria Bowler
Tacoma Night Market
Off the Grid Podcast

In this episode, I'm joined by Jamie Madden (he/sé), author of Bittersweet Lane: Creating Home(s) in the American Affordable Housing Crisis. In his book, he talks about growing up in affordable housing and how that influenced his current life's work to make sure price restricted housing continues to be built for the next kid--with all the restrictions of our current system. Growing up in that environment, perfection is required for upward mobility. Jamie discusses some of the ways he experienced perfectionism and how he encourages himself out of perfectionism through music and making watercolor art with his daughter.

We also discuss themes of resistance and how art helps us remember our past and fight for the future. #FreePalestine

You can buy Jamie's book here or wherever books are sold!

References:
Blindboy Boat Club
The Mountain Goats
Row House Publishing

Content warning: there is mention of SA and death of a grandparent in this episode.

EJ Crocker grew up loving sounds, making noise, singing, and has been finding her way to music ever since. From childlike wonder through honing a craft and making a living with her music.

We talk about how being a "professional" can take the joy away from our art, and EJ is navigating that world beautifully and returning to childlike wonder and reckless abandon with her music. She has learned to rely on the people who inspire her and relish the small connections that keep her close to the music and to herself. I hope you enjoy this precious, vulnerable conversation that is graced with birdsong from EJ's rooftop.

EJ is a guitar teacher and teaches private students of all ages out of her home studio and at Ted Brown Music. Give her a listen at ejcrockermusic.com! Around Tacoma, keep an ear open for her bands Threocracy (a jazz organ trio) and Sweet Marilyn (an indie rock outfit).

References:
Andrea Gibson: "I Sing the Body Electric; Especially When My Power Is Out"