It’s still dark out as I write this. One of those quiet, in-between moments when the world hasn’t quite woken up, but my mind has been wide awake for hours.
Maybe it’s nerves. Maybe it’s adrenaline. Maybe it’s Maybelline.
Most likely, it’s just because I’m moving next Tuesday.
As many of you know, this move has been in the works for over two months. Thank you for your patience and for giving me the space to prepare. An extra big thank you to all who reached out and shared your own stories of moving and downsizing.
It’s meant more than you’ll ever know.
Since deciding to move, I’ve made countless lists, faced dozens of decisions, and had many moments of reflection. Reality checks too…with dears, nears, and/or queers.
Change is hard, but for me, at this point in my life, it’s also necessary. All the planning and preparation have led to this calm moment. A few days before “showtime.” And as the old saying goes, the show must go on.
By this time next week, the move will be behind me. I’ll be waking up in a new space, still unpacking at the “new” place while wrapping things up at the “old” one.
I’ve called this rental house “home” for twelve years. Twelve years! That’s a long time to live anywhere, and it’s not lost on me just how much life has unfolded within these walls since 2013.
Fingers crossed, once I’ve paid the movers, my budget will allow for a professional cleaning. After twelve years, I think the place deserves it.
Once the dust settles—literally and figuratively—I’m looking forward to rediscovering my rhythm. My creative work has taken a bit of a backseat as I’ve prepared for this next chapter. But I’m eager to dive back in. I’ve missed the daily practice of creating and curating.
Substack and YouTube have both felt the effects of my attention being elsewhere. I hope to see them bounce back soon. I’ll be editing videos and figuring out new and exciting ways to spread my wings as a content creator.
I’ll also be open to freelancing again, to shifting directions, to whatever comes my way. Flexibility and realism are the name of the game right now.
Like all independent, self-employed folk, the struggle can be (mighty) real.
So it’s time to make it work. One step at a time.
For now, it’s still dark. There’s still plenty of packing to do and loose ends to tie up. But I’m deeply grateful for the love and support I’ve received from this community. Thank you.
Keep calm and carry on!
Clint 🌈✌️
COLLIDE PRESS is a reader-supported publication.
Please consider becoming a paid subscriber or patron.
Big thanks to all who’ve subscribed and/or supported!
ON THIS DAY = JULY 11
BIRTHDAYS
1834 = James Abbott McNeill Whistler = American-English painter and illustrator
1895 = Dorothy Wilde = English writer and Oscar Wilde’s niece 🌈
1899 = E. B. White = American essayist and journalist
1920 = Yul Brynner = Russian actor and dancer 🌈
1931 = Tab Hunter = American actor, singer, and author 🌈
1934 = Giorgio Armani = Italian fashion designer 🌈
1943 = Tom Holland = American actor, director, and screenwriter
1946 = Jack Wrangler = American adult actor and filmmaker 🌈
1946 = Vito Russo = American activist and author 🌈
1952 = Stephen Lang = American actor and playwright
1959 = Richie Sambora = American singer-songwriter
1959 = Suzanne Vega = American singer-songwriter
1968 = Esera Tuaolo = American professional football player 🌈
1971 = Leisha Hailey = American actor and musician 🌈
1972 = Michael Rosenbaum = American actor
1990 = Connor Paolo = American actor
EVENTS
1922 = The Hollywood Bowl opens.
1960 = To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is first published, in the US.
1962 = First transatlantic satellite television transmission.
1966 = The Newlywed Game premieres on ABC.
HOLIDAYS + OBSERVANCES
PORTRAIT + QUOTES OF THE DAY
“Creative work gives you an almost indissoluble connection with people.”
Giorgio Armani
“My work has taught me to pay great respects towards human beings.”
Giorgio Armani
Bon Courage!!
Smoothly, calmly. The time is right, the move is right. Flow like a river, my dear, flow.