“I SAID” 09: you’re invited to my summer solstice
Here + there + musings + nice texts from people
A few years ago, my therapist commented on how she thought it was funny that I, an adult, still referred to summer as a different time of year than the other nine months. In some circles, she might have a point. I still have to log onto slack and go to work and ride the subway in the thick July heat. But the birds chirp louder and the grass grows greener. The energy feels tangible and buzzy.
Summer is not October or March. Love Island is on. I eat ice cream and zucchini and tomato toast. There are no arbitrary rules one has to abide by. You can wear a bikini top and your hair the way God herself intended. Two desserts in one day? It’s summer. Why wouldn’t you?
I used to go to sleep away camp and spend the better part of a month swimming in a glorified pond and waking up to a trumpet. I didn’t look at a screen or talk to boys or think about anything other than having fun. That girl is still me. She definitely disappears in the dreary winter, but come summertime, she’s here to stay.
Today is the summer solstice. I am sitting with all the different versions of myself; reflecting on how far I’ve come, but looking at how much there is to still do. I hope you enjoy my manifestations and my projections for the road ahead.
I. Excitement
My life is full of things to be excited about. I am so fortunate I have things to look forward to.
The Writing 6 showcase I got into at The Second City! Rehearsals start next week.
Many beach days in Jersey, Long Island, the Rockaways
The first yum yum of the season
My summer restaurant bucket list!!!!! See a small excerpt!
Brian and mine’s trip to Japan next year
A much needed closet refresh that I have been saving up for a few months
The energy that will be buzzing around McCarren park this weekend
Going upstate in August and September
Fourth of July in the city yet again ⬇️
II. Gratitude
In the past few years, I think I’ve gotten better at appreciating what I do have as opposed to what I don’t. My message is simple. Thank you universe. I appreciate you giving me so much more than I could have ever imagined.
The big ones, that go without saying: my health, a roof over my head, a supportive family, access to clean water + nutritious food.
Brian. No matter how fast I run a marathon, no matter what Fortune 500 company I work at, no matter how many chickpeas or salads I eat - I’ll still love you the most.
Friends who make me laugh so hard, I end up crying.
Friends who hold my hands when I cry.
Friends who I haven’t seen in a while that still reach out to make time to see me, even when I’m not the best at it.
The community I have found in my new neighborhood.
Everyone at The Second City.
Any working professional who ever took an informational interview with me and let me ask them questions about their job. I don’t think I would be in the position I am now without that, so thank you for that. I appreciate you responding to my cold emails.
My first apartment and the girls who lived with me in it at 80 Delancey Street. I was reborn there. You don’t even know. I’m overflowing with gratitude for the things that home brought me.
Felix. You saved us.
Hacks, Broad City, Fleabag and The Other Two, for proving there is a need for female writers in a male dominated industry. Also for just being the most important shows for a woman my age.
III. Love
I have never really written that much about my relationship on here. Mostly because I don’t want to expose myself (or him!) to my subscribers. But on the summer solstice, on today of all days, I am immensely grateful to my boyfriend/partner/roommate/best friend Brian. If you’re the only constant in my life, I’ll have won the lottery. I love you! The universe nailed it.
Here are some things I absolutely love about Brian.
He is incredible at all types of trivia.
He is always down to go out for a coffee.
He encourages me to go after things I want even if they seem incredibly out of reach.
He has found a couple tracks on Death Cab For Cutie’s We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes that he can get behind (405 and Company Calls, specifically.)
He helps me pick out my outfits; in fairness, I return the favor.
Whenever I make something for us to eat, he always tells me how good it is.
My friends love him and he loves my friends
He is authentically himself, no matter what.
IV. Hope
The universe knows what I need and what is best for me. I want to feel clear minded and at ease. I am hopeful all those in my orbit will find peace, serenity and love. I am hopeful that all that is meant for me arrives when I’m ready.
I hope both myself and my family stay healthy, happy and secure
I hope I can find acceptance for the things I can’t control
I hope my creativite energy stays strong
I hope I continue to navigate hard changes with ease
I hope everyone I love in my life can find happiness and peace
I hope I continue to find joy in the small things
You can do hard things! Summer is here! Life is very long! Enjoy what is right in front of you. Get your hair wet, wear sunscreen and eat a sweet treat or two.
Love the energy and hope that Summer 2025 includes from Victoria and Brian time for moi :)